Faith Lens: The Interruption of Easter
Faith Lens: The Interruption of Easter

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Tim Wright explores how Easter is not just a celebration—but a divine interruption that transforms everything. Drawing from Matthew 28 and a personal story of injury and recovery, Wright reflects on how both joyful and painful interruptions shape our lives, and how God’s grace ultimately interrupts despair with hope, death with life, and fear with peace.

Grounded in the resurrection, this reflection invites readers to consider how Jesus continues to interrupt our lives today—with love that cannot be undone—and challenges us to share that same grace with others in tangible ways.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
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
March Mission Support Memo: Post-its Create Shared Encounters
March Mission Support Memo: Post-its Create Shared Encounters

Our March 2026 Mission Support memo takes us into a two-day training on Facilitation Fundamentals by our ELCA innovation team. It’s a room full of ELCA staff from across the country, across churchwide units, in all levels of positions. Read to hear how valuable folks are finding this approach. Also a tool for our synods is included in the memo, the Thank You Certificate, to celebrate our congregations generosity.  

 We cherish hearing about the inspiring stories in your synods, regions and congregations - feel free to reach out to Karen at karen.kretschmann@elca.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
“This Is the Night of Salvation”: Join the Great Vigil of Easter at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix
“This Is the Night of Salvation”: Join the Great Vigil of Easter at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Beginning with a new fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle, the service moves through scripture, song, and sacrament, culminating in the first Eucharist of Easter, the affirmation of baptism, and the welcome of new members.

Held at 801 E Camelback Rd, this powerful and ancient liturgy proclaims the resurrection story in full, inviting all into the hope and promise of new life in Christ.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
A Legacy of Learning: The Grace and Grand Canyon Scholarship Fund Enters Its Fourth Year
A Legacy of Learning: The Grace and Grand Canyon Scholarship Fund Enters Its Fourth Year

The Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund is now in its fourth year, having awarded $16,000 to students across the synod since its launch in 2023. Open to ELCA members pursuing higher education or certification programs, the fund supports both academic goals and faith formation, with recipients highlighting its impact on belonging, purpose, and community connection.

Applications are open to eligible students, and contributions can be made through the Arizona Community Foundation. To learn more, apply, or support the fund, visit azfoundation.org or contact Grace Lutheran Church directly.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Grace PhoenixComment
Light, Doors, and Sightlines: A Practical Step Toward Safer Spaces
Light, Doors, and Sightlines: A Practical Step Toward Safer Spaces

A simple walk-through of your building and grounds is one of the easiest and most effective steps a congregation can take toward safety and preparedness. By paying attention to lighting, entrances, exits, and visibility, congregations can identify small changes that make a big difference.

This article offers practical guidance for conducting a 30–45 minute walk-through and invites congregations to take this next step as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security and preparedness series.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
The Joy of Alleluia | Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | Easter 2026
The Joy of Alleluia | Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | Easter 2026

In his Easter message (download: bit.ly/4c9zxv4) , Presiding Bishop Curry says that even though we consider ourselves to be an Easter church, we must remember that we are also a Lenten church, a time when we live in uncertainty, waiting and hoping for renewal. Curry reminds us that in the midst of that uncertainty, comes God’s promise of reassurance and hope. Death does not have the final word.

“Yes, we are Easter people. Even when the ground below us is shaking, we will not grow weary. We know that Jesus is our foundation. Christ is risen, and that truth strengthens us. It gives us courage to live, to hope, and to proclaim joy. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!”

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Bishop Curry LettersComment
April 29 Zoom Event: Completing the ELCA DEI Learning Journey
April 29 Zoom Event: Completing the ELCA DEI Learning Journey

The fourth and final ELCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion learning module will take place Wednesday, April 29 via Zoom. Featuring Rev. Dr. Andrea L. Walker and Rev. Sonja Ware, this 90-minute session will integrate previous learning, explore bias in coaching, and include a live Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) demonstration. Advance registration is required.

