In a Time of War, the Church Prays: ELCA Worship Resources for Congregations
In a Time of War, the Church Prays: ELCA Worship Resources for Congregations

As the United States has begun military combat operations in Iran, the church is called to pray for peace and for all who suffer in times of war. The ELCA Worship team has shared prayers, hymns, and liturgical resources to support congregations in worship and personal devotion during this moment of global conflict.

These resources include prayers from the Prayer Book for the Armed Services, hymn suggestions for lament and peace, and references in Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings. Congregations are invited to use these materials as they gather in prayer for peace in the world, compassion for those affected by war, and wisdom for leaders. Read the full resource at elca.org and access the prayers.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment
Making Room for Rest: A Lenten Invitation to Pause
Making Room for Rest: A Lenten Invitation to Pause

Living Lutheran begins a new Lenten series inviting readers to shift the focus of the season—not simply giving something up, but making room for what nourishes faith and life. The first week centers on rest, encouraging a simple daily practice: a 30-second “holy pause” to breathe deeply, clear the mind, and remember God’s sustaining grace.

Grounded in Psalm 121 and reflections on grace, this practice invites us to notice where rest already exists in our lives and where we might create more space for it during Lent. Explore the Lenten practice and reflection at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Living LutheranComment
A New Look at the Devil: Lent, Temptation, and Choosing Love Over Revenge
A New Look at the Devil: Lent, Temptation, and Choosing Love Over Revenge

In a reflective essay for Living Lutheran, retired ELCA pastor Kristin D. Anderson revisits Martin Luther’s understanding of the devil and explores how evil can appear in everyday behaviors—accusing, gossiping, vengeance-seeking and more. Through Scripture, pastoral experience, and a Lenten lens of self-examination, Anderson reminds readers that while the devil seeks to corrupt and divide, Christ’s victory on the cross frees us to respond with forgiveness and love.

This thoughtful Lenten reflection invites readers to examine their own responses to harm and temptation and to rediscover the grace that leads us away from revenge and toward reconciliation. Read the full reflection at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
New ELCA Church Property Resource Hub: Join an Upcoming Town Hall to Learn More
New ELCA Church Property Resource Hub: Join an Upcoming Town Hall to Learn More

The ELCA is launching the Church Property Resource Hub, a new initiative designed to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully while exploring new opportunities for ministry. Leaders are invited to learn more at one of three upcoming online town halls on March 17, March 19, or March 24.

The hub will offer practical tools, guidance, and peer connections to support congregations navigating property decisions and reimagining how church spaces can serve their communities and mission. Congregational leaders and anyone involved in property management are encouraged to attend.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
New ELCA.org Platform Goes Live: What Church Leaders Should Know
New ELCA.org Platform Goes Live: What Church Leaders Should Know

The ELCA is launching a redesigned ELCA.org this week as its new flagship communications platform. During the transition, the site may experience brief outages, and the IT Help Desk will pause requests for webpage updates for two weeks while teams focus on the rollout.

Users who encounter issues are encouraged to wait 30 minutes and try again, and to clear their browser cache to access the latest updates. Instructions for reporting errors or broken links will be shared soon.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Proposed Lectionary Updates Aim to Address Anti-Judaism in Worship
Proposed Lectionary Updates Aim to Address Anti-Judaism in Worship

The Consultation on Common Texts has approved a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary to address passages historically misused to justify anti-Jewish harm. The three-year trial period began in Advent 2025 (Year A) and includes guidance for proclaiming the Passion, revised Easter season readings that restore Hebrew Scripture texts, and updated preaching and hymn resources (newly corrected February 27, 2026).

As a member church, the ELCA encourages congregations to use and test these materials and provide feedback during the trial period. Resources are available through ELCA Worship and SundaysandSeasons.com. Read the full ELCA article for background, resources, and feedback details.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
New Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress to Support Your Ministry
New Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress to Support Your Ministry

ELCA Worship’s March update highlights new and timely resources from Augsburg Fortress to support worship leaders, musicians, and planners. Featured titles include That Divine and Most Excellent Gift: Martin Luther, Music, and the Arts, a posthumous collection of Mark P. Bangert’s work on Luther’s theology of music; the expanded All Creation Sings Leaders Edition; new piano settings by John Helgen; and extensive Sundays and Seasons resources for times of crisis.

Whether you are planning Holy Week, strengthening congregational song, or seeking liturgical grounding in uncertain times, these tools are designed to support faithful, theologically rich worship across our synod. Read the full ELCA Worship post for details and ordering information.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
Help Wanted: Piano Player for Sunday Worship at Trinity Lutheran, Phoenix
Help Wanted: Piano Player for Sunday Worship at Trinity Lutheran, Phoenix

Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a piano player for Sunday morning worship services, with rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve through music in a collaborative praise team setting. Interested musicians should contact Judy Vogt at 602-999-7620 or jkvsinger@outlook.com.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Trinity Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Three Organists Return to Phoenix for Pipe Organ Benefit at Faith Lutheran on March 7
Three Organists Return to Phoenix for Pipe Organ Benefit at Faith Lutheran on March 7

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a free benefit concert on Saturday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. featuring three former organists returning to support the restoration of the congregation’s historic 57-rank pipe organ. Donations will fund critical repairs to the instrument’s windchests, preserving a vital voice for Lutheran worship and congregational song. A reception will follow. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFaith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
In Memoriam: Rev. Neal Snider
In Memoriam: Rev. Neal Snider

Rev. Neal Snider died on August 3, 2025, at age 90. A pastor, theologian, and military chaplain who served in all three branches of the armed forces, Rev. Snider faithfully served congregations across the country and led Holy Land tours for decades. We give thanks for his life of steadfast faith and commend him to God’s eternal care. Please keep his wife Judy and the entire Snider family in your prayers.

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Grand Canyon Synod, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardComment
Rooted in God’s Story from Tucson to Las Vegas: Join the Remaining 2026 Spring Gatherings
Rooted in God’s Story from Tucson to Las Vegas: Join the Remaining 2026 Spring Gatherings

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Spring Gatherings have begun, and several opportunities remain across the synod. Join us March 8 in Chandler, March 14 in Flagstaff, March 28 in Tucson, or April 11 in Las Vegas. All rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members are welcome at any location. Come reconnect, reflect on our shared calling, and remain Rooted in God’s Story together.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Spring GatheringsComment
Strengthening Faithful Witness: Upcoming AFN Events Across Arizona
Strengthening Faithful Witness: Upcoming AFN Events Across Arizona

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter includes upcoming opportunities for digital security training, interfaith dialogue, public witness at the Capitol, and community events across Arizona. Highlights include a March 2 Digital Security Workshop, March 4–6 Training of Trainers in Phoenix, Interfaith Day at the Capitol on March 25, and multiple hybrid and in-person gatherings.

Read the full newsletter for registration links and details: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…

  • For escalating tensions in Iran and Lebanon and the safety of civilians and military personnel…

  • For partisan cooperation across divisions and elected leaders to seek the welfare and dignity of all…

  • For protection, compassion, and dignity for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For those living with uncertainty and grieving loss of life in Jalisco, Mexico, and neighboring states in the wake of recent gang-related violence…

  • For those without adequate shelter during recent snowstorms in the northeast US…

  • For the recent shootings in Macon, Georgia; Jacksonville, Florida; Virginia Beach, Virginia; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Kansas City, Missouri; and for an end to gun violence…

  • For those experiencing heavy rains and flooding in southern Peru…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: Born from Above, Already Loved
Faith Lens: Born from Above, Already Loved

In this week’s Faith Lens, we revisit John 3:1–17 and Jesus’ late-night conversation with Nicodemus. What does it mean to be “born from above”? Not a moral restart or spiritual achievement—but an identity rooted in God’s Spirit and grounded in grace. Before we believe, before we prove anything, God already loves the whole world—and sends Christ not to condemn, but to save.

This reflection invites us to release the pressure to prove ourselves and instead live from an identity already claimed in love. With reflection questions, a breath prayer practice, and a closing prayer, this resource offers a timely word of freedom and courage for our congregations and ministries.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Who Is My Neighbor? Bearing Faithful Witness in Divided Times
Who Is My Neighbor? Bearing Faithful Witness in Divided Times

In the February 2026 “Deeper Understandings” series, theologian Wanda Deifelt reflects on what it means to bear faithful witness in a time of social fracture, immigration enforcement actions, and public fear. Rooted in Luke 10 and Martin Luther’s teaching on Christian freedom, she reminds us that the neighbor is anyone in need—and that we are freed by the gospel not for self-protection, but for service.

Highlighting the Minnesota bishops’ statement and examples of solidarity from congregations like Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, the article calls Lutherans to build “webs of solidarity” and show up for vulnerable neighbors with dignity, courage, and hope. Read the full article from Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment