Posts in Leader Resources
Faith Lens: Peace with a Purpose
Faith Lens: Peace with a Purpose

In the wake of violence and despair, Jesus’ first words to his disciples after the resurrection were words of peace—spoken not once, but three times. This week’s reflection from Faith Lens invites us to shift our gaze from Doubting Thomas to the mission Jesus gives: to be sent, empowered by the Spirit, and grounded in a peace that brings life abundant. As global conflict continues and hope feels scarce, the resurrection reminds us that peace is not only possible—it is purposeful. Discover how Christ’s peace sends us into a broken world as agents of hope.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
Resurrection Rest: A Holy Week Exhale for Church Leaders
Resurrection Rest: A Holy Week Exhale for Church Leaders

After the fullness of Holy Week and Easter, church leaders are invited into a time of renewal. Resurrection Rest is a free 16-minute guided meditation for pastors, deacons, and ministry leaders, offering space to breathe, reflect, and receive. Listen and let resurrection rest settle in: thrivingleadershipformation.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Lead Campfire Worship with Confidence: Join Camp ALOMA’s Music Weekend
Lead Campfire Worship with Confidence: Join Camp ALOMA’s Music Weekend

Want to lead worship with a guitar around the campfire? Join Camp ALOMA in Prescott, April 25–27, for a weekend retreat focused on learning how to lead and support campfire worship. Designed for guitar players with basic chord skills, the $110 weekend includes lodging, meals, and musical leadership training grounded in Lutheran faith. Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardOutdoor Ministry, Camp ALOMAComment
Free Webinar: Build a Crisis Communication Plan for Your Congregation
Free Webinar: Build a Crisis Communication Plan for Your Congregation

Is your church prepared to communicate faithfully in a crisis? Join a free live webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00–2:30pm, as part of the Thriving Leadership Formation series. Learn how to build a crisis communications team, develop a ministry-specific strategy, and gain sample statements to guide your response. Pre-registration is required: bit.ly/EventsTLF.

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Region 2, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law

Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA
Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Pray Without Ceasing, a weekly prayer initiative launching May 1. Each community is encouraged to host a regular, welcoming prayer gathering and invite two others to do the same. Resources and optional Zoom gatherings will support participants throughout. View a PDF of FAQs here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Faith Lens: Evidence of Life
Faith Lens: Evidence of Life

What do distant planets and the resurrection of Christ have in common? Both challenge us to believe based on signs we cannot yet touch. This week’s Faith Lens reflection draws parallels between new NASA discoveries and the Easter story—reminding us that grace, like life, often reveals itself in ways that stretch our imagination and strengthen our faith.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2025 LentComment
Free Webinar: Build a Crisis Communication Plan for Your Congregation
Free Webinar: Build a Crisis Communication Plan for Your Congregation

Is your church prepared to communicate faithfully in a crisis? Join a free live webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00–2:30pm, as part of the Thriving Leadership Formation series. Learn how to build a crisis communications team, develop a ministry-specific strategy, and gain sample statements to guide your response. Pre-registration is required: bit.ly/EventsTLF.

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Region 2, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Engage, Connect, and Cool Off: Be a Resident Theologian at Campformation
Engage, Connect, and Cool Off: Be a Resident Theologian at Campformation

Engage with youth, cool off in the pines, and explore stewardship this summer! Campformation at Camp Pinerock, June 30–July 4, 2025, invites three rostered leaders to join for free as Resident Theologians. Travel, room, and board are covered. Apply by March 15, 2025. Contact Pr. Tim Perlick at tim.perlick@gmail.com.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Help Wanted, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship of Life Institute (SOLI), Campformation, Camp Pinerock, Youth and Young Adult, Outdoor Ministry, help wantedComment
Lead Campfire Worship with Confidence: Join Camp ALOMA’s Music Weekend
Lead Campfire Worship with Confidence: Join Camp ALOMA’s Music Weekend

Want to lead worship with a guitar around the campfire? Join Camp ALOMA in Prescott, April 25–27, for a weekend retreat focused on learning how to lead and support campfire worship. Designed for guitar players with basic chord skills, the $110 weekend includes lodging, meals, and musical leadership training grounded in Lutheran faith. Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardOutdoor Ministry, Camp ALOMAComment
Worship, Music, Formation: Partner Events You Should Know About This Summer
Worship, Music, Formation: Partner Events You Should Know About This Summer

Early-bird registration is now open for the Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy, held August 13–15 in Minneapolis, with the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing.” But that’s just one of many opportunities this season for worship leaders and musicians. Upcoming events also include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy in Indiana, a Music That Makes Community retreat in New Mexico, the ALCM Conference in North Carolina, and new catechumenate resources from Journey to Baptismal Living. Explore the full list of partner offerings on the ELCA worship blog.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
A Holy Week Pause: A Guided Meditation for Church Leaders
A Holy Week Pause: A Guided Meditation for Church Leaders

A 10-minute guided meditation from Thriving Leadership Formation offers church leaders a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with God during Holy Week. Designed to support those carrying much in this sacred season, this reflection is an invitation to rest and lead from a place of grace. Listen now.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation Program, 2025 LentComment
Honoring Our Jewish Neighbors This Holy Week
Honoring Our Jewish Neighbors This Holy Week

How we read John’s Passion on Good Friday matters. We encourage congregations to consider the historical misuse of the phrase “the Jews” in this gospel and to include a contextual note provided by the Consultation on Common Texts. ELCA worship resources are available to guide preachers and worship planners in proclaiming the gospel with care, respect, and theological integrity.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, 2025 Lent, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Faith Lens: The Real Hero
Faith Lens: The Real Hero

As March Madness crowns champions of skill and wealth, Palm Sunday offers a counter-narrative: a humble entry by an unlikely hero. This week’s reflection invites us to reconsider how we identify greatness—not through power or prestige, but through compassion, sacrifice, and love. As Holy Week begins, we remember Jesus not as the expected victor, but as the savior who rides in on a donkey, cheered by those in need of hope.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
Calling All Rostered Ministers: Annual Reports Still Welcome
Calling All Rostered Ministers: Annual Reports Still Welcome

107 rostered ministers have already submitted their annual Report to the Bishop—thank you! If you haven’t submitted yours yet, there’s still time. Bishop Hutterer personally reads and responds to each report, offering a chance to share your journey, joys, and challenges in ministry. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report to get started.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment