Faith, Footnotes, and Fresh Conversations: What’s New in the Lutheran Study Bible
Faith, Footnotes, and Fresh Conversations: What’s New in the Lutheran Study Bible

On July 1, Augsburg Fortress released The Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition, a fully updated resource featuring the NRSVue translation, revised articles, and insights from over 50 ELCA pastors and scholars. With fresh perspectives on Jewish-Christian relations, updated notes on biblical figures, and new study tools like “Together by Grace: Bible Conversations,” this edition invites readers into a deeper, more inclusive engagement with Scripture. Click here to read the full interview with co-editor Laurie J. Hanson in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Protecting Public Schools and Religious Liberty: July Updates from BJC
Protecting Public Schools and Religious Liberty: July Updates from BJC

This month’s Faith Freedom Dispatch from BJC offers urgent updates on a national school voucher proposal buried in the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” major Supreme Court rulings on religious liberty, and grassroots faith responses in Texas. Learn how pastors are organizing against ICE activity at schools, courts are defending student rights, and advocates are standing up against Christian nationalism. Read the full newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty)Comment
School Meals and Hunger Relief Funded—Thanks to Your Advocacy!
School Meals and Hunger Relief Funded—Thanks to Your Advocacy!

Thanks to your advocacy, Arizona’s new budget includes $3.8 million for reduced-price school meals and $2 million for Double Up Food Bucks—key programs to fight food insecurity. These one-time wins came after strong bipartisan support and faithful engagement by hunger advocates like you. Learn more and celebrate the good news—click here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, HungerComment
Act in Faith This July: Events, Advocacy, and Interfaith Action Across Arizona
Act in Faith This July: Events, Advocacy, and Interfaith Action Across Arizona

Stay connected with Arizona Faith Network this July! From interfaith meditations and voter advocacy to Bags of Hope packing events and heat relief support, AFN offers many ways to engage your faith in action. Explore gatherings, trainings, and service opportunities across the state—and invite others to get involved. Read the full update and sign up for the AFN newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

  • For the victims of the most recent attack on a waterfront cafe in Gaza City, and for a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Chicago, Illinois…

  • For the victims of a fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Southern India…

  • For those grieving the loss of life after the crash of Air India flight AI171…

  • For the safety of those traveling, gathering with family and friends, and celebrating this holiday weekend…

  • For veterans of war and all who suffer from PTSD…

  • For those with limited or threatened access to healthcare…

  • For an end to racism, poverty, and hatred…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Apply Now: 2026 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Applications Open Through July 7
Apply Now: 2026 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Applications Open Through July 7

Letters of inquiry are now open through July 7 for ELCA World Hunger’s 2026 Domestic Hunger Grants. These grants support ministries and organizations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico working toward a just world where all are fed. Learn more about eligibility, grant priorities, and how to apply.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, dp, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants, GrantsComment
Bishop’s Fall Gathering Returns Sept. 29–Oct. 1 with Wartburg Seminary Leaders
Bishop’s Fall Gathering Returns Sept. 29–Oct. 1 with Wartburg Seminary Leaders

Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests from Wartburg Theological Seminary for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Under the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, rostered ministers will explore faithful community amid division with Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka. Registration is open through September 5. Scholarships available.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Bishop HuttererBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Wartburg SeminaryComment
Free ELCA Coaching Events in July: Healing, Equity, and Right Relations
Free ELCA Coaching Events in July: Healing, Equity, and Right Relations

Explore a full month of free leadership support from ELCA Coaching this July. Offerings include Wednesday gatherings focused on healing, diversity, and faith, as well as in-depth training modules on right relations and decolonizing worship (registration required for select sessions). These events are free to all, thanks to ELCA sponsorship. An additional “Coaching for Everyday Life” training begins August 4. Click here for full details and registration: elcacoaching.org/events

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Lead by Listening: Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins July 7
Lead by Listening: Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins July 7

Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership, an online training from July 7 to September 8, equips leaders to listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and support others without taking over. With 9 live sessions and 3 coaching labs, participants will learn how to foster discernment and share ministry in a more sustainable, Spirit-led way. Cost: $375. Scholarships available. Registration now open.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, CoachingComment
Promise Magazine’s ‘Advocacy Issue’ Highlights The Faces of Medicaid
Promise Magazine’s ‘Advocacy Issue’ Highlights The Faces of Medicaid

Although she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder.

The post Promise Magazine’s ‘Advocacy Issue’ Highlights The Faces of Medicaid appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, MosaicComment
Inside Out Network Launches New Reentry Vodcast for Arizona Prisons
Inside Out Network Launches New Reentry Vodcast for Arizona Prisons

ION’s Summer 2025 newsletter is out now! Highlights include a new vodcast partnership with Arizona prisons, expansion to Oregon prison tablets, and growing momentum in Arizona and Montana. Meet new board member Sarah Estes, celebrate Maddi Briguglio’s ASU award, and check out ION’s new book on reentry ministry for congregations. Read the full ION Summer Newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPrison, Inside Out NetworkComment
From Soil to Spirit: Exploring Jeff Chu’s Memoir in Spirited Book Club
From Soil to Spirit: Exploring Jeff Chu’s Memoir in Spirited Book Club

Join the Spirited Book Club this July to explore Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand by Jeff Chu, a memoir that weaves together faith, identity, food, and the lessons of the land. In two thoughtful sessions—July 10 and 24 from 12:00–1:00 pm (AZ/PDT)—participants will reflect on Chu’s journey from Manhattan magazine editor to seminary farmhand, where spiritual formation meets ecological practice.

Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this virtual gathering invites readers into a moving story of transformation, rooted in theology, community, and grace. Good Soil is a compelling read for anyone yearning for meaning, connection, and hope in today’s world. Click here to learn more and join the discussion.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
Celebrate Five Years of All Creation Sings—Share Your Story
Celebrate Five Years of All Creation Sings—Share Your Story

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights new and essential resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers to support worship leaders, musicians, and planners. This month’s update includes tools like In Sure and Certain Hope: A Funeral Sourcebook, a Year A Lectionary using the NRSVue translation, choir devotions, and a call for stories celebrating All Creation Sings five years after its release. You’ll also find information on upcoming Summer Music Clinics and a renewed focus on ELCA social teaching on faith, sexism, and justice. Click here to read the full July update and explore all resources.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment