State Advocacy Update: ELCA Partners Mobilize for Justice in 2026
State Advocacy Update: ELCA Partners Mobilize for Justice in 2026

ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices in Kansas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin are actively engaging 2026 legislative sessions with bold, faith-rooted advocacy. From defending immigrant neighbors and LGBTQ+ communities to advancing hunger relief, maternal health reform, voting rights, and anti-trafficking legislation, Lutheran leaders are mobilizing congregations and communities for public witness grounded in the belief that every person is made in the image of God.

These winter updates highlight rallies, lobby days, youth engagement, new advocacy resources (including a Lent curriculum on Faith and Civic Life), and growing interfaith coalitions. Read the full state-by-state update and explore how Lutheran advocacy continues to seek the well-being of all. Read the full update at ELCA.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Advocacy, AdvocacyComment
Striving for Justice and Peace: Join Lutherans at the Capitol on February 23
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment
Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix: Join the First Spring Gatherings
Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix: Join the First Spring Gatherings

Spring Gatherings begin next week in the Phoenix area under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, with events on February 21 (Tempe) and February 24 (Sun City and Phoenix). All rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members are invited to attend any location. Additional gatherings follow in Chandler (March 8), Flagstaff (March 14), Tucson (March 28), and Las Vegas (April 11). Join us as we reconnect, reflect, and strengthen our shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod.

All are welcome to attend any gathering. Mark your calendar now as we launch this spring season together.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Spring GatheringsComment
Better Together: A Synod Book Study on Partnership, Mission, and the Church’s Future
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
Reserve Your Ministry Partner Table for the 2026 Synod Assembly by May 18
Reserve Your Ministry Partner Table for the 2026 Synod Assembly by May 18

Registration is now open for Ministry Partner Tables at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Exhibitor space ($80, includes non-voting visitor access) is available to ELCA-related and approved ministries, with registration due by May 18, 2026. Learn more and register today to share your ministry’s story with voting members and leaders from across our synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time
Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time

Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.

The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Artificial IntelligenceComment
Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain: A Faith-Rooted Call to Knowledge and Compassion
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.

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Brian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend
Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend

Are you discerning whether seminary might be right for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a visit and discernment weekend March 13–15 in Berkeley, California, designed for those exploring online seminary education.

Participants will meet PLTS faculty, connect with others in discernment, and learn more about the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, and Lutheran Year programs. Lodging and meals are provided, with travel assistance available. Learn more and sign up at plts.edu/signs.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Building a More Caring World: Stephen Ministries’ 50th Anniversary Event Comes to All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix
Building a More Caring World: Stephen Ministries’ 50th Anniversary Event Comes to All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.

Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAll Saints Phoenix, Capital Conference, Stephen MinistriesComment
Faith+Lead February Roundup: Formation for Leadership in Changing Times
Faith+Lead February Roundup: Formation for Leadership in Changing Times

Faith+Lead’s February 2026 Roundup includes new on-demand courses on justice and leadership in polarized times, a free mini-course on shifting from “fixing” to listening, a live February 19 workshop with Dr. Alicia Granholm, and a guided certificate cohort beginning in April. Free Lent resources, a new Bible-in-a-Year podcast, and the Rutlen Lecture are also available. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.

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Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Registration Now Open: 2026 Synod Assembly | June 11–13 in Mesa
Registration Now Open: 2026 Synod Assembly | June 11–13 in Mesa

Registration is now open for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 11–13, 2026, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story.” Early bird voting member registration is $140 through April 13 ($160 through May 18). Visitors and exhibitors register for $80. Congregations may send one youth or young adult voting member free using code YOUTH2026. Visit gcsynod.org/assembly for full details and to register.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Presiding Bishop Curry Urges Humane Immigration Policies Ahead of DHS Vote
Presiding Bishop Curry Urges Humane Immigration Policies Ahead of DHS Vote

With a February 13 deadline looming for DHS funding, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry joined eight other Christian leaders in urging Congress to enact just and humane immigration policies. The February 9 letter calls for due process, accountability for violence, protections for houses of worship, limits on excessive enforcement funding, and an end to the detention of children.

Grounded in Isaiah 58 and Leviticus 19, the letter affirms that immigrants are “beloved children of God” and encourages reforms that reflect human dignity and the common good. Read the full letter here. Read the original post at ELCA.org here.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Mountain View Lutheran Church Seeks Part-Time Accountant in Phoenix
Mountain View Lutheran Church Seeks Part-Time Accountant in Phoenix

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a part-time Accountant to manage bookkeeping, financial reporting, and budget preparation in support of its ministry. Qualified candidates with experience in fund-based accounting and proficiency in QuickBooks are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply at mvlutheran.org/jobs.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFiesta Conference, Help Wanted, Mountain View PhoenixComment
$143,000+ in Synod Grants Launched: Thank You for Making This Possible
$143,000+ in Synod Grants Launched: Thank You for Making This Possible

The Grand Canyon Synod has awarded over $143,000 in grant funding to 27 congregations and ministry partners across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation. Funded through bequests, congregational gifts, thrift shop proceeds, and unrestricted mission support, these grants fuel outreach, food ministries, youth formation, advocacy, worship improvements, and more. Thank you for making this circle of generosity possible.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
February Portico Updates: Mental Health, Retirement Planning & Tax Resources
February Portico Updates: Mental Health, Retirement Planning & Tax Resources

Portico’s February updates include expanded mental health support for members with ELCA-Primary health benefits, important reminders about reporting compensation changes within 60 days, and new Retirement Readiness workshops in partnership with Fidelity. Complimentary clergy and congregational tax guides are also available to help you navigate tax season with confidence.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Bishop Hutterer will preach at Desert Hills (Green Valley) and American Lutheran (Sun City) for Ash Wednesday and participate in the Region 2 SAM Summit. Synod staff will continue preparing for Spring Gatherings, advancing candidacy and congregational vitality work, exploring AI in ministry, and managing financial and operational responsibilities.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
From Hunger to Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Updates
From Hunger to Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Updates

LAMA’s February update highlights urgent action on food insecurity legislation, preparation for Lutheran Day at the Legislature (Feb. 23), Environmental Day at the Capitol, and national ELCA action alerts. Lutherans across Arizona are invited to activate their faith in love through advocacy, prayer, and public witness. Read the full LAMA newsletter for action links and registration details.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment