Faith Lens: What is Watered, Will Grow
Faith Lens: What is Watered, Will Grow

In this week's Faith Lens, Kelsey Green from Baltimore, MD, offers reflections for Easter Sunday amidst the tiredness and worry of the world's current state. She explores the assurance that nothing is too big for God, drawing from Paul's words to the Corinthians about the cross's power. The discussion centers around personal powerlessness, the need for reminders that death does not win, and the joy of resurrection as seen through the women at the tomb in Mark's Gospel. This post encourages readers to find joy, share the good news, and support those in grief with the message that death does not have the last word.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
Last chance before Festival of Homiletics prices increase
Last chance before Festival of Homiletics prices increase

This is your last chance to purchase Festival access before our prices increase! May 13-16, 2024, Pittsburgh, PA or Digitally from Anywhere. Registration costs will rise after April 2nd, and we don't want you to miss this opportunity to save. Will you join us at the Festival? Learn More & Register.

We look forward to this week of preaching, worship, and communal replenishment every single year. This May we'll be hearing from the likes of Otis Moss III, Pádraig Ó Tuama, and Emilie M. Townes; enjoying Beer & Hymns with the Fleshpots of Egypt; and pausing & reflecting with Taize prayer, yoga, and more. All in the innovative and energetic city of Pittsburgh!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFestival of HomileticsComment
Join the Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Team
Join the Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Team

The Faith and Community Engagement Manager will work as part of the Fund Development Team to advance the mission of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) with donors, volunteers, congregations, and other partners throughout the Phoenix metro area. The ideal candidate is a natural networker who enjoys making connections between people and building community. Get more info and apply here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Help Wanted Comment
The Great Vigil of Easter at Faith/La Fe in Phoenix
The Great Vigil of Easter at Faith/La Fe in Phoenix

You are invited to join Faith/La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church (801 East Camelback in Phoenix) for The Great Vigil of Easter at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

Gathering in the courtyard after sunset, the new fire will be lit and our new Paschal Candle will be blessed. If you've never experienced an Easter Vigil or it's been awhile, the richness of this liturgy one to attend. All are welcome!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Holy Week, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Sea of Galilee meets Silicon Valley: Artificial Intelligence, Faith Communities and Faith
Sea of Galilee meets Silicon Valley: Artificial Intelligence, Faith Communities and Faith

Join the Cactus Conference Women’s Gathering to explore the nexus of Artificial Intelligence and faith. Engage with Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications with the Grand Canyon Synod, to discern how emerging technologies are shaping our spiritual communities and personal beliefs.

“Sea of Galilee meets Silicon Valley: Artificial Intelligence, Faith Communities and Faith” will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 8:30 am – 2:15 pm, at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona. View a PDF for info and registration here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCactus Conference Comments
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For victims of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore, MD and for emergency personnel, government agencies, and all organizations offering services and support

  • For the family and loved ones of the Moscow Concert Hall attack in Russia…

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…

  • For aid and food to successfully enter Gaza, along with a permanent ceasefire…

  • For the thoughtful and compassionate discernment of our courts…

  • For resurrection hope this Holy Week as we move toward Easter…

  • For the eradication of racism and hate crimes; may we learn to celebrate one another…

  • For new immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the United States…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Confronting Loneliness Through Faith: A Special Seminar in Scottsdale
Confronting Loneliness Through Faith: A Special Seminar in Scottsdale

Address loneliness within your community and faith at the 'Loneliness and Christianity' seminar on April 13, 2024, 1-4 pm, at Living Water Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, AZ. Explore Christian responses to loneliness with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes. Register by April 5 for an afternoon of learning and connection, with both in-person and virtual options available. View and share this PDF for more info.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardNortheast Valley Consoritum, Northeast Valley Conference, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Week 6: Journey to the Cross, with Rev. Rodny Said
Week 6: Journey to the Cross, with Rev. Rodny Said

Week 6 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is Journey to the Cross, with Rev. Rodny Said.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at ELCA.org/sumud.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, 2024 LentComment
Bishop Eaton's Easter 2024 message
Bishop Eaton's Easter 2024 message

In her Easter message to the church, Bishop Eaton focuses on three words that describe what the women at tomb experienced when the angel announced that Jesus had been raised from the dead: fear, amazement and being seized or possessed.

