“America Is Something You Make”: BJC Invites Stories of Faith and Community
“America Is Something You Make”: BJC Invites Stories of Faith and Community

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is inviting people to share stories of faith, community, and civic engagement through its new “Founders Wall” project. Participants can submit written reflections, photos, audio, or short videos describing how they are helping build stronger neighborhoods, congregations, schools, and communities. Share your story here.

The project emphasizes the idea that “every generation is the founding generation” and invites people of faith to reflect on vocation, public witness, and care for neighbor. Read more and learn how to participate through the BJC campaign website.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Christian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment
Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial
Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial

The ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.

Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSemiquincentennial, ELCA WorshipComment
New Worship Planning Resources for Year B 2027 Now Available
New Worship Planning Resources for Year B 2027 Now Available

ELCA Worship is highlighting new May 2026 resources from Augsburg Fortress designed to support worship leaders, musicians, preachers, and congregational planners across the church. Newly released Year B 2027 materials include updated editions of Sundays and Seasons, preaching resources, worship planning calendars, and subscription options to simplify annual planning for congregations and ministry teams.

The update also includes information about free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics celebrating the ministry’s 70th anniversary, with events scheduled this summer in South Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Readers can explore the complete list of resources, details, and registration information through the original ELCA Worship article: Read more at the ELCA Worship blog.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Keeping Vigil for the Spirit: Faith Lutheran in Phoenix to Host Rare Pentecost Liturgy
Keeping Vigil for the Spirit: Faith Lutheran in Phoenix to Host Rare Pentecost Liturgy

Faith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a rare Vigil of Pentecost worship service on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. Featuring scripture, global Pentecost music, candle lighting, and prayerful reflection, the service invites worshipers to prepare for Pentecost in hope and anticipation of the Holy Spirit.

The liturgy will take place at 801 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix and is open to all.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPentecost, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer accompanies visits with Iglesia Mexicana Luterana, AMEXTRA, and Young Adults in Global Mission partners while continuing meetings and preparations for the upcoming Synod Assembly.

Synod staff will continue supporting candidacy and faith formation work, preparing Assembly communications and storytelling projects, assisting congregations and ministry partners, managing administrative and financial responsibilities, and coordinating upcoming meetings and events across the Grand Canyon Synod.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Shared Generosity, Shared Mission: Annual Report Highlights Growth and Impact
Shared Generosity, Shared Mission: Annual Report Highlights Growth and Impact

The FY2025–2026 Annual Report from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, highlights a year of storytelling, stewardship, donor engagement, and mission support across the Grand Canyon Synod. From celebrating seven ordinations and launching the synod’s first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign to granting $363,100 through the Mission & Ministry Fund, the report reflects how shared generosity continues to strengthen ministries across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

The report also highlights new storytelling initiatives, congregation visits, leadership coaching, and expanded tools for mission support engagement, all rooted in the synod’s shared calling to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Stewardship, m, Mission SupportComment
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

The FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurity, grantsComment
Arizona Faith Network Highlights Interfaith Dialogue, Advocacy, and Heat Relief Efforts
Arizona Faith Network Highlights Interfaith Dialogue, Advocacy, and Heat Relief Efforts

Arizona Faith Network’s newest newsletter features interfaith dialogue opportunities, prophetic witness media training, immigration advocacy updates, security webinars, and recruitment for its 2026 Heat Relief Program. Upcoming events include visits to the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center, online justice trainings, and creation care gatherings across Arizona.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment
LAMA Newsletter Highlights Advocacy for Indigenous Communities, Hunger Relief, and Civic Engagement
LAMA Newsletter Highlights Advocacy for Indigenous Communities, Hunger Relief, and Civic Engagement

LAMA’s newest newsletter highlights the ELCA’s observance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Arizona budget updates, voting rights engagement, and new nonprofit security grant information.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Reserve Your 2026 Assembly Hotel Soon: Westgate Discount Ends May 8
Reserve Your 2026 Assembly Hotel Soon: Westgate Discount Ends May 8

The May 8 deadline is here for discounted lodging at Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly in Mesa. Limited rooms remain available at special group rates, and several nearby hotel options are also listed for attendees planning their stay.

Assembly participants are encouraged to book early as