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
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
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
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
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 1/27/2026, 6-7pm MST.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
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 FlatgardKino Conference, Beautiful Savior TucsonComment
Up to $500,000 Available for Sacred Place Preservation: Applications Now Open
Up to $500,000 Available for Sacred Place Preservation: Applications Now Open

The National Fund for Sacred Places is now accepting applications, offering $50,000–$500,000 in grants plus expert support for congregations undertaking major historic preservation projects. An informational webinar will be held Thursday, January 22 at 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM AZ) to help congregations determine eligibility and learn more.

This program, led by Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports churches seeking to preserve their buildings while strengthening long-term ministry and community impact. Learn more and apply at fundforsacredplaces.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPartners for Sacred Spaces, National Fund for Sacred PlacesComment
Faith Freedom Dispatch: Standing Against Christian Nationalism and for Religious Freedom for All
Faith Freedom Dispatch: Standing Against Christian Nationalism and for Religious Freedom for All

The January Faith Freedom Dispatch from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty highlights faith-rooted advocacy resisting Christian nationalism and defending religious freedom for all. Inside: organizing against state-mandated prayer in Texas schools, a January 20 info session for the BJC Fellows Program, powerful clergy witness at an ICE field office in North Texas, the new Winter issue of Report from the Capital, and an invitation to a January 29 faith-rooted clergy organizing call.

This issue offers both theological grounding and practical ways to engage. Read the full newsletter to learn more, access resources, and explore how people of faith are standing together for pluralism, democracy, and human dignity.

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Brian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Church and SocietyComment
Clergy Invited: Faith-Rooted Organizing to Confront Christian Nationalism
Clergy Invited: Faith-Rooted Organizing to Confront Christian Nationalism

Clergy are invited to a timely online gathering, Confronting Christian Nationalism: Faith-Rooted Organizing for Clergy, on Thursday, January 29, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. MT / 9:30–11:00 a.m. PT via Zoom. Hosted by BJC, this Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint offers space for connection, shared learning, and concrete action as faith leaders navigate growing pressure in their communities.

The gathering will include honest conversation, practical breakout sessions, and tools to help clergy move from concern to faithful practice. Open to clergy only. Registration required.

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Brian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Church and SocietyComment
Be A Friend to People with Disabilities: 7 Ways to Communicate Respectfully
Be A Friend to People with Disabilities: 7 Ways to Communicate Respectfully

Becoming a friend with someone who has a disability starts with a simple, “Hello!” Here are a few things to remember about communications that are good for everyone, but especially true for people with disabilities.

The post Be A Friend to People with Disabilities: 7 Ways to Communicate Respectfully appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
When Play Becomes a Problem: A Free Webinar on Gaming, Technology, and Spiritual Formation
When Play Becomes a Problem: A Free Webinar on Gaming, Technology, and Spiritual Formation

The Center of Addiction & Faith invites faith leaders and caregivers to a free Zoom webinar, “When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation,” on January 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MT (10:00–11:00 AM PT).

Featuring addiction psychiatrist Michael Hsu, MD, the session will explore how gaming and digital technology can both support and undermine well-being—and offer practical, compassionate tools for recognizing unhealthy patterns and supporting individuals and families with faith-centered care. Registration is free and required.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
IRS Sets 2026 Mileage Rates: What Church Leaders and Volunteers Need to Know
IRS Sets 2026 Mileage Rates: What Church Leaders and Volunteers Need to Know

The IRS has released the 2026 standard mileage rates, effective January 1, 2026. The business rate increases to 72.5 cents per mile, while the charitable rate remains 14 cents per mile. Medical and certain moving rates decrease slightly to 20.5 cents per mile.

These updates affect pastors, church staff, and volunteers who drive in service of ministry. Congregations and leaders should review reimbursement policies and budgets in light of the new rates for the coming year.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
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