Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Starting the Conversation: Bringing Congregational Security to the Council Table
Starting the Conversation: Bringing Congregational Security to the Council Table

The next step in the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 Congregational Security & Preparedness series begins with a simple action: start the conversation. Congregation councils can take an important first step by placing security and preparedness on a meeting agenda and discussing how their church cares for the safety of staff, volunteers, and worshipers.

This article offers guidance on how councils can begin that conversation and points congregations to the synod’s Congregational Security & Preparedness Resources page as a starting place for practical tools and next steps.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit
Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Jazz Vespers on Sunday, March 8 from 5:30–6:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and William “Gooch” on saxophone and vocals. Admission is free, with a freewill offering supporting the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, which now helps over 250 families each week.

Part of the congregation’s Music for Food ministry, Jazz Vespers blends soulful jazz with prayer and service—an evening where music becomes a way to support neighbors in need and live out Christ’s call to feed the hungry.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Help Wanted: Piano Player for Sunday Worship at Trinity Lutheran, Phoenix
Help Wanted: Piano Player for Sunday Worship at Trinity Lutheran, Phoenix

Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a piano player for Sunday morning worship services, with rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve through music in a collaborative praise team setting. Interested musicians should contact Judy Vogt at 602-999-7620 or jkvsinger@outlook.com.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Trinity Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Three Organists Return to Phoenix for Pipe Organ Benefit at Faith Lutheran on March 7
Three Organists Return to Phoenix for Pipe Organ Benefit at Faith Lutheran on March 7

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a free benefit concert on Saturday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. featuring three former organists returning to support the restoration of the congregation’s historic 57-rank pipe organ. Donations will fund critical repairs to the instrument’s windchests, preserving a vital voice for Lutheran worship and congregational song. A reception will follow. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFaith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
In Memoriam: Rev. Neal Snider
In Memoriam: Rev. Neal Snider

Rev. Neal Snider died on August 3, 2025, at age 90. A pastor, theologian, and military chaplain who served in all three branches of the armed forces, Rev. Snider faithfully served congregations across the country and led Holy Land tours for decades. We give thanks for his life of steadfast faith and commend him to God’s eternal care. Please keep his wife Judy and the entire Snider family in your prayers.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardComment
Rooted in God’s Story from Tucson to Las Vegas: Join the Remaining 2026 Spring Gatherings
Rooted in God’s Story from Tucson to Las Vegas: Join the Remaining 2026 Spring Gatherings

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Spring Gatherings have begun, and several opportunities remain across the synod. Join us March 8 in Chandler, March 14 in Flagstaff, March 28 in Tucson, or April 11 in Las Vegas. All rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members are welcome at any location. Come reconnect, reflect on our shared calling, and remain Rooted in God’s Story together.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Spring GatheringsComment
Strengthening Faithful Witness: Upcoming AFN Events Across Arizona
Strengthening Faithful Witness: Upcoming AFN Events Across Arizona

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter includes upcoming opportunities for digital security training, interfaith dialogue, public witness at the Capitol, and community events across Arizona. Highlights include a March 2 Digital Security Workshop, March 4–6 Training of Trainers in Phoenix, Interfaith Day at the Capitol on March 25, and multiple hybrid and in-person gatherings.

Read the full newsletter for registration links and details: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Three Organists Return to Faith Lutheran in Phoenix for Historic Organ Benefit on March 7
Three Organists Return to Faith Lutheran in Phoenix for Historic Organ Benefit on March 7

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a Three Organists Benefit Concert on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. featuring former organists Gary Rutherford, Jim Sage, and Craig Westendorf. Admission is free, with donations supporting the restoration of Faith’s historic pipe organ. The afternoon includes solos, duets, trios, guest musicians, and a reception. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFaith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Preventing Doxxing and Digital Threats: A Practical Workshop for Faith Leaders
Preventing Doxxing and Digital Threats: A Practical Workshop for Faith Leaders

The Safe Communities Coalition will host a Zoom workshop on March 2 at 12:00 p.m. (Arizona) featuring Praveen Sinha of Equality Labs. This interactive training will equip clergy and congregational leaders with practical tools to prevent doxxing, strengthen online security, and respond to digital threats during a time of heightened polarization. Registration is required—sign up now to receive the Zoom link.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurity, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Ordination celebrations
Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Christopher Heller, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on February 28.

