Rev. Taryn Montgomery Elected Bishop of Northeastern Minnesota Synod
Rev. Taryn Montgomery Elected Bishop of Northeastern Minnesota Synod

The Rev. Taryn Montgomery of Duluth, Minn., has been elected bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, following a fifth-ballot election on April 25 during the synod assembly in Breezy Point, Minn. She will serve a six-year term, succeeding Bishop Amy Odgren, and brings experience as synod minister, pastor, and hospice chaplain.

Montgomery received 166 votes, surpassing the 139 needed for election. Learn more about her background, call, and the work of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod in the full ELCA news release—read more here.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Practicing Peace: What a 2,300-Mile Walk Can Teach the Church
Practicing Peace: What a 2,300-Mile Walk Can Teach the Church

After witnessing a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace led by Buddhist monks, the Rev. Kristen Glass Perez reflects on how peace is not passive—but practiced. Connecting interfaith experience with Christian traditions like the Sharing of the Peace and the Emmaus story, this article calls readers to live out peace intentionally in a divided and fast-moving world. Continue reading at Bold Café.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Choosing Joy in Every Season: A Reflection on Happiness and Faith
Choosing Joy in Every Season: A Reflection on Happiness and Faith

In this Bold Café reflection, Karris Golden explores what it means to choose happiness even in life’s most difficult seasons. Drawing on personal experience, Scripture, and daily practices of gratitude, she reframes happiness not as a destination, but as a way of living rooted in faith. With thoughtful questions and a closing prayer, this piece invites readers to reflect deeply on joy, resilience, and God’s abiding peace. Read more at Bold Café.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For those exposed to gun violence at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, and for an end to political violence…

  • For stabbing victims in north London, and for an end to antisemitism…

  • For flotilla personnel detained by Israeli forces…

  • For communities in Oklahoma and Texas in the wake of tornado damage…

  • For all who live with mental illness, and for all those who support them…

  • For those who work or live in our prisons, jails, and courts, and for an end to capital punishment…

  • For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
“Hope Is a Group Project”: Join ELCA’s Wayfinding in the Commons on May 6
“Hope Is a Group Project”: Join ELCA’s Wayfinding in the Commons on May 6

The ELCA Coaching team invites leaders and seekers to Wayfinding in the Commons, a monthly 45-minute online gathering beginning Wednesday, May 6 at 11 am (AZ/Pacific). Meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, participants will engage in community, learning, small-group conversation, and actionable next steps for life and ministry.

Open to all—especially those feeling isolated, curious, or called to lead—this gathering centers the idea that “hope is a group project.” Join via Zoom to connect, reflect, and take meaningful steps forward together in faith and community.

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Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Steady Faith, Strong Traditions: Arab American Lutherans Shaping the Church
Steady Faith, Strong Traditions: Arab American Lutherans Shaping the Church

In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries lifts up a powerful reflection by Grace El-Yateem on the enduring impact of Arab American Christians in shaping Lutheran life in the United States. Tracing roots from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land to congregations across the U.S., the article highlights a legacy of service, education, and interfaith connection that continues to enrich the church today.

This reflection invites us to recognize how diverse voices strengthen the body of Christ and deepen our shared witness. Read more to explore this important story and its connection to our life together as church.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAssociation of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH), Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
Act Now: Farm Bill Vote Could Impact SNAP and Hunger Ministries
Act Now: Farm Bill Vote Could Impact SNAP and Hunger Ministries

LAMA’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent Farm Bill vote that could significantly impact SNAP and hunger programs, along with action alerts and advocacy resources from the ELCA. The update also includes upcoming events, grant opportunities, and Bishop Hutterer’s recent op-ed on food access in Arizona.

Read the full newsletter to stay informed, connect with advocacy efforts, and take faithful action in support of our neighbors.

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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 staff will be engaged in a wide range of ministry—from international visits and leadership development to storytelling for Synod Assembly, administrative support, and ongoing communications. Alongside this work, the team continues preparations for upcoming events, financial reporting, and key synod initiatives while also taking time for renewal and rest.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Start Summer Strong: SYAT Collective Offers Tools for Youth Trip Leadership
Start Summer Strong: SYAT Collective Offers Tools for Youth Trip Leadership

May 7 at 10:00am (Zoom): The SYAT Collective invites youth ministry leaders to a practical session on preparing for summer trips. Learn how to set behavior expectations, manage group dynamics, and connect with others across the synod. Register here.

Open to both new and experienced leaders, this gathering offers tools, shared wisdom, and encouragement for guiding young people in meaningful, faith-filled summer experiences. Register now to join.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, SYAT Collective, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You
Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You

In this week’s Faith Lens, reflecting on John 14:1–14, Jesus offers words of comfort to anxious disciples facing an uncertain future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As today’s world continues to wrestle with violence and fear, this reflection invites us to consider where true safety is found—not in circumstances, but in Christ’s enduring promise to prepare a place for us.

Grounded in Lutheran hope, this resource encourages conversation, reflection, and faithful action—reminding us that even in times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to become safe, welcoming places for our neighbors.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Stay Near the Assembly: Westgate Group Rate + Nearby Hotel Options
Stay Near the Assembly: Westgate Group Rate + Nearby Hotel Options

A limited number of discounted rooms are still available for the 2026 Synod Assembly at Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort in Mesa, with rates starting at $83/night. Reservations must be made by May 8, 2026, using the group code, and rooms are expected to fill quickly.

Additional nearby hotels in Mesa and Gilbert offer convenient options for attendees. Book early to secure your preferred lodging as we prepare to gather for worship, discernment, and shared ministry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly by Friday, 5/8/2026
Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly by Friday, 5/8/2026

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
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
Final Call for Nominations for 2026 Synod Assembly Leadership Roles
Final Call for Nominations for 2026 Synod Assembly Leadership Roles

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