Posts in Leader Resources
Faith Lens: My Greatest Fear… Realized

This week’s Faith Lens reflection, “My Greatest Fear… Realized” by Pastor Bob Chell, explores Luke 21:5–19—Jesus’ teaching that speaks directly to our fears, doubts, and insecurities. As the disciples marvel at the temple’s beauty, Jesus warns of destruction, betrayal, and suffering—but also offers an astonishing promise: “Not a hair of your head will perish.”

In the face of life’s uncertainty, Jesus calls us not to over-prepare or defend ourselves, but to trust that he will give us the words and wisdom we need. This devotion invites readers to release their fears into Christ’s care and remember that God’s promise of presence endures, even when all else seems to fall apart.

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PLTS Invites Applications for Climate Justice Certificate Programs | PLTS abre inscripciones para programas de certificación en justicia climática

The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

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Explore New Worship & Music Resources from Our ELCA Partners

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources and upcoming events from Lutheran and ecumenical partners supporting worship leaders, musicians, and congregations. This month’s roundup includes the Lutheran Summer Music Musical Advent Calendar (Nov. 30–Dec. 24); registration for the Institute of Liturgical Studies (Apr. 13–15, 2026); the ALCM 2026 Conference at St. Olaf College; training opportunities from Music That Makes Community; and a newly redesigned site from Journey to Baptismal Living.

Learn more and explore registrations, resources, and nomination opportunities by reading the full post from ELCA Worship.

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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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Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26

Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →

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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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A Stable Lamp Is Lighted: Advent 2025 Resources from ELCA World Hunger

This Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.

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Advent Made Easy: Vero Communications Offers Ready-to-Go Advent Bundle for Churches

Prepare your congregation for Advent with Vero Communications’ Advent Bundle—a set of customized postcards, flyers, banners, and social media graphics designed to help you invite your community to worship. With a two-week turnaround, Vero creates professional, ready-to-use materials based on your church’s Advent theme. Learn more →

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Faith Lens: How Jesus Handles Loaded Questions

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Heather Hansen explores how Jesus responds to the Sadducees’ attempt to trap him with a question about the resurrection (Luke 20:27–38). Instead of arguing over details, Jesus redirects the conversation toward what truly matters: that God is God of the living, and that love and life—not power or status—define God’s kingdom.

In a world full of “gotcha” questions, we’re reminded to pause, breathe, and answer from a place of faith and love—trusting that God’s truth and grace endure beyond every debate.

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Constitution 101: New ELCA Webinar Simplifies Congregation Updates

The ELCA Office of the Secretary has released a new “Congregation Constitution 101” webinar and PowerPoint designed for congregation leaders. The hour-long training explains how constitutions function, how the Model Constitution is organized, and how to amend and update your congregation’s document. Watch the recording at vimeo.com/1129666826 or access materials at ELCA.org/Office-of-the-Secretary/Constitutions.

For additional help, see our related post: Update Made Easy: New 2025 Constitution Guidance for Your Congregation.

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Faith Lens: A Simple Act, a Lasting Change

A simple act of kindness can change a life. When Jesus called Zacchaeus down from the tree, it wasn’t with judgment but with compassion—and that moment transformed Zacchaeus’s heart, leading him to generosity and repentance. This week’s Faith Lens reflection invites us to see how love and inclusion, rather than shame or exclusion, open the way for true change. In the words of Isaiah, “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed.”

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Free November Opportunities from ELCA Coaching: Learn, Grow & Connect

Explore a full month of free online events from ELCA Coaching, including sessions on beloved community, truth and healing, accessibility, decolonization, and the annual Vine Deloria, Jr. Theological Symposium. Several upcoming low-cost trainings begin in early 2026. View full details and registration links at elcacoaching.org/events.

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Faith Lens: Approaching God: Who is Worthy

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection on Luke 18:9–14, Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector challenges our assumptions about worthiness before God. While the Pharisee boasts of righteousness, the tax collector prays simply for mercy—and is the one made right with God. We are reminded that true prayer begins with humility and gratitude, not self-assurance. God exalts those who come honestly, knowing that all we have and are comes from divine grace alone.

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