Mission Support at Work: From Christ Lutheran to Nineveh’s New Beginning
Mission Support at Work: From Christ Lutheran to Nineveh’s New Beginning

In the December 2025 Mission Support Memo, we are invited into the story of Radford, Virginia, where the closing of Christ Lutheran Church became the seedbed for something new. On Easter 2023, the congregation transformed into Nineveh Lutheran Justice Ministry—a synod-authorized worshiping community grounded in healing, justice, and radical welcome for people on the margins, including those impacted by addiction, mental health challenges, and exclusion.

This story from the Virginia Synod highlights how ELCA Mission Support and innovation grants make space for courageous new ministry, partnerships, and hope-filled imagination. As we wait for Christ’s light this Advent, Nineveh’s journey invites us to reflect on what inspires us—and how God may be calling our own congregations to try something new. Read the full Mission Support Memo and explore ways to partner with ELCA Innovation in this powerful story of healing, community, and hope.

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ELCABrian FlatgardStewardship, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Wondering If Seminary Is Right for You? Join PLTS in Berkeley, March 13–15
Wondering If Seminary Is Right for You? Join PLTS in Berkeley, March 13–15

Is seminary part of God’s call in your life? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a discernment weekend March 13–15 2026 in Berkeley, CA, designed for those exploring online seminary education. Participants will experience a PLTS class, connect with faculty and students, and reflect on vocation in community.

Lodging and most meals are covered, with travel assistance available. Learn more and register at plts.edu/signs.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Promise Magazine: When Mosaic Succeeds, People Win
Promise Magazine: When Mosaic Succeeds, People Win

Living a life of possibilities looks different to everyone, and at Mosaic, we honor that difference. In our newest issue of Promise magazine, you’ll learn how Mosaic’s approach to personalized services improves lives and enables people to achieve their personal goals and ambitions.

The issue also recaps the recent Martin Luther Home Centennial Celebration, introduces new Mosaic Board and Foundation Board members and celebrates the recipients of our Partners in Possibilities and Advocacy awards. The post Promise Magazine: When Mosaic Succeeds, People Win appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Sacred Places as “Third Place”: 2025 National Photo Contest Winners Announced
Sacred Places as “Third Place”: 2025 National Photo Contest Winners Announced

Partners for Sacred Places has announced the winners of its 2025 national photo contest, themed “Third Place: Sacred Places Serving Their Neighborhoods.” Through anonymous jury selection and public voting, photographers from across the country captured how sacred spaces function not only as houses of worship, but as vital centers for art, service, education, open space, and community life.

The winning images—ranging from a historic Baptist church cemetery in Georgia to community events, music, dance, and service ministries—offer a powerful visual testimony to how sacred places continue to serve the common good. Read more and view the winning photographs from across the nation on the Partners for Sacred Places website.

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Brian FlatgardPartners for Sacred SpacesComment
Stephen Ministries Marks 50 Years of Lay Caregiving, Brings Anniversary Tour to Phoenix
Stephen Ministries Marks 50 Years of Lay Caregiving, Brings Anniversary Tour to Phoenix

Stephen Ministries is celebrating 50 years of equipping congregations for Christ-centered care with a nationwide anniversary tour that will include a future stop in Phoenix. Since 1975, the organization has trained hundreds of thousands of lay caregivers who have provided emotional and spiritual support to millions worldwide.

Grounded in incarnational theology, Stephen Ministries continues to expand its vision through new teaching events, books, and resources that equip people to care with empathy—in congregations and beyond. Learn more at stephenministries.org.

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Brian FlatgardStephen MinistriesComment
Nominate Young Musicians for Lutheran Summer Music
Nominate Young Musicians for Lutheran Summer Music

Now is the time to nominate students for LSM 2026. Enrollment for next summer is filling quickly, and we expect most remaining spots to be filled by the March 1 Standard Enrollment deadline. At LSM, students connect advanced musical study with worship and the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. We welcome musicians on all instruments—brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, and harp—to study with nationally recognized faculty in a welcoming and supportive community.

LSM 2026 takes place at St. Olaf College from June 21–July 19. Know a young musician (grades 8–12) who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate. Questions? admissions@lutheransummermusic.org.

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Brian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Youth and Young AdultComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders are invited to a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, with a local gathering option in the Grand Canyon Synod. This morning workshop connects congregations to regional teaching and local conversation and complements the January 22–24 in-person PLTS gathering. For details, contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Interfaith Action and Reflection: What’s New from Arizona Faith Network
Interfaith Action and Reflection: What’s New from Arizona Faith Network

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features interfaith gatherings, educational events, meditations, partner actions, and seasonal opportunities for service across Arizona. From peace-focused worship to justice-centered advocacy, there are many ways to engage. Explore the full newsletter and stay connected.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Faith in Action This Week: LAMA Urges Urgent Advocacy for Creation and Justice
Faith in Action This Week: LAMA Urges Urgent Advocacy for Creation and Justice

This week’s LAMA newsletter highlights urgent advocacy opportunities to protect creation, upcoming hunger and advocacy gatherings, and faith-based responses to pressing public issues. With key deadlines this week and important events ahead, now is the time to act. Read the full update and take part in advocacy grounded in Lutheran faith.

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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 18, there are still no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity, with no new developments reported in recent weeks.

As a result, the Office of the Bishop will move away from weekly updates and will share future information on an as-needed basis. The synod remains committed to transparency, pastoral care, and ongoing communication, and leaders are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFederal Investigation Updates
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, conflict, and violence especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Eastern Congo, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…

  • For all victims of violence, threats of violence, and communities grieving gun violence, including the Brown University and MIT campuses, Stewartville High School, and victims of the Bondi Beach violence in Sydney, Australia…

  • For immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and all who travel…

  • For those facing extreme weather, especially blizzard and high wind threats in the Northwestern United States…

  • For the community of Holden Village in this season of evacuation and evaluation…

  • For children and families who face increased food insecurity during school breaks…

  • For accessible and affordable health care…

  • For those living with seasonal affective disorder…

  • For all who seek shelter…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Created in God’s Image: A Faithful Guide for Responding to Dehumanizing Language
Created in God’s Image: A Faithful Guide for Responding to Dehumanizing Language

The ELCA’s Advocacy and Migration Policy team has released a new conversation guide, Created in the Image of God, equipping faith communities to recognize and respond to dehumanizing language—particularly language directed at immigrants and forcibly displaced people. Grounded in Scripture and ELCA social teaching, the guide calls Christians to affirm the imago Dei in every person and to resist rhetoric that erodes empathy, dignity, and justice.

This timely resource invites congregations and individuals to engage difficult conversations with curiosity, compassion, and faith, using personal stories and theological grounding to challenge harmful narratives. Read the full reflection and download the conversation guide.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
Cocoa and Carols: A Music for Food Celebration Supporting Navajo Lutheran Mission at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Cocoa and Carols: A Music for Food Celebration Supporting Navajo Lutheran Mission at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church hosts Cocoa and Carols on December 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., featuring Typhanie Monique and Raul Yanez. This free Music for Food sing-along includes a freewill offering supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM)—an afternoon of music, generosity, and seasonal joy.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNavajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission, Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital Conference, 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, is seeking a new Executive Director to lead its Lutheran-rooted mission of grace-filled hospitality, renewal, and spiritual growth. The role includes strategic and hands-on leadership across operations, staff supervision, financial sustainability, donor relations, and community partnerships. 

Applications received by January 15, 2026 will be assured of full consideration. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and five professional references (PDF format) to Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com. Nominations are also welcome.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Unwine Your Mind: A January Reset for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Unwine Your Mind: A January Reset for Body, Mind, and Spirit

Start the new year with clarity—not guilt. Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free one-hour webinar, “Unwine Your Mind – A January Reset,” on Wednesday, December 31, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MST (10:00–11:00 AM PT). Featuring journalist and sober-curious leader Hilary Sheinbaum, this judgment-free session invites participants to explore a 30-day alcohol-free reset—or a meaningful reduction—with attention to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Designed especially for faith leaders and those navigating stress and exhaustion, this webinar offers practical insight, Lutheran-friendly reflection, and a compassionate approach to healthier living. Registration is free and open now.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment