Posts in News
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
Join Us in Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at Our Celebration of Diversity
Join Us in Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at Our Celebration of Diversity

Save the date for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3-5 pm in each respective time zone. Hosted at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, with Bishop Yehiel Curry preaching (watch live on King of Glory’s YouTube channel or at kogaz.org/watch), and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas with a keynote from Elder Ender Austin, III (COGIC), this event invites us to come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice, love, and unity. Join us as we celebrate our shared mission for equality and diversity within our faith community.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, MLKComment
Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief
Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief

Wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, California, leaving tens of thousands displaced. Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working with synods and local partners to address immediate needs and plan long-term recovery efforts. Learn how you can pray, give, and share to support those affected. Visit ELCA.org/wildfires to donate and find resources.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSouthwest California Synod, Lutheran Disaster Response, Climate ChangeComment
Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief
Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief

The devastating California wildfires have displaced thousands and destroyed homes, businesses, and places of worship. Bishop Brenda Bos of the Southwest California Synod is among those personally impacted. Presiding Bishop Eaton calls for prayers, accompaniment, and action as Lutheran Disaster Response mobilizes to bring aid and hope to affected communities. Learn more about how you can help: Lutheran Disaster Response.

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ELCA, News, Letters, PrayersBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Southwest California Synod, Climate Change Comment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide
Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide

Bliss Tungnung, a former ELCA scholar, returned to her conflict-stricken home in Manipur, India, to offer psychosocial care and education to children. She founded Bliss International School in 2023 to foster emotional and academic growth. This month’s ELCA Global Mission newsletter also celebrates the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church of Australia and the 25th anniversary of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. Discover global service opportunities and Lenten resources, and read more inspiring stories at ELCA Global Mission.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Global MissionComment
Explore Arizona Faith Network’s January Highlights
Explore Arizona Faith Network’s January Highlights

Join Arizona Faith Network’s events this month, including guided meditation, justice-focused webinars, and powerful lessons in peacemaking from Rev. Dr. Gary Mason. With topics like food security, creation care, and the Doctrine of Discovery, these events provide meaningful ways to live your faith. Read More.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Bishop Reddall's Statement on the Sentencing of Eric Ridenour
Bishop Reddall's Statement on the Sentencing of Eric Ridenour

Eric Ridenour was sentenced to 36.5 years in prison for the arson that destroyed St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, Arizona. Bishop Jennifer Reddall expresses gratitude for the justice served and highlights the resilience of these congregations as they continue to rebuild and minister. Her statement reaffirms the church’s commitment to inclusivity, inspired by Jesus’ love for those on the margins, and trust in the healing power of God’s grace. The Grand Canyon Synod stands in prayerful solidarity with them during this season of healing.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, The Episcopal ChurchComment
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
A Feast for Community: Building Bridges Beyond Politics
A Feast for Community: Building Bridges Beyond Politics

Love Anyway Feasts offer a fresh way to bring neighbors together in divided times. Learn how ELCA members in Pennsylvania used shared meals to build bridges and model Christ’s teaching to love our neighbors. With resources from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, you too can join this movement of connection and hope. Read more in this article from Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Living Lutheran's top five articles from 2024
Living Lutheran's top five articles from 2024

As Living Lutheran wrapped up 2024, they took a look at some of our top stories from the year. Below are Living Lutheran‘s five most-read articles from the last 12 months.

  1. Inside Out 2 and the peace that passes understanding

  2. ELCA Conference of Bishops emphasizes the need to speak the truth

  3. 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering kicks off in New Orleans

  4. “This has allowed us to go back to church”

  5. Civility in politics

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Supporting Family Caregivers in Faith Communities: A Workshop for Faith Community Nurses
Supporting Family Caregivers in Faith Communities: A Workshop for Faith Community Nurses

Discover four practical ways to support family caregivers and break barriers to caregiving ministry in this two-hour workshop hosted by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on January 23, 2025. This session offers 2.0 Nursing Contact Hours and equips participants with the tools to reconnect caregivers with their faith communities. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
POSITION FILLED: Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix Seeks Director of Music Ministries
POSITION FILLED: Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix Seeks Director of Music Ministries

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a part-time Director of Music Ministries to serve as a worship leader and liturgist. This role includes organ and choir leadership for Sunday 9:00 a.m. liturgies and other seasonal services. Salary is $24,000 annually with four weeks of paid vacation. Contact Faith’s Church Office at 602-265-3394 or email info@faithalive.com for details.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhelp wanted, Help Wanted, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Nourishing Our Life Together: A Spirited Book Club on ‘Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies’
Nourishing Our Life Together: A Spirited Book Club on ‘Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies’

Explore the power of language to transform our communities in an online two-session Spirited Book Club this January, featuring Marilyn McEntyre’s Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies. Delve into twelve strategies for stewarding truth and grace in an era of dishonesty.

Facilitated by Sheri Brown, discussions will focus on the book’s call to nurture words as we nurture one another. Sessions are January 9 and 23 at 3:00 PM AZ/MST. Learn more and register at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Church and SocietyComment