Lutheran Synods Join Lawsuit Defending Sacred Spaces from Immigration Raids

Several ELCA synods, including our siblings in the New England, Greater Milwaukee, Southwest California, Southwestern Texas, and Sierra Pacific Synods, have joined other faith organizations in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The case challenges a Trump-Vance administration policy that permits ICE raids at or near houses of worship—practices that plaintiffs argue violate religious freedom and harm congregational life.

The lawsuit, filed by Democracy Forward and partner organizations, highlights disturbing incidents of ICE activity during worship, preschool pickup, and pastoral preaching. The plaintiffs seek immediate relief to halt these actions nationwide. Click here to read the full story and view the complaint.

Region 2Brian FlatgardAugust 6, 2025Church and Society, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Grow in Faith and Leadership This Fall with Thriving Leadership Formation

New fall programming from Thriving Leadership Formation invites you into deeper connection and growth—with free and low-cost online offerings for church leaders, ministry teams, and spiritual seekers. From weekly Lectio Divina and monthly spiritual practice gatherings to a new Enneagram panel series and team-building workshops, there’s something for everyone this season. Read the full newsletter →

Leadership Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardAugust 1, 2025Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes Named Rector of PLTS

The Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, a featured guest at our 2024 Synod Assembly, has been named Rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. A respected leader in Lutheran higher education and longtime faculty member at California Lutheran University, Dr. Windham-Hughes brings deep theological insight and visionary leadership to this new role. Join us in celebrating and supporting her as she helps shape the next generation of leaders in the ELCA.

Book Study Amplifies Voices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Join Region 2 Lutherans on June 5 at 6:30 p.m. MST for a powerful book study on Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon. Hosted by Women of the ELCA, this conversation will focus on how we as church can accompany Indigenous communities and respond to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIW). Register now and be part of this faith-rooted call to action.

Cal Lutheran Names Dr. John A. Nunes as Ninth President

Dr. John A. Nunes has been named the ninth president of California Lutheran University, officially stepping into the role on June 1, 2025. A respected Lutheran scholar, former nonprofit CEO, and interim president since 2024, Nunes brings visionary leadership rooted in faith to guide Cal Lutheran in a challenging time for higher education.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 20, 2025California Lutheran UniversityComment

California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Annual Report: 2025

We share the video annual report from California Lutheran University (CLU) and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

Childcare Offered at Synod Assembly, Thanks to PLTS and CLU

Childcare will be provided at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University. This initiative helps make the assembly more accessible for families and reflects our shared Lutheran commitment to hospitality and inclusion.

Assembly 2025 video: Outreach Food Pantry Program at Christ Evangelical in Goodyear

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, AZ shares a video for their Outreach Food Pantry program. The CELC Outreach food pantry has been in existence since 2003 and continues to grow and serve the Goodyear (and surrounding) communities. We are a formal partner agency of St. Mary's Food Bank that provides food to over 65 households weekly.

Diakonia Annual Report: 2025

Diakonia shares their annual report for 2025, view here as a PDF.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardApril 23, 20252025 Assembly Stories, DiakoniaComment

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.

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.

Portico Annual Video: 2025

We’re a faith-based organization deeply rooted in our mission of serving those who serve. Watch our story to learn more: Benefits That Align with Church Values.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardApril 16, 20252025 Assembly Stories, PorticoComment

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.

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.

Now Hiring: ELCA Rostered Leader Called to Serve as Rector of PLTS

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is hiring a new Rector to lead its Berkeley-based seminary community. ELCA rostered ministers with at least seven years of leadership experience are encouraged to apply by April 24, 2025, for this full-time role beginning June 1. The Rector will guide theological education and public witness in the ELCA, steward seminary partnerships, and serve as a key representative of PLTS and California Lutheran University. Apply now.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 8, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Help WantedComment

Thriving Leadership Annual Report: 2025

Thriving Leadership Formation shares their annual report for 2025, view here as a PDF.

When the Well Runs Dry: Thriving in the Midst of Ministry Exhaustion

Many ministry leaders today are experiencing profound exhaustion—and you’re not imagining it. In this March update from Thriving Leadership Formation, Director Desta Goehner invites us to reimagine ministry as an ecosystem that requires care, connection, and rest. Explore upcoming Enneagram workshops, join a crisis communications webinar, and discover how to build stronger ministry teams with real tools and real support. Read the full newsletter here.

Region 2, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 3, 2025Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

“Teaching Certainty”: Dr. Marcela K. Perett Offers Fresh Insight on Luther’s Catechesis

Join PLTS on Wednesday, April 9 at 10 AM (Pacific) for the 2025 Luther Lecture featuring Dr. Marcela K. Perett. Her lecture, “Teaching Certainty,” offers a fresh perspective on Martin Luther’s early catechisms and how they helped believers move from despair to confidence in God’s forgiveness. Available via Zoom or in person. Register here.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Lenten Challenge: Explore Water, Hunger, and Faith with Region 2

This Lent, the five synods of Region 2 invite you to join the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, inspired by Isaiah 58:11, to reflect on the intersection of hunger and water. Through prayer, action, and learning, we explore Lutheran Disaster Response efforts, the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, and the 70-year ministry of Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Click here to explore water-themed activity ideas and learn how you can participate.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardMarch 12, 20252025 Lent, 2025 Lenten ChallengeComment

Faith, Ethics, and Dying Well: Join the 2025 Mohrenweiser Lecture

How do we provide faithful and ethical care for those at life’s end? The Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS)invites you to the 2025 Mohrenweiser Lecture: “Ethics and Spiritual Care at the End of Life” on Thursday, March 20, at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). Join experts in chaplaincy, medicine, and interfaith ministry as they explore how faith leaders and caregivers accompany the dying with dignity and grace. Attend in person in Berkeley, CA, or via Zoom. Register here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 10, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

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