In Memoriam: Rev. Richard “Dick” Glover
In Memoriam: Rev. Richard “Dick” Glover

The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard “Dick” Glover, retired pastor and member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix, who died on November 17, 2025. A Service of Life and Resurrection will be held Saturday, January 17, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m., followed by fellowship.

We invite the synod to hold Alice, the Glover family, and the St. Andrew community in prayer, trusting in God’s promises of baptismal grace, resurrection, and eternal peace in Christ.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardSt. Andrew Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders

ELCA Coaching is offering a full month of free January opportunities for ministry leaders, including gatherings, workshops, formation offerings, and racial justice and wellness training opportunities—most requiring advance registration. Additional subsidized leadership trainings begin in April. These resources support leaders across the ELCA, helping strengthen ministry, deepen resilience, and remind us that nobody journeys alone. Learn more at elcacoaching.org/events.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Shrewd Grace: When God’s Love Gets Practical
Shrewd Grace: When God’s Love Gets Practical

What happens when grace refuses to stay passive? In this thoughtful reflection from Living Lutheran, Pastor Ralen M. Robinson explores shrewd grace—a grace that is both tender and wise, compassionate and discerning. Drawing on Scripture and real-world complexity, Robinson invites readers to hold mercy and boundaries together, seeing grace not as weakness, but as God’s love actively at work in a broken world.

As we enter a new year amid ongoing injustice and division, this reflection challenges us to forgive without forgetting, to love boldly without enabling harm, and to embody Christ’s courageous, resourceful grace. Read the full article, “Shrewd Grace,” on Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

As we settle into the early days of the new year, the work of the synod continues across worship, leadership development, justice, generosity, and congregational life. We are grateful for the faithful ministries being carried forward during this season of transition and renewal. We are especially grateful for the steady commitment of our leaders and staff as we begin 2026 together.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Advocating for Dignity: LSS-SW Prepares for a Challenging 2026
Advocating for Dignity: LSS-SW Prepares for a Challenging 2026

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is preparing for a challenging 2026, as state leaders warn of a tight Arizona budget and federal officials propose changes to the “public charge” test that could harm immigrant communities and caregivers. Strong advocacy will be essential to protect basic needs, human dignity, and access to vital supports.

As people of faith, we remain committed to standing with our neighbors, amplifying unheard voices, and raising our voices together in hope as we move into the new year.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Church and Society Comment
Leading Visibly on Climate in 2026: What’s Inside the Latest Blessed Tomorrow Newsletter
Leading Visibly on Climate in 2026: What’s Inside the Latest Blessed Tomorrow Newsletter

The January 2026 Blessed Tomorrow newsletter invites faith communities into a year of visible climate leadership, rooted in faith and expressed through action. Highlights include the announcement of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson as the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum keynote, funding opportunities through the American Climate Leadership Awards, tools for launching or strengthening Green Teams, and new research pointing to growing moral momentum for climate action.

Congregations will also find practical resources, inspiring stories from faith leaders across the country, and clear next steps for engaging climate care as an expression of discipleship. Read the full newsletter to explore how your community can lead visibly in 2026.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Possibilities in Partnership: Exploring New Ways to Be Church Together
Possibilities in Partnership: Exploring New Ways to Be Church Together

Many congregations are facing rising costs, leadership shortages, and increasing pressures—but the gospel continues to call us forward together. Join the Grand Canyon Synod for “Possibilities in Partnership,” a synod-wide Zoom conversation on January 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm MST, 5:00 PM PST, exploring new ways congregations can collaborate and share ministry.

Led by Rev. David Pavesic, this gathering invites rostered ministers and lay leaders into reflection, conversation, and discernment around what it means to be church together in this season. Advance registration is required.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCongregational VitalityComment
Strengthen Your Leadership at Scottsdale’s 2026 Leading Well Gathering
Strengthen Your Leadership at Scottsdale’s 2026 Leading Well Gathering

Renew your leadership and spirit at Leading Well: A Learning Retreat, January 6–9, 2026, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Designed for all who serve in faith-based ministry, this ecumenical event blends sabbath rest, collegial support, and practical learning. Participants will leave refreshed, connected, and equipped with a tailored Leadership Formation Plan. Learn more and register: surfacetosoul.org/2026-lwr

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFranciscan Renewal CenterComment
Diakonia Graduates Invited to January Fellowship Gatherings Across the Synod
Diakonia Graduates Invited to January Fellowship Gatherings Across the Synod

Diakonia graduates are invited to one of three regional fellowship gatherings this January in Henderson, Peoria, or Tucson. Hosted by the Growing In Faith/Diakonia Steering Committee, each Saturday event (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) includes fellowship, a mini-course led by Diakonia instructors, shared lunch, and closing worship.

All graduates and instructors are welcome, and guests are encouraged. RSVP by December 31 to tinag963@gmail.com, including your chosen location and any dietary needs.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDiakonia Comment
Change of Plans: January Reentry Ministry Workshop Canceled, Online Options Being Explored
Change of Plans: January Reentry Ministry Workshop Canceled, Online Options Being Explored

The “Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations” workshop scheduled for January 17, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has been canceled.

Organizer Fred Nelson of the Inside Out Network is exploring the possibility of offering this training in an online webinar or alternate format in the future. Updates will be shared as plans develop.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPrison, Inside Out NetworkComment
Faithful Witness Isn’t Optional: A Call for Lutherans Today
Faithful Witness Isn’t Optional: A Call for Lutherans Today

In a new Living Lutheran “Deeper Understandings” column, theologian Troy Troftgruben launches the ELCA’s 2026 theme by reexamining what faithful Christian witness looks like in an era of division, mistrust, and religious harm. Drawing on Scripture, the book of Acts, and Martin Luther’s image of the church as a “mouth house,” the article reminds Lutherans that witness belongs to all believers—not as coercion or salesmanship, but as humble testimony in word and deed.

Faithful witness, Troftgruben argues, begins with listening, honors people’s lived experiences, and trusts the Holy Spirit to work through authentic relationships that seek peace and justice. Read the full article in Living Lutheran to explore how Lutherans are called to bear hopeful, bridge-building witness in today’s challenging times.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Praying Together in 2026: How Prayer Ventures Connects Church and World
Praying Together in 2026: How Prayer Ventures Connects Church and World

As the new year approaches, Prayer Ventures offers a simple way to ground your daily life and ministry in prayer. These short, daily petitions—shared each day on Living Lutheran and available as monthly PDFs on the ELCA resource site—connect us to the global mission of the church and the needs of our neighbors.

Whether used personally or in congregational settings, Prayer Ventures is a timely and accessible resource for anyone looking to incorporate intentional prayer into 2026.

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ELCA, Leader Resources, PrayersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop will be closed January 1, New Year’s Day. As we close 2025, we give thanks for the ways we have been church together: through shared ministry, mutual trust, faithful leadership, and God’s ongoing work among us. We are grateful for the dedication of our congregations, rostered ministers, and synod staff, and we look ahead to 2026 with continued trust in the Spirit’s guidance for what is unfolding next.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Leading Visibly into 2026: Faith, Climate, and What’s Next from Blessed Tomorrow
Leading Visibly into 2026: Faith, Climate, and What’s Next from Blessed Tomorrow

Blessed Tomorrow’s January 2026 newsletter invites faith communities into a year of visible climate leadership, with new opportunities for congregations to lead faithfully and locally. Highlights include the announcement of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson as keynote speaker for the April 25, 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum, a final call for the American Climate Leadership Awards (with grants up to $50,000), and practical tools for launching or strengthening congregational green teams.

The newsletter also features new research, training opportunities, film projects, and inspiring stories from climate ambassadors across the country. Read the full newsletter to explore how your congregation can take meaningful climate action rooted in faith in the year ahead.

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Brian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
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
Explore “Just Creation” in Job: Join the 2026 Rutlen Lecture with William P. Brown
Explore “Just Creation” in Job: Join the 2026 Rutlen Lecture with William P. Brown

Join Luther Seminary and Faith+Lead for the 2026 Rutlen Lecture on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, featuring Old Testament scholar Dr. William P. Brown. This year’s theme, Be-Wilded by Wonder: Just Creation in the Book of Job, explores how reading Job “from the end” reshapes our understanding of God, justice, and creation—especially in a time of climate crisis. Attend online or in person (with dinner included) and engage with a powerful exploration of Scripture, awe, and creation care. Register at faithlead.org/live-learning/rutlen26.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, faith+leadComment
LEAN Wants Your Input: Help Shape Nevada’s 2026 Hunger & Advocacy Priorities
LEAN Wants Your Input: Help Shape Nevada’s 2026 Hunger & Advocacy Priorities

LEAN is planning for 2026 and invites your congregation to complete two short surveys that will guide next year’s hunger and advocacy priorities. Share how your congregation engages ELCA World Hunger and which justice issues matter most in your community—including housing, food insecurity, and voter engagement. Your input strengthens our shared Lutheran witness in Nevada.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN), Advocacy, Colorado River ConferenceComment