Faith Lens: Peace with a Purpose
Faith Lens: Peace with a Purpose

In the wake of violence and despair, Jesus’ first words to his disciples after the resurrection were words of peace—spoken not once, but three times. This week’s reflection from Faith Lens invites us to shift our gaze from Doubting Thomas to the mission Jesus gives: to be sent, empowered by the Spirit, and grounded in a peace that brings life abundant. As global conflict continues and hope feels scarce, the resurrection reminds us that peace is not only possible—it is purposeful. Discover how Christ’s peace sends us into a broken world as agents of hope.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
Remembering the Climate Pope: A Call to Pray and Act
Remembering the Climate Pope: A Call to Pray and Act

In a moving reflection, Rev. Carol Devine recounts her encounters with Pope Francis—from the White House lawn to Pentecost Mass in Rome—and his profound impact as a global moral leader on creation care. Though not Catholic, Devine highlights how Pope Francis, through the spirit of St. Francis, inspired interfaith climate action and compassion for the Earth and its most vulnerable. We’re invited to honor his legacy through prayer and renewed action to care for our common home. Click here to read the full tribute and call to action.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Climate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Faith and Freedom: The Urgent Case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia
Faith and Freedom: The Urgent Case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia

In a special episode of the Respecting Religion podcast, faith leaders speak out on the urgent and unfolding case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador. The conversation, featuring Melissa Rogers, highlights profound concerns about due process, justice, and the rule of law—issues that deeply affect all who call this country home. Click here to listen and learn more about this critical moment for people of faith.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChristians Against Christian Nationalism, Christian NationalismComment
Tell Your Story: Help Us “Build Up the Body” for Synod Assembly 2025
Tell Your Story: Help Us “Build Up the Body” for Synod Assembly 2025

Help us celebrate how God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod! As we prepare for the 2025 Synod Assembly, we’re collecting stories from congregations and ministries that reflect this year’s theme: Build Up the Body (Ephesians 4:12–13). Submit your story—written, photo, video, or audio—by May 9, 2025 to be featured during the assembly and in synod communications. Full details at gcsynod.org/assembly.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Synod AssemblyComment
Brian Flatgard Annual Report: 2025
Brian Flatgard Annual Report: 2025

Director of Communications Brian Flatgard reflects on a year of connecting, sharing, and strengthening the synod through digital ministry. With over 84,000 website visits, nearly 1,700 newsletter subscribers, and 1,600+ blog posts in 2024, our communications ministry continues to support congregations and amplify the work of the wider church. Read the full report to learn about new initiatives for 2025 and how we’re building up the Body together.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOffice of the Bishop, 2025 Assembly StoriesComment
Resurrection Rest: A Holy Week Exhale for Church Leaders
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Lead Campfire Worship with Confidence: Join Camp ALOMA’s Music Weekend
Lead Campfire Worship with Confidence: Join Camp ALOMA’s Music Weekend

Want to lead worship with a guitar around the campfire? Join Camp ALOMA in Prescott, April 25–27, for a weekend retreat focused on learning how to lead and support campfire worship. Designed for guitar players with basic chord skills, the $110 weekend includes lodging, meals, and musical leadership training grounded in Lutheran faith. Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardOutdoor Ministry, Camp ALOMAComment
Faith & Neuroscience: A New Approach to Addiction Recovery
Faith & Neuroscience: A New Approach to Addiction Recovery

Explore the intersection of neuroscience, faith, and addiction recovery in a free webinar on April 30 featuring Dr. Jeffrey Leighton and Jeff Jensen. Discover how prayer, neurofeedback, and hospitality-driven care can help regulate brain activity, relieve anxiety, reduce cravings, and restore hope. Open to clergy, counselors, and all affected by addiction.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Free Webinar: Build a Crisis Communication Plan for Your Congregation
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.

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Region 2, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
80 Years Later: A Powerful Interfaith Commemoration of the Holocaust
80 Years Later: A Powerful Interfaith Commemoration of the Holocaust

Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association and the Phoenix Symphony for the 2025 Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Commemoration on Sunday, April 27 at Phoenix Symphony Hall. This year’s program marks 80 years since the end of WWII and features a 5:00 PM memorial program with survivor testimonies, music, and prayers. Prior to the commemoration, a Phoenix Symphony concert begins at 2:00 PM. The memorial is free but requires registration at PHXHA.com/remembrance. View PDF flyer here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Ordination celebrations: April 25 – May 1, 2025
Ordination celebrations: April 25 – May 1, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Stephen J. Hammer, who celebrates 43 years on April 25.

  • Rev. Debra Slifer, who celebrates 38 years on April 25.

  • Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel, Christ the Servant, Henderson, who celebrates 38 years on April 26.

  • Rev. David Drach-Meinel, who celebrates 38 years on April 26.

  • Rev. Kevin Meyer, LSS-SW, Phoenix, Covenant, Quartzsite, who celebrates 30 years on April 30.

  • Deacon Sally Almen, who celebrates 38 years on April 30.

  • Rev. Melissa Harr, who celebrates 14 years on May 1.

  • Deacon Don Burgess, who celebrates 20 years on May 1.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Hit the Greens, Support the Mission: MVLC’s Golf Fundraiser at Bear Creek
Hit the Greens, Support the Mission: MVLC’s Golf Fundraiser at Bear Creek

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bear Creek Golf Course in Chandler for a 50th Anniversary Golf Fundraiser supporting MVLC’s Mission & Outreach! Registration is $145 per player and includes golf, a banquet, contests, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. View a PDF flyer here. Sign up today at MVLC’s event page!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
2025 Assembly Resolutions Due April 28—Here’s What You Need to Know
2025 Assembly Resolutions Due April 28—Here’s What You Need to Know

Resolutions for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are due by the close of business on Monday, April 28, 2025. All submissions must follow synod and ELCA guidelines and be sent as editable files to Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org. The Reference and Counsel Committee will review all resolutions for procedural compliance and publish its report—including submitted resolutions and recommendations—by May 23. Visit gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/resolutions for full instructions.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Synod AssemblyComment
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, 4/29/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Save the Date for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis
Save the Date for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis

Rostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration opens May 1 and space is limited to 25 participants.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment