Constitution 101: New ELCA Webinar Simplifies Congregation Updates
Constitution 101: New ELCA Webinar Simplifies Congregation Updates

The ELCA Office of the Secretary has released a new “Congregation Constitution 101” webinar and PowerPoint designed for congregation leaders. The hour-long training explains how constitutions function, how the Model Constitution is organized, and how to amend and update your congregation’s document. Watch the recording at vimeo.com/1129666826 or access materials at ELCA.org/Office-of-the-Secretary/Constitutions.

For additional help, see our related post: Update Made Easy: New 2025 Constitution Guidance for Your Congregation.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Events from ELCA Indigenous Ministries
Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Events from ELCA Indigenous Ministries

November is Native American Heritage Month. The ELCA invites our communities to honor Indigenous voices through two highlighted events: the 15th Annual Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium (online, Oct. 11–15, 2025) and the National Day of Mourning (Nov. 27, 12pm in Patuxet, MA). These gatherings offer meaningful opportunities for learning, remembrance, and solidarity. Learn more at elca.org/indigenous.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation
Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation

In a new episode of Here I Pod, Lutheran Disaster Response staff and partners share their recent conversations with legislators in Washington, D.C., urging stronger FEMA reform to support disaster-affected communities. Listeners also hear practical ways to take action and strengthen congregational preparedness. Listen and read more on Living Lutheran: Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster Response, Here I Pod, Church and SocietyComment
ELCA Colleges Confront Food Insecurity Through Campus Pantries
ELCA Colleges Confront Food Insecurity Through Campus Pantries

Food insecurity affects nearly one in four college students nationwide. In response, campus ministries across the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) operate pantries offering food, essentials, and compassionate support. These ministries reflect Christ’s call to feed the hungry and ensure all can flourish. Read the full article on Living Lutheran: That all may flourish — NECU pantries address food insecurity.

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ELCABrian FlatgardHunger, Living LutheranComment
Reformation: More Than a Day—A Call to Live Our Faith Boldly
Reformation: More Than a Day—A Call to Live Our Faith Boldly

Reformation is more than an annual celebration—it is a living tradition calling us to embody grace, justice, and courageous discipleship in daily life. In this reflection, Pastor Ralen M. Robinson invites us to remember that the Spirit continues to stir reform in our communities as we advocate for change, love our neighbors, and allow faith alone, Scripture alone, and grace alone to guide us year-round. Read the full reflection on Living Lutheran: My take: A living tradition — The Reformation was meant to be continued.

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ELCABrian FlatgardReformation Sunday, Living LutheranComment
Spirit in the Desert: November Highlights, Retreats & ThanksLiving Fest
Spirit in the Desert: November Highlights, Retreats & ThanksLiving Fest

Spirit in the Desert shares a full month of ministry highlights, including the Nov. 15 dedication of a new meditation garden honoring Jim Hanson, two Healing of Memories retreats (free for qualified veterans & healthcare workers), and the first-ever ThanksLiving weekend celebration Nov. 28–30 featuring music, worship, and a festive luau.

Explore upcoming online and in-person retreats, daily devotions, leadership formation, and year-end giving opportunities. Read the full newsletter.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Join Women Across the Synod for the 2025 Convention in Phoenix
Join Women Across the Synod for the 2025 Convention in Phoenix

Join women from across the Grand Canyon Synod for the 2025 Women of the ELCA Biennial Convention and Gathering on Saturday, November 8, at Faith/La Fe Lutheran Church in Phoenix. The day includes worship, speakers, and lunch for just $30. Special guests include Myrna Wells-Ulland, Pastor Jacqui Pagel, and Connie Phillips.

Register today at grandcanyonwomen.org/events.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrand Canyon WomenComment
Understanding Christian Nationalism: A Community Conversation at King of Glory
Understanding Christian Nationalism: A Community Conversation at King of Glory

King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, King of Glory Tempe, Fiesta Conference, Church and SocietyComment
This Week with LAMA: Take Action to Protect International Food Aid
This Week with LAMA: Take Action to Protect International Food Aid

Explore this week’s LAMA advocacy update, including an ELCA Action Alert urging Congress to protect international food aid in the upcoming Farm Bill. You’ll also find upcoming events—on hunger ministry, public lands, Christian nationalism, civic engagement—and new reflections from the LAMA blog. Read the full newsletter, event details, and action links here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Pakistan/Afghanistan, and Tanzania…

  • For all in the path of Tropical Storm Melissa…

  • For victims of police raids in Brazil…

  • For cease-fire in Gaza, and for opportunities for relief agencies to accomplish their work…

  • For all who face hunger and food insecurity, especially those those who rely on SNAP benefits…

  • For food pantries, community meals, and all feeding ministries and programs…

  • For federal employees…

  • For safety for immigrants, refugees, and all migrants…

  • For the communion of saints and for witnesses to faith in this and all generations…

  • For gifts of time, daylight, nighttime, and the cycle of the seasons…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Share Your Congregation’s Mutual Aid Resources with Arizona Faith Network
Share Your Congregation’s Mutual Aid Resources with Arizona Faith Network

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights ways people of faith are responding to community needs through mutual aid, reflection, and action. Congregations are invited to share their ministries in AFN’s new Faith & Mutual Aid Resource Guide, helping connect families across Arizona to food, shelter, and care.

The issue also includes details for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, United We Rise, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, honoring Rev. Towanda NT Connelly and other bridge builders; weekly Monday Meditations; Reconciliation Ecology workshops; and safety training for faith communities.

Read the full update and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Invite Global Refuge’s Pastor-in-Residence: Schedule Rev. Eric Shafer for Winter–Spring 2026
Invite Global Refuge’s Pastor-in-Residence: Schedule Rev. Eric Shafer for Winter–Spring 2026

Global Refuge’s volunteer Pastor in Residence, Rev. Eric C. Shafer, is booking Sunday visits to ELCA congregations in our synod to preach and lead an adult forum on Christian welcome. Available dates: Dec. 28, 2025; Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1; and all Sundays in March 2026. Hosts provide travel expense support. To schedule, email ericcshafer@hotmail.com and learn more at globalrefuge.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGlobal Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment