Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
ELCA Adopts Social Message on Child Protection—Free Webinar Series Begins February 26
ELCA Adopts Social Message on Child Protection—Free Webinar Series Begins February 26

On November 12, 2025, the ELCA Church Council adopted a Social Message on Child Protection, calling congregations to strengthen preaching, policies, and trauma-informed care. Wartburg Theological Seminary and the Center for Faith & Child Protection are offering a free webinar series (beginning February 26 at 6:45 p.m. CST) to help leaders implement these recommendations. Pastors and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to register and equip their congregations to protect and care for the “least of these.”

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Wartburg SeminaryComment
Walking Alongside Latino Communities: A Faithful Response to Stress and Mental Health
Walking Alongside Latino Communities: A Faithful Response to Stress and Mental Health

Free Webinar – February 25, 10am Mountain, 9 am Pacific): Join Dr. Ana L. Chavez-Mancillas for “Walking With the Latino Communities: Faith, Stress, and Behavioral Health in a Time of Change.” This online workshop will equip faith leaders to recognize the behavioral health challenges facing Latino communities, including immigration stress, discrimination, and economic strain.

Participants will gain culturally responsive, faith-informed tools to reduce stigma, foster trust, and support Latino congregants with practical care strategies. Free registration required.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLatino, Addiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Ordination celebrations
Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Barbara Bengtson, who celebrates 32 years on February 20.

  • Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, who celebrates 17 years on February 22.

  • Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 29 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Kaila Armbruster, who celebrates 12 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 25 years on February 24.

  • Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill, University, Tempe, ASU LCM, Tempe, who celebrates 14 years on February 25.

  • Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 31 years on February 26.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Author Drew Strait Joins Spirited Book Club Conversation on Strange Worship
Author Drew Strait Joins Spirited Book Club Conversation on Strange Worship

The Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert meets Thursday, February 26, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (MST) to discuss Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism—with author Drew J. Strait joining the conversation. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this timely gathering invites faithful reflection on how worship, theology, and public witness intersect.

It’s not too late to register or read the book. Rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are warmly invited to take part in this important and hope-filled discussion.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Spirited Book Club, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Church and SocietyComment
“Lord, When Did We See You?”: Sign Up for Daily Lenten Devotions in 2026
“Lord, When Did We See You?”: Sign Up for Daily Lenten Devotions in 2026

Beginning Ash Wednesday 2026, Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to receive a daily Matthew 25 devotion by email throughout Lent and Holy Week as part of the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger. Participants commit to three of four practices — Devotion, Learning, Action, and Donation — with a regional goal of raising $100,000 and engaging at least 50 congregations per synod. Sign up now and center your Lenten journey on Christ in “the least of these.”

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian Flatgard2026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry to Join February Hunger Leaders Call
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry to Join February Hunger Leaders Call

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.

If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Hunger Policy Workgroup, Hunger, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Striving for Justice and Peace: Join Lutherans at the Capitol on February 23
Striving for Justice and Peace: Join Lutherans at the Capitol on February 23

Lutherans from across Arizona will gather at the Arizona Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. Rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace, the day will include speakers, legislative meetings, prayer, training, and opportunities to engage directly with public leaders.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with breakfast and lunch provided. All Lutherans and friends of Lutherans are invited to learn, witness, and raise a faithful voice in the public square. Registration is now open.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment
Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix: Join the First Spring Gatherings
Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix: Join the First Spring Gatherings

Spring Gatherings begin next week in the Phoenix area under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, with events on February 21 (Tempe) and February 24 (Sun City and Phoenix). All rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members are invited to attend any location. Additional gatherings follow in Chandler (March 8), Flagstaff (March 14), Tucson (March 28), and Las Vegas (April 11). Join us as we reconnect, reflect, and strengthen our shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod.

All are welcome to attend any gathering. Mark your calendar now as we launch this spring season together.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Spring GatheringsComment
Better Together: A Synod Book Study on Partnership, Mission, and the Church’s Future
Better Together: A Synod Book Study on Partnership, Mission, and the Church’s Future

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry. Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Morning sessions start 2/17, evening sessions begin 2/19.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time
Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time

Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.

The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Artificial IntelligenceComment
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Building a More Caring World: Stephen Ministries’ 50th Anniversary Event Comes to All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix
Building a More Caring World: Stephen Ministries’ 50th Anniversary Event Comes to All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.

Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAll Saints Phoenix, Capital Conference, Stephen MinistriesComment
Mountain View Lutheran Church Seeks Part-Time Accountant in Phoenix
Mountain View Lutheran Church Seeks Part-Time Accountant in Phoenix

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a part-time Accountant to manage bookkeeping, financial reporting, and budget preparation in support of its ministry. Qualified candidates with experience in fund-based accounting and proficiency in QuickBooks are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply at mvlutheran.org/jobs.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFiesta Conference, Help Wanted, Mountain View PhoenixComment
$143,000+ in Synod Grants Launched: Thank You for Making This Possible
$143,000+ in Synod Grants Launched: Thank You for Making This Possible

The Grand Canyon Synod has awarded over $143,000 in grant funding to 27 congregations and ministry partners across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation. Funded through bequests, congregational gifts, thrift shop proceeds, and unrestricted mission support, these grants fuel outreach, food ministries, youth formation, advocacy, worship improvements, and more. Thank you for making this circle of generosity possible.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
February Portico Updates: Mental Health, Retirement Planning & Tax Resources
February Portico Updates: Mental Health, Retirement Planning & Tax Resources

Portico’s February updates include expanded mental health support for members with ELCA-Primary health benefits, important reminders about reporting compensation changes within 60 days, and new Retirement Readiness workshops in partnership with Fidelity. Complimentary clergy and congregational tax guides are also available to help you navigate tax season with confidence.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Bishop Hutterer will preach at Desert Hills (Green Valley) and American Lutheran (Sun City) for Ash Wednesday and participate in the Region 2 SAM Summit. Synod staff will continue preparing for Spring Gatherings, advancing candidacy and congregational vitality work, exploring AI in ministry, and managing financial and operational responsibilities.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment