The Nicene Creed at 1,700: Why It Still Shapes Our Faith Today
The Nicene Creed at 1,700: Why It Still Shapes Our Faith Today

This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a historic gathering that shaped Christian theology and gave us the Nicene Creed. As Lutherans, this is an opportunity to reflect on the creed’s lasting significance in our faith and worship. What does it mean to confess the Nicene Creed today? How does it continue to unite (and sometimes divide) Christians across denominations? Join the conversation as we explore the history, theology, and impact of this pivotal moment in the life of the church. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Restoring Faith: How an Alaska Congregation Rebuilt Without a Pastor
Restoring Faith: How an Alaska Congregation Rebuilt Without a Pastor

When faced with over $1 million in building repairs and no settled pastor, First Lutheran Church in Ketchikan, Alaska, could have crumbled. Instead, through strong lay leadership, deep theological reflection, and an unwavering commitment to mission, the congregation found renewal. Awarded a $175,000 Sacred Places grant and strengthened by support from Lutheran Disaster Response, First Lutheran has not only restored its historic church but also revitalized its faith community. Now, as they prepare to call a new pastor and celebrate their 100th anniversary, their story is one of faith, perseverance, and God’s guiding love. Click here to read more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Breaking the Stigma: Pastoring with a Dual Diagnosis – Free Webinar on March 26
Breaking the Stigma: Pastoring with a Dual Diagnosis – Free Webinar on March 26

How can clergy navigate mental health challenges while serving in ministry? Join Rev. Seth Perry for a free one-hour webinar on March 26, 2025 (12:00-1:00 PM CT), as he shares his journey of pastoring with a dual diagnosis. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, this conversation will address stigma, strengths, and faith-filled recovery. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
March 2025 Mission Support Memo: Partners in Relationship
March 2025 Mission Support Memo: Partners in Relationship

The March 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA Mission Support connects us as partners in relationship. Hear about how the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin welcomed lay and rostered leaders across the synod to the Grove, providing a beautiful space to wonder, learn, connect, collaborate, and explore how vital ministry can happen in the name of Christ.

This memo also asks to connect with you to get your important feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together. We are so grateful to be in partners in relationship across our ELCA synods and congregations. 

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardMission Support, Stewardship, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
March 2025 Administration Matters Highlights
March 2025 Administration Matters Highlights

The March 2025 issue of Administration Matters covers key updates for ELCA leaders, including the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, new clergy tax guides, insurance trends, and best practices for church administration. Learn about managing employee time, navigating clergy tax status, and strengthening your church’s digital presence. Read the full update here: ELCA Administration Matters – March 2025.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Navigating the Digital World: A Faith-Based Approach to Safety and Ministry
Navigating the Digital World: A Faith-Based Approach to Safety and Ministry

Join the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on March 25, 2025, for This Isn’t Kansas, Toto: Living in the New Digital World, a special Zoom session with Dr. Patricia Fosarelli, MD, DMin. Explore how to navigate online misinformation, protect vulnerable individuals, and apply digital tools to ministry. Open to all, including non-nurses. Earn 2.0 nursing contact hours. View a PDF flyer here. Register now: LFCNA Event Page.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 3/25/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Love Your Neighbor: A Workshop on Building Community Collaboration
Love Your Neighbor: A Workshop on Building Community Collaboration

How can your congregation collaborate with local organizations to make a lasting impact? Neighbors Together: Partners for Innovation is a free, two-part workshop designed to guide churches through the process of forming community partnerships. Learn how to identify potential partners, start meaningful conversations, and launch a neighborhood project that benefits all. Sessions are on March 25 and April 1, 2025 (choose 10 AM or 4 PM Pacific Time). Register today at www.livingtheresurrection.com.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Cancellation Notice: No Cactus Conference Spring Gathering This Year
Cancellation Notice: No Cactus Conference Spring Gathering This Year

The Women of the Cactus Conference Spring Gathering, scheduled for March 22 at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church in Yuma, AZ, has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will not be gathering this year, we are grateful for the work of event organizers and encourage continued support for Hunter’s Army, the intended outreach recipient. Please reach out to conference leadership with any questions.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), Cactus ConferenceComment
Caring for Creation: Engage with the National Faith + Climate Forum
Caring for Creation: Engage with the National Faith + Climate Forum

Faith calls us to care for creation—join the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 on March 27 to learn, connect, and take action. Attend in person at a host site near you or online from anywhere. Find a location, consider hosting a group, or join the live stream. Register today and be part of the movement to lead on climate action with hope and faith! Sign up now.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Historic Theo Moorman Woven Banners Available for Congregations
Historic Theo Moorman Woven Banners Available for Congregations

Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa is offering woven liturgical banners created by renowned textile artist Theo Moorman (1907–1990) to congregations in need. Moorman, known for her sacred commissions and influential weaving techniques, left a legacy of beauty and faith through her work. If your church would like to receive one of these banners, contact darlene@loclc.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLove of Christ Mesa, ClassifiedsComment
Walking Through Lent with Creation: Hope Amidst the Shadows
Walking Through Lent with Creation: Hope Amidst the Shadows

Lent reminds us that even in the valley, God walks with us into new life. On March 18, join March Good Green News for reflection, resources, and encouragement for faithful creation care. Have a story about your church using Clean Energy Tax Credits? ELCA Advocacy needs your input to help protect these vital incentives. Plus, don’t miss the National Faith + Climate Forum (March 27), the EcoFaith Summit (April 5), and our Earth Day Connections Call (April 22).Finally, March 31 is the last day to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Lutherans Restoring Creation—don’t miss this opportunity to support environmental faith initiatives! Read more here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
Interfaith Engagement & Justice: Upcoming Events You Can Join
Interfaith Engagement & Justice: Upcoming Events You Can Join

This March, take action on immigration justice, democracy, public lands, and Indigenous rights through upcoming events hosted by the Arizona Faith Network. Attend a Know Your Rights training (March 12), learn about religious nationalism’s impact on democracy (March 26), stand up for public lands (March 27), and participate in a truth-telling exercise on Native history (March 29). Learn more and register in the latest AFN Newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment