Posts in News
Ordination celebrations: August 2-12, 2025
Ordination celebrations: August 2-12, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Sharon Brown, who celebrates 12 years on August 2.

  • Rev. Thomas McFarland, who celebrates 39 years on August 3.

  • Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 36 years on August 6.

  • Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 32 years on August 8.

  • Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 58 years on August 9.

  • Rev. Wyatt Linde, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 2 years on August 9.

  • Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 49 years on August 10.

  • Rev. Paul Campbell, who celebrates 46 years on August 12.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Shauna Hannan Named President of LSTC, Begins New Chapter of Leadership
Shauna Hannan Named President of LSTC, Begins New Chapter of Leadership

Shauna Hannan has been named president of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), effective July 1. With a background in pastoral ministry, homiletics, and theological education, Hannan brings deep experience and a bold vision for equipping leaders in a changing church and world. She describes LSTC’s commitment to justice, peace, and care for creation as “more vital now than ever.”

Hannan looks forward to building on the seminary’s legacy alongside LSTC’s community to ensure long-term sustainability and joyful service to God’s beloved world. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Luther School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC)Comment
Spirit in the Desert Prepares for a Season of Renewal
Spirit in the Desert Prepares for a Season of Renewal

Spirit in the Desert shares campus updates, fall retreat previews, and spiritual resources in their August 2025 newsletter. From facility improvements and heartfelt summer reflections to new retreats and ongoing prayer offerings, Spirit invites you to rest, reflect, and reconnect. Read the full newsletter here: Spirit August 2025 Newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Register Now: Bishop’s Fall Gathering Deadline is September 5, 2025
Register Now: Bishop’s Fall Gathering Deadline is September 5, 2025

Join us Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering: Life Together—Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Rostered ministers and SAMs will reflect on Bonhoeffer’s Life Together alongside biblical texts with Wartburg Seminary guests Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka. Meals and lodging included; commuter options available. Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 5.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
From Scarcity to Abundance: Discovering the Gifts Your Church Already Has
From Scarcity to Abundance: Discovering the Gifts Your Church Already Has

Feeling like your church doesn’t have enough? Join a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Central (4 p.m. AZ)to discover the hidden resources your congregation already holds. Learn from the Kaleidoscope Institute how currencies of relationship, truth, and more can help us move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. No registration required—just click to join.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix
Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix

Jazz with a purpose! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Sunday, August 10 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman and Kimberly Weston. This free concert supports the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Refreshments follow, and the series continues September 14—guest artist to be announced.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
New Leadership, Global Witness, and Bold Resolutions Mark CWA Day Three
New Leadership, Global Witness, and Bold Resolutions Mark CWA Day Three

Yehiel Curry, bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, was elected as the ELCA’s new presiding bishop on the fifth ballot. The day also featured powerful preaching from the Holy Land, approval of the 2026–2028 churchwide budget, and the adoption of a significant memorial calling for an end to the occupation of Palestine. In a spirit of ecumenical solidarity and prophetic voice, the assembly celebrated partnerships, affirmed resilience, and looked ahead with courage and grace. Click here to read the full Day Three recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
From Doctrine to Diversity: Big Conversations on CWA Day Two
From Doctrine to Diversity: Big Conversations on CWA Day Two

On day two of the Churchwide Assembly, seven nominees advanced in the election for presiding bishop, with a third ballot and Q&A set for day three. Voting members wore red to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The day featured updates on repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery, the introduction of key social statements on civic life and human sexuality, and fiscal reports that revealed a stable budget outlook. Ecumenical partners and college leaders also offered greetings and updates. Click here to read the full Day Two recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
CWA Day 1: Churchwide Assembly Opens in Phoenix with Eucharist and First Ballot
CWA Day 1: Churchwide Assembly Opens in Phoenix with Eucharist and First Ballot

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly officially opened in Phoenix on July 28 with a powerful worship service of Holy Communion and the first plenary session. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached on the eucharist as an act of resistance in a divided world. Voting members cast the first ballot for presiding bishop—no election yet. Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer offered greetings as the host synod. The day closed with an introduction to Friday’s litany of confession and repentance for patriarchy and sexism. Click here to read the full Day One recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry

Bishop Yehiel Curry has been elected the fifth presiding bishop of the ELCA, marking a historic first as the denomination’s first bishop of African descent. A former teacher and social worker turned pastor and synod bishop, Curry brings a deep passion for lay leadership, community-rooted ministry, and faithful embodiment of the church’s call. His story is one of discernment, hope, and gratitude for the church’s investment in emerging leaders. Curry will be installed October 4 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Click here to read the full story on Living Lutheran.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly Comment
‘Thank You for Your Investment’: Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
‘Thank You for Your Investment’: Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA

The Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected July 30 as presiding bishop of the ELCA during the Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Elected on the fifth ballot with 562 votes, Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop in the ELCA’s history. He currently serves as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and brings a deep history of mission development and theological formation to this new call. Read more in the ELCA’s press release.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection
Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection

Explore a variety of free ELCA Coaching events this August, including gatherings on healing, truth-telling, and faith practice. Upcoming highlights include “Creating Beloved Community” sessions each Wednesday and “Decolonizing Worship” on August 29. Registration is also open for coaching trainings beginning in August and September. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
A Sacred Space for Rostered Leaders: Join Us This Fall at the Franciscan Renewal Center
A Sacred Space for Rostered Leaders: Join Us This Fall at the Franciscan Renewal Center

Gather with fellow rostered leaders at the Franciscan Renewal Center, September 29–October 1, for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Under the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, we’ll explore Bonhoeffer’s vision of community with theologians from Wartburg Seminary, enjoy meaningful worship, and share in meals and fellowship. Space is limited—register by September 5.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
When Pastoral Call Meets Personnel Challenges: New Training Starts Soon
When Pastoral Call Meets Personnel Challenges: New Training Starts Soon

Stepping Up to Supervision is a practical, faith-based leadership training designed to help ministry leaders supervise with clarity and care, while staying rooted in their pastoral identity. Led by author and coach Rev. Susan Beaumont, this live online training runs August 5–19 and includes 9 contact hours, a comprehensive workbook, and year-long access to all materials. Scholarships available.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+leadComment