Walk the Way of the Cross: A Holy Week Prayer Experience at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to “The Way of the Cross: A Time of Meditation and Prayer”on Friday, April 3 (7 AM–6 PM, closed 12–1 PM). This self-guided experience features seven stations with artwork, Scripture, meditation, and prayer, inviting participants to walk alongside Jesus while reflecting on both Christ’s suffering and the realities of life today.

Open to all, this Holy Week opportunity offers space to pause, pray, and consider where we find ourselves in God’s story—bringing our burdens before Christ and encountering his presence along the way.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 23, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 3/31/2026, 6-7pm MST.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 23, 2026hunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment

Rostered Ministers: Submit Your Annual Report to the Bishop by March 30, 2026

The annual Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop is now open and due Monday, March 30, 2026. This report offers rostered ministers an opportunity to reflect on their ministry and connect directly with Bishop Deborah Hutterer as part of our shared life as a synod.

All active (including those on leave or disability) and retired rostered ministers are asked to complete the appropriate online form. Every report is read by the bishop, with care given to each response. Links to both forms are on the synod website.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 23, 2026Comment

Stay Alert: Phishing Emails Targeting Congregations Across Our Synod

Congregations across our synod are experiencing a rise in phishing emails that appear to come from trusted contacts and often include shared document links. Leaders and members are urged not to click suspicious links, verify messages directly, and report potential scams.

These emails can look legitimate and may spread through compromised accounts. Staying alert and practicing good digital habits helps protect our congregations and one another.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 18, 2026Comment

Explore Interfaith Opportunities Across Arizona with AFN’s Weekly Newsletter

The Arizona Faith Network’s weekly newsletter highlights upcoming interfaith events across Arizona, including dialogue series, sacred site visits, advocacy opportunities, and community gatherings. From a prayer walk at the Capitol to workshops on Indigenous perspectives and shared scripture, these events invite Lutherans and neighbors of all faiths into deeper understanding and public witness.

Act Now: Voting Bills Move Forward + Key Advocacy Opportunities This Week

This week’s LAMA newsletter highlights Interfaith Day at the Capitol (March 25), upcoming hunger and justice events, and key ELCA action alerts on Dreamers, the Farm Bill, and child protection.

Read the full newsletter to stay informed, take action, and engage in faithful advocacy across Arizona and our synod.

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop staff will gather with leaders and congregations in Tucson for the Kino Conference Spring Gathering while continuing preaching, teaching, and relationship-building across the synod. Alongside these shared ministries, staff will advance key internal work—including assembly planning, financial and audit preparation, leadership development, and ongoing communications—supporting the synod’s mission in both public and behind-the-scenes ways.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 18, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Heriberto Prudencio, who celebrates 36 years on March 25.
The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt, Church of Our Saviour, Lakeside, who celebrates 43 years on March 25.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 18, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

March Good Green News: Join the Movement for Climate Justice

New opportunities for climate action are unfolding across the ELCA—from the launch of a global Decade of Climate Justice to hosting the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum and preparing for Earth Day. This month’s Good Green Newshighlights upcoming events, funding opportunities, and practical resources for congregations ready to lead in creation care.

Read the full newsletter for registration links, downloadable resources, and ways your congregation can participate.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 17, 2026Good Green News, Climate ChangeComment

Palm Sunday in Action: LCM Students Lead Hygiene Kit Assembly for Neighbors in Need

LCM at ASU invites volunteers to a Palm Sunday Hygiene Kit Assembly on March 29 (11:30 AM–2 PM) in Tempe. Help assemble and distribute kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness while supporting student-led outreach grounded in faith and service. Registration is open.

Walking Together Toward Hope: Support LCM at ASU in Suicide Prevention Efforts

LCM at ASU invites the synod to support their team in the Out of Darkness Campus Walk on March 21 at 11 AM, raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Join the walk or donate to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and stand with students witnessing to hope, healing, and Christ’s call to bear one another’s burdens.

