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 FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Faith Lens: Who Do We Say God Is?
Faith Lens: Who Do We Say God Is?

On the Second Sunday after Epiphany, Faith Lens invites us to reflect on how we name and symbolize God. Drawing from John 1:29–42 and Psalm 40, this week’s reflection explores the powerful images used for Jesus—Lamb of God, Messiah, Rabbi, Spirit like a dove—and asks how our language, symbols, and art shape what we believe and proclaim about God in the world today.

In a time marked by fear, despair, and constant noise, this reflection encourages communities to consider how words, images, and creative prayer can point again to Christ in our midst. Through discussion, poetry, and practices like Anne Lamotte’s “Help, Thanks, Wow” prayer, participants are invited to name God with intention—and to let those names become a witness of hope, gratitude, and praise.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN; Greensboro, NC; Chicago, IL; Boynton Beach, FL; Salt Lake City, UT; and Philadelphia, PA…

  • For migrants, travelers, and all who live away from their nations of origin…

  • For law enforcement officers, government officials, and all civic workers who bear the privilege and sworn responsibility of seeking the common good and maintaining the welfare of all people…

  • For travel disruptions due to ice and freezing rain in eastern and central Europe…

  • For areas of the nation and world experiencing severe weather…

  • For the newly baptized, for families of all shapes and sizes, and for care and safety for all children and young people…

  • For the safety of advocates, peacemakers, and protestors who are Spirit-led to speak out for justice…

  • For honesty, humility, confession, and collaboration in the work of racial healing…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Conferences, Festivals, and Formation Opportunities in 2026
Conferences, Festivals, and Formation Opportunities in 2026

ELCA Worship shares upcoming opportunities from partner organizations, including the Institute of Liturgical Studies’ 2026 conference at Valparaiso University, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference at St. Olaf College, Lutheran Summer Music 2026, and student awards from the Center for Church Music.

Registration deadlines, nomination opportunities, and awards for young musicians and artists are approaching. Learn more and explore upcoming events →

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
New Lent, Music, and Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress
New Lent, Music, and Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress

ELCA Worship highlights new offerings from Augsburg Fortress, including Love Outpoured: Devotions for Lent 2026, a free webinar series on hymn improvisation with David Cherwien, Martin Luther’s Easter Book, and Bible People: Monologues for Lent.

These resources support worship planners, musicians, and congregations seeking fresh, faithful approaches to the church year. See what’s new for 2026.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, ELCA WorshipComment
Proposed RCL Update Addresses Anti-Jewish Interpretation
Proposed RCL Update Addresses Anti-Jewish Interpretation

The Consultation on Common Texts has approved a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary addressing passages historically misused to justify anti-Judaism. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America encourages congregations to test these texts during a three-year trial beginning Advent 2025.

New preaching guidance, hymn suggestions, and worship resources are available, and congregations are invited to offer feedback during the trial period. Explore the resources and learn how to respond.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA worshipComment
Deacons Now Included in ELCA–Episcopal Clergy Exchange
Deacons Now Included in ELCA–Episcopal Clergy Exchange

Marking 25 years of full communion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church have updated clergy exchange guidelines to include deacons. The revised document affirms mutual recognition of the diaconate and opens new possibilities for shared ministry and mission.

The guidelines clarify that exchange applies to nontransitional Episcopal deacons and celebrates growing collaboration for evangelism, service, and witness. Read more about the updated guidelines.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, The Episcopal ChurchComment
“God’s Beloved”: A Lutheran Call for Peace and Accountability in Venezuela
“God’s Beloved”: A Lutheran Call for Peace and Accountability in Venezuela

In response to U.S. military action in Venezuela, Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, solidarity, and faithful civic engagement rooted in baptismal identity. The statement lifts up concern for the Venezuelan people, the Venezuelan Lutheran church, and the more than 600,000 Venezuelans in the U.S. facing uncertainty over Temporary Protected Status.

Affirming Lutheran social teaching, the ELCA urges humanitarian pathways, congressional accountability over war powers, and resistance to economic or political exploitation. Read the full statement and prayer.

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ELCABrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Bishop Curry Calls for Justice After ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
Bishop Curry Calls for Justice After ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry issued a statement mourning the Jan. 7, 2026, shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, calling for a full investigation, accountability, and de-escalation of immigration enforcement. Rooted in Isaiah 1:17, the statement affirms the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s commitment to human dignity, just immigration policy, and prayerful solidarity with impacted communities.

The ELCA invites ongoing prayer, vigils, and advocacy, and lifts up resources from AMMPARO as the church continues its historic commitment to accompany migrants and refugees. Read the full statement.

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ELCABrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and Society, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Multiply Your Impact: Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Ministry That Matters
Multiply Your Impact: Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Ministry That Matters

Thrivent members can make a big difference through Thrivent Choice Dollars and Thrivent Action Teams—two benefits that support ministry at no extra cost. Direct your 2025 Choice Dollars by March 31, 2026 to your congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, and apply anytime for a $250 Action Team grant to fund a service or outreach project. Learn more at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice and Thrivent.com/actionteam.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThrivent, StewardshipComment
One Body, Many Gifts: Strengthen Our Synod by Sharing Your Updates
One Body, Many Gifts: Strengthen Our Synod by Sharing Your Updates

Your ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26

Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Spirited Book Club Welcomes Peter Faur for Conversation on The Heretic Hunters
Spirited Book Club Welcomes Peter Faur for Conversation on The Heretic Hunters

Join Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (2:00 pm PST) for a conversation with author Peter Faur about his new novel, The Heretic Hunters: A Parable for Our Time. The book traces a denomination in crisis as authoritarianism, doctrinal purity campaigns, and personal courage collide—raising timely questions about faith, integrity, and the endurance of love.

The discussion will be facilitated by Sheri Brown, and registration is open. Learn more about the book, read early reviews, and sign up to join the conversation here: Read more & register →

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
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
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