Be Part of AFN’s 2025 Gathering—Hybrid, Bilingual, Transformative
Be Part of AFN’s 2025 Gathering—Hybrid, Bilingual, Transformative

Registration is now open for the Arizona Faith Network’s 2025 Annual Gathering, themed United We Rise. Join faith leaders from across Arizona on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale, or participate online. This bilingual (Spanish & English) event will feature keynote speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma, a Buddhist nun and teacher known for her warmth and practical wisdom. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Learn more and register—click here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Spirit in the Desert Welcomes New and Returning Guests This Fall
Spirit in the Desert Welcomes New and Returning Guests This Fall

September at Spirit in the Desert brought meaningful gatherings, including the Bishop’s staff retreat, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona, local church retreats, and the first-ever national meeting of the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network. Looking ahead, October will welcome both familiar groups and first-time guests, while special events such as Healing of Memories workshops, the Thanksliving Music Fest, and spring retreats are open for registration. Read the full update and upcoming opportunities from Spirit in the Desert—click here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Join the Song: Maricopa Lutheran Seeks Church Musician & Choir Director
Join the Song: Maricopa Lutheran Seeks Church Musician & Choir Director

Maricopa Lutheran Church is hiring a Church Musician (pianist/keyboardist) and a Choir Director to serve a growing, song-loving congregation that worships at Desert Wind Middle School. Pay is per service/rehearsal with mileage reimbursement (IRS guidelines) for those outside Maricopa; roles are independent contractor (1099).

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Maricopa Lutheran, Kino ConferenceComment
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 Grand Blanc, MI and Dallas, TX…

  • For rescue and recovery efforts following an earthquake in the Philippines…

  • For rescue and recovery efforts follow a school collapse in Indonesia…

  • For safety amidst protest in Morocco and Madagascar…

  • For all migrants and global travelers…

  • For access to affordable and reliable health care, clean water, and sufficient food…

  • For those who serve in the military…

  • For the health and flourishing of creation…

  • In thanksgiving for the ministries of Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Bishop Yehiel Curry…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Honoring Orange Shirt Day: Remembering Indigenous Children of Boarding Schools
Honoring Orange Shirt Day: Remembering Indigenous Children of Boarding Schools

September 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This annual observance honors Indigenous children taken from their families and placed in U.S. and Canadian boarding schools, where many suffered abuse and cultural erasure. The day is named for Phyllis Webstad’s story of surrendering her orange shirt on her first day at a residential school.

The ELCA invites us to join the Truth and Healing Movement, a commitment to confronting this painful history and standing with Indigenous siblings in Christ. Learn more at Living Lutheran: Orange Shirt Day article.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Truth and Healing Movement, American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran AssociationComment
Southeastern Synod Models Faithful Advocacy in Action
Southeastern Synod Models Faithful Advocacy in Action

Advocacy is a grateful response to God’s grace and a way of living out our baptismal call. In the Southeastern Synod, congregations across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee engage, equip, and empower communities to stand with vulnerable neighbors. From disaster preparedness to immigrant support, advocacy reflects Christ’s love in action. Read more ›

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4

The Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central (12 p.m. MST) at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Curry, the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA, was elected during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The service is open to the public, with livestream access available here: ELCA Installation of the Presiding Bishop.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Not Just a Conference: TENx10 Summit is A Convergence for Youth Discipleship
Not Just a Conference: TENx10 Summit is A Convergence for Youth Discipleship

Join over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Tenx10Comment
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
Songs of Restoration: Watoto Choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria
Songs of Restoration: Watoto Choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria

Join Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. for a powerful evening with the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda. Their new production, Better Days—There is Hope, features vibrant music, dance, and testimonies of God’s love. Come be inspired by their message of hope and restoration.

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Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPeace Peoria, Fiesta ConferenceComment
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