From Table Ministry to Christmas Eve Outreach: Insights from the November Mission Support Memo
From Table Ministry to Christmas Eve Outreach: Insights from the November Mission Support Memo

This month’s Mission Support Memo shares a powerful story of relationship-based ministry from the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, highlighting the Rev. Tauna Roth’s joyful stewardship of community, hospitality, and connection. It also offers timely guidance on using Christmas Eve worship as a missional moment, inviting congregations to consider how larger holiday attendance can strengthen outreach and welcome.

The memo includes details for an online conversation on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Central, hosted by the ELCA’s Congregation and Synod Support Team, along with continued opportunities to engage with churchwide partners. Read the full November Mission Support Memo (PDF): Click here to open.

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ELCABrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
Progress and Setbacks: ELCT Confronts HIV Challenges Amid U.S. Aid Freeze
Progress and Setbacks: ELCT Confronts HIV Challenges Amid U.S. Aid Freeze

As World AIDS Day approaches, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) reports both remarkable progress and serious setbacks in HIV care. After a U.S. aid freeze abruptly ended a major USAID-funded youth HIV program that had reached over 250,000 people, ELCT’s ability to support medication adherence, nutrition, and follow-up care was sharply reduced—placing vulnerable communities at risk. With help from ELCA companions, some essential services are restarting, but need remains high.

Read more in ELCA Advocacy’s full update and take action by urging federal leaders to release critical global HIV/AIDS funds.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Give Back with Beauty: Vintage Jewelry Sale at Beautiful Savior in Tucson
Give Back with Beauty: Vintage Jewelry Sale at Beautiful Savior in Tucson

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson will host a Vintage Jewelry Sale on Saturday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to noon at 7570 North Thornydale Road. The sale features new, boxed vintage jewelry—rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, charms, and Christmas pieces—with some items containing lab-created gems. All proceeds support charitable causes, and the event is cash only.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBeautiful Savior Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
Roster Manual Revised for 2025: Join the Dec. 2 Webinar to Learn More
Roster Manual Revised for 2025: Join the Dec. 2 Webinar to Learn More

The ELCA Church Council has approved major revisions to the roster manual, with updates now in effect across the church. Changes include new policies on on-leave and retired status, interim and supply ministry, expanded exceptions to the three-year congregational service bylaw, and a new 10-hour minimum for part-time calls. View and download as PDF here.

A webinar explaining these updates will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1–2 p.m. Central. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85159197176. Leaders are encouraged to discard old versions of the roster manual and direct questions to Keith.Fry@ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Slow Down and Be Still: Join the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge
Slow Down and Be Still: Join the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge

Begin your Advent with intention and peace. From December 1–4, the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge offers daily devotionals featuring contemplative artwork by Steve Thomason, a prayer, and a simple spiritual practice. This short, reflective experience invites you to slow down, breathe, and rediscover Advent’s themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Sign up to receive the daily devotions directly to your inbox.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Share the Joy: Christmas Volunteer Opportunities with LSS-SW
Share the Joy: Christmas Volunteer Opportunities with LSS-SW

LSS-SW is seeking volunteers for Christmas gift-wrapping, delivery, Shopping Guide roles, and card-making in both Tucson and the Phoenix area. All gifts and Christmas cards are due December 15, with deliveries taking place December 18–21. More than 1,500 gifts will be distributed this year, and volunteers can also support ongoing needs such as Refugee Youth Mentors, English tutoring, and homework helpers.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
Desert Cross Lutheran in Gilbert Presents The Winter Rose: A Free Advent Cantata of Hope and Wonder
Desert Cross Lutheran in Gilbert Presents The Winter Rose: A Free Advent Cantata of Hope and Wonder

Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert invites you to The Winter Rose: Songs of Worship and Wonder on Sunday, December 14, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. This free Advent cantata weaves scripture, prayer, and music into a beautiful reflection on Emmanuel—God with Us. Featuring choirs, guest musicians, and a Christmas cookie reception, the event is offered as a gift of love to the community. All are welcome.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Desert Cross Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Lift Your Voice in Joy: Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West
Lift Your Voice in Joy: Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West

Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West for a beloved holiday tradition: the Messiah Sing-Along on Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM. Sing with the choir and full orchestra or simply enjoy the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, including Comfort Ye My People and For Unto Us a Child Is Born. Rehearsals are available November 19, 26, and 29. All are welcome to lift their voices in this joyful celebration of Christ’s coming.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment
A Stable Lamp Is Lighted: Advent 2025 Resources from ELCA World Hunger
A Stable Lamp Is Lighted: Advent 2025 Resources from ELCA World Hunger

This Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Advent Made Easy: Vero Communications Offers Ready-to-Go Advent Bundle for Churches (Copy)
Advent Made Easy: Vero Communications Offers Ready-to-Go Advent Bundle for Churches (Copy)

Prepare your congregation for Advent with Vero Communications’ Advent Bundle—a set of customized postcards, flyers, banners, and social media graphics designed to help you invite your community to worship. With a two-week turnaround, Vero creates professional, ready-to-use materials based on your church’s Advent theme. Learn more →

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Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
“Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations” Workshop Coming January 17 in Phoenix
“Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations” Workshop Coming January 17 in Phoenix

Join us Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix for Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations, a free interactive workshop led by Fred Nelson of the Inside Out Network. Explore a biblical foundation for reentry ministry, learn from new research, and discover eight practical models to help your congregation welcome and walk with returning citizens. Register today at the link provided—free parking and refreshments included.

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Brian FlatgardComment
Faith Communities Lead on Climate: Highlights from the December Blessed Tomorrow Newsletter
Faith Communities Lead on Climate: Highlights from the December Blessed Tomorrow Newsletter

Explore the newest resources, stories, and opportunities for faith-rooted climate action in the December Blessed Tomorrow newsletter. Highlights include the 2026 American Climate Leadership Awards, sustainable holiday ideas, new research insights, and updates from congregations and national partners. Read the full newsletter for tools, inspiration, and ways to engage this season.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Lutheran Men in Mission Releases Fall 2025 Ambassador-Gram
Lutheran Men in Mission Releases Fall 2025 Ambassador-Gram

The Fall 2025 Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram is now available, featuring updates on men’s ministry resources, national retreats, weekly Bible and book studies, and LMM’s 2025–27 strategic plan. Read the full newsletter—as a PDF or a Constant Contact link —and help us share it with men seeking to grow as bold followers of Jesus Christ.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Men in MissionComment
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation

The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the ELCA regarding the ongoing federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. There are still no known victims within our synod, and all allegations involve online activity. This week’s update includes gratitude for those who attended our recent Holding Space gathering for prayer and conversation. The Office of the Bishop remains committed to transparency, pastoral care, and clear communication as the investigation continues.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFederal Investigation Updates
AFN Weekly Update: Annual Gathering Nears, Interfaith Events Ahead
AFN Weekly Update: Annual Gathering Nears, Interfaith Events Ahead

AFN shares a full lineup of upcoming events, including the 2025 Annual Gathering (Dec. 2), interfaith Thanksgiving services, prayer walks, ecology workshops, and the “No Amazon for Advent” campaign. Learn more and view all events and advocacy actions in the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment