A City on a Hill: Staying Steady and Unhidden in Faithful Advocacy
A City on a Hill: Staying Steady and Unhidden in Faithful Advocacy

In a new ELCA Advocacy devotional, Daniella Garber reflects on Jesus’ image of a “city on a hill that cannot be hidden” and what it means for Christians to remain steady and visible in their advocacy for neighbors and God’s creation. Drawing on childhood memories of mountains that never move, Garber reminds readers that faithful advocacy is often slow and unseen—but our calling is to remain present, hopeful, and unhidden in the world.

This reflection invites us to consider where we find steady presence in our lives and how the church can remain a visible witness to God’s justice and compassion. Read the full devotional.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Faith Lens: Belonging
Faith Lens: Belonging

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Liz Dinkins explores John 4:5–42, where Jesus crosses deep social and cultural barriers to speak with the Samaritan woman at the well. Their conversation moves from physical thirst to spiritual belonging, revealing a powerful truth: in Christ, we are fully known and still welcomed. Rather than condemning the woman’s complicated story, Jesus offers “living water” and invites her into deeper relationship.

The encounter transforms her from someone arriving alone at the well into the first person in John’s Gospel to share the good news with her community. This reflection invites readers to consider how Christ’s grace creates space for honesty, belonging, and witness—and how we might make room at the well in our own lives for others who are seeking belonging.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Ordination celebrations
Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Timothy Hansen, New Journey, Fountain Hills, who celebrates 39 years on March 8.

  • Rev. Stephen Talmage, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 41 years on March 10.

  • Rev. Patsy Koeneke, Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction, who celebrates 19 years on March 11.

  • Rev. Bruce Ayers, who celebrates 64 years on March 11.

  • Rev. Steven Crittenden, who celebrates 17 years on March 12.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
What’s Happening at Arizona Faith Network: March Events, Trainings, and Interfaith Opportunities
What’s Happening at Arizona Faith Network: March Events, Trainings, and Interfaith Opportunities

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for interfaith dialogue, advocacy, and community engagement across Arizona. Events include legislative training, an interfaith book study, Interfaith Day at the Capitol, sacred site visits, and other gatherings that bring people of faith together for learning and action.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
185 Lutherans Gather at Arizona Capitol for 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature
185 Lutherans Gather at Arizona Capitol for 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature

On February 23, 2026, 185 advocates from 28 Arizona legislative districts gathered at the Arizona State Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, joining together as people of faith to advocate for their neighbors. The day included prayer and devotion led by Bishop Deborah Hutterer, remarks from lawmakers and community leaders, and meetings with legislators during the busy opening of Crossover Week. Participants built relationships, discussed key policy issues, and witnessed the impact of faithful public engagement.

The event also included opening prayers in both the House and Senate chambers, remarks from advocacy partners, and coordination by volunteers from across the state. Read more and view photos from the day.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
LAMA Update: Action Alert on War Powers Resolution and Key Arizona Advocacy Events
LAMA Update: Action Alert on War Powers Resolution and Key Arizona Advocacy Events

The latest Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter highlights a new ELCA Action Alert urging Congress to vote YES on the War Powers Resolution, along with upcoming advocacy events, justice initiatives, and policy updates affecting Arizona communities.

The update also includes a recap of 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, changes to SNAP eligibility guidelines, hunger advocacy resources, and worship materials for times of war. Read the full newsletter to learn how you and your congregation can engage in faithful advocacy.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
“Lord, When Did We See You?” Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge This Season
“Lord, When Did We See You?” Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge This Season

This Lent, individuals and congregations across ELCA Region 2, including the Grand Canyon Synod, are invited to participate in the “Lord, When Did We See You?” Lenten Challenge, a set of simple daily practices rooted in Matthew 25. The toolkit offers intergenerational activities that connect prayer, worship, advocacy, and daily acts of compassion.

Participants are also encouraged to support ELCA World Hunger using Appeal Code R2LENT2026, or donate to ELCA World Hunger here. Explore the toolkit and join the challenge: lentenchallenge.org/toolkit.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian Flatgard2026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and Easter, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Starting the Conversation: Bringing Congregational Security to the Council Table
Starting the Conversation: Bringing Congregational Security to the Council Table

The next step in the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 Congregational Security & Preparedness series begins with a simple action: start the conversation. Congregation councils can take an important first step by placing security and preparedness on a meeting agenda and discussing how their church cares for the safety of staff, volunteers, and worshipers.

This article offers guidance on how councils can begin that conversation and points congregations to the synod’s Congregational Security & Preparedness Resources page as a starting place for practical tools and next steps.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit
Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Jazz Vespers on Sunday, March 8 from 5:30–6:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and William “Gooch” on saxophone and vocals. Admission is free, with a freewill offering supporting the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, which now helps over 250 families each week.

Part of the congregation’s Music for Food ministry, Jazz Vespers blends soulful jazz with prayer and service—an evening where music becomes a way to support neighbors in need and live out Christ’s call to feed the hungry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
March Into Ministry: Resources, Lutheran Schools Week, and Opportunities from ELCA Schools
March Into Ministry: Resources, Lutheran Schools Week, and Opportunities from ELCA Schools

ELCA Schools and Learning Centers has released its latest newsletter highlighting Lutheran Schools Week (March 1–7), ministry resources like Coins for Lent, leadership opportunities on the ELEA board, and a new School Spotlightcelebrating Lutheran early childhood ministry. The update also includes member resources, discounts, and upcoming events supporting Lutheran educators nationwide. Explore the resources and learn more about Lutheran education ministries at elcaschools.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
New Guide Helps Congregations Respond Faithfully to Addiction and Recovery
New Guide Helps Congregations Respond Faithfully to Addiction and Recovery

Addiction affects every community—including our congregations. A new guide by the Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, Faith Communities and Addiction Recovery, offers practical, step-by-step guidance to help churches understand addiction, reduce stigma, and build sustainable recovery ministries rooted in compassion and faith.

The resource is available now on Amazon, and additional training and ministry support can be found through the Center of Addiction & Faith. Learn how your congregation can move from concern to meaningful action in supporting recovery.

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Brian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
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
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking a part-time Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator to nurture faith formation from nursery through fifth grade. This flexible, 15-hour-per-week position focuses on relationship-building, volunteer coordination, and family-centered ministry. Resumes should be sent to info@kogaz.org. View job description in PDF.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment