Rocky Mountain Synod Responds to School Shootings with Prayer and Action
Rocky Mountain Synod Responds to School Shootings with Prayer and Action

The Rocky Mountain Synod has released a special pastoral message in response to two recent school shootings in Evergreen, Colorado, and Orem, Utah. Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, along with local pastors, offers prayers, words of comfort, and a call to faithful action against the ongoing reality of gun and political violence. Worship resources, prayers, and litanies are also available to support congregations in lament and healing. To read the full message and resources from the Rocky Mountain Synod, click here.

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Region 2, LettersBrian FlatgardRocky Mountain Synod, Church and SocietyComment
Christians in Jerusalem Call for Peace, Justice, and Equal Dignity for All
Christians in Jerusalem Call for Peace, Justice, and Equal Dignity for All

Christian leaders in Jerusalem—including Emeritus Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan—have issued a letter calling for peace, justice, and equality for all people in the Holy Land. Declaring that “to stay is to bear witness,” they affirm their continued presence in the land as a spiritual act of love and resistance, rooted in the Gospel. Their message urges pastors to walk closely with their people and reminds the global Church of its call to solidarity with Christians in Palestine/Israel. View as PDF.

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ELCA, Global Church, LettersBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Israel and Palestine, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy LandComment
Latino Ministries Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Immigrants’ Rights | Ministerios Latinos Responden al Fallo de la Corte Suprema sobre los Derechos de los Inmigrantes
Latino Ministries Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Immigrants’ Rights | Ministerios Latinos Responden al Fallo de la Corte Suprema sobre los Derechos de los Inmigrantes

La Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA emitió un comunicado rechazando la reciente decisión de la Corte Suprema que permite a ICE detener inmigrantes en el sur de California sin sospecha razonable. La Asociación advierte que este fallo amenaza la dignidad y la justicia, invita a la oración y la solidaridad, y comparte recursos en inglés y español para las familias inmigrantes.

The Latino Ministries Association of the ELCA has issued a statement condemning the recent Supreme Court ruling that allows ICE to stop immigrants in Southern California without reasonable suspicion. Calling the decision a threat to dignity and justice, the Association urges prayer, solidarity, and provides resources in English and Spanish for immigrant families.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAsociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA, Immigration and Refugees, Church and Society, EspañolComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

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

  • For peaceful resolution following protests in Kathmandu, Nepal…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Orem, Utah and Evergreen, Colorado…

  • For victims of racism, racial profiling, and race-based violence…

  • For farmers and for all individuals and businesses navigating financial insecurity…

  • For colleges, universities, and all educational institutions…

  • For first responders, emergency personnel, and all who risk their lives in service of others…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Celebrating the Life of Rev. Frank Nausin in Tucson
Celebrating the Life of Rev. Frank Nausin in Tucson

On Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10 a.m., the life of Rev. Frank Nausin will be honored in a memorial service at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church (8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749) where he faithfully served as Lead Pastor from 1982 until 2002, and again as Interim Pastor in 2016.

His son, Rev. Jeremy Nausin, pastor of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, will share words of comfort and hope. Join via livestream at tvlc.org/livestream. A fellowship luncheon will follow in the Nausin Family Life Center. Pastor Nausin passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

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In Memoriam, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardTanque Verde Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
Southern Arizona Clergy Unite in Public Witness for Justice and Compassion
Southern Arizona Clergy Unite in Public Witness for Justice and Compassion

Nearly 80 clergy from Southern Arizona have released an ecumenical statement titled For God So Loved the World: A Christian Witness Against Harm. The statement denounces unjust policies targeting immigrants, the poor, LGBTQ individuals, and God’s creation, while calling Christians to follow Jesus’ way of love, mercy, and compassion. Additional clergy from Southern Arizona may sign on, and others are invited to form local groups of witness in their own contexts: bearwitnessnow.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardKino Conference, Church and SocietyComment
Arizona Faith Network: Events, Calls to Action, and a Tribute to Frank Quaranta
Arizona Faith Network: Events, Calls to Action, and a Tribute to Frank Quaranta

