Protecting Sacred Spaces: February Faith Freedom Dispatch Calls for Action

The February 2026 Faith Freedom Dispatch from BJC highlights urgent actions to protect religious freedom, including calling on Congress to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, submitting public comments to safeguard church–state separation by February 9, and applying for the 2026 BJC Fellows Program.

The issue also features BJC’s voice in Rolling Stone on immigration enforcement and religious liberty. Read the full newsletter to learn how people of faith can defend sacred spaces, uphold freedom of conscience, and take action now.

Listening to the Land: Sacred Ground Invites Us to Encounter God Outdoors

Drawing on Scripture’s call to learn from creation itself, Rev. Laurie Bayen introduces Sacred Ground, an innovative audio-based spiritual practice that invites people to encounter God in nature. Available through the free Otocast smartphone app, Sacred Ground offers brief, place-based reflections at more than 80 sites—highlighting Indigenous wisdom, climate impacts, and practices of respectful presence.

This growing project embodies a “church without walls,” offering a faithful response to eco-anxiety while nurturing creation care, justice, and hope. As Sacred Ground expands in 2026—including Spanish-language resources—Rev. Bayen invites partners to imagine what sacred stories might be waiting to be told in their own communities. Read more from Blessed Tomorrow and explore the full story.

Brian FlatgardFebruary 6, 2026Climate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment

Pivot #163: What Does Lay-Led Ministry Actually Look Like? (Your Questions Answered)

In this latest Pivot podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm answer your real questions about the shift from clergy-led to lay-led ministry.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 6, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardFebruary 6, 2026Lutheran World FederationComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

In the coming week, staff will be engaged in governance, formation, and preparation for the season ahead. Bishop Hutterer will meet with Synod Council, preach and gather with the congregation in Yuma, and continue one-on-one meetings, while staff advance work in youth leadership, candidacy, congregational vitality, generosity, communications, administration, and financial stewardship in support of the synod’s shared ministry and upcoming gatherings.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardFebruary 5, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Rostered Ministers: Submit Your Annual Report to the Bishop by March 30, 2026

The annual Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop is now open and due Monday, March 30, 2026. This report offers rostered ministers an opportunity to reflect on their ministry and connect directly with Bishop Deborah Hutterer as part of our shared life as a synod.

All active (including those on leave or disability) and retired rostered ministers are asked to complete the appropriate online form. Every report is read by the bishop, with care given to each response. Links to both forms are on the synod website.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Comment

Schedule Update: Jazz Vespers Shifts to February 15 at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Please note a schedule change: February’s Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church will take place on Sunday, February 15, not the usual second Sunday. This Valentine’s-themed evening features Typhanie Monique with Beth Lederman, with all proceeds supporting food for 250 families each week through the Music for Food ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Walking the Way Together: What’s Ahead at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary enters Spring 2026 grounded in faith, justice, and shared discipleship. From a February Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence to climate justice certificates, discernment opportunities, and May commencement, PLTS continues forming leaders for a complex world—inviting the wider church to walk the Way together and keep our hands on the plow.

Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Start Your Daily Devotional Practice with d365

Looking for a simple daily devotional practice? d365 offers a free, five-step daily devotion—Pause, Listen, Think, Pray, Go—written especially for youth and young adults and used by readers around the world. Available online and as a free mobile app.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Youth and Young AdultComment

From Prophetic Witness to People Power: What’s New from Arizona Faith Network

Arizona Faith Network’s weekly newsletter highlights upcoming advocacy meetings, faith-based trainings, and community events focused on immigration justice, voting rights, creation care, and interfaith collaboration. From the Prophetic Witness Campaign and Environmental Day at the Capitol to meditation, book groups, and leadership trainings, AFN continues to invite people of faith into meaningful, coordinated action across Arizona.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment

Faith Lens: Salt, Light, and the Life of Discipleship

Jesus calls his followers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”—an identity rooted not in personal piety alone, but in lives shaped by justice, mercy, and love of neighbor. Drawing on Matthew 5 and Isaiah 58, this week’s Faith Lens reflection explores how discipleship is lived out through concrete acts that loosen injustice, feed the hungry, and shine God’s light in the world.

Salt does not lose its saltiness, and light does not cease to shine—but both can be rendered ineffective. This reflection invites us to consider what gets in the way of living our baptismal calling and reminds us that even when we fall short, we remain beloved children of God, still called—and empowered—to be salt and light for the sake of the world.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Faith LensComment

Better Together: A Synod Book Study on Partnership, Mission, and the Church’s Future

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry. Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Morning sessions start 2/17, evening sessions begin 2/19.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026MergersComment

From the Legislature to Lent: What’s Inside This Week’s LAMA Advocacy Update

This week’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter includes an urgent action alert calling advocates to speak out by February 4 in support of SNAP integrity and against punitive legislative measures. The update also highlights advocacy events focused on hunger, voting rights, creation care, and civic engagement, along with new LAMA blog posts and upcoming opportunities to learn and act.

Read the full newsletter to find talking points, event links, and ways to engage faithfully in public life across Arizona.

Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Pam A. Reynolds, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 5 years on February 6.
Rev. Mark Wickstrom, who celebrates 40 years on February 9.
Rev. Daniel Paulson, who celebrates 29 years on February 9.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Strengthening Lutheran Schools: How ELEA Supports Our Synod’s Educators

The Grand Canyon Synod is a proud member of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), a national network supporting Lutheran schools and early learning centers. ELEA offers practical benefits for educators and staff—including insurance options, professional development, vendor discounts, and leadership support—alongside mission-centered advocacy for Lutheran education.

Schools and ECE centers within the synod are also eligible for a $50 discount on annual ELEA membership. Learn how ELEA can support your ministry at elcaschools.org.

Legislative Session Underway: What LSS of the Southwest Is Watching

The 57th session of the Arizona Legislature is underway, with more than 1,000 bills already introduced and major decisions ahead on housing, tax conformity, education funding, and the state budget. In this advocacy update, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest highlights key legislation to watch, including the reintroduction of the “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill, renewed debate around Proposition 123, and emerging budget negotiations for FY2027.

The update also looks ahead to Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza, where people of faith are invited to advocate on food insecurity, housing and homelessness, healthcare, and civic engagement.

Beyond Sunday School: How Desert Cross Lutheran Creates Monthly Faith Formation Playlists

What began as a creative response to pandemic disruption has become a defining ministry practice at Desert Cross Lutheran Church. Through thoughtfully curated monthly Faith Formation Playlists for children, youth, and adults, Desert Cross offers flexible, accessible “faith on the go” that meets people wherever and whenever they are—far beyond Sunday morning.

This behind-the-scenes look explores how a whole-church team collaborates around shared themes, integrates worship and learning, and embraces the belief that faith formation happens 24/7. Read the full story to learn what other congregations can take from Desert Cross’s intentional, community-centered approach to lifelong faith formation.

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.

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