Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend
Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend

Are you discerning whether seminary might be right for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a visit and discernment weekend March 13–15 in Berkeley, California, designed for those exploring online seminary education.

Participants will meet PLTS faculty, connect with others in discernment, and learn more about the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, and Lutheran Year programs. Lodging and meals are provided, with travel assistance available. Learn more and sign up at plts.edu/signs.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Expanded Mental Health and Spiritual Care: Coaching Resources for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders
Expanded Mental Health and Spiritual Care: Coaching Resources for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders

Beginning January 1, 2026, ELCA-Primary members in the Grand Canyon Synod have access to expanded mental health and wellness services through Spring Health. These EAP benefits include therapy, coaching, and flexible care options that support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

One of the synod’s Spiritual Directors, David Bullock, is now available as a Spring Health coach while continuing to offer free monthly spiritual direction. Rostered ministers are also invited to explore the synod’s full list of spiritual directors as trusted companions for discernment, renewal, and faithful ministry.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSpiritual Directors, Coaching, Portico, Mental HealthComment
Possibilities in Partnership: Recording and Resources Now Available
Possibilities in Partnership: Recording and Resources Now Available

A recording and resources from Possibilities in Partnership, a synod-wide Zoom conversation held January 15, 2026, are now available. Led by Rev. David Pavesic, the gathering invited congregations to imagine new ways of sharing ministry, leadership, and resources in a challenging season.

This post includes the full video recording, downloadable slides, an image slideshow, and a link to the ELCA’s new Church Property Resource Hub. It also outlines upcoming opportunities for deeper discernment, including future online sessions and a potential in-person event this fall.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCongregational VitalityComment
Free Hymnals Available: Lord of Life Sun City West Shares Worship Resources
Free Hymnals Available: Lord of Life Sun City West Shares Worship Resources

Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona, is offering free hymnals and service books for local pickup. Available resources include 72 Gather hymnals, 24 Worship & Praise hymnals, and four well-used Service Book and Hymnal volumes. Congregations or ministries in need of worship materials are encouraged to take advantage of this shared resource.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardClassifieds, Cactus Conference, Lord of Life Sun City WestComment
Giving Thanks for Faithful Ministry: Pastor Robert S. Jones Retires
Giving Thanks for Faithful Ministry: Pastor Robert S. Jones Retires

Pastor Robert S. Jones retired from pastoral ministry on Sunday, January 4, 2026, concluding a faithful season of service at Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson and beyond. Retirement Rites were celebrated during worship, followed by a joyful congregational potluck.

We give thanks for Pastor Jones’ years of ministry in Arizona and abroad and lift him in prayer as he begins a new season of rest, renewal, and adventure.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardKino Conference, Santa Cruz TucsonComment
Prayer, Justice, and Community: What’s Coming Up from Arizona Faith Network
Prayer, Justice, and Community: What’s Coming Up from Arizona Faith Network

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights opportunities for prayer, advocacy, and interfaith connection across Arizona—from the Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on January 22 in Phoenix, to Environmental Day at the Capitol on February 11, along with ongoing meditation, youth interfaith events, justice vigils, and spiritual retreats.

Get dates, locations, RSVP links, and the full calendar by reading the complete AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings

The ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.

The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Join Us at the Capitol: Lutheran Day at the Legislature Returns Feb. 23, 2026
Join Us at the Capitol: Lutheran Day at the Legislature Returns Feb. 23, 2026

Lutherans and friends from across Arizona are invited to gather at Wesley Bolin Plaza on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. The morning includes meeting legislators, connecting with LAMA leaders, hearing speakers, and praying for justice, with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch provided.

Held at the Arizona State Capitol in downtown Phoenix, this annual event equips us to live out our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace. Register today.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to prepare their 2026–2027 Mission Support Plans and submit their Statement of Intent by March 1, 2026. Mission Support resources—including the letter from Bishop Hutterer and Vice President Mark Myers and the fillable intent form—are now available. A downloadable thank you video from Bishop Hutterer is also provided for use in worship, newsletters, and council meetings.

Rooted in our 2026 theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” congregations are encouraged to consider a 10% Mission Support commitment as we invest in leadership formation, local and global partnerships, justice advocacy, and ministries that transform lives across our synod and the wider church.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

Read More
Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 1/27/2026, 6-7pm MST.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Calling Pianists and Keyboardists: Serve in Worship at Beautiful Savior, Tucson
Calling Pianists and Keyboardists: Serve in Worship at Beautiful Savior, Tucson

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a skilled Music Accompanist to play piano or keyboard for Sunday worship and seasonal services, and to support choir rehearsals. This 12–15 hour/week position collaborates closely with the Music Director and Pastor and plays a key role in Lutheran worship life. Musicians with strong keyboard skills and a heart for worship are encouraged to inquire.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardKino Conference, Beautiful Savior TucsonComment
Up to $500,000 Available for Sacred Place Preservation: Applications Now Open
Up to $500,000 Available for Sacred Place Preservation: Applications Now Open

The National Fund for Sacred Places is now accepting applications, offering $50,000–$500,000 in grants plus expert support for congregations undertaking major historic preservation projects. An informational webinar will be held Thursday, January 22 at 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM AZ) to help congregations determine eligibility and learn more.

This program, led by Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports churches seeking to preserve their buildings while strengthening long-term ministry and community impact. Learn more and apply at fundforsacredplaces.org.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPartners for Sacred Spaces, National Fund for Sacred PlacesComment
Be A Friend to People with Disabilities: 7 Ways to Communicate Respectfully
Be A Friend to People with Disabilities: 7 Ways to Communicate Respectfully

Becoming a friend with someone who has a disability starts with a simple, “Hello!” Here are a few things to remember about communications that are good for everyone, but especially true for people with disabilities.

The post Be A Friend to People with Disabilities: 7 Ways to Communicate Respectfully appeared first on Mosaic.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

Read More
ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
When Play Becomes a Problem: A Free Webinar on Gaming, Technology, and Spiritual Formation
When Play Becomes a Problem: A Free Webinar on Gaming, Technology, and Spiritual Formation

The Center of Addiction & Faith invites faith leaders and caregivers to a free Zoom webinar, “When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation,” on January 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MT (10:00–11:00 AM PT).

Featuring addiction psychiatrist Michael Hsu, MD, the session will explore how gaming and digital technology can both support and undermine well-being—and offer practical, compassionate tools for recognizing unhealthy patterns and supporting individuals and families with faith-centered care. Registration is free and required.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment