When Prayer Becomes Breath: A Lutheran Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:17
When Prayer Becomes Breath: A Lutheran Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:17

In Living Lutheran, ELCA deacon and campus chaplain Mindy Holland invites us to rediscover the power and possibility of prayer—not only in our worship spaces but in every moment of our lives. Reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 5:17, she urges us to “pray without ceasing,” letting prayer become as natural as breathing. From formal liturgy to whispered blessings, barefoot gratitude to courageous intercession, Holland reminds us that prayer transforms not only the world but ourselves. As the ELCA prepares for key elections, she encourages intentional prayer for our leaders and discernment for the future. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Vision of Hope and Collaboration: Meet Bishop-elect Emily Hartner
Vision of Hope and Collaboration: Meet Bishop-elect Emily Hartner

The North Carolina Synod has elected its first woman bishop, the Rev. Emily Hartner, who brings a bold vision of abundance and creative collaboration to her new role. With experience across a variety of ministry contexts and a deep love for her home synod, Hartner encourages congregations and leaders to share their gifts freely to meet one another’s needs.

She begins her term August 1 and will be installed on November 15. To learn more about her leadership perspective and hope-filled vision for the future of the church, click here to read the full interview from Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Back to Basics, Forward in Faith: Meet Bishop-Elect Philip Hirsch
Back to Basics, Forward in Faith: Meet Bishop-Elect Philip Hirsch

Philip Hirsch, newly elected bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, shares a bold and hopeful vision for the future of the ELCA—one that both honors our Lutheran roots and embraces Spirit-led innovation. Drawing from a lifetime of leadership across the church and a passion for justice and inclusion, Hirsch lifts up the urgent need to reach new generations, name systemic barriers, and return to the heart of the gospel. His leadership begins this fall, and his insights reflect key themes identified by over 11,000 ELCA members nationwide. Click here to read the full Living Lutheran interview.

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News, ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Building up the Body: The Impact of Our 2025 Synod Assembly Offering
Building up the Body: The Impact of Our 2025 Synod Assembly Offering

Your generosity during the 2025 Synod Assembly raised $3,365.80, now supporting wildfire recovery in Southern California and essential services in Las Vegas through Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Nevada. It’s not too late to give—join us in building up the body of Christ and making a lasting impact in our region and beyond.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardRev. Dan Potaznick, Stewardship, 2025 Synod AssemblyComment
Bishop Eaton: Budget Bill Harms the Most Vulnerable
Bishop Eaton: Budget Bill Harms the Most Vulnerable

In response to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton issues a call to faithful action. The sweeping legislation threatens healthcare access, food assistance, immigrant families, and climate protections—policies that stand in opposition to Lutheran commitments to care for the vulnerable and support the common good. Bishop Eaton invites us to pray, partner, and act together as church to stand with our neighbors in need. Click here to read the full statement and watch the accompanying video on YouTube.

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ELCA, Bishop Eaton, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and Society, Immigration and Refugees, Hunger, AdvocacyComment
Your Mission Dollars at Work: See the Latest Synod Audit
Your Mission Dollars at Work: See the Latest Synod Audit

The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025 audited financial statements are now available. The audit affirms the synod’s strong financial position and faithful stewardship of funds. With over $7.1 million in net assets and $285,500 distributed to ministry partners, the report reflects our shared commitment to transparency, generosity, and mission. Read the full audit at gcsynod.org/financial-overview.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen and Rev. Dr. Helen Chukka Lead Fall Retreat for Rostered Ministers
Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen and Rev. Dr. Helen Chukka Lead Fall Retreat for Rostered Ministers

Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen and Rev. Dr. Helen Chukka of Wartburg Seminary for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1 in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, invites rostered ministers to explore how Christian community can respond faithfully to division and despair. Registration is open through September 5.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Wartburg SeminaryComment
Refugia and Renewal: A Book Club Journey into Climate, Faith, and Hope
Refugia and Renewal: A Book Club Journey into Climate, Faith, and Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Spirited Book Club, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries
Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries

Now accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrants, Manna Grant, HungerComment
From Grammy Wins to Grace: Peter Strickland’s Lutheran Journey
From Grammy Wins to Grace: Peter Strickland’s Lutheran Journey

Peter Strickland, general manager of BMG Music Group in Nashville and a longtime member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, Tennessee, reflects on his faith, family, and vocation in the high-paced music industry. From launching Blake Shelton’s career to producing Jimmy Fallon’s Grammy-winning album, Strickland shares how his Lutheran values—grace, integrity, and community—guide both his leadership and life. Click here to read the full feature in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment