Lead with Confidence: Faith+Lead Certificates Offer Flexible, Online Learning for Ministry Leaders
Lead with Confidence: Faith+Lead Certificates Offer Flexible, Online Learning for Ministry Leaders

Faith+Lead from Luther Seminary now offers eight online, self-paced certificate programs designed for today’s ministry leaders. These non-degree micro-credentials provide focused, practical learning in areas such as biblical foundations, leadership in difficult times, rural ministry, spiritual formation, and theology and church history.

Each certificate includes on-demand courses, structured reflection, and verified completion that can be shared with judicatory leaders. Designed for busy pastors and lay leaders, Faith+Lead certificates empower leaders to deepen their calling and lead with confidence—right where they are.

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Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
A Lutheran Family's New Year Resolution: Finding Balance in God's Grace
A Lutheran Family's New Year Resolution: Finding Balance in God's Grace

As the New Year begins, Deacon Laura Book reflects on faith, family, and the gift of time. Wrestling with modern challenges like screen use, parenting, and busy schedules, her family has embraced January as a sacred “reset”—a chance to reassess rhythms and begin again together.

Rooted in Scripture and Lutheran theology, this reflection reminds us that our resolutions need not be perfect to be faithful. In baptismal grace, we are free to try, fail, forgive, and start anew—trusting that God meets us in every season with mercy and love.

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Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
This Week with Arizona Faith Network: Meditation, Democracy, Unity, and MLK Events Across Arizona
This Week with Arizona Faith Network: Meditation, Democracy, Unity, and MLK Events Across Arizona

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter is now available, featuring upcoming opportunities for prayer, learning, and public engagement across Arizona. Highlights include weekly Monday Meditation, online conversations on democracy and voting rights, an interfaith exploration of faith and science from an Islamic perspective, the statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service in Phoenix, and links to MLK Day events across the state.

The newsletter also includes partner events, interfaith observances, and ways to stay connected with AFN’s ongoing work. We encourage congregational leaders and lay members throughout the Grand Canyon Synod to read the newsletter in full, share it with others, and subscribe for weekly updates.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Formation for a Changing Church: What’s New from Faith+Lead This Month
Formation for a Changing Church: What’s New from Faith+Lead This Month

The latest Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup offers new on-demand courses, free funding resources, leadership pathways, and podcasts designed for ministry in a changing church. Highlights include a free Funding Forward course, new training on community-based ministry and church finances, the School for Lay Ministry beginning January 24, a free ebook on church history and discipleship, and new Bible and leadership podcasts.

Explore what’s new—and find learning opportunities that fit real ministry life—by reading the full Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup from Faith+Lead.

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Leader Resources, ELCABrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Centering Multiracial Voices: ELCA Observes the National Day of Racial Healing
Centering Multiracial Voices: ELCA Observes the National Day of Racial Healing

The ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress Publishers, will observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healingwith “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA” on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 5–7 p.m. MST (4–6 p.m. PST). This free event will be offered online and in person in Naperville, Ill., featuring sacred storytelling that invites deep listening, reflection, and renewed commitment to racial healing.

Online participation requires no registration, while in-person attendance is limited and requires advance registration. The event will be recorded and shared later via the ELCA’s YouTube channel.

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ELCABrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings

The ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.

The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to prepare their 2026–2027 Mission Support Plans and submit their Statement of Intent by March 1, 2026. Mission Support resources—including the letter from Bishop Hutterer and Vice President Mark Myers and the fillable intent form—are now available. A downloadable thank you video from Bishop Hutterer is also provided for use in worship, newsletters, and council meetings.

Rooted in our 2026 theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” congregations are encouraged to consider a 10% Mission Support commitment as we invest in leadership formation, local and global partnerships, justice advocacy, and ministries that transform lives across our synod and the wider church.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Synod Office will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with some staff attending MLK worship and community events around the synod, while this week’s Office of the Bishop update offers a snapshot of ongoing congregation visits, administrative work, financial processing, communications planning, and preparations for upcoming meetings and ministry commitments.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
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
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
Honoring Dr. King: 2026 MLK Worship, Service, and Community Events Across Our Synod
Honoring Dr. King: 2026 MLK Worship, Service, and Community Events Across Our Synod

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod will gather this January to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through worship, Gospel music, prayer, and service. Events will take place in the Phoenix area, Tucson, and the Colorado River/Las Vegas region, including a synod-wide choir celebration in Tempe and a special event with Rev. Dr. James Thomas in Henderson. Offerings from all gatherings support the synod’s growing work in diversity, equity, and justice. Full details at gcsynod.org/mlk.

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Brian FlatgardComment
In Christian Hope: Service for Roger and Kristine Bailey to Be Held January 17 at Community Lutheran in Las Vegas
In Christian Hope: Service for Roger and Kristine Bailey to Be Held January 17 at Community Lutheran in Las Vegas

With deep sadness and in Christian hope, the Grand Canyon Synod shares the news of the death of Roger Bailey and his wife, Kristine. Roger was a faithful synod leader who served on Synod Council, the Executive Committee, and numerous teams, while Kristine was deeply devoted to children’s ministry through Sunday school, children’s ministry, and Vacation Bible School.

A service celebrating their lives will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. We invite prayers for their family, the congregation, the Las Vegas community, and all who grieve.

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Grand Canyon Synod, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardColorado River Conference, Synod Council Comments
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, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardComment