For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX…

  • For those without secure housing and those criminalized for being homeless…

  • For flash flooding in Wisconsin, evacuations in Alaska, and all facing storms and flooding…

  • For nurses and healthcare workers, especially those serving on the frontlines of war and conflict…

  • For safety for journalists who bring stories and awareness to the tragedy of war…

  • For all marriages, relationships, and family groupings that reflect mutual love and trust…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Witnessing Sumud: ELCA Reflections from the Holy Land
Witnessing Sumud: ELCA Reflections from the Holy Land

On June 5, ELCA leaders and partners shared Reflections from the Holy Land in a Sumud webinar now available on YouTube. Exploring the meaning of sumud—steadfast resilience—they offered stories from Palestinian communities and reflected on our Lutheran call to accompany, advocate, and remain present in places of deep suffering. Watch the recording and join in prayer, learning, and action.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment
Campformation: 60+ Years of Faith, Friendship, and Fun in the Great Outdoors
Campformation: 60+ Years of Faith, Friendship, and Fun in the Great Outdoors

For over 60 years, Campformation has nurtured faith, friendships, and leadership among youth in grades 6–12. This summer, campers Hunter, Annie, and Stella shared how worship, community, and adventure shaped their faith journeys. Past campers often return as leaders, continuing the cycle of ministry. Read their stories and learn how to share your own memories of Campformation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSynod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young Adult, Campformation, Outdoor MinistryComment
Not Just Camp: Leadership Lab Transforms Lives and Builds Christ-Centered Leadership
Not Just Camp: Leadership Lab Transforms Lives and Builds Christ-Centered Leadership

This summer, seven congregations from the Grand Canyon Synod made the long journey from Arizona and Nevada to Rock Island, Illinois, for a week that would shape hearts, minds, and futures. Leadership Lab—hosted on the campus of Augustana College—is more than a summer program. It’s a living laboratory where faith meets leadership, tradition embraces innovation, and young voices discover their calling.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLeadership Lab, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young Adult Comment
Your Support Brings Water Security to Senegal
Your Support Brings Water Security to Senegal

A new water tank now serves the Dodji site of the Fedannde Jolof program in Senegal, thanks to the support of the Grand Canyon Synod. Installed by Senegalese Lutheran Development Services, the tank provides a secure water source for community agricultural activities. Leaders and residents alike express deep gratitude for this gift, which will help sustain livelihoods and offer hope for the future.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSenegal Lutheran Development Services, Senegal, Lutheran Church of SenegalComment
Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson
Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson

Kylee Bestenlehner will be ordained at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2 S Pecos Rd, Henderson, NV 89074) on Saturday, 9/13/2025, at 2pm. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will preach.

Clergy and seminarians are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Click here to RSVP. The service will be streamed over Zoom, link will be shared after you RSVP.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
Ordination celebrations: August 15-21, 2025
Ordination celebrations: August 15-21, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • The Rev. Cheryl Fox, who celebrates 16 years on August 15.

  • Rev. Mark Powell, who celebrates 45 years on August 17.

  • Bishop Deborah Hutterer, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 21 years on August 18.

  • Rev. Brent Maxwell, who celebrates 18 years on August 19.

  • Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 24 years on August 19.

  • Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 35 years on August 19.

  • Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 36 years on August 20.

  • Michael Purcell, who celebrates 47 years on August 20.

  • Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 32 years on August 21.

  • Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 15 years on August 21.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Problem Gambling and the Church’s Call to Care – August 26 Webinar
Problem Gambling and the Church’s Call to Care – August 26 Webinar

Problem gambling impacts up to 10 million Americans, with online betting and gaming fueling its rise. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 2–3 pm MST/PDT, the Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free webinar, Problem Gambling: Becoming a Part of the Solution, featuring Susan Sheridan Tucker of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, the session will explore the scope of the issue, its public health intersections, and practical steps for prevention and recovery—equipping faith communities to respond with compassion and action. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Grow in Faith and Leadership This Fall with Thriving Leadership Formation
Grow in Faith and Leadership This Fall with Thriving Leadership Formation

New fall programming from Thriving Leadership Formation invites you into deeper connection and growth—with free and low-cost online offerings for church leaders, ministry teams, and spiritual seekers. From weekly Lectio Divina and monthly spiritual practice gatherings to a new Enneagram panel series and team-building workshops, there’s something for everyone this season. Read the full newsletter →

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Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Meet Bishop-Elect Scott Dalen: Leading with Care and Collaboration
Meet Bishop-Elect Scott Dalen: Leading with Care and Collaboration

Elected bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, Scott Dalen brings a vision rooted in connection, presence, and the belief that God works through our “imperfectly good” lives. As he prepares to take office Sept. 1, Dalen shares hopes for collaboration among congregations, a commitment to realistic ministry within constraints, and a reminder that the church’s future depends on all of us working together. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Opening the Doors Wider: Welcoming Neurodivergent People into Our Congregations
Opening the Doors Wider: Welcoming Neurodivergent People into Our Congregations

In her August Growing Together reflection, ELCA pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller invites us to pause our rush toward what’s next and savor the gift of now. Drawing on Matthew 6:34, she shares practical ways to practice presence—whether it’s catching fireflies, watching sunsets, or going screen-free for a day. In a world eager to fast-forward, she reminds us that right now is the best place to be. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Be Where Your Feet Are: Embracing the Gift of Today
Be Where Your Feet Are: Embracing the Gift of Today

In her August Growing Together reflection, ELCA pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller invites us to pause our rush toward what’s next and savor the gift of now. Drawing on Matthew 6:34, she shares practical ways to practice presence—whether it’s catching fireflies, watching sunsets, or going screen-free for a day. In a world eager to fast-forward, she reminds us that right now is the best place to be. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Augsburg Fortress Names New President and CEO
Augsburg Fortress Names New President and CEO

Augsburg Fortress Publishers has announced that Andrew DeYoung will become its next President and CEO on Sept. 1, 2026, following the retirement of Tim Blevins after more than 20 years of service. DeYoung, currently Publisher of Augsburg Fortress’ book division (including Fortress Press, Broadleaf Books, and Beaming Books), is recognized for his leadership, publishing expertise, and commitment to the church’s mission. The Board of Trustees and Presiding Bishop approved the appointment after a nationwide search, with leaders confident in DeYoung’s ability to guide the publishing house into a new era. Click here for the full announcement.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugsburg Fortress, ELCA WorshipComment
Worship Life at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
Worship Life at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Over 1,000 people gathered in Phoenix, July 28–Aug. 2, for the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly under the theme For the Life of the World. Daily worship services celebrated baptism, Holy Communion, justice, lament, and prayer—culminating in a sending service affirming our call as Christ’s body in the world. Blue vestments on Wednesday and Thursday symbolized hope and the longing for justice and peace. The ELCA has shared behind-the-scenes photos from worship preparations and services, offering a closer look at the people and moments that shaped our time together. Click here to explore the gallery and reflections.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, 2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
New Training, Events, and Music from Our Worship Partners
New Training, Events, and Music from Our Worship Partners

ELCA Worship’s August update features new resources, events, and opportunities from Lutheran and ecumenical partners. Highlights include the re-designed Journey to Baptismal Living website, LSM 2025 On Demand with 30+ concerts and worship services, and Music That Makes Community events this fall and winter. Other opportunities include the Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music (Oct. 19–21, Illinois) and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians’ 40th Anniversary Gathering (July 2026, St. Olaf College). Click here to learn more and explore these offerings.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
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
Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection
Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection

Explore a variety of free ELCA Coaching events this August, including gatherings on healing, truth-telling, and faith practice. Upcoming highlights include “Creating Beloved Community” sessions each Wednesday and “Decolonizing Worship” on August 29. Registration is also open for coaching trainings beginning in August and September. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
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
Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates
Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates

Major changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment