Two ELCA Pastors Reclaim “Cafeteria Christian” as a Faithful Practice
Two ELCA Pastors Reclaim “Cafeteria Christian” as a Faithful Practice

Can we pick and choose when it comes to belief? ELCA pastors Emmy Kegler and Natalia Terfa think we can—and must. Through their podcast Cafeteria Christian, the two rostered ministers explore how faith can be lived authentically even amid doubt, rejection of harmful traditions, or questions about organized religion. They speak candidly about their experiences, theological roots in Lutheranism, and the deep desire for a more sincere, inclusive, and justice-centered faith practice.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering their work, their story offers insight into what it means to “do faith better” while staying rooted in grace and love. Click here to read the full article in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
“It’s Up to Us”: Answering Christ’s Call Today
“It’s Up to Us”: Answering Christ’s Call Today

In a post-election world still marked by anxiety and division, Pastor Aaron Fuller challenges us to move beyond sky-gazing and step into action. Drawing on the story of Jesus’ ascension, he reminds us that living faithfully means participating in Christ’s work here and now. It’s not about waiting—it’s about witnessing. Click here to read the full reflection from Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
I’m a Lutheran: Jillian Russell
I’m a Lutheran: Jillian Russell

Jillian Russell blends two callings—outdoor ministry and emergency response—into a life of deep service and faith. From summer camp counselor to firefighter/EMT, Jillian shares how her congregation’s radical hospitality shaped her leadership and how she continues to live out her faith in diverse ways. She reminds us that grace isn’t confined to church walls and that intentional relationships are at the heart of Lutheran identity. Click here to read her story on Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide
Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide

Lutheran school leaders are invited to the ELEA Leadership Conference 2025, “Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith,” held November 5–7 in Cleveland, Ohio. This national gathering offers three days of professional development, spiritual renewal, and community for educators shaping the future of Lutheran schools. Register now and join the movement to nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education AssociationComment
Call for Dancers: Share Your Gifts at Churchwide Assembly Worship
Call for Dancers: Share Your Gifts at Churchwide Assembly Worship

Do you know a young dancer? The ELCA is seeking Phoenix-area students and young adults to participate in the Opening Worship of Churchwide Assembly on Monday, July 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Dancers will rehearse and perform from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—a rare opportunity to offer movement as worship. Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at sbjornebo@yahoo.com or 303-257-3356 to share names or learn more.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Pray Without Ceasing: A Movement Rooted in Hope and Resilience
Pray Without Ceasing: A Movement Rooted in Hope and Resilience

Join the Pray Without Ceasing movement—a Spirit-led call to prayer spreading across the ELCA. Weekly Zoom gatherings on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central connect prayer leaders and participants from around the country. Pray for peace, for renewal, and for your neighbors. Learn more and receive the Zoom link to join in: pray-without-ceasing.org

If you have created a group, or would like more information, please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission, Pr. David Pavesic at david.pavesic@elca.org.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardComment
Ordination celebrations: June 3, 2025
Ordination celebrations: June 3, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 46 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 18 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 52 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 63 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 46 years on June 3.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Worship That Connects: Practical Tools for Church Leaders This Summer
Worship That Connects: Practical Tools for Church Leaders This Summer

From prayer-writing guides to music planning tools and flexible Bible study resources, Augsburg Fortress continues to offer vital worship materials to support congregational leaders. New this month: a Musician’s Guide to Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Praying for the Whole World: A Handbook for Intercessors, and Together by Grace: Bible Conversations.

Also featured are customizable bulletin and lectionary insert options and registration details for this summer’s music clinics in five U.S. cities. Click here to explore the full list of resources from ELCA Worship and Augsburg Fortress.

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Leadership Resources, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Nominate a Community Leader for the ELCA’s New Justice Cohort
Nominate a Community Leader for the ELCA’s New Justice Cohort

Do you know someone whose leadership makes a difference in their community? The ELCA’s Building Resilient Communities team is seeking nominations for its inaugural Building Resilient Leadership cohort—a yearlong program focused on public leadership, justice-centered projects, and peer mentorship. Nominations are open through June 16, with applications due July 7.

Nominees must be adults (18+) ready to commit to monthly workshops, a community project, and national networking. Participants will receive seed money, hands-on support, and training from ELCA ministries like World Hunger, AMMPARO, and Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here to learn more or nominate a leader today.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA Building Resilient Communities (BRC)Comment
Music That Feeds: Summer Jazz Concerts Support Olive Branch Pantry
Music That Feeds: Summer Jazz Concerts Support Olive Branch Pantry

Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for two free summer jazz concerts—June 8 with Beth Lederman & Hope Morgan, and July 13 with Beth Lederman & Dennis Rowland. Held at 5:30 PM, these Music for Food events support the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Come for the music, stay for the mission.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Learning to Be Brave: June Book Club Explores Mariann Budde’s Bestseller
Learning to Be Brave: June Book Club Explores Mariann Budde’s Bestseller

Join Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club for a two-part discussion of How We Learn to Be Brave by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Thursdays, June 12 and 26 at 12:00 PM AZ time. Explore faithful courage in life’s turning points through a book that blends Scripture, story, and personal reflection. Registration now open.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book Club, The Episcopal Church, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Ordination and Installation of Jarrod Iversen
Ordination and Installation of Jarrod Iversen

Pending a congregational vote, Vicar Jarrod Iversen will be ordained and installed Saturday, 6/7/2025, at 1pm at Central Lutheran Church, (12921 S. Sunland Gin Road., Arizona City, AZ 85123). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preside. Service will be posted to YouTube afterwards.

Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Reception will follow, please RSVP to RSVP@centrallutheranaz.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and Installations, Central Arizona City, Fiesta Conference Comment
“Build Up the Body” Through Service: Help Pack Hygiene Kits for Synod Assembly
“Build Up the Body” Through Service: Help Pack Hygiene Kits for Synod Assembly

Join us at Synod Assembly 2025 in a special service project to assemble 200 hygiene kits for individuals in need! We’ve set up an Amazon Gift List where you can purchase needed items, which will be shipped directly to our host church, Community Lutheran. Help us reach our goal—donate by June 1, 2025, and join us on June 12 during check-in to pack the kits. Let’s build up the body of Christ together! Shop the Gift List here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Synod AssemblyComment
Ordination celebrations: June 2, 2025
Ordination celebrations: June 2, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 25 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 51 years on June 2.

  • Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 62 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 25 years on June 2.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment