Posts in News
Celebrating 40 Years of Faithful Service: Pastor Steve Talmage’s Ordination Anniversary
Celebrating 40 Years of Faithful Service: Pastor Steve Talmage’s Ordination Anniversary

Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLove of Christ Mesa Comment
Join Us for a Lenten Challenge Deep Dive: The Story Behind NELM and LDR
Join Us for a Lenten Challenge Deep Dive: The Story Behind NELM and LDR

Join us on March 5 at 12:00 p.m. MT for a special LDR Partner Spotlight featuring Solveig Muus as she shares how the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge supports the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Learn how Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger intersect to provide safe drinking water and vital resourcesfor our siblings in Christ. Register now to be part of the conversation! Sign up here.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Lent, 2025 Lenten Challenge, Lutheran Disaster Response, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Answer the Call: Serve, Grow, and Belong with Urban Servant Corps
Answer the Call: Serve, Grow, and Belong with Urban Servant Corps

Are you or a young adult you know looking for a meaningful way to serve and grow in faith? Urban Servant Corps (USC) in Denver offers a full-time service year in an intentional faith-based community. Volunteers receive housing, food, a stipend, and student loan assistance while serving with nonprofit partners. The priority deadline to apply is March 1, and a virtual info session is available on February 26 at 12 PM (MT). Learn more and apply at www.urbanservantcorps.org.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Urban Servant Corps, help wantedComment
Seeds Monthly: Lent Resources to Deepen Your Faith and Fight Hunger
Seeds Monthly: Lent Resources to Deepen Your Faith and Fight Hunger

New ELCA World Hunger resources for Lent offer ways to deepen faith and take action against hunger through study, prayer, and service. Living Lutheran returns to print with a quarterly edition, and Nuestro Casa para Todos in Puerto Rico opens its doors as a ministry of welcome. Bishop Eaton responds to misinformation, reaffirming the ELCA’s mission. In honor of Black History Month, we highlight the contributions of Black Lutherans in shaping our church. Read more about these stories and more in the latest Seeds Monthly.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Watch & Share: Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2025 Lenten Challenge
Watch & Share: Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2025 Lenten Challenge

Bishop Hutterer has recorded a special invitation video encouraging participation in the 2025 Lenten Challenge! This friendly, faith-deepening challenge connects us in daily spiritual practices while supporting safe drinking water efforts at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Watch the video, share it with your congregation, and join the challenge today! Download options are available on our Vimeo page.

Read More
Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian Flatgard2025 Lent, 2025 Lenten ChallengeComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff attends to daily operations and attends the Installation of Rev. Charles Newman at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe, Feb 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We also share photos from Shane Claiborne at New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson: Addressing Poverty Through Faith and the Ordination and Installation of Wendi Van Beek at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Tucson.

Read More
News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Lutherans Leading the Way: Climate Ambassadors Making an Impact
Lutherans Leading the Way: Climate Ambassadors Making an Impact

Spring brings new opportunities to engage in faith-based climate action! Register for the National Faith + Climate Forum (March 27) to gain practical tools for leading creation care in your congregation. Get free Earth Day resources for your church, and celebrate inspiring leaders during ecoAmerica’s Climate Leadership Awards (April 16). Plus, learn how Lutherans across the country are making a difference in their communities. Read the full Blessed Tomorrow newsletter to take action today.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
Lutherans & Faith Partners Unite for Justice, Housing, and Creation Care
Lutherans & Faith Partners Unite for Justice, Housing, and Creation Care

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter is packed with ways to engage! From key legislative advocacy actions (supporting affordable housing & opposing harmful immigration laws) to interfaith events and spiritual practices, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature event or the Chi’chil Bi dagoteel Oak Flat March/Run. Read more & subscribe here: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
More Questions than Answers: Finding Hope in Advocacy and Faith
More Questions than Answers: Finding Hope in Advocacy and Faith

In a world where the “common good” feels more elusive than ever, how do we navigate the tension between legality and morality, division and unity? Courtney Hall of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California reflects on faith as a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty, especially for those working in advocacy. Instead of placing blame in times of struggle, she encourages us to lean on each other and keep our eyes on the shared values of love, grace, and compassion. Click here to read more in this devotional from the New Year Devotional Series.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Act Now: Lift the Freeze on Lifesaving U.S. Foreign Assistance
Act Now: Lift the Freeze on Lifesaving U.S. Foreign Assistance

