Catch up on all the episodes from Here I Pod, the new podcast from ELCA Advocacy

Listen in to Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy, where we connect faith-based advocacy and current events that matter in our neighborhoods, worship communities, social service and lives. Each episode brings you insights on important advocacy topics and shows you how to get involved. You will hear from ELCA staff who share their knowledge and experience, helping you reflect on today's challenges. We bring together voices of faith-advocates caring for all people and creation. Tune in to learn, act, and be inspired!

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 12, 2025Here I Pod, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Worship Resources Roundup: Summer Events, Training, and Tools for Church Leaders

Looking for ways to deepen your worship life or equip your music and liturgy leaders? Each month, ELCA Worship highlights events and tools from partner organizations across the Lutheran and ecumenical landscape. Opportunities this summer include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (June 22–July 20), the ALCM Conference (Aug. 4–8), and the “Let It Be With Me” liturgy seminar (Aug. 13–15), along with rich resources from Sundays and Seasons, Music That Makes Community, and more. Click here to explore the full May update of events, training, and worship resources from ELCA partners.

ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 12, 2025ELCA worshipComment

Marking the Anniversaries of George Floyd and the Emanuel Nine with Prayer and Reflection

As we approach the 5th anniversary of George Floyd’s murder (May 25) and the 10th anniversary of the Emanuel Nine (June 17), the ELCA offers worship resources to support congregational prayer, remembrance, and action. These include special collects and petitions for use in services on the Sundays nearest each date.

We are invited to remember the lives lost, confess the church’s complicity in racism, and recommit to justice through our worship and witness. Click here to view the full article and download the prayers.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 12, 2025ELCA Worship, Racial JusticeComment

Building Safer Congregations: Creating Your Own Safe Church Policy

Every congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod is encouraged to create written Safe Church guidelines to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults. This blog post outlines who should be on your policy-writing team, what legal and insurance steps to follow, and includes dozens of helpful links, resources, and sample policies from across the ELCA

Register by 5/19/2025 for Synod Assembly 2025 in Las Vegas

Registration continues for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 12–13 in Las Vegas. Voting members, visitors, and exhibitors can register now on our website by May 19. New voting member guidelines are in place, and each congregation can register one youth or young adult for free using code YOUTH2025. Join us as we “Build up the Body” together!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 12, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment

Installation of Rev. Tina Mills

Rev. Tina Mills will be installed Sunday, 5/18/2025, at 3pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus (612 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, AZ 85208). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside.

The color of the day is white. There will be a reception following, and the service will be live-streamed on the church’s website and social media.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 12, 2025Ordinations and Installations, Our Savior's MesaComment

In Memoriam: Deacon Ardie Senft

We pray for the friends and family of Deacon Ardie Senft passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 79. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Ardie served faithfully for over 30 years as a diaconal minister in the ELCA, embodying Christ’s call to serve others through teaching, pastoral care, and community leadership. Memorials may be directed to Arizona Faith Network and Feed My Starving Children.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardMay 12, 2025Comment

Prayers for Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Chandler

We uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Cain and the people of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Chandler, part of the Rio Salado Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardMay 11, 2025Spirit of Joy Gilbert, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

Church Leadership Community Engagement: Transforming Ministry Through Sustainable Outreach Models

In the latest Pivot podcast, host Dwight Zscheile interviews Pastor Ed Doerner from Messiah Lutheran Church about their revolutionary approach to church leadership and community engagement.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2025Pivot Podcast, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

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.

Camp ALOMA Annual Report: 2025

In their 2025 Annual Report, Camp ALOMA, your Lutheran camp and retreat center in Prescott, Arizona, invites youth, families, and congregations to participate in its 2025 summer camps, retreats, and annual events. With sessions running from June 1 to July 18 for campers in grades 1–12, and opportunities for staff and volunteers of all ages, Camp ALOMA continues to offer “places and programs pointing to Christ.” Retreat options are available year-round for groups of all sizes, with affordable rates and welcoming facilities.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2025Camp ALOMA, Outdoor Ministry, 2025 Assembly StoriesComment

Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) Annual Report: 2025

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church has released its final report ahead of the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, outlining 13 recommendations for renewing the ELCA’s purpose, structure, and governance. Pastor Carla Christopher and Leon Schwartz have shared a presentation for our synod assembly, highlighting key calls to action on dismantling racism, increasing accountability, empowering lay leadership, and continuing the work through new task forces. View the full report as a PDF or as images in our blog post.

Grand Canyon Synod Coaching Ministry Annual Report: 2025

Coaching is a transformative ministry resource available to rostered and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether you’re navigating a call transition, facing burnout, leading a congregation, or exploring spiritual growth, trained ELCA coaches—including several right here in our synod—are ready to walk with you. In 2024, GCS coaches logged 153 hours across 39 clients, and we’re aiming to double that in 2025.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2025Coaching, Grand Canyon Synod Coaching MinistryComment

Rev. David Pavesic, Director For Evangelical Mission, Annual Report: 2025

Rev. David Pavesic shares reflections from his first year as Director for Evangelical Mission in the Grand Canyon Synod. From site visits and preaching engagements to supporting new ministry efforts like “Fresh Expressions” and joining the “Pray Without Ceasing” initiative, his journey has been one of deep learning and faithful connection. Read his full update on how congregations across our synod are building community, exploring collaborative ministry, and taking the gospel beyond church walls.

Synod Vice President Barbara Carl Annual Report: 2025

Grand Canyon Synod Vice President Barbara Carl shares reflections on her four years of service as she prepares to complete her term on August 31, 2025. In this annual report, she highlights the Synod Council’s ongoing work to support congregational vitality, improve communication across the synod, expand Spanish-language resources, and train the first cohort of Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAMs). With gratitude for the journey and hope for what lies ahead, she offers prayers for the next Vice President and Council.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 9, 20252025 Assembly StoriesComment

Northeast Valley Consortium Annual Report: 2025

We share the video annual report from Northeast Valley Consortium as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2025Lutheran World FederationComment

Pastoral Letter from Bishop Eaton on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a pastoral letter marking the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born and first Augustinian pope. She calls on Lutherans to join in prayer and continued dialogue, embracing our shared theological roots and our mutual calling to be bridge-builders in a world longing for peace and unity. Click here to read the full pastoral letter.

Last Call for Young Artists—Submit by May 9 to Be Featured at Assembly

Youth artwork for the 2025 Synod Assembly is due by Friday, May 9! Children and youth across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to submit drawings, paintings, or digital art inspired by the theme “Build Up the Body.” All submissions will be displayed at the Assembly and featured online, with 25 pieces printed as postcards. Every participant will be entered into a drawing for art supplies. Submit at gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/art.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 8, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment

Why Lutherans Care About Workers’ Rights—Past and Present

How does our Lutheran faith inform our understanding of work, justice, and human dignity? From the Haymarket strikes to today’s threats to workplace protections, Christians have long stood with laborers seeking fair treatment. Lutheran theology, rooted in Martin Luther’s expansive view of vocation, calls us to honor all forms of work and support the rights of workers—then and now. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 8, 2025ELCA AdvocacyComment

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