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
A Prayer for Venezuela: Holding a Nation in Hope and God’s Steadfast Love
A Prayer for Venezuela: Holding a Nation in Hope and God’s Steadfast Love

In response to the ongoing and complex challenges facing Venezuela, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has shared a prayer calling on God’s mercy, justice, and peace. The prayer lifts up the people of Venezuela, especially the most vulnerable, and asks for wisdom and restraint among leaders, courage and perseverance for the Lutheran church in Venezuela, and hope rooted in God’s steadfast love revealed in Jesus Christ.

We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect with the wider church. Read the full prayer and join in this moment of global accompaniment.

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardComment
From RTS Training to Lutheran Day: LAMA Prepares the Church for Public Witness
From RTS Training to Lutheran Day: LAMA Prepares the Church for Public Witness

As Arizona’s 2026 legislative session approaches, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona is equipping congregations and leaders with tools, training, and opportunities for faithful public witness. From RTS training and hunger advocacy calls to Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 23, this month’s LAMA newsletter outlines how Arizona Lutherans can engage policy with faith, clarity, and purpose. Read the full LAMA Newsletter and upcoming advocacy opportunities.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Prayer, Worship, and Action: Ending Human Trafficking Together This January
Prayer, Worship, and Action: Ending Human Trafficking Together This January

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and congregations are invited to join a focused season of prayer, worship, and advocacy to help #EndHumanTrafficking. Women of the ELCA offers daily prayers, trauma-informed worship resources, and a church leader toolkit—available in English and Spanish—to support this work, especially during the four weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.

These resources equip congregations to respond faithfully through education, prayer, and action. Learn more, download materials, and find support resources at womenoftheelca.org, or contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHuman Trafficking, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
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 ConferenceComment
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