POSITION FILLED: Music Ministry Leader at Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson
POSITION FILLED: Music Ministry Leader at Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson

Lutheran Church of the Foothills (LCF) is seeking a talented and passionate Part Time Music Ministry Leader to guide and inspire our music ministries. This key role helps shape the musical life of our worship, engaging the congregation through a variety of musical styles, and works closely with clergy and music leaders. 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate musical excellence, creativity, and a strong understanding of Evangelical Lutheran worship liturgy and hymnody. They will also have the ability to lead and collaborate with a team of volunteer musicians who offer their gifts in worship through singing and instrumental accompaniment.  Those interested can reach out to pastor@lcftucson.org for the full job description (here as PDF as well) and information for how to apply. 

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Kino Conference, Lutheran Church of the Foothills TucsonComment
Jesus, Church, and Me: Our Youngest Voices Speak Through Art
Jesus, Church, and Me: Our Youngest Voices Speak Through Art

We’re excited to debut the first entries from our synod-wide children’s art project, Jesus, Church, and Me! Beginning with the joyful art of our youngest children (ages 3–5), we’ll be sharing new batches leading up to the 2025 Synod Assembly. These creative expressions will also be featured as postcards and slideshow displays during the assembly in Las Vegas.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Assembly Stories, 2025 Assembly Art, Youth and Young Adult, 2025 Synod AssemblyComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

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

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Durban, South Africa; Mexico City, Mexico…

  • For victims of the bombing of the Palm Springs, CA fertility clinic…

  • For relief and recovery efforts following severe storms in the midwestern and eastern United States…

  • For all who grieve a loved one on Memorial Day, and for those who serve in the armed forces…

  • For graduating students and for all whose academic years are drawing to a close…
    For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Facing Hate with Courage: Arizona Faith Leaders Speak Out
Facing Hate with Courage: Arizona Faith Leaders Speak Out

Antisemitic and hate incidents are on the rise across Arizona and the nation. In an interview with KJZZ’s The Show, Rev. Katie Sexton of the Arizona Faith Network and Rabbi Andy Green of Congregation Or Tzion discuss how faith communities are responding. From defining hate and confronting conspiracy theories to organizing rapid response networks and naming hope in struggle, this candid conversation highlights both the danger of rising intolerance and the strength found in shared action. Click here to read the full article and listen to the interview.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
“Here I Pod” Amplifies Voices on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
“Here I Pod” Amplifies Voices on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The latest Here I Pod episode from ELCA Advocacy addresses the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), featuring a powerful conversation with ELCA Indigenous Ministries leaders. Vance Blackfox, Justice Nichols, and Brenda Blackhawk reflect on the church’s call to justice, truth, and healing. Timed with MMIW Awareness Day on May 5, this episode explores the intersections of advocacy, climate justice, media representation, and the ELCA’s ongoing Truth & Healing Movement. Click here to listen or learn more.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Here I Pod, ELCA AdvocacyComment
From Cooling Stations to Climate Justice: How You Can Help This Season
From Cooling Stations to Climate Justice: How You Can Help This Season

Triple-digit temperatures have returned—and Arizona Faith Network is leading the charge to protect our most vulnerable neighbors through cooling stations, interfaith bag-packing events, and summer service opportunities. Learn how you can help, register for upcoming Zoom events, and explore opportunities to live out your faith in action this season. Read the full AFN newsletter here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Join ELCA Leaders in Minneapolis for a Liturgical Deep Dive
Join ELCA Leaders in Minneapolis for a Liturgical Deep Dive

Join Lutheran pastors, deacons, musicians, and scholars August 13–15 in Minneapolis for the inaugural Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy. Centered on the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing,” the event features top liturgical voices and musicians across the ELCA. Registration is now open at www.seminarliturgy.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, Annual Report: 2025
Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, Annual Report: 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod’s FY 2024-2025 Annual Report highlights a year of remarkable generosity and strategic development. The Mission and Ministry Fund grew nearly 8%, enabling us to double the number of ministries we support—from 8 to 16—particularly in underserved communities. From congregational triumphs like Crossroads’ debt-free Easter to the creation of two new endowments and a new donor CRM system launching this summer, this year’s progress reflects a Spirit-led commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and expanding Christ’s mission across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment
Faith Lens: Flourishing Together
Faith Lens: Flourishing Together

What does it mean to truly flourish? A global study from Baylor University finds that regular participation in a faith community—not wealth or age—is a key factor in living a good life. Scripture agrees. In John 14, Jesus promises we are never alone, and the Spirit remains with us so we may live abundantly. This week’s Faith Lens explores how our call to community and presence—both divine and human—helps us flourish together, not apart.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
May 2025 Mission Support Memo: God With Us
May 2025 Mission Support Memo: God With Us

The May 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA is all about the resiliency of a small-town ministry. Immanuel Lutheran Church, in rural central Texas, faced a variety of challenges, a vacancy in pastoral leadership and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Yet, they saw opportunity when they called Katie Rode under a special program that allowed her to serve part-time while attending seminary full-time.

Explore the memo to find out how you can participate in the September Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference in New Orleans and learn about the 2024 Mission Support outcomes.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
From Lawn to Life: How Native Plants Can Heal Creation
From Lawn to Life: How Native Plants Can Heal Creation

Two things are essential for a blessed tomorrow: cutting emissions and restoring biodiversity. This spring and summer, congregations are invited to be part of healing creation—starting by shrinking the lawn and planting native. Native plants support pollinators, conserve water, sequester carbon, and tell the story of where we live. Whether planting a pot on a balcony or transforming church grounds, every step counts. Click here to read the full article on the Blessed Tomorrow blog.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Breaking Barriers: Australian and New Zealand Lutherans Welcome Women to the Pulpit
Breaking Barriers: Australian and New Zealand Lutherans Welcome Women to the Pulpit

The Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) has ordained women as pastors for the first time, following a landmark decision last fall to allow the ordination of women. Maria Rudolph and Sue Westhorp were ordained this spring to serve congregations in Perth and Box Hill, respectively. This historic move affirms the LCANZ’s commitment to recognizing the gifts of all whom God calls, regardless of gender, and aligns with broader movements within the Lutheran World Federation. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
What’s New in Church Administration? Read the May Issue of Administration Matters
What’s New in Church Administration? Read the May Issue of Administration Matters

The May 2025 issue of Administration Matters is now live. Find key updates on online Bible studies for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, mental health resources for leaders, health benefit changes coming in 2026, and practical financial and safety tools for congregations. Don’t miss this valuable resource for leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. Read the full issue.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee Reelected in Northwest Washington Synod
Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee Reelected in Northwest Washington Synod

The Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee has been reelected to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA’s Northwest Washington Synod. The vote took place May 16 during the synod assembly in Everett, Washington, with Bishop Wee receiving 215 votes on the second ballot. She has served as bishop since 2019 and brings decades of pastoral and leadership experience within the ELCA. To read the full article at elca.org, click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment