Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Music, Food, and Generosity at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with food, music, and generosity at Music for Meals on Tuesday, February 17, at Hope Hall at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy New Orleans–style cuisine and live music from the Connections band, with the meal beginning at 6:00 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m.

This free event supports the Pitchfork Pantry, serving ASU Downtown students facing food insecurity. Bring canned goods, and know that all monetary donations will help purchase fresh, healthy food for the pantry. Join us for one last joyful gathering before the season of Lent begins.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 3, 2026Grace Phoenix, Capital Conference, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Author Drew Strait Joins Spirited Book Club Conversation on Strange Worship

The Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert meets Thursday, February 26, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (MST) to discuss Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism—with author Drew J. Strait joining the conversation. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this timely gathering invites faithful reflection on how worship, theology, and public witness intersect.

It’s not too late to register or read the book. Rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are warmly invited to take part in this important and hope-filled discussion.

You Are Precious in God’s Sight: A Hymn Sing of Hope and Joy at Desert Cross in Gilbert

Desert Cross Lutheran Church invites the community to “You Are Precious in His Sight,” a free hymn sing on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4:00–5:15 p.m. in Gilbert. Featuring choirs from both Desert Cross locations, instrumental music, congregational singing, and a short drama about hymn writer Fanny Crosby, the event offers an afternoon of hope and joy rooted in faith.

A free taco dinner will follow in the fellowship hall. All are welcome—invite a friend and come sing.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 3, 2026Desert Cross Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Lutherans Worldwide Stand with U.S. Church Leaders Against Fear and Violence

In a letter to Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Anne Burghardt expresses deep concern and heartfelt solidarity as U.S. church leaders respond to rising political polarization and deadly violence, particularly in Minnesota. She affirms the ELCA’s courage in condemning violence, accompanying immigrants and refugees, and refusing to let fear silence the gospel—calling this “the prophetic witness the church is called to embody.”

The Lutheran World Federation assures the ELCA of the prayers and support of the global communion, lifting up those who grieve, those living in fear, and leaders who choose justice over violence. Read the full letter and story from Lutheran World Federation.

Global ChurchBrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 2026Church and Society, Lutheran World FederationComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 2026Lutheran World FederationComment

Imagine More: First Look at the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis

The ELCA has released the first three videos introducing the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, offering an early look at this churchwide experience for youth, young adults, and leaders. The Gathering will be held June 28–July 2, 2027, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, under the theme “Imagine More.”

The videos highlight the Gathering as a movement of faith and introduce key pre-events, including the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, which affirm leadership, belonging, and inclusion. Learn more at elca.org/Gathering, and watch for future updates as we begin preparing across the Grand Canyon Synod.

ELCABrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 20262027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

New Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress Support Leaders, Learners, and Young Disciples

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, to support worship leaders, planners, musicians, and congregations. The February update features new and updated tools for deepening worship, engaging Scripture, nurturing young faith, and strengthening commitments to racial justice.

Highlights include See Me, Believe Me, an updated guide by Yolanda Denson-Byers that explores allyship with leaders of color in the ELCA and reflects on the leadership of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry; the Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition (NRSVue); new Lent and Easter resources for children; and fresh organ music for the season of Lent. These resources offer practical, theological, and creative support for congregations across the synod. Read more from ELCA Worship to explore the full list and details.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 2026Worship ResourcesComment

Cheer, Give, Repeat: Turning Game Day Into a Win Against Hunger

From now through February 8, two ELCA synods — Team Northwest Washington and Team New England — are going head-to-head in a friendly fundraising challenge to support ELCA World Hunger. The team that raises the most by midnight Central time on February 8 will be crowned ELCA World Hunger Champion, no matter the outcome on the field.

Every gift helps address hunger’s root causes and puts faith into action. Choose a team, give what you can, and help make sure hunger loses — every time.

ELCABrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 2026Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Striving for Justice and Peace: Join Lutherans at the Capitol on February 23

Lutherans from across Arizona will gather at the Arizona Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. Rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace, the day will include speakers, legislative meetings, prayer, training, and opportunities to engage directly with public leaders.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with breakfast and lunch provided. All Lutherans and friends of Lutherans are invited to learn, witness, and raise a faithful voice in the public square. Registration is now open.

Matthew 25 in Action: Take the 2026 Lenten Challenge with ELCA World Hunger

The 2026 Lenten Challenge invites individuals and congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod to join four other ELCA Region 2 synods in raising $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger during Lent. Participants commit to three of four spiritual practices—devotions, learning, action, and donation—using a Matthew 25–centered toolkit.

Everyone is welcome to participate, with a shared goal of engaging at least one person from 50 congregations per synod. Sign up, invite others, and live out Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” this Lent.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 20262026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

IDD Service Waiting Lists: Why They Exist and How to Take Action

Waiting lists for Medicaid funding for home- and community-based services are not a new issue. But, as some states in Mosaic’s network have eliminated them—or are working to do so—new challenges may be on the horizon with federal funding cuts looming.

The post IDD Service Waiting Lists: Why They Exist and How to Take Action appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 30, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Pivot #162: How to Recognize Church Planters Already in Your Congregation

In the latest Pivot podcast, John McGinley shares how they're equipping everyday disciples to plant new worshiping communities in gyms, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 30, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

From Faith to the Floor: This Week’s LAMA Action Alerts and Events

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona’s latest newsletter is filled with timely action opportunities, including registration for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 23, advocacy alerts on housing and immigration, and multiple trainings and events in the coming weeks. From confronting Christian nationalism to learning how to use Arizona’s Request to Speak system, LAMA continues to equip people of faith to act for justice.

Read the full newsletter for dates, links, and ways to engage—and share it with others to strengthen our collective Lutheran witness for the common good.

Standing for Human Dignity: This Week’s Arizona Faith Network Updates and Actions

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights powerful interfaith vigils for immigrant dignity, upcoming nonviolent prophetic witness training (January 28), and new ways to engage through the ReHumanization Project. It also includes advocacy opportunities like Environmental Day at the Capitol, ongoing spiritual formation, interfaith learning events, and urgent statewide needs such as food bank volunteers.

Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter to stay connected to faith-rooted action across Arizona.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

This week’s updates highlight ongoing work in candidacy and formation, evangelism, generosity, governance, communications, and finance, as we prepare to welcome Bishop Hutterer back into shared leadership and ministry after her sabbatical.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Faith Lens: Blessed by Presence, Not Circumstance

For February 1, 2026, the lectionary invites us to reconsider what it truly means to be “blessed.” Drawing from Micah 6:8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1, and Matthew 5:1–12, this week’s Faith Lens reflection reminds us that blessedness is not earned through success or circumstance, but promised through God’s steadfast presence—especially among those who mourn, hunger for justice, and are pushed to the margins.

In Jesus’ Beatitudes, God’s promise is clear: God is with those the world overlooks, calling us not inward toward self-interest, but outward toward justice, kindness, humility, and solidarity. Grounded in grace, we are freed and transformed to live as God’s people—bearing witness to a kin-dom where abundant life is for all.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Faith LensComment

Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain: A Faith-Rooted Call to Knowledge and Compassion

Join the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on February 26, 2026, for a Zoom-based educational event exploring autism, ADHD, and OCD through a lens of faith and compassion. Led by Dr. Kristin Mauk, this interactive session offers practical strategies for showing God’s love to neurodivergent children and families, with 2.0 nursing contact hours available. Open to nurses and non-nurses alike—registration required.

Brian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment

Wayfinding in the Commons: The Next Chapter of ELCA Coaching Ministry

ELCA Coaching is launching a new chapter—Wayfinding in the Commons—a monthly online gathering inviting faith leaders to navigate uncertainty together through shared wisdom, spiritual practice, and community. Beginning February 4, participants will meet on First Wednesdays for 45 minutes across time zones.

Grounded in the Lutheran conviction of the priesthood of all believers, these gatherings welcome all members of the Body of Christ. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events/wayfinding-in-the-commons.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Coaching, ELCA CoachingComment

Lutheran Men in Mission Celebrates a Milestone—and Invites Men into Deeper Discipleship

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Winter 2026 Ambassador-Gram, celebrating the successful completion of the $1 million Hal Derrick Memorial Initiative and announcing new discipleship opportunities for the year ahead. Highlights include a 12-session online discipleship course launching in March, multiple Men’s Weekend Experience retreats across the U.S., and weekday Lenten prayers beginning February 18.

The newsletter also features ongoing Bible and book studies, resources for congregational men’s groups, and ways to stay connected with LMM. Read the full Ambassador-Gram to learn more and get involved.

ELCABrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Lutheran Men in MissionComment

A Call to Protect Sacred Space: Faith Leaders Urge Congress to Act on ICE Accountability

Faith leaders across the country are calling on Congress to act as immigration enforcement increasingly threatens places of worship and community safety. A new call to action urges lawmakers to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Actand to hold ICE accountable by withholding funding, citing escalating enforcement actions on church grounds and growing fear among immigrant and refugee communities.

Rooted in the conviction that religious freedom must be lived and defended—not just named—this appeal invites people of faith to contact their elected officials and take action now. Read the full call and learn how to respond faithfully and urgently.

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