When Science Meets Spirit: A Neuroscientist-Pastor’s Vision for Liberation
When Science Meets Spirit: A Neuroscientist-Pastor’s Vision for Liberation

In A Liberation Theology of the Brain, Carmelo Santos-Rolón—ELCA theologian and former neuroscience instructor—invites us into a powerful dialogue between science and theology. Drawing on neuroscience and liberation theology, he explores how systems of oppression are encoded in our emotions and behaviors, and how the word of God can liberate us, body and mind. His insights point to a church that not only proclaims healing but practices it through dialogue, community, and transformation. Click here to read the full interview in Living Lutheran: Neuroscience and decolonial theology.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Ordination celebrations: August 2-12, 2025
Ordination celebrations: August 2-12, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Sharon Brown, who celebrates 12 years on August 2.

  • Rev. Thomas McFarland, who celebrates 39 years on August 3.

  • Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 36 years on August 6.

  • Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 32 years on August 8.

  • Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 58 years on August 9.

  • Rev. Wyatt Linde, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 2 years on August 9.

  • Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 49 years on August 10.

  • Rev. Paul Campbell, who celebrates 46 years on August 12.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Shauna Hannan Named President of LSTC, Begins New Chapter of Leadership
Shauna Hannan Named President of LSTC, Begins New Chapter of Leadership

Shauna Hannan has been named president of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), effective July 1. With a background in pastoral ministry, homiletics, and theological education, Hannan brings deep experience and a bold vision for equipping leaders in a changing church and world. She describes LSTC’s commitment to justice, peace, and care for creation as “more vital now than ever.”

Hannan looks forward to building on the seminary’s legacy alongside LSTC’s community to ensure long-term sustainability and joyful service to God’s beloved world. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Luther School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC)Comment
Spirit in the Desert Prepares for a Season of Renewal
Spirit in the Desert Prepares for a Season of Renewal

Spirit in the Desert shares campus updates, fall retreat previews, and spiritual resources in their August 2025 newsletter. From facility improvements and heartfelt summer reflections to new retreats and ongoing prayer offerings, Spirit invites you to rest, reflect, and reconnect. Read the full newsletter here: Spirit August 2025 Newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Register Now: Bishop’s Fall Gathering Deadline is September 5, 2025
Register Now: Bishop’s Fall Gathering Deadline is September 5, 2025

Join us Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering: Life Together—Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Rostered ministers and SAMs will reflect on Bonhoeffer’s Life Together alongside biblical texts with Wartburg Seminary guests Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka. Meals and lodging included; commuter options available. Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 5.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
How Your Congregation Can Support People with Dementia—Register for August Workshop
How Your Congregation Can Support People with Dementia—Register for August Workshop

Join the August 21 workshop Creating a Dementia-Friendly Congregation, led by Dr. Kristin Mauk and sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association. Open to nurses and non-nurses, this online event equips participants with evidence-based tools and Christ-centered strategies to better support people living with dementia and their families. Registration is $30–$50 and includes 2.0 nursing contact hours. Register at lutheranfcna.org/event-6168932.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDementia, Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
From Scarcity to Abundance: Discovering the Gifts Your Church Already Has
From Scarcity to Abundance: Discovering the Gifts Your Church Already Has

Feeling like your church doesn’t have enough? Join a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Central (4 p.m. AZ)to discover the hidden resources your congregation already holds. Learn from the Kaleidoscope Institute how currencies of relationship, truth, and more can help us move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. No registration required—just click to join.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix
Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix

Jazz with a purpose! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Sunday, August 10 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman and Kimberly Weston. This free concert supports the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Refreshments follow, and the series continues September 14—guest artist to be announced.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes Named Rector of PLTS
Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes Named Rector of PLTS

The Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, a featured guest at our 2024 Synod Assembly, has been named Rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. A respected leader in Lutheran higher education and longtime faculty member at California Lutheran University, Dr. Windham-Hughes brings deep theological insight and visionary leadership to this new role. Join us in celebrating and supporting her as she helps shape the next generation of leaders in the ELCA.