This concluding session invites faith leaders to move from awareness to action, equipping them to embody DEI principles in ministry and coaching contexts. Recordings of previous modules are available for those who wish to prepare or review.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Church to Love and Justice on Transgender Day of Visibility
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Church to Love and Justice on Transgender Day of Visibility

In a March 31 message for Transgender Day of Visibility, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the ELCA to prayer, advocacy, and solidarity with transgender people, affirming that all are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139).

Amid rising anti-trans legislation, the message urges congregations to act through love, learning, and justice, and points to key ELCA resources that support this ongoing work of dignity and inclusion.

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardLGBTQIA+, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
New April Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress to Strengthen Your Ministry
New April Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress to Strengthen Your Ministry

Augsburg Fortress’s April 2026 worship resources offer new tools for pastors, musicians, and worship leaders, including books on the Psalms, choir leadership, and preaching for special occasions, along with a children’s music collection. Free summer music clinics are also available in multiple cities.

These resources support congregations in deepening worship, strengthening musical leadership, and proclaiming the gospel in ways that are both grounded and responsive to today’s context. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders (and Avoiding the Wrong Ones!)
2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders (and Avoiding the Wrong Ones!)

Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar. To learn more about upcoming webinars, visit our Key Dates page.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Justa Center Seeks Program Director to Lead Work with Phoenix Seniors Experiencing Homelessness
Justa Center Seeks Program Director to Lead Work with Phoenix Seniors Experiencing Homelessness

Justa Center in Phoenix is seeking a Program Director to provide leadership for programs serving adults age 55 and older experiencing homelessness. The role oversees initiatives such as Path to Housing, Transitional Housing, and Veterans services while coordinating with healthcare, housing, and community partners to support older adults in moving toward stability and permanent housing.

Founded in 2006, Justa Center is the only day center in the Phoenix metro area dedicated exclusively to seniors experiencing homelessness. Qualified candidates with human services leadership experience and a passion for serving vulnerable populations are encouraged to apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to dean@justacenter.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJusta Center, HomelessnessComment
Bishop Hutterer: Living the Resurrection
Bishop Hutterer: Living the Resurrection

We come to Easter this year in a world that feels, in many ways, unsettled—marked by uncertainty, division, and deep longing. And yet, this is not new territory for God’s people.

Jesus lived, spoke, and moved among communities facing turmoil, oppression, and fear. Into that very reality, he proclaimed good news. Into that very reality, he brought healing, hope, and ultimately resurrection.

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Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Living Water Lutheran Church Hosts Book Drive to Share the Gift of Reading
Living Water Lutheran Church Hosts Book Drive to Share the Gift of Reading

Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale is collecting new and gently used books from April 6 through June 30, 2026. Donations for readers of all ages—including children’s books, early readers, youth and adult books, cookbooks, and recipe magazines—may be dropped off at 9201 E. Happy Valley Road, Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The drive aims to expand access to reading materials across the Phoenix area and help place books into homes where they are needed most. Donations must be in good condition, with no rips, tears, or markings.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLiving Water Scottsdale, Northeast Valley ConferenceComment
Walk the Way of the Cross: A Holy Week Prayer Experience at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Grant-Funded Faith Forward Program Helps Small Congregations Nurture Faith in Kids
Grant-Funded Faith Forward Program Helps Small Congregations Nurture Faith in Kids

Small and rural congregations are invited to apply for the Faith Forward program, a grant-funded initiative that equips parents, grandparents, and faith mentors to nurture faith in children through everyday practices. The program begins with a two-day training at Grand View University in May, followed by a year of learning and experimentation with practical faith formation tools.

Thanks to funding from the Lilly Endowment, transportation, housing, meals, and a small congregational implementation grant are covered. Congregations located in towns under 10,000 or worshiping fewer than 100 people are especially encouraged to apply. Learn more at grandview.edu/faith-forward.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young AdultComment
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