Rooted in God’s Story: Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly 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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 4, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Jazz Vespers for a Cause: Support Families Facing SNAP Losses This Mother’s Day

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to a special Mother’s Day Jazz Vespers on May 10 at 5:30 PM, supporting its “Music for Food” ministry as food insecurity rises across Arizona. With nearly 300 families served weekly and over 450,000 Arizonans losing SNAP access, the need is urgent.

Additional Jazz Vespers are scheduled for June 14 and July 12, offering ongoing opportunities to gather in worship, enjoy live music, and support neighbors in need through this growing ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 4, 2026Capital Conference, Hunger, Mount of Olives PhoenixComment

A Salad Rooted in Friendship

A broccoli-cauliflower salad passed down through decades reflects the enduring strength of friendship—growing richer with time, just like the relationships it represents.

Brian FlatgardMay 3, 2026Rooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment

Rooted and Open: St. Olaf College Report

St. Olaf College continues to prepare students for lives of purpose through faith-centered education and global engagement. With strong outcomes, deep Lutheran identity, and upcoming events like the 2026 Worship Conference, St. Olaf remains a vital partner in forming leaders for church and world. Download the report.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 3, 20262026 Assembly Stories, St. Olaf CollegeComment

Nourishment for the Waiting Seasons

Gail Turner’s butternut squash soup has been a staple of Advent and Lenten gatherings for decades—a simple, nourishing dish that continues to bring people together.

Brian FlatgardMay 2, 2026Rooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment

From Desert Land to Living Ministry: Living Water Lutheran Church

Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale shares its story through a short video—from the purchase of desert land 25 years ago to opening on Palm Sunday in 2003. Now nearing the completion of their mortgage, the congregation is looking ahead with a vision to “open the doors, do more.” Watch the video to learn more.

A Recipe Born from Friendship Across Cultures

A Thai pumpkin curry recipe shared by Tina Mills tells the story of friendship formed during her time as a missionary in Japan—where cooking became a bridge between cultures and faith traditions.

Brian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Rooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment

A Place of Healing in the Desert: Spirit in the Desert Report

Spirit in the Desert welcomed over 3,700 guests in 2025, offering a place of rest, healing, and spiritual renewal. Serving people from many faith traditions, this ministry creates sacred space where individuals reconnect with God, community, and themselves. Read the report.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 1, 20262026 Assembly StoriesComment

From Tablets to Transformation: ION Reaches a Major Reentry Milestone

The Inside Out Network’s Spring 2026 newsletter highlights a major milestone: its reentry platform is now available on correctional facility tablets, expanding access for thousands preparing for release. With strong growth in Arizona and beyond, ION continues to connect returning citizens with critical resources and support.

Alongside this progress, the newsletter shares powerful stories of congregational ministry, personal transformation, and acts of care. Read the full newsletter (available as a PDF and online) to explore how this work is unfolding—and how you might be part of it.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Prison, Inside Out NetworkComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Lutheran World FederationComment

Pivot #175: Finding Identity in Christ: An Old Testament Vision for Community

In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker explores what the ancient Scriptures have to say about who we are and how we're called to live together.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

More Than a Label: Parents Find Joy in Uniqueness of Son With Autism

It’s Autism Acceptance Month, and Denise McMillen, mother of a son with autism, shares insights she has learned over the years.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

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.

ELCABrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Comment

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.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Café, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

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.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 1, 2026Café, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

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…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 30, 2026ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

“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.

Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 30, 2026Coaching, ELCA CoachingComment

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.

AFN Update: Sacred Spaces, Media Training, and Justice Work Ahead

Arizona Faith Network’s latest update includes upcoming interfaith events, advocacy opportunities, and community initiatives—from sacred space visits and media training to heat relief efforts and immigration advocacy. These gatherings offer meaningful ways to connect faith with action across Arizona.

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.