International Women’s Day: A Lutheran Reflection on Supporting Girls’ Dreams
International Women’s Day: A Lutheran Reflection on Supporting Girls’ Dreams

In a reflection marking International Women’s Day (March 8), ELCA advocacy intern Ashley Chepkorir shares her journey from Kenya to global policy studies and advocacy work in Washington, D.C. Her story highlights the power of education, mentorship, and faith communities in helping girls imagine futures that once seemed impossible.

Drawing on the ELCA’s teaching that every person is created with dignity and gifted to contribute to society, Chepkorir invites faith communities to consider how they can encourage and support girls and young women today. Read the full reflection on the ELCA Advocacy Blog.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Upcoming Conferences, Music Programs, and Resources for Lutheran Worship Leaders
Upcoming Conferences, Music Programs, and Resources for Lutheran Worship Leaders

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations that support worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. The latest update includes upcoming conferences, training opportunities, and awards related to church music, liturgy, and worship leadership.

Featured opportunities include the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians Conference (June 2026 at St. Olaf College), the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University (April 13–15), the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), and programs supporting young musicians and student composers. Explore the full list of resources and events on the ELCA Worship Blog.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Discover the New ELCA.org: Improved Search, Resources, and a Fresh Digital Experience
Discover the New ELCA.org: Improved Search, Resources, and a Fresh Digital Experience

The ELCA has launched a newly redesigned ELCA.org, created after more than a year of collaboration among Churchwide communications, IT, and innovation teams. The updated site features modern design, improved accessibility, and a new enhanced search tool that integrates resources from across the ELCA, including the resource library, congregation profiles, and Living Lutheran articles.

The new platform aims to help members, congregations, and those exploring faith more easily connect with the ELCA’s ministries and resources. Leaders and members across the Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to explore the updated site and its new features.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
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, Mountain View PhoenixComment
Now Hiring: Collaborative Musician at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tucson
Now Hiring: Collaborative Musician at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tucson

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (ELCA), 1200 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, is seeking a part-time Collaborative Musician (keyboardist) to help lead joyful, meaningful worship. Responsibilities include Sunday worship leadership, choir accompaniment, and collaboration on liturgy. Applications are due March 31, with a flexible start date (no later than June 1). Learn more at lutherantucson.org or apply at Oslc@lutherantucson.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOur Saviour's Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
Better Together: Exploring Partnership for the Church’s Future
Better Together: Exploring Partnership for the Church’s Future

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into Better Together, a four-session online book study exploring partnership, shared ministry, and the church’s future. It’s not too late to join—and slides from the first session are now available to help participants catch up.

Offered Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (Arizona time), this study looks honestly at congregational realities while imagining faithful, mission-centered collaboration. Register now and join the conversation about how we will be church—together.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
ELCA Urges Faithful Advocacy as Congress Debates the 2026 Farm Bill
ELCA Urges Faithful Advocacy as Congress Debates the 2026 Farm Bill

Congress is currently debating the 2026 Farm Bill, one of the most significant pieces of legislation affecting agriculture, hunger programs, rural communities, and conservation in the United States and around the world. In a recent update, ELCA Advocacy outlines both encouraging provisions and ongoing concerns, urging lawmakers to adopt policies that reflect our shared faith commitments to feed hungry neighbors, support farmers and rural communities, and care for God’s creation.

The ELCA continues to call for stronger protections for programs like SNAP, international food aid, and conservation initiatives that promote soil health and sustainable agriculture. Learn more about the current status of the Farm Bill and how Lutherans can engage in advocacy by reading the full update. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
ELCA AMMPARO: The Heart of Accompaniment: Casa Tochan
ELCA AMMPARO: The Heart of Accompaniment: Casa Tochan

As part of the AMMPARO global migration strategy, the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM) provides a critical lifeline to those forced to flee their homes. This video highlights the ministry’s essential work in Mexico City's largest shelter, Casa Tochan, and showcases the amazing resilience of migrants seeking safety, dignity, and a better future. Download at bit.ly/4kWQ7RQ or view on YouTube.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and Refugees, Mexican Lutheran ChurchComment
What is an AMMPARO Welcoming Congregation?
What is an AMMPARO Welcoming Congregation?

In this video, leaders from across the AMMPARO network share their experiences moving into ministry with migrants toward building deep, life-changing relationships with refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented neighbors. Through stories of uncertainty into transformation, we see how congregations are being re-energized by seeing the face of Christ in everyone they accompany. Download at bit.ly/4rwuCcV and view on YouTube.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Mosaic: Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities
Mosaic: Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities

While people with disabilities, their family members, and advocates all agree our culture needs to change the attitudes that see disability as a negative thing, but they don’t always agree on how to talk about it. Learn why some advocate people-first language and others advocate identity-first language.

The post Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
National Faith + Climate Forum Invites People of Faith to Act for Creation
National Faith + Climate Forum Invites People of Faith to Act for Creation

People of faith across the country are invited to participate in the National Faith + Climate Forum 2026 on Saturday, April 25, 2026 (9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. PT / 12:00–5:30 p.m. ET). This free gathering will bring communities together to deepen understanding, inspire hope, and equip congregations with practical ways to respond to climate change as an expression of faith and care for creation.

Participants may attend a local host site, join virtually from anywhere, or organize a local gathering in their own community. Host congregations receive resources and potential funding support to help make local events possible. Learn more, explore the speaker lineup, and register today through the official event page. Read more and find registration details.

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Brian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
Supporting Faith Formation in ELCA Schools: Sparkhouse Digital Webinar Announced
Supporting Faith Formation in ELCA Schools: Sparkhouse Digital Webinar Announced

ELCA school leaders are invited to a 30-minute webinar on March 18 at 1:00 p.m. CST introducing Sparkhouse Digital, a platform designed to help educators easily prepare meaningful chapel services and faith formation experiences. Hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, the webinar will include an overview of the platform’s features and an exclusive offer for live attendees. Register here. All who register will receive the recording after the event.

ELCA Schools and Learning Centers have also launched a new online Community platform where members can connect, share resources, and collaborate with fellow Lutheran educators. Register and learn more through the links provided. More info here.

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Brian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
Rooted in God’s Story: Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly 2026
Rooted in God’s Story: Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly 2026

As the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly approaches, congregations and ministries across the synod are invited to share stories of how God is at work in their communities. Submissions—including written reflections, photos, short videos, or audio—should be sent to Brian Flatgard by Friday, May 8, 2026. Learn how to share your story here.

Gathering under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story” (Psalm 78:4), the synod will highlight around 50 ministry stories through the assembly, blog, newsletter, and social media. This is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways God is working across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Prayer and Advocacy as Iran War Intensifies
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Prayer and Advocacy as Iran War Intensifies

In a March 4 pastoral statement, ELCA Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, advocacy, and renewed commitment to peace as war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies. Grounded in Scripture and Lutheran social teaching, Curry laments the loss of life—including Iranian schoolchildren and U.S. service members—and raises concern about the lack of congressional authorization prior to U.S. military engagement.

The bishop urges Lutherans to pray for peace, support diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, and stand in solidarity with companions in the Middle East, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Read the full statement from the ELCA Presiding Bishop.

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ELCA, Bishop Curry, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
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