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Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Call for Entries: Share Your Religious Art or Architecture Project
Call for Entries: Share Your Religious Art or Architecture Project

Submissions are now open for the 2026 Faith & Form International Awards for Religious Architecture & Art.Architects, artists, designers, students, and faith communities are invited to submit completed projects by October 10, 2025. Recognizing excellence in sacred space, liturgical design, and community engagement, the awards offer global recognition and are a powerful witness to the intersection of faith and creativity. Learn more and apply today.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrants, Partners for Sacred SpacesComment
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, Pakistan, Thailand, and Cambodia…

  • For those at risk of famine and starvation in Gaza, and for those who work to provide aid and relief…

  • For victims of violence, especially in New York City, NY, Reno, NV, and Traverse City, MI…

  • For those who are still missing in the aftermath of flooding in Texas, and for the ongoing work of search and rescue teams…

  • For those experiencing deadly flooding in Beijing, China, and for all places affected by severe weather…

  • For those facing the aftermath of the eastern Russia earthquake, and for all evacuees in the region…

  • For Presiding Bishop-elect Yehiel Curry, for Presiding Bishop Eaton, and for the ELCA in this season of leadership transition…

  • In thanksgiving for the Spirit’s wisdom and guidance during ELCA Churchwide Assembly…

  • In gratitude for the volunteers, convention center staff, and Churchwide staff who made ELCA Churchwide Assembly possible…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
New Leadership, Global Witness, and Bold Resolutions Mark CWA Day Three
New Leadership, Global Witness, and Bold Resolutions Mark CWA Day Three

Yehiel Curry, bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, was elected as the ELCA’s new presiding bishop on the fifth ballot. The day also featured powerful preaching from the Holy Land, approval of the 2026–2028 churchwide budget, and the adoption of a significant memorial calling for an end to the occupation of Palestine. In a spirit of ecumenical solidarity and prophetic voice, the assembly celebrated partnerships, affirmed resilience, and looked ahead with courage and grace. Click here to read the full Day Three recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
From Doctrine to Diversity: Big Conversations on CWA Day Two
From Doctrine to Diversity: Big Conversations on CWA Day Two

On day two of the Churchwide Assembly, seven nominees advanced in the election for presiding bishop, with a third ballot and Q&A set for day three. Voting members wore red to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The day featured updates on repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery, the introduction of key social statements on civic life and human sexuality, and fiscal reports that revealed a stable budget outlook. Ecumenical partners and college leaders also offered greetings and updates. Click here to read the full Day Two recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
CWA Day 1: Churchwide Assembly Opens in Phoenix with Eucharist and First Ballot
CWA Day 1: Churchwide Assembly Opens in Phoenix with Eucharist and First Ballot

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly officially opened in Phoenix on July 28 with a powerful worship service of Holy Communion and the first plenary session. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached on the eucharist as an act of resistance in a divided world. Voting members cast the first ballot for presiding bishop—no election yet. Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer offered greetings as the host synod. The day closed with an introduction to Friday’s litany of confession and repentance for patriarchy and sexism. Click here to read the full Day One recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry

Bishop Yehiel Curry has been elected the fifth presiding bishop of the ELCA, marking a historic first as the denomination’s first bishop of African descent. A former teacher and social worker turned pastor and synod bishop, Curry brings a deep passion for lay leadership, community-rooted ministry, and faithful embodiment of the church’s call. His story is one of discernment, hope, and gratitude for the church’s investment in emerging leaders. Curry will be installed October 4 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Click here to read the full story on Living Lutheran.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly Comment
‘Thank You for Your Investment’: Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
‘Thank You for Your Investment’: Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA

The Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected July 30 as presiding bishop of the ELCA during the Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Elected on the fifth ballot with 562 votes, Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop in the ELCA’s history. He currently serves as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and brings a deep history of mission development and theological formation to this new call. Read more in the ELCA’s press release.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment