Making Room for Imperfection: A Lenten Invitation to Release Unrealistic Expectations
Making Room for Imperfection: A Lenten Invitation to Release Unrealistic Expectations

The “Making Room” Lenten series invites Christians to rethink the traditional focus on giving something up for Lent. For the week of March 8, the focus is making room for imperfection—releasing unrealistic expectations and remembering that God’s grace, not perfection, is what sustains us.

Grounded in 2 Corinthians 12:9, this week’s practice encourages journaling about one expectation you can release and reflecting on how God’s grace allows space for growth and compassion toward ourselves. Read the full reflection and explore the prayer and practice in the Living Lutheran article.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Living LutheranComment
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
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
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
Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod
Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod

God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
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
Leadership in Difficult Times: Registration Now Open for Faith+Lead Certificate Cohort
Leadership in Difficult Times: Registration Now Open for Faith+Lead Certificate Cohort

Registration is now open for Leadership in Difficult Times, a guided certificate cohort from Faith+Lead running April 28–July 28, 2026. This live, four-session experience equips leaders with practical skills and spiritual grounding to lead faithfully amid division and uncertainty. Open to rostered and lay leaders alike, the cohort meets monthly on Zoom and offers scholarships. Learn more and enroll at faithlead.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Lay LeadershipoComment
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