A Call to Protect: ELCA Issues Landmark Child Protection Social Message

The ELCA has adopted a groundbreaking social message on “Child Protection,” offering both theological grounding and practical guidance for congregations responding to abuse and neglect. The message emphasizes that protecting children is central to the church’s calling—rooted in Jesus’ care for the vulnerable—and establishes clear expectations, including mandatory reporting of suspected abuse by all church leaders, regardless of state law.

Alongside its theological framework, the message provides concrete policy recommendations, training resources, and tools to help congregations create safer environments. It marks a historic step for the church, equipping leaders to move from uncertainty to faithful action. Read more from Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 17, 2026Living Lutheran, Child ProtectionComment

Rooted at the Table: Why Meals Matter in the Life of Faith

Meals are central to the life of faith—from Holy Communion to church potlucks and shared meals in times of joy and need. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to reflect on the meaning of the table and share a recipe that tells your story.

Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 to be part of this growing collection, with all recipes shared online and a selection included in the Synod Assembly cookbook.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 17, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Rooted at the TableComment

Prepared in Community: Why Congregations Should Know Their First Responders

Building relationships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS is one of the most important steps a congregation can take toward preparedness. When first responders already know your building and leadership, they can respond more quickly and effectively in an emergency.

This article offers simple, practical ways to begin those relationships and invites congregations to take a first step as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s ongoing 2026 security and preparedness series.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 17, 2026SecurityComment

“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.

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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 16, 2026King of Glory Tempe, Fiesta Conference, Help WantedComment

Leadership in the Wider Church: Bishop Hutterer Elected Chair of Conference of Bishops

At its March meeting in Itasca, Illinois, the ELCA Conference of Bishops elected the Rev. Deborah Hutterer, bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, as chair, with the Rev. Greg Busboom elected vice chair. Their terms begin July 1, 2026, and will serve the conference of 65 synod bishops along with the presiding bishop and secretary.

During the meeting, bishops also discussed the future of theological education, updates to the ELCA candidacy process, and financial challenges facing the churchwide organization. Bishop Hutterer reflected on the gathering as a reminder that the ministry of bishops is deeply relational, strengthened through worship, prayer, and shared listening. Read the full ELCA news release.

Administration Matters: March 2026 Issue Highlights Rostered Ministers Gathering, Tax Resources, and Church Administration Guidance

The March 2026 issue of Administration Matters includes key resources for ELCA congregations and leaders, including registration information for the 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering (July 6–9 in Indianapolis) and updated clergy tax guides available through Portico Benefit Services. The issue also highlights guidance for navigating church staff transitions, recognizing nonprofit financial scams, and responding when fraud occurs in congregational settings.

These practical resources are designed to help congregations faithfully steward their ministries and administrative responsibilities. Read the full issue and explore the articles.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 16, 2026Administration MattersComment

Mosaic: The Right Support Can Help People with Disabilities Vote

Barriers to voting for people with disabilities have existed for a long time. Federal laws helped address some of the challenges by setting accessibility requirements and reinforcing voter rights.

In our latest blog, read how a fundamental piece of the puzzle that doesn’t require new laws or regulations—the support to vote— helped Nathan cast his ballot. The post The Right Support Can Help People with Disabilities Vote appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 16, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Learning from Recovery Communities: Webinar with Author Jennifer Carlier on March 25

Author Jennifer Carlier will lead a Zoom webinar on March 25, 2026 (12:00–1:00 PM CT) hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, exploring what churches can learn from recovery communities often meeting in church basements. Drawing from her book Finding God in the Basement, Carlier reflects on how Christian communities can move beyond shame-based theology and toward grace-centered spaces of dignity, authenticity, and hope for people experiencing addiction.

The webinar invites congregations to consider how faith communities can better accompany people in recovery. Registration is now open.

Brian FlatgardMarch 16, 2026Addiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment

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