  • Rev. Jeremy Nausin, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas, who celebrates 11 years on March 1.

  • Rev. Elaine Watskey, who celebrates 23 years on March 1.

  • Rev. Timothy Wright, who celebrates 42 years on March 4.

  • Rev. Jonathan Linman, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 37 years on March 4.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2026 Lenten Challenge
Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2026 Lenten Challenge

Bishop Deborah Hutterer invites you to join the 2026 ELCA Region 2 Lenten Challenge, beginning February 22. Rooted in Matthew 25:37–40, this six-week journey focuses on spiritual practices that strengthen our learning, care, and advocacy on behalf of neighbors who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, imprisoned, or in need of clothing. Each week centers on one portion of the Gospel text and calls us to reflect on how serving others is serving Christ.

Watch Bishop Hutterer’s invitation video and consider registering today. Let’s make this year’s Lenten Challenge the most impactful yet as we grow together as a church for the sake of the world.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and Easter, Bishop Hutterer LettersComment
ELCA Voices Profound Concern Over EPA Repeal of Climate “Endangerment Finding”
ELCA Voices Profound Concern Over EPA Repeal of Climate “Endangerment Finding”

On February 12, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would rescind the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The ELCA, which previously testified in support of upholding the finding, has expressed profound concern and disappointment, calling this a “Kairos moment” for urgent climate action grounded in faith and science.

In its official statement, the ELCA affirms that caring for creation is a sacred responsibility and urges the EPA to restore protections that safeguard public health and future generations. Read the full ELCA statement and learn more about the church’s advocacy response here.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Climate Change, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know

The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.

Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Rooted in God’s Story: Mission Support Intent Forms Due March 1, 2026
Rooted in God’s Story: Mission Support Intent Forms Due March 1, 2026

Mission Support Statements of Intent for 2026–2027 are due March 1, 2026. Congregations are asked to submit their completed form to office@gcsynod.org to support faithful planning and shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, the wider ELCA, and the world.

Rooted in the 2026 synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, Mission Support is a theological practice grounded in abundance, partnership, and hope. Resources—including the Mission Support Letter, fillable form, and Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video—are available now.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment
Enter Lent in Stillness: A Silent Prayer Retreat at All Saints in Phoenix, Feb. 28
Enter Lent in Stillness: A Silent Prayer Retreat at All Saints in Phoenix, Feb. 28

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to begin Lent with a half-day Silent Prayer Retreat on Saturday, February 28, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rooted in monastic tradition, the retreat includes silent and communal prayer, worship, a shared meal, and service projects.

Space is limited. Contact the church office at 602-866-9191 or email Pastor Daniel Volkmann at dvolkmann@allsaintsphoenix.org to register or learn more.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAll Saints Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
You Are Precious in God’s Sight: A Hymn Sing of Hope and Joy at Desert Cross in Gilbert
You Are Precious in God’s Sight: A Hymn Sing of Hope and Joy at Desert Cross in Gilbert

Desert Cross Lutheran Church invites the community to “You Are Precious in His Sight,” a free hymn sing on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4:00–5:15 p.m. in Gilbert. Featuring choirs from both Desert Cross locations, instrumental music, congregational singing, and a short drama about hymn writer Fanny Crosby, the event offers an afternoon of hope and joy rooted in faith.

A free taco dinner will follow in the fellowship hall. All are welcome—invite a friend and come sing.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDesert Cross Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Wartburg College’s Castle Singers & Kammerstreicher to Perform at Lord of Life on March 5
Wartburg College’s Castle Singers & Kammerstreicher to Perform at Lord of Life on March 5

The Wartburg College Castle Singers and Kammerstreicher will perform at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7 PM. Featuring a 28-voice choir and a 16-member chamber string ensemble, the concert highlights Wartburg’s renowned Lutheran musical tradition. Tickets are $20 and available through the church office or at the door.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment