Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation

The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully in the federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. As of December 11, there are still no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity. The Office of the Bishop remains committed to clear communication, pastoral care, and transparency as we support congregations and leaders through this ongoing process. Pastoral care and communications contacts are included for those who may need assistance.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFederal Investigation Updates
Advent with TENx10: The Christ Child Comes Where Vetting Is Slow And Waiting Is Long
Advent with TENx10: The Christ Child Comes Where Vetting Is Slow And Waiting Is Long

Week 2 of TENx10’s Advent journey focuses on immigrant children who spend long stretches in shelters or temporary placements while their families navigate vetting and reunification processes. 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
Faith Lutheran Yuma Honors Veterans Through Wreaths Across America
Faith Lutheran Yuma Honors Veterans Through Wreaths Across America

Faith Lutheran Church in Yuma raised $954 through its Christmas Bazaar to support Wreaths Across America. The congregation will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, December 13 at noon at Sun Vista Cemetery in Fortuna Foothills, honoring fallen military heroes with evergreen wreaths symbolizing eternal life.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardVeterans, 2025 Advent and Christmas, Faith Yuma, Cactus ConferenceComment
ELCA Marks 10 Years Since Paris Climate Accords with Call to Courageous Action
ELCA Marks 10 Years Since Paris Climate Accords with Call to Courageous Action

On the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Accords, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry offers a powerful reflection on the church’s call to care for God’s creation. Naming this moment as kairos—a time of crisis and hope—the Bishop urges the ELCA to deepen its commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and action alongside those most vulnerable to climate impacts. He also lifts up the leadership of young adults and Indigenous communities, and commends the ELCA’s social message Earth’s Climate Crisis. Read the full message from the ELCA.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Climate ChangeComment
A Service for the Weary and Grieving: Blue Christmas with the Center of Addiction & Faith
A Service for the Weary and Grieving: Blue Christmas with the Center of Addiction & Faith

Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a virtual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, at 6 p.m. MT / 5 p.m. PT—a gentle, contemplative space for anyone carrying grief, stress, or sorrow during the holiday season. Grounded in the promise of John 1:5, this service honors the real struggles that accompany the darkest time of the year and invites participants to seek comfort and light together. Register online and come as you are.

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Brian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, The Center of Addiction & Faith, AddictionComment
Celebrate the Season at the Lord of Life Big Band Christmas Concert in Sun City West
Celebrate the Season at the Lord of Life Big Band Christmas Concert in Sun City West

Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Friday, December 19 at 10:00 AM for a joyful Big Band Christmas Concert featuring festive music, vocalists, and a time of fellowship with holiday treats. All are welcome to gather in the Social Hall for a warm and spirited start to the Christmas season.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Lord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment
New Courses, Resources, and a Year-End Sale: December Faith+Lead Roundup
New Courses, Resources, and a Year-End Sale: December Faith+Lead Roundup

Faith+Lead’s December Monthly Roundup features new courses—including Family Systems: Tools for Ministry and a new Spanish-language theology course—along with boundary-training for Christian leaders, an updated certificate catalog, and details on the School for Lay Ministry launching in January. Free resources include a new ebook on Spirit-led discernment, a “Bible in a Year” podcast preview, and Working Preacher newsletter subscriptions. Read the full update and explore training opportunities for you and your congregation.

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Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, faith+leadComment
Start Reading: Living Lutheran’s New Site Now Offers Free Digital Access
Start Reading: Living Lutheran’s New Site Now Offers Free Digital Access

The new LivingLutheran.org has launched, offering a free digital membership for readers across the Grand Canyon Synod. To create your free account, visit the direct sign-up link at https://www.livinglutheran.org/create-account the page is currently hard to find from the main subscribe screen.

A free account provides a personalized dashboard, members-only content, article-saving features, and customizable e-news options. Learn more about digital access and print subscriptions at livinglutheran.org/subscribe and stay connected to stories that strengthen us as one ELCA church.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Spirited Book Club Welcomes Peter Faur for Conversation on The Heretic Hunters
Spirited Book Club Welcomes Peter Faur for Conversation on The Heretic Hunters

Join Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (2:00 pm PST) for a conversation with author Peter Faur about his new novel, The Heretic Hunters: A Parable for Our Time. The book traces a denomination in crisis as authoritarianism, doctrinal purity campaigns, and personal courage collide—raising timely questions about faith, integrity, and the endurance of love.

The discussion will be facilitated by Sheri Brown, and registration is open. Learn more about the book, read early reviews, and sign up to join the conversation here: Read more & register →

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Scholar Behind the Story Joins Our MLK Events
A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Scholar Behind the Story Joins Our MLK Events

Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas—pastor, scholar, and author of A Rumor of Black Lutherans—will preach at the Colorado River Conference’s MLK Celebration on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at New Song Church in Henderson, NV. Dr. Thomas’ remarkable journey from Seminex to global ministry in Ghana offers powerful insight into Black leadership in Lutheran history. Read more about his story, explore his new book, and join us as we honor Dr. King’s legacy across our synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 MLK celebration, Colorado River Conference, Racial JusticeComment
Candlelit Advent Vespers & Lessons and Carols at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix
Candlelit Advent Vespers & Lessons and Carols at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix

Join Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 PM for a candlelit service of Advent Vespers with Lessons and Carols. This cherished annual tradition weaves Scripture, choir anthems, congregational singing, and organ music into a beautiful proclamation of Advent hope. A Dessert Festival follows the service. All are welcome as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry shares a Christmas children’s sermon inviting us to listen for God’s gentle whispers of love, hope, and peace. The video is available for congregational use, along with downloadable English and Spanish PDFs. This Christmas, Bishop Curry reminds us that “the heavens are still whispering: Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”

El Obispo Presidente Yehiel Curry comparte un sermón infantil navideño que nos invita a escuchar los susurros de amor, esperanza y paz de Dios. El video está disponible para uso en congregaciones, junto con los PDFs en inglés y español. Este mensaje nos recuerda que “los cielos todavía susurran: Jesús está aquí. Dios te ama. Comparte ese amor con el mundo.”

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
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 FlatgardDesert Cross Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
German-Language Christmas Service Returns December 14 at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee
German-Language Christmas Service Returns December 14 at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on Sunday, December 14, 2025, for a German-Language Christmas Service, beginning with caroling at 4:10 p.m. and worship at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy fellowship afterward with coffee, tea, and Christmas cookies (donations welcome). The service will also be livestreamed at bit.ly/weihnachtsgottesdienst2025inphoenix. Learn more at weihnachtsgottesdienstphoenix.com.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
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 FlatgardNew Spirit Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
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 FlatgardLutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
In Memoriam: Rev. Daniel Trejo, Father of ILM President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager
In Memoriam: Rev. Daniel Trejo, Father of ILM President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager

The Grand Canyon Synod joins the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana in mourning the death of Rev. Daniel Trejo, father of ILM Pastor President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, who died on December 1. A wake and devotional were held on December 2, and the funeral took place on December 3. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

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In Memoriam, Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMexican Lutheran Church, Roberto Trejo HaagerComment