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features a tribute to colleague Frank Quaranta, plus upcoming opportunities to learn and serve: Arizona Peacemaker Series (Sept 14, Phoenix); Interfaith Book Group—The Tears of Things (Weds via Zoom, through Sept 17); Election Protection AZ poll-monitor trainings (Aug 21–Sept 16, Zoom); AFN Monday Meditation (Mondays, noon); National Voter Registration Day Fair (Sept 16, Phoenix Indian Center); and Abuse in Later Life 101 (Oct 23, Zoom). You’ll also find calls to action: sign the International Day of Peace statement (publish by Sept 21, 2025; media list deadline Sept 15) and join the interfaith appeal to protect Arizona’s sacred lands. Partner events include public-witness safety training, NAIN Virtual Connect (Sept 24–25), an Interfaith Community Leader Breakfast (Oct 16), volunteer needs for Tucson Meet Yourself (Oct 17–19), and Red Cross outreach to faith communities. To read details and register, click here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Ordination celebrations: September 12-18, 2025
Ordination celebrations: September 12-18, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Jill Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 27 years on September 13.

  • Rev. David Brandfass, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 30 years on September 13.

  • Rev. Daniel Volkmann, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 1 years on September 13.

  • Rev. Kylee Bestenlehner, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 0 years on September 13.

  • Rev. Richard Mauthe, who celebrates 39 years on September 14.

  • Rev. Carl Mangold, who celebrates 50 years on September 14.

  • Rev. Craig Geiger, who celebrates 53 years on September 17.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Churchwide Assembly Confesses and Repents Patriarchy and Sexism
Churchwide Assembly Confesses and Repents Patriarchy and Sexism

At the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, worship included a confession and repentance for the sins of patriarchy and sexism, fulfilling commitments from the ELCA’s 2019 social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. The liturgy emphasized confession as honesty before God and repentance as Spirit-led transformation toward justice and equity. Congregations are encouraged to use the confession and to share the resource Forgive Us and Transform Us for the Life of the World, available in English and Spanish. Click here to read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, ELCA WorshipComment
Disability and Mental Health: No Conversation Without Us
Disability and Mental Health: No Conversation Without Us

John Christensen, lifelong ELCA Lutheran and staff member at the World Council of Churches, reflects on the deep connection between disability and mental health advocacy. With more than 16% of the global population living with disabilities and nearly 1 billion experiencing mental health challenges, the church has a vital role in offering safe spaces of love and truth. Christensen challenges the church to reject perfectionism, embrace vulnerability, and see God in every neighbor. Click here to read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Accessibility, Worship, and Leadership at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly
Accessibility, Worship, and Leadership at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly

At the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Lutherans gathered for worship, elections, and the business of the church. Worship services highlighted accessibility and leadership by people with disabilities, while elections brought historic results with Bishop Yehiel Curry elected Presiding Bishop and Pastor CeeCee Mills elected Secretary—the first time all top ELCA offices are held by diverse leaders. Resolutions also addressed equity for youth gatherings and protection for children and vulnerable adults. Still, accessibility challenges remain. Rev. Mack Patrick calls us to move from mere inclusion to true belonging. Read more click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability Ministries, 2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
GCS Grants Are Open: Learn How to Apply at Our Sept. 17 Webinar
GCS Grants Are Open: Learn How to Apply at Our Sept. 17 Webinar

Grants Webinar—Sept. 17, 4:30 pm. Learn how to apply for up to $15,000 in Grand Canyon Synod grants; about $175,000 is available this fall. Priority goes to collaborative projects aligned with our Strategic Plan. Application window: Sept. 8–Oct. 31, 2025. Register for the webinar: Zoom registration. Full details and application at the Grants page.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGCS Grants ProgramComment
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8

All rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15

The 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGrants, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment
Palestinian Christian Leader to Speak in Phoenix: Sept. 14 Event at St. Francis Xavier
Palestinian Christian Leader to Speak in Phoenix: Sept. 14 Event at St. Francis Xavier

Dr. Philip Farah, Palestinian-American economist and founding member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, will speak at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farah will share his personal story and insights on how Americans can support a just peace in Palestine and Israel. RSVP required. Refreshments served.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment
September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe
September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe

Join us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Register by September 15 for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis
Register by September 15 for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis

Rostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment