PLTS Invites Applications for Climate Justice Certificate Programs | PLTS abre inscripciones para programas de certificación en justicia climática
PLTS Invites Applications for Climate Justice Certificate Programs | PLTS abre inscripciones para programas de certificación en justicia climática

The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardEspañol, Climate Change, Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
A Powerful Christmas Drama: “I, Joseph” — Free One-Man Presentation at Mountain View on 12/12
A Powerful Christmas Drama: “I, Joseph” — Free One-Man Presentation at Mountain View on 12/12

Mountain View Lutheran Church hosts “I, Joseph,” a free one-man Christmas presentation by Tom Owen, on Friday, December 12, 6–7 pm. Walk with Joseph through the Nativity story in a powerful dramatic experience. Refreshments provided; all are welcome. View the event flyer here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMountain View Phoenix, Fiesta Conference, 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
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, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…

  • For abducted students and staff in Nigeria…

  • For victims of flooding in Vietnam…

  • For all affected by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia and Ethiopia…

  • For winter storms across the United States and for safety for travelers…

  • For those affected by tornadoes and severe weather in Texas…

  • For de-escalation in areas facing immigration raids…

  • For health, safety, and provision for all migrants…

  • For families, friends, and neighbors gathering for the holiday…

  • In gratitude for God’s faithfulness…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
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. With no new developments this week, the Office of the Bishop remains committed to transparency, pastoral care, and steady communication as the investigation continues.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFederal Investigation Updates
This Week with LAMA: HIV/AIDS Funding, AFN Gathering, and December Opportunities
This Week with LAMA: HIV/AIDS Funding, AFN Gathering, and December Opportunities

Stay up to date with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona through this week’s newsletter, featuring an urgent Action Alert for World AIDS Day, upcoming December events, new blog posts, and preparations for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. Read the full newsletter to connect with statewide justice efforts, prayer opportunities, and ways your congregation can support LAMA’s ministry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
December ELCA Coaching Opportunities: Free Support, Learning, and Community
December ELCA Coaching Opportunities: Free Support, Learning, and Community

Explore a full month of free December ELCA Coaching events, including the Creating Beloved Community series, writing workshops, and decolonizing worship sessions—all fully subsidized by the ELCA. Registration links, dates, and upcoming 2026 training opportunities are available, with reduced-cost training options for leaders beginning in January and April. Visit elcacoaching.org/events for details.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
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