Praying Together for Christian Unity: Join the 2026 Statewide Service
Praying Together for Christian Unity: Join the 2026 Statewide Service

Christians from across Arizona are invited to gather for the 2026 Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30 PM at Historic Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix. Hosted by The Rev’d Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. and the Tanner Chapel congregation, this ecumenical service is part of a global observance prayed by churches worldwide.

Using worship materials prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church, the service offers a powerful opportunity to pray for Christian unity, deepen relationships across traditions, and witness together to Christ’s reconciling love. All are welcome.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
2026 Synod Assembly Set for Mesa: Who Will Represent Your Congregation?
2026 Synod Assembly Set for Mesa: Who Will Represent Your Congregation?

The Grand Canyon Synod will gather for the 2026 Synod Assembly from June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Congregations are encouraged to begin identifying their voting members now, especially as annual meetings approach. Our churchwide representative will be Rev. Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship. Additional details and registration information will be shared in early 2026.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLove of Christ Mesa, 2026 Synod AssemblyComment
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
Save the Date: 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Spring Gatherings Announced
Save the Date: 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Spring Gatherings Announced

Mark your calendars for the Grand Canyon Synod Spring Gatherings 2026, where we come together under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Gatherings will be held in Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas from February through April. These events offer opportunities for connection, reflection, and renewal across our synod.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2026 Spring GatheringsComment
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