Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation

The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the ELCA regarding the ongoing federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. There are still no known victims within our synod, and all allegations involve online activity. This week’s update includes gratitude for those who attended our recent Holding Space gathering for prayer and conversation. The Office of the Bishop remains committed to transparency, pastoral care, and clear communication as the investigation continues.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFederal Investigation Updates
AFN Weekly Update: Annual Gathering Nears, Interfaith Events Ahead
AFN Weekly Update: Annual Gathering Nears, Interfaith Events Ahead

AFN shares a full lineup of upcoming events, including the 2025 Annual Gathering (Dec. 2), interfaith Thanksgiving services, prayer walks, ecology workshops, and the “No Amazon for Advent” campaign. Learn more and view all events and advocacy actions in the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Help Spotlight Sacred Spaces: Public Voting Open Through Dec. 5
Help Spotlight Sacred Spaces: Public Voting Open Through Dec. 5

Public voting is open for the 2025 Partners for Sacred Places Photo Contest through December 5. Help select the People’s Choice winners in four categories—Arts, Education & Service, Open Space, and Community Events. This year’s theme highlights sacred places as community “third spaces,” serving neighborhoods with beauty, care, and hospitality. Vote here: https://sacredplaces.org/photo-voting/

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPartners for Sacred SpacesComment
Slow Down and Be Still: Join the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge
Slow Down and Be Still: Join the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge

Begin your Advent with intention and peace. From December 1–4, the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge offers daily devotionals featuring contemplative artwork by Steve Thomason, a prayer, and a simple spiritual practice. This short, reflective experience invites you to slow down, breathe, and rediscover Advent’s themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Sign up to receive the daily devotions directly to your inbox.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Jazz Vespers Celebrates One Year of “Music for Food” with December 7 Concert at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Jazz Vespers Celebrates One Year of “Music for Food” with December 7 Concert at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church on December 7 as Jazz Vespers celebrates its one-year anniversary of the Music for Food ministry, which has supported over 7,000 family units since last December. This month’s concert features Beth Lederman and Sandra Bassett at 5:30 p.m., with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Free admission; offerings support the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry.

Come for the music and help continue a ministry that feeds both body and spirit.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Grace Lutheran in Phoenix Hosts Free “Night of Jazz” on Nov. 26
Grace Lutheran in Phoenix Hosts Free “Night of Jazz” on Nov. 26

Join Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix for A Night of Jazz on Wednesday, November 26 at 6:00 p.m. This free community event features musicians Beth Lederman and Typhaine Monique and is hosted by Connections, a ministry centered on belonging and God’s unconditional love. All are welcome for an evening of music, joy, and community at 1124 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
2025 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available
2025 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available

Experience the fifth annual Musical Advent Calendar from Lutheran Summer Music, November 30–December 24—daily musical meditations to inspire reflection throughout the Advent season. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, with all videos archived at LSMacademy.org/acal.  Sign up to receive each day’s video directly to your inbox by completing this form.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Lutheran Summer MusicComment
German-Language Christmas Service Returns December 14 at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee
German-Language Christmas Service Returns December 14 at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on Sunday, December 14, 2025, for a German-Language Christmas Service, beginning with caroling at 4:10 p.m. and worship at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy fellowship afterward with coffee, tea, and Christmas cookies (donations welcome). The service will also be livestreamed at bit.ly/weihnachtsgottesdienst2025inphoenix. Learn more at weihnachtsgottesdienstphoenix.com.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Daily Advent Devotions from Spirit in the Desert
Daily Advent Devotions from Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert is offering a daily Advent email devotion written by Sheri Brown, beginning Sunday, November 30 and continuing through Christmas Day. Each short reflection offers a simple daily pause to watch and wait for Christ.

Those who wish to receive these devotions directly in their inbox can register online here. These emails are ideal for personal use and can also be shared with congregations, staff, and small groups across the Grand Canyon Synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
Start Your Advent Saturdays in Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet
Start Your Advent Saturdays in Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet

Begin your Advent Saturdays in prayer and quiet community with Earth and All Flesh: Advent Prayer Gathering, meeting on Zoom from 8:00–8:30 am MST on November 29, December 6, 13, and 20. Each 30-minute gathering includes a reading from Martin Luther’s Christmas Book, guided meditation, music or poetry, silent contemplation, and prayers of intercession, led by retreat facilitator Sheri Brown in partnership with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.

Register to receive the Zoom link at spiritinthedesert.org/earth-and-all-flesh-registration, and join others across our synod in praying for God’s hope, faith, joy, and peace for all creation this Advent.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Join the Song: Maricopa Lutheran Seeks Church Musician & Choir Director
Join the Song: Maricopa Lutheran Seeks Church Musician & Choir Director

Maricopa Lutheran Church is hiring a Church Musician (pianist/keyboardist) and a Choir Director to serve a growing, song-loving congregation that worships at Desert Wind Middle School. Pay is per service/rehearsal with mileage reimbursement (IRS guidelines) for those outside Maricopa; roles are independent contractor (1099).

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Maricopa Lutheran, Kino ConferenceComment
Lift Your Voice in Joy: Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West
Lift Your Voice in Joy: Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West

Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West for a beloved holiday tradition: the Messiah Sing-Along on Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM. Sing with the choir and full orchestra or simply enjoy the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, including Comfort Ye My People and For Unto Us a Child Is Born. Rehearsals are available November 19, 26, and 29. All are welcome to lift their voices in this joyful celebration of Christ’s coming.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Lord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment
United We Rise: Join the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering
United We Rise: Join the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering

Join faith and community leaders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM at the Bahá’í Center in Scottsdale. The morning features guest speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma and honors the 2025 Arizona Leadership Awardees. Register at arizonafaithnetwork.org/annualgathering. A communications toolkit and graphics are available to support congregational sharing.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Help Shape Sunday Worship: Apply to Be Church Musician at New Promise in St. George
Help Shape Sunday Worship: Apply to Be Church Musician at New Promise in St. George

New Promise Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. George, Utah is hiring a part-time Church Musician (12–15 hrs/week) to provide organ/piano leadership for Sunday worship, plan with pastors and the music team, and support congregational song through the seasons of the church year. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes continuing education funds and paid vacation. Send a résumé, brief statement of interest, and (if available) a recording to newpromisemusicsearch@gmail.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Download the full job description PDF inside.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, New Promise St. George, Colorado River ConferenceComment
Rethinking Addiction: Free Nov. 26 Webinar for Faith Leaders
Rethinking Addiction: Free Nov. 26 Webinar for Faith Leaders

Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, from 11 AM–12 PM MST (Arizona) / 10–11 AM PST (Nevada) titled Rethinking Addiction: A Faith Leader’s Guide. Guest presenter Rachel Bowling will help participants reflect on how we understand addiction through moral, medical, and social lenses, offering insights for compassionate, informed pastoral care. Registration required.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Thriving Leadership Formation Enters a New Regional Chapter in 2026
Thriving Leadership Formation Enters a New Regional Chapter in 2026

Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF) is entering a new chapter in January 2026 as a fully regional ministry led by all five ELCA Region 2 synods, supported by a new five-year sustainability grant from the Lilly Endowment. With Pacifica Synod serving as fiscal agent and Desta Goehner continuing as Director, TLF will remain focused on spiritual and leadership formation for pastors, deacons, and church leaders. This transition strengthens connections with First Call Accompaniment and Synodically Authorized Ministry programs, ensuring continued support for leaders across our region. For questions, contact Desta Goehner at Desta@PLTS.edu.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment