Welcoming Justice-Focused Leaders to the ELCA Disability Ministries Team
Welcoming Justice-Focused Leaders to the ELCA Disability Ministries Team

The ELCA Disability Ministries Advisory Team welcomes two new members: Pastor Mack Patrick of the Northern Illinois Synod and Pastor Mary Ann Harrison of Altadena, California. Both bring decades of lived and pastoral experience, fierce advocacy for inclusion, and a deep commitment to justice for people with disabilities. Their leadership marks an exciting new chapter in the church’s call to be a body where every member is seen and valued. To read more about these leaders and their vision, click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
June AFN Highlights: Advocate, Meditate, and Mobilize
June AFN Highlights: Advocate, Meditate, and Mobilize

From rapid response training for immigrant accompaniment to interfaith service events packing heat relief bags, Arizona Faith Network is offering a wide range of June opportunities for people of faith to put love into action. With events focused on voter protection, creation care, meditation, and community dialogue, there’s something for everyone. RSVP now and explore the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
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
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
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
Ordination celebrations: June 1, 2025
Ordination celebrations: June 1, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 17 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Gilbert, who celebrates 17 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 41 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 67 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Douglas Moffat, who celebrates 51 years on June 1.

  • Deacon Ellen Schnack, who celebrates 34 years on June 1.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
From Minnesota to Virginia: Lutherans Advocate for Housing, Health, and Hope
From Minnesota to Virginia: Lutherans Advocate for Housing, Health, and Hope

Across the country, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are hard at work advocating for justice-rooted policies in areas like housing, healthcare, hunger, climate, and civic engagement. From Minnesota’s letter-writing campaigns and housing wins, to over 200 disciples gathering for Lutheran Day in Pennsylvania, to Texas Lutherans standing against religious extremism, the spring updates reflect faithful witness in action.

Read the latest state-by-state highlights and explore how you and your congregation can stay involved in policy that reflects our shared Lutheran values. Click here for the full Spring State Policy Update from ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment