Walking Together with the Latine Community · Caminando Juntos con la Comunidad Latine
Walking Together with the Latine Community · Caminando Juntos con la Comunidad Latine

Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, October 2–4, 2025, led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners. This online gathering will equip leaders for cross-cultural ministry, offering practical tools to strengthen relationships with the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. Download the full flier here.

Participe en el Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latine, del 2 al 4 de octubre de 2025, dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes. Este encuentro en línea ofrece herramientas prácticas para el ministerio intercultural y para fortalecer relaciones con la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardWartburg Seminary, Latino, EspañolComment
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
Updated Agenda & Full Session Descriptions Now Available for Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Updated Agenda & Full Session Descriptions Now Available for Bishop’s Fall Gathering

The full agenda and session descriptions are now posted for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, taking place September 29–October 1 in Scottsdale. Join Bishop Hutterer and guest speakers from Wartburg Seminary as we explore Bonhoeffer’s Life Together and themes of lament, love, and Christian hope.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Wartburg SeminaryComment
Support for New Ministry Ideas: Watch the Grant Webinar and Apply Today
Support for New Ministry Ideas: Watch the Grant Webinar and Apply Today

The Fall 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Grant cycle is now open, with $175,000 available to support ministries. Watch the grants webinar recording and apply by October 31, 2025. Proposals that align with the synod’s Strategic Plan and show collaboration with other ELCA ministries are strongly encouraged. Funding begins in February 2026.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
Update Made Easy: New 2025 Constitution Guidance for Your Congregation
Update Made Easy: New 2025 Constitution Guidance for Your Congregation

The Grand Canyon Synod is offering a simplified and time-saving process to help congregations update their governing documents to the 2025 ELCA Model Constitution. With support from an experienced synod consultant, congregations can ensure compliance, avoid common errors, and streamline the process. Download the guide and access official ELCA resources to begin your update today.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardConstitutions Comment
Life-Changing Lay Leadership: SAMs Bring New Energy to Rural Ministry
Life-Changing Lay Leadership: SAMs Bring New Energy to Rural Ministry

In the latest Boundless magazine from the ELCA, a standout story titled “A Rural Revival” highlights how congregations in North Dakota are empowering lay leaders to serve as Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs). With no pastor in sight and a hunger for sustainable leadership, rural Lutherans — including full-time farmers — trained locally through a synod vitality grant, creating a model that others across the ELCA can follow. As the Grand Canyon Synod continues expanding opportunities for SAMs, this grassroots movement offers hope and a powerful vision for ministry in small communities. Read the full Boundless Summer 2025 magazine (PDF or flipbook) here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSAMs, BoundlessComment
Documenting Justice: Mikayla Irle’s Vision for ELCA World Hunger
Documenting Justice: Mikayla Irle’s Vision for ELCA World Hunger

“Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners” is a short documentary presented by ELCA World Hunger. Intersections explores stories from three ELCA companion ministries in Cambodia, Mexico and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, responding to the overlapping root causes of hunger in the United States and around the world. Download the video here or view on YouTube.

Go behind the scenes of Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners, the new short documentary from ELCA World Hunger releasing September 22. In this interview, editing producer Mikayla Irle reflects on the creative process of shaping global stories of hunger, justice, and partnership into one cohesive narrative. Learn how she worked with the ELCA team to bring a global vision to life. Read the full interview on ELCA.org »

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Walking with Cambodia: Ashlyn Rhyne on Accompaniment and Global Mission
Walking with Cambodia: Ashlyn Rhyne on Accompaniment and Global Mission

Ashlyn Rhyne, a recent Young Adults in Global Mission alumna, shares her experiences walking alongside Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization and helping bring their story to life in Intersections, the upcoming ELCA World Hunger documentary. From filming and translation to daily moments of joy and love, Ashlyn offers a powerful glimpse into accompaniment as lived ministry. Read her interview on ELCA.org »

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ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardYoung Adults in Global Mission, Youth and Young AdultComment
Key Updates from Administration Matters: September 2025
Key Updates from Administration Matters: September 2025

The September 2025 issue of Administration Matters features important updates for congregational leaders, including Living Lutheran’s return to print, Portico’s 2026 benefit changes, and guidance on DHS nonprofit grant terms. Also included: cybersecurity tips, a free Nov. 17 webinar on low-cost accessibility, and practical insights on hosting effective meetings. Explore the full issue on ELCA.org »

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ELCA, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Iowa Home Providers Share How Medicaid Has Improved Lives, What’s at Stake Without It
Iowa Home Providers Share How Medicaid Has Improved Lives, What’s at Stake Without It

As uncertainty around Medicaid funding grew in Washington, D.C, Robyn and other Home Providers made sure their Congressional representatives, friends and neighbors saw the faces and heard the names of people who rely on services made possible through the program.

The post Iowa Home Providers Share How Medicaid Has Improved Lives, What’s at Stake Without It appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, MosaicComment
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend is 10/31 – 11/2/2025
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend is 10/31 – 11/2/2025

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.

PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

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Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Youth and Young AdultComment
Oct. 23: Equip Your Congregation to Respond to Addiction
Oct. 23: Equip Your Congregation to Respond to Addiction

Join the Oct. 23 one-day Virtual Addiction & Faith Conference, “Awakening the Church to Address Addiction,” hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Open to clergy, laypeople, and all impacted by addiction, this $50 event equips congregations to become safe, recovery-friendly communities. Register now and share the flyer to spread the word across our synod.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Learn to Lead with Hope: LFCNA Workshop for Nurses, Clergy, and Caregivers
Learn to Lead with Hope: LFCNA Workshop for Nurses, Clergy, and Caregivers

Learn evidence-based tools to offer hope during crisis. On Oct. 7, join LFCNA for Hope in Practice, a two-hour online workshop introducing Solution-Focused communication techniques for faith leaders, nurses, and caregivers. Led by Laurra Aagaard, this training emphasizes strengths-based care, with CE credits available. Open to all. Register here. View PDF here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCommunity Nursing, Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
Youth Musicians Invited to Lutheran Summer Music 2026
Youth Musicians Invited to Lutheran Summer Music 2026

Enrollment is now open for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more.

Priority enrollment deadline: December 1, 2025. Standard enrollment deadline: March 1, 2026. Learn more at LSMacademy.org/program.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Youth and Young AdultComment
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 all victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN…

  • For government transitions in Nepal and Malawi…

  • For the plight of all migrants who seek safety, security, and opportunity…

  • For all who live under oppression, threat, and fear…

  • For Jewish neighbors preparing for Rosh Hashanah, and for all gifts of newness, self-reflection, and repentance…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment