Last Call to Submit Your Act for the Friday Night Variety Show at the Assembly
Last Call to Submit Your Act for the Friday Night Variety Show at the Assembly

The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly will feature a Friday Night Variety Show on June 12, 2026, offering an evening of music, storytelling, humor, and creative performances from across the synod. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.

The planning team is currently inviting 5–7 minute family-friendly acts from individuals, groups, congregations, and families. Interested performers are encouraged to submit a short description of their act using the online form, with selected performers contacted prior to Assembly. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Faith in the Public Square: Events and Trainings from AFN
Faith in the Public Square: Events and Trainings from AFN

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for engagement, including Earth Day events, a Doctrine of Discovery teach-in, interfaith dialogue, health and safety trainings, and community care initiatives. The update also includes upcoming media training and openings for the 2026 Heat Relief Program.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Take Action This Week: LAMA Highlights Advocacy, Events, and Hunger Initiatives
Take Action This Week: LAMA Highlights Advocacy, Events, and Hunger Initiatives

LAMA’s latest update highlights urgent advocacy opportunities, including a public comment period open through April 24 to support work permits for those seeking asylum. The newsletter also features upcoming events like the Earth Day Vigil at the Capitol, advocacy training, hunger network gatherings, and funding opportunities for ministries.

Read the full newsletter for key actions, events, and resources—and find your place in this week’s work for justice.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, the Office of the Bishop is engaged in worship leadership across Tucson and Phoenix, supporting congregations through preaching, installations, and vitality conversations, while also preparing reports and continuing mission support and leadership development work. At the same time, staff are advancing preparations for Synod Assembly—including communications, storytelling, logistics, and financial oversight—ensuring the synod is ready for the work ahead.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Faith Lens: Awe and Belonging
Faith Lens: Awe and Belonging

The April 26 Faith Lens reflection, Awe and Belonging, explores Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47 and the early Christian community where “no one was in need.” Rather than beginning with rules or expectations, this community was formed through awe at God’s presence—an awe that led to deep sharing, trust, and belonging. The reflection challenges common assumptions about faith, inviting us to see that authentic Christian community is rooted not in human effort, but in encountering Christ already at work among us.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Jazz Night for a Cause: Supporting ASU Students Through Pitchfork Pantry
Jazz Night for a Cause: Supporting ASU Students Through Pitchfork Pantry

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to a free Jazz Night on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 PM, supporting ASU’s Pitchfork Pantry. With one in four ASU students facing food insecurity, this student-led ministry provides essential resources with dignity. Bring a nonperishable food item and enjoy live music, food, and fellowship while living out our call to serve our neighbors.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Ordination celebrations
Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Stephen J. Hammer, who celebrates 44 years on April 25.

  • Rev. Debra Slifer, who celebrates 39 years on April 25.

  • Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel, Christ the Servant, Henderson, who celebrates 39 years on April 26.

  • Rev. David Drach-Meinel, who celebrates 39 years on April 26.

  • Rev. Kevin Meyer, LSS-SW, Phoenix, Covenant, Quartzsite, who celebrates 31 years on April 30.

  • Deacon Sally Almen, who celebrates 39 years on April 30.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
In a Crisis, Clarity Matters: Defining Emergency Roles in Your Congregation
In a Crisis, Clarity Matters: Defining Emergency Roles in Your Congregation

In an emergency, clarity saves time—and can save lives. This article highlights the importance of defining simple roles in advance: who calls 911, who meets first responders, and who communicates with the congregation.

Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers a practical step congregations can take to respond more calmly and effectively when it matters most.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Nominations Open for 2026 Synod Assembly Leadership Roles—Deadline May 4
Nominations Open for 2026 Synod Assembly Leadership Roles—Deadline May 4

Nominations are open for leadership roles to be elected at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, including Synod Secretary, council members, and committee positions. Any member in good standing may nominate themselves or others, with all forms due by May 4, 2026.

This is an invitation to prayerfully discern how God may be calling leaders to serve in the life of the synod. Learn more about open positions and submit nominations today. Learn more and submit a nomination.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Submit Your Resolutions for the 2026 Synod Assembly by April 27
Submit Your Resolutions for the 2026 Synod Assembly by April 27

Those wishing to submit a resolution for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly must do so by Monday, April 27, 2026, by sending an editable electronic file to Kathye Hamm (khamm@gcsynod.org). Resolutions must comply with the ELCA and Grand Canyon Synod governing documents, Robert’s Rules of Order, and the assembly’s rules and agenda. More info here.

The Reference and Counsel Committee will review submissions and publish a report—including recommendations—on the synod website by May 22, 2026. While all submitted resolutions will appear in the report, the assembly’s agenda and rules determine whether they are discussed or voted on during the gathering.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
A Call to Protect: Presiding Bishop Curry on Child Abuse Prevention Month
A Call to Protect: Presiding Bishop Curry on Child Abuse Prevention Month

In a pastoral message for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to protect children, support survivors, and confront the realities of abuse with honesty and faith. Grounded in resurrection hope, the message invites congregations to review policies, strengthen practices, and embody Christ’s care for the most vulnerable. Read the full message and explore how your congregation can respond.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry LettersComment
April Mission Support Memo: Palm Sunday Path
April Mission Support Memo: Palm Sunday Path

Our April 2026 Mission Support memo takes us back to Palm Sunday where this year many palm waving processions continued into the afternoon with journeys through downtown areas, around state buildings, in amphitheaters and in parking lots, as we and our denominational partners cried out for justice, peace and love, during the Palm Sunday Path. Our story focuses on activites in Wisconsin and specifically Northwest Synod of Wisconsin ~ learn about the day with dance, prayer, and calls to action. Also check out how to participate in the May 18 in the evening for a webinar on The Stewardship of AI: Benefits and Concerns.

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ELCABrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
From Transition to Transformation: A Faith-Based Call Beyond Fossil Fuels
From Transition to Transformation: A Faith-Based Call Beyond Fossil Fuels

A global gathering in Santa Marta, Colombia (April 25–29) is bringing together governments, Indigenous leaders, and faith communities to accelerate a just transition away from fossil fuels. But participants are clear: shifting energy sources is not enough. True transformation must address deeper systems of inequality, consumption, and ecological harm.

Faith leaders are calling for a holistic response—one that centers justice, community, and the sacredness of creation. This moment invites communities of faith, including ours, to engage not only in climate action but in reimagining our relationship with the Earth and one another. Read more.

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Brian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)
You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)

Young adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.

Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), Youth and Young Adult, Young Adults in Global MissionComment
ELCA Receives $1M Grant to Expand Inclusive Outdoor Ministry
ELCA Receives $1M Grant to Expand Inclusive Outdoor Ministry

The ELCA has been awarded a $1 million grant to continue Total Inclusion!: Widening the Welcome, supporting outdoor ministries in creating more inclusive spaces for youth of all backgrounds and abilities. The funding will expand scholarships, accessibility improvements, staff training, and programs that center youth of color, LGBTQIA+ youth, and youth with disabilities. Learn more about how this work is shaping the future of outdoor ministry.

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ELCABrian FlatgardOutdoor Ministry, GrantsComment
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