“These three words really say something about the women, and I think about us and, most especially, about Easter…I think it's very important to take time to be a little amazed, to be standing in a different place, to have a sense of this awe and trembling before the Lord, and to allow ourselves to be possessed by the Spirit, who will give us power and courage in these times.”

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, 2024 Holy WeekComment
Seeds Monthly: March 2024
Seeds Monthly: March 2024

The ELCA commemorates 50 years of dedicated service through ELCA World Hunger, introduces a new initiative for justice in Palestine and Israel named Sumud, celebrates the recognition of Lutheran Eagle Scout Samuel L. Jones after 60 years, and highlights important updates including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, registration reminders for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, and insights into Lutheran-Catholic dialogues in "Seeds Monthly" March 2024.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
April Adventures Await: West Valley Young Adults Expand Their Reach
April Adventures Await: West Valley Young Adults Expand Their Reach

April marks a milestone for West Valley Young Adults, with 11 diverse events planned across new areas of the valley. This expansion aims to attract members from near the ASU West Campus, Surprise, and Arrowhead, fostering a larger, more vibrant community. Join us in this exciting venture to connect and grow together.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, West Valley Young AdultsComment
Rev. Aimée Appell: Embracing Active Love to Combat Racial Injustice
Rev. Aimée Appell: Embracing Active Love to Combat Racial Injustice

Reflect on the insights shared by Rev. Aimée Appell on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as she discusses the vital work of the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice. Appell highlights the transformative power of action-love observed at the George Floyd Global Square and emphasizes the importance of standing in solidarity with marginalized communities. Through personal experiences and scriptural wisdom, she inspires us to embody God's active love in our efforts to dismantle racism and white supremacy.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
ELCA Advocacy March Update: Budget Wins and Housing Initiatives
ELCA Advocacy March Update: Budget Wins and Housing Initiatives

Explore the ELCA Advocacy's March 2024 updates on pressing legislative matters, including the Federal Budget's impact on hunger and housing, the progress of the Yes In God's Back Yard Act for affordable housing, and the efforts towards wildlife conservation and Uyghur human rights. Discover the ELCA's call for ceasefire and support for UNRWA funding, along with its solidarity with Annunciation House, reflecting its commitment to peace, human rights, and support for the vulnerable.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Celebrate Earth Month with Blessed Tomorrow: From Forums to Leadership Awards
Celebrate Earth Month with Blessed Tomorrow: From Forums to Leadership Awards

Read Blessed Tomorrow's April 2024 newsletter for a comprehensive look at engaging climate action events and initiatives. From celebrating the American Climate Leadership Awards to participating in the National Faith + Climate Forum, this newsletter invites you to contribute to meaningful climate advocacy and resilience efforts. Learn from leaders, join impactful webinars, and take action during Earth Month with Blessed Tomorrow.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Join AFN for a Week of Spirituality and Social Advocacy: From Meditation to Election Protection
Join AFN for a Week of Spirituality and Social Advocacy: From Meditation to Election Protection

Stay connected with the Arizona Faith Network through their latest newsletter. From meditations and educational webinars on American Christian Nationalism to initiatives for hunger and housing advocacy, as well as a significant focus on faith in elections and environmental care, there's a diverse range of opportunities to deepen your faith and contribute to the community. Strengthen your civic infrastructure, support IRC Phoenix Welcome Center, and participate in creating a just and compassionate world.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network Comments
Uncover Ancient Wisdom for Today's Church in 'The Ever-Expanding Church' Course
Uncover Ancient Wisdom for Today's Church in 'The Ever-Expanding Church' Course

From faith+lead, "The Book of Acts: The Ever-Expanding Church" online course rediscovers the early church's vitality and its relevance to our lives today. Through engaging discussions and creative illustrations, participants will explore the Holy Spirit's power, learn to embody Scripture in daily life, and envision a church that continuously expands and embraces diversity, just like the early Christians did.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, faith+leadComment