A recent funding freeze has halted U.S. foreign aid programs critical to global health, refugee resettlement, and disaster relief—programs already approved by Congress. As Lutherans, we are called to serve our neighbors in need. Contact your congressional representatives today to urge them to restore this lifesaving aid. Take action now: Click here.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Looking for Choir Robes? Community Lutheran in Las Vegas Offers Full Set at a Great Price
Looking for Choir Robes? Community Lutheran in Las Vegas Offers Full Set at a Great Price

Looking for affordable choir robes? Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas is selling 103 purple choir robes with grey trim for just $2,000 (or best offer). This is a great opportunity for any congregation looking to outfit its choir. Contact Dennis Allen at dennis@communitylv.org or 702-458-2241, ext. 103 for details.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClassifieds, Community Las Vegas, Colorado River ConferenceComment
Bringing Safe Water to Rock Point: How You Can Make a Difference This Lent
Bringing Safe Water to Rock Point: How You Can Make a Difference This Lent

This year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge invites us to engage in daily spiritual practices while supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. More than half of Rock Point’s households lack access to safe drinking water, and NELM is working to install a potable water system. Join the challenge by committing to three Lenten practices—daily devotion, diligence, dedication, or donation—to help meet this urgent need. Let’s come together as a synod to deepen our faith and serve our neighbors. Sign up today! www.lentenchallenge.org

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian Flatgard2025 Lent, 2025 Lenten Challenge, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
“Is This Not the Fast I Chose?”: A 2025 Lenten Call to Disrupt Injustice
“Is This Not the Fast I Chose?”: A 2025 Lenten Call to Disrupt Injustice

“Is This Not the Fast I Chose?” (Isaiah 58:6) inspires the 2025 Lenten Series from Sumud and Bethlehem Bible College. Centered on the theme, “Our Christian Call to Disrupt Injustice,” this series invites reflection and action rooted in our faith. Lenten resources will be available in March at Sumud’s webpage: elca.org/sumud.

Read More
ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSumud, 2025 LentComment
Defending Care: Why Lutherans Must Speak Out for Medicaid
Defending Care: Why Lutherans Must Speak Out for Medicaid

Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress could significantly impact low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—many of whom are served by Lutheran ministries. As people of faith, we are called to protect healthcare access for the most vulnerable. The ELCA is mobilizing action through advocacy alerts, a webinar on March 6, and direct outreach to legislators. Now is the time to act—contact your representatives, sign coalition letters, and learn how your congregation can engage. Click here to read more and take action.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Last Call for Lutheran Summer Music 2025: Nominate a Young Musician Today
Last Call for Lutheran Summer Music 2025: Nominate a Young Musician Today

Last Call for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music, the nation’s premier faith-based music academy, is nearly full—but there’s still time to apply or nominate a student. Held at Valparaiso University from June 22 to July 20, LSM provides high school musicians with world-class training, worship opportunities, and a joyful summer of music-making. Don’t miss out—enrollment is over 80% full! Apply now at LSMacademy.org/program.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Lutheran Summer MusicComment
Strengthen Your Ministry Teams with Thriving Leadership Formation’s Spring Workshops
Strengthen Your Ministry Teams with Thriving Leadership Formation’s Spring Workshops

Looking for ways to strengthen your ministry leadership this spring? Thriving Leadership Formation is offering interactive workshops, a team-building Enneagram series, and weekly Lectio Divina sessions to help ministry leaders deepen trust, improve communication, and sustain their mission. With no-cost and low-cost options, these programs are ideal for church teams, councils, and synod staff. Pre-registration is required—sign up today! bit.ly/EventsTLF

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Ordination celebrations: February 21-28, 2025
Ordination celebrations: February 21-28, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, who celebrates 16 years on February 22.

  • Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 28 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Kaila Armbruster, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 11 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 24 years on February 24.

  • Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill, University, Tempe, ASU LCM, Tempe, who celebrates 13 years on February 25.

  • Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 30 years on February 26.

  • Rev. Christopher Heller, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on February 28.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Bishop Eaton: “You Are a Superpower” in Defending the Vulnerable
Bishop Eaton: “You Are a Superpower” in Defending the Vulnerable

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls on Lutherans to take action following an executive order rolling back immigration protections in places of worship, schools, and hospitals. In a video message, she urges congregations to raise their voices and stand with the most vulnerable. While the ELCA cannot be a plaintiff in lawsuits challenging this policy, affected congregations may have legal standing. Watch the full message here and learn how we can respond as church together.

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and Society, Immigration and Refugees Comment