Join Us at the Capitol: Lutheran Day at the Legislature Returns Feb. 23, 2026
Join Us at the Capitol: Lutheran Day at the Legislature Returns Feb. 23, 2026

Lutherans and friends from across Arizona are invited to gather at Wesley Bolin Plaza on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. The morning includes meeting legislators, connecting with LAMA leaders, hearing speakers, and praying for justice, with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch provided.

Held at the Arizona State Capitol in downtown Phoenix, this annual event equips us to live out our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace. Register today.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Bishop Curry Opens LWF’s 2025 Advent Series with a Message of Hope
Bishop Curry Opens LWF’s 2025 Advent Series with a Message of Hope

The Lutheran World Federation’s 2025 Advent Calendar launches November 30 with daily “Messages of Faith” shared by Lutherans around the world. Beginning with a reflection from ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, each short video explores how faith grounds and guides us in this season of expectation. Follow the daily updates on LWF social media or at the Advent Calendar site to receive new encouragement each day of Advent.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Global ChurchBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Lutheran World FederationComment
Advent with TENx10: Finding Jesus in Every Pantry Line
Advent with TENx10: Finding Jesus in Every Pantry Line

Week 1 of TENx10’s Advent journey focuses on hunger, inviting us to see Christ in every child standing in a WIC clinic or pantry line. Daily readings (Nov 30–Dec 6) and a weekly prayer guide our reflection on Christ’s presence among families facing uncertain tables. Sign up for the Advent series and learn more about TENx10’s work supporting young people nationwide.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardTenx10, Youth and Young Adult, 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
Prepared to Welcome, Ready to Respond: Synod Gathers Security Tools for Congregations
Prepared to Welcome, Ready to Respond: Synod Gathers Security Tools for Congregations

The Grand Canyon Synod is developing a new Congregational Security & Preparedness resource page under our Congregation Resources section, at the request of Synod Vice President Mark Myers. This evolving hub will gather practical tools from ELCA churchwide resources, insurers like Brotherhood Mutual and Church Mutual, and federal partners such as the FBI to help congregations review building security, plan for emergencies, and respond wisely to threats or concerning behavior.

Councils, staff, ushers, and safety teams are encouraged to use these materials in conversation with local law enforcement, insurers, and legal counsel, taking simple first steps now while we continue to add and update resources.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Jazz Meets the Nativity: New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Hosts “Bending Towards the Light”
Jazz Meets the Nativity: New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Hosts “Bending Towards the Light”

New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson once again hosts Arizona’s exclusive production of Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity on December 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 5 p.m. This joyful retelling of the Nativity—written by Anne Phillips and inspired by “The Jazz Pastor” John Garcia Gensel—blends the Christmas story with the expressive beauty of jazz. Tickets and details at jazznativity.org/tucson.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, New Spirit Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
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
Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman
Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman

Join us for the Ordination for Wanda K. Frenchman on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside, and Vance Blackfox will preach. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Dinner will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Grace Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, with video later on the Native American Urban Ministry page. All are welcome.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
Jazz Vespers Celebrates One Year of “Music for Food” with December 7 Concert at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Jazz Vespers Celebrates One Year of “Music for Food” with December 7 Concert at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church on December 7 as Jazz Vespers celebrates its one-year anniversary of the Music for Food ministry, which has supported over 7,000 family units since last December. This month’s concert features Beth Lederman and Sandra Bassett at 5:30 p.m., with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Free admission; offerings support the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry.

Come for the music and help continue a ministry that feeds both body and spirit.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
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