Start Your Advent Saturdays in Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet
Start Your Advent Saturdays in Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet

Begin your Advent Saturdays in prayer and quiet community with Earth and All Flesh: Advent Prayer Gathering, meeting on Zoom from 8:00–8:30 am MST on November 29, December 6, 13, and 20. Each 30-minute gathering includes a reading from Martin Luther’s Christmas Book, guided meditation, music or poetry, silent contemplation, and prayers of intercession, led by retreat facilitator Sheri Brown in partnership with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.

Register to receive the Zoom link at spiritinthedesert.org/earth-and-all-flesh-registration, and join others across our synod in praying for God’s hope, faith, joy, and peace for all creation this Advent.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
2025 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available
2025 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available

Experience the fifth annual Musical Advent Calendar from Lutheran Summer Music, November 30–December 24—daily musical meditations to inspire reflection throughout the Advent season. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, with all videos archived at LSMacademy.org/acal.  Sign up to receive each day’s video directly to your inbox by completing this form.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer MusicComment
From Lament to Action: Bishop Curry on Gun Violence and Advent Hope
From Lament to Action: Bishop Curry on Gun Violence and Advent Hope

Following a deadly shooting at Brown University that claimed two lives and injured many others, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, lament, and faithful public action. The statement names gun violence as a symptom of deeper brokenness in our common life and rejects its normalization in U.S. society.

Drawing on the ELCA’s social message on gun violence, Bishop Curry urges evidence-based, life-saving measures alongside sustained advocacy and accompaniment. In this Advent season, the statement affirms that God meets us in suffering and calls the church to work for justice, compassion, and peace. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.

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ELCA, Bishop CurryBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and Society, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Standing with Our Jewish Neighbors After the Bondi Beach Attack
Standing with Our Jewish Neighbors After the Bondi Beach Attack

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a statement following a deadly terror attack on the Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah menorah lighting at Bondi Beach in Australia. Writing on the Third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Curry condemns antisemitism, reaffirms the ELCA’s commitment to opposing anti-Jewish hatred, and calls the church to concrete acts of solidarity, love, and peace with our Jewish neighbors.

Grounded in God’s irrevocable covenant and the hope of Advent, the statement invites prayer and faithful action as an antidote to fear and violence. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.

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ELCA, Bishop Curry, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and Society, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards

Portico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.

This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
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
Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ
Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ

Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Parament Banners and Furnishings Available from Central Lutheran in Arizona City
Parament Banners and Furnishings Available from Central Lutheran in Arizona City

Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City is offering parament banners, two wooden lecterns, and a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano to congregations across the synod. Interested ministries should contact Jill Lui (jillonahike@gmail.com)with “GCS classified” in the subject line. Pickup or delivery can be arranged. Full item list and details are available in this post.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCentral Arizona City, Fiesta Conference, ClassifiedsComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Prayers for Wisdom Keeper Patty Charley Following the Death of Her Husband, Wayne
Prayers for Wisdom Keeper Patty Charley Following the Death of Her Husband, Wayne

Wisdom Keeper Patty Charley’s husband, Wayne, died earlier this week. Wayne died on Monday, December 8, in Albuquerque, NM, where he and Patty have a home. We invite the Grand Canyon Synod to hold Patty and her family in prayer. Patty serves as Primary Wisdom Keeper at the Navajo Lutheran Mission’s House of Prayer, where her leadership and ministry continue to bless the Navajo Nation. Please join us in surrounding Patty with love, support, and prayer during this time of grief.

A traditional Navajo burial service for Wayne will take place on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 am in Rock Point, Arizona, followed by a family-hosted meal. No RSVP is necessary.

Flowers will be difficult to deliver to Rock Point, but gifts to the House of Prayer in Wayne’s memory would be deeply appreciated. Cards and condolences may be sent to House of Prayer, PO Box 354, Rock Point, AZ 86545.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNavajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards
Watch for Your New 2026 Portico Health ID & HealthEquity Cards

Portico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.

This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
AFN News: December Gatherings, Interfaith Events, and Climate Justice Actions
AFN News: December Gatherings, Interfaith Events, and Climate Justice Actions

The latest AFN newsletter highlights December and January interfaith events, including ecology workshops, clergy gatherings, Monday meditations, and the upcoming Midwinter Peace Gathering. It also features climate-justice sign-on opportunities for faith leaders, Giving Machine charity sites, and partner news from across Arizona’s interfaith community.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
LAMA Highlights: Christmas Service Opportunities, New Policy Priorities & Upcoming Events
LAMA Highlights: Christmas Service Opportunities, New Policy Priorities & Upcoming Events

This week’s LAMA newsletter features an urgent call for Christmas volunteers with LSS-SW, new advocacy events through mid-January, and the release of LAMA’s 2026 Policy Priorities. You’ll also find updates on H.R. 1’s potential impact in Arizona, resources for congregations, and opportunities to support Lutheran Day at the Legislature. Read the full newsletter to stay connected with the advocacy ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
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