New in 2026: PLTS Launches Online Racial Justice & Faith Certificate Program
New in 2026: PLTS Launches Online Racial Justice & Faith Certificate Program

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.

Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Racial JusticeComment
Green Teams Are Key: How Congregations Can Lead Faithful Creation Care Together
Green Teams Are Key: How Congregations Can Lead Faithful Creation Care Together

Caring for creation is not a solo endeavor—it is communal, faithful, and deeply Lutheran in its grounding. In this reflection from Blessed Tomorrow, Rev. Carol Devine lifts up Green Teams as a vital way congregations live out their relationship with God, one another, and the earth. When creation care is woven into congregational life through a team or committee, communities often find renewed purpose, deeper faith, and shared energy for meaningful action.

As the new year begins, this is an ideal moment to start—or refresh—a Green Team in your congregation. The article offers practical guidance on building inclusive teams, grounding the work theologically, starting with achievable goals, celebrating progress, and leading visibly in the wider community. It also highlights how Green Teams can partner beyond congregational walls for greater impact and points readers to free trainings, resources, and upcoming opportunities. Read the full reflection and explore the resources.

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Brian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Calling Pianists and Keyboardists: Serve in Worship at Beautiful Savior, Tucson
Calling Pianists and Keyboardists: Serve in Worship at Beautiful Savior, Tucson

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a skilled Music Accompanist to play piano or keyboard for Sunday worship and seasonal services, and to support choir rehearsals. This 12–15 hour/week position collaborates closely with the Music Director and Pastor and plays a key role in Lutheran worship life. Musicians with strong keyboard skills and a heart for worship are encouraged to inquire.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Kino Conference, Beautiful Savior TucsonComment
Music for Food Kicks Off 2026 with Jazz Vespers on January 11
Music for Food Kicks Off 2026 with Jazz Vespers on January 11

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church kicks off the new year with Jazz Vespers on Sunday, January 11. at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman with Todd Herzog and a reception to follow. After raising over $10,000 in 2025 and supplying more than 8,000 family units with food, the Music for Food ministry continues to unite worship, music, and service to neighbors in need.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Hunger, Capital Conference Comment
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
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 Conference Comment
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