Posts in Leader Resources
Walking Together with the Latine Community · Caminando Juntos con la Comunidad Latine
Walking Together with the Latine Community · Caminando Juntos con la Comunidad Latine

Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, October 2–4, 2025, led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners. This online gathering will equip leaders for cross-cultural ministry, offering practical tools to strengthen relationships with the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. Download the full flier here.

Participe en el Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latine, del 2 al 4 de octubre de 2025, dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes. Este encuentro en línea ofrece herramientas prácticas para el ministerio intercultural y para fortalecer relaciones con la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardWartburg Seminary, Latino, EspañolComment
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant: Up to $100,000 Available—Deadline Oct. 15
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant: Up to $100,000 Available—Deadline Oct. 15

Arizona’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) is open for FY2025/2026, providing up to $100,000 total per applicant to fund target hardening and security enhancements for at-risk nonprofits. Eligibility requires meeting FEMA NSGP nonprofit standards plus either (a) no federal award in 2024–2022 or (b) inability to front costs for the federal program. Application deadline: Wed., Oct. 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Submit to hs@azdohs.gov. Info & forms: azdohs.gov/az-nsgp. Webinars: Wed., Sept. 17, 1:00 p.m. and Thu., Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardGrantsComment
September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe
September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe

Join us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Partner Resources for Worship Leaders: Music, Training, and More
Partner Resources for Worship Leaders: Music, Training, and More

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from Lutheran and ecumenical partners who support worship leaders, musicians, and congregations. This month’s updates include a new free hymn arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music, the upcoming Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music (October 19–21), training and events from Music That Makes Community, and new resources from Journey to Baptismal Living.

These partners share in the ELCA’s mission of equipping the church’s song and strengthening our worship life together. To explore all the details and access links to resources and registration, click here.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8

All rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15

The 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGrants, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment
September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe
September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe

Join us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Faith Lens: Discipleship, Time, and Reordering Loves
Faith Lens: Discipleship, Time, and Reordering Loves

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? On God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, we’re invited to reflect on Luke 14:25–33, where Jesus challenges us to count the cost of discipleship. In a world that pulls us in many directions—especially with packed fall calendars—this week’s Faith Lens devotion reminds us to reorder our loves and put Christ first. What might you need to set aside to love and serve more fully?

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Building Sacred Community One Circle at a Time
Building Sacred Community One Circle at a Time

Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix is creating sacred space through weekly Talking Circles that honor Indigenous traditions within a Christian setting. Supported by Grand Canyon Synod grants, these gatherings offer healing, community, worship, and hospitality to about 50 people each week. Read how this ministry embodies the love of Christ and why your congregation might consider applying for a synod grant to support innovative ministry in your community.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants Program, Native American Urban Ministry Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
A Deeper Well: Renewal and Resilience for Clergy Through Depth Psychology
A Deeper Well: Renewal and Resilience for Clergy Through Depth Psychology

A seven-week Zoom course—Renewal and Resilience: A Depth Psychology Approach for Clergy—offers active clergy a space to explore burnout, internalized pressure, and hidden congregational dynamics. Led by Rev. Richard Mallory, the program runs Tuesdays from Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Limited to 8 participants.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Free ELCA Coaching Events in September: Training for Leaders Like You
Free ELCA Coaching Events in September: Training for Leaders Like You

ELCA Coaching invites you to take part in a series of free opportunities this September, including Creating Beloved Community gatherings, decolonization workshops, and supportive spaces for leaders. All events are subsidized by the ELCA and offered at no cost to participants. In addition, applications are open for the final Segment 1 Basic Skills Coach Training of 2025 (beginning September 25), with an Everyday Life Coaching training starting October 14. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.

Read More
ELCA, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15

The 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGrants, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment
Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31
Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31

The Grand Canyon Synod grant cycle opens Sept. 8 and closes Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight) for projects that advance our GCS Strategic Plan. Up to $15,000 per award (about $175,000 total available). Priority for innovative, collaborative proposals. Applicants should attend the September webinar (registration posted soon) and must submit the application (Word/PDF, proper file name), a Statement of Financial Position, and (for congregations) last year’s/current Mission Support. Decisions by Jan. 24, 2026; funding begins Feb. 2026. Apply: gcsynod.org/grants. Contact office@gcsynod.org / 602-957-3223.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
Pray Without Ceasing: Weekly Liturgy and Intercessions from Metro D.C. Synod
Pray Without Ceasing: Weekly Liturgy and Intercessions from Metro D.C. Synod

Pray Without Ceasing continues this week with a liturgy for August 21–27, drawn from Metro D.C. Bishop Leila Ortiz’s call to prayer and fasting. The prayers lift up the vulnerable, our communities, leaders, and the church in this urgent time. Congregations and individuals are invited to use the liturgy and join weekly Thursday Zoom calls to connect with others across the ELCA. Learn more and join the movement.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, PrayersBrian FlatgardPray Without CeasingComment
Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates
Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates

Major changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment