Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, is seeking a new Executive Director to lead its Lutheran-rooted mission of grace-filled hospitality, renewal, and spiritual growth. The role includes strategic and hands-on leadership across operations, staff supervision, financial sustainability, donor relations, and community partnerships. 

Applications received by January 15, 2026 will be assured of full consideration. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and five professional references (PDF format) to Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com. Nominations are also welcome.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Unwine Your Mind: A January Reset for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Unwine Your Mind: A January Reset for Body, Mind, and Spirit

Start the new year with clarity—not guilt. Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free one-hour webinar, “Unwine Your Mind – A January Reset,” on Wednesday, December 31, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MST (10:00–11:00 AM PT). Featuring journalist and sober-curious leader Hilary Sheinbaum, this judgment-free session invites participants to explore a 30-day alcohol-free reset—or a meaningful reduction—with attention to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Designed especially for faith leaders and those navigating stress and exhaustion, this webinar offers practical insight, Lutheran-friendly reflection, and a compassionate approach to healthier living. Registration is free and open now.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
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 CenterComment
Women of the ELCA Host Annual Blue Christmas Service on the Winter Solstice
Women of the ELCA Host Annual Blue Christmas Service on the Winter Solstice

Join the Women of the ELCA for the annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. This virtual Zoom service at 6 PM (Arizona/Utah) / 5 PM (Nevada) offers a peaceful space with music, readings, and prayer for all who seek comfort and hope during the holiday season. Register to attend here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Celebrate the Season at the Lord of Life Big Band Christmas Concert in Sun City West
Celebrate the Season at the Lord of Life Big Band Christmas Concert in Sun City West

Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Friday, December 19 at 10:00 AM for a joyful Big Band Christmas Concert featuring festive music, vocalists, and a time of fellowship with holiday treats. All are welcome to gather in the Social Hall for a warm and spirited start to the Christmas season.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Cactus ConferenceComment
Explore Advent and Christmastide 2025: Stories, Worship, and Events Across Our Synod
Explore Advent and Christmastide 2025: Stories, Worship, and Events Across Our Synod

Celebrate the season of Advent and Christmastide with the Grand Canyon Synod! Visit our 2025 Advent and Christmas page to explore stories, worship opportunities, and events from across our congregations. We invite you to share your own seasonal news or event as together we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and rejoice in the light that has entered the world.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
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 FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
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 FlatgardLutheran Summer MusicComment
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards

Portico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.

This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Invite Global Refuge’s Pastor-in-Residence: Schedule Rev. Eric Shafer for Winter–Spring 2026
Invite Global Refuge’s Pastor-in-Residence: Schedule Rev. Eric Shafer for Winter–Spring 2026

Global Refuge’s volunteer Pastor in Residence, Rev. Eric C. Shafer, is booking Sunday visits to ELCA congregations in our synod to preach and lead an adult forum on Christian welcome. Available dates: Dec. 28, 2025; Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1; and all Sundays in March 2026. Hosts provide travel expense support. To schedule, email ericcshafer@hotmail.com and learn more at globalrefuge.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGlobal Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ
Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ

Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Parament Banners and Furnishings Available from Central Lutheran in Arizona City
Parament Banners and Furnishings Available from Central Lutheran in Arizona City

Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City is offering parament banners, two wooden lecterns, and a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano to congregations across the synod. Interested ministries should contact Jill Lui (jillonahike@gmail.com)with “GCS classified” in the subject line. Pickup or delivery can be arranged. Full item list and details are available in this post.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCentral Arizona City, Fiesta Conference, ClassifiedsComment
Prayers for Wisdom Keeper Patty Charley Following the Death of Her Husband, Wayne
Prayers for Wisdom Keeper Patty Charley Following the Death of Her Husband, Wayne

Wisdom Keeper Patty Charley’s husband, Wayne, died earlier this week. Wayne died on Monday, December 8, in Albuquerque, NM, where he and Patty have a home. We invite the Grand Canyon Synod to hold Patty and her family in prayer. Patty serves as Primary Wisdom Keeper at the Navajo Lutheran Mission’s House of Prayer, where her leadership and ministry continue to bless the Navajo Nation. Please join us in surrounding Patty with love, support, and prayer during this time of grief.

A traditional Navajo burial service for Wayne will take place on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 am in Rock Point, Arizona, followed by a family-hosted meal. No RSVP is necessary.

Flowers will be difficult to deliver to Rock Point, but gifts to the House of Prayer in Wayne’s memory would be deeply appreciated. Cards and condolences may be sent to House of Prayer, PO Box 354, Rock Point, AZ 86545.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNavajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards

Portico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.

This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
AFN News: December Gatherings, Interfaith Events, and Climate Justice Actions
AFN News: December Gatherings, Interfaith Events, and Climate Justice Actions

The latest AFN newsletter highlights December and January interfaith events, including ecology workshops, clergy gatherings, Monday meditations, and the upcoming Midwinter Peace Gathering. It also features climate-justice sign-on opportunities for faith leaders, Giving Machine charity sites, and partner news from across Arizona’s interfaith community.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
LAMA Highlights: Christmas Service Opportunities, New Policy Priorities & Upcoming Events
LAMA Highlights: Christmas Service Opportunities, New Policy Priorities & Upcoming Events

This week’s LAMA newsletter features an urgent call for Christmas volunteers with LSS-SW, new advocacy events through mid-January, and the release of LAMA’s 2026 Policy Priorities. You’ll also find updates on H.R. 1’s potential impact in Arizona, resources for congregations, and opportunities to support Lutheran Day at the Legislature. Read the full newsletter to stay connected with the advocacy ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation

The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully in the federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. As of December 11, there are still no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity. The Office of the Bishop remains committed to clear communication, pastoral care, and transparency as we support congregations and leaders through this ongoing process. Pastoral care and communications contacts are included for those who may need assistance.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFederal Investigation Updates