For What Shall We Pray?

For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For the Artemis crew and all who are guiding the mission…
For protests in the West Bank against death penalty laws…
For victims of a Russian military plane crash in Crimea…
For casualties of a migrant boat capsize near Turkey…
For families of those killed in gang attacks in Haiti…
For Pope Leo XIV, the Dali Lama, and all faith leaders speaking hopes for peace in the world…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For all affected by rising fuel and food costs and access…
For support, visibility, and civil rights for transgender individuals…
For all who have experienced religious trauma and feel alienated from the church…
For the church in every place as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ…
For Jewish siblings during the observance of Passover…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 2, 2026ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Adele Resmer, Ascension, Scottsdale, who celebrates 39 years on April 5.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 2, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Two More Seats at the Table: Youth and Diverse Voices Needed for 2026 Assembly

Congregations are now preparing voting members for the 2026 Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa). In addition to standard representation, each congregation may elect two additional members: one youth or young adult and one person of color or primary language other than English, helping reflect the diversity of God’s people.

Thanks to the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, congregations can also send one youth or young adult for free using code YOUTH2026. Now is the time to identify leaders, broaden participation, and ensure your congregation’s voice is part of the synod’s shared work.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 1, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Workshop Proposals for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly due Monday, April 6

The Grand Canyon Synod is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2026 Synod Assembly. Workshops are one-hour sessions designed to equip rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical tools, theological insights, and ministry resources aligned with this year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story.”

Proposals must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2026, with presenters notified by mid-April. Submit your workshop title, description, audience, presenter information, and technology needs through the synod’s online proposal form.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 1, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

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.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

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.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2026Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment

“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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 1, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Grace PhoenixComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2026SecurityComment

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!”

Bishop Curry, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 31, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Bishop Curry LettersComment

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.

Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 31, 2026LGBTQIA+, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

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.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 31, 2026ELCA worshipComment

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.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 31, 20262027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 31, 2026Lutheran World FederationComment

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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 31, 2026Justa Center, HomelessnessComment

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.

Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 31, 2026Bishop Hutterer Letters, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Good Friday: A Holy Pause at the Synod Office

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, April 3, for Good Friday. We pause to remember Christ’s sacrifice and pray for hearts open to the hope of resurrection.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 30, 2026Office of the BishopComment

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 30, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 30, 2026Youth and Young AdultComment

Mosaic: 5 Ways to Create Accessible Social Media

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and this year’s campaign highlights that people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities and always will be. Promoting accessibility online is one way we can acknowledge that truth and ensure they're included. Here are 5 easy ways you can make your social media accessible.

The post 5 Ways to Create Accessible Social Media appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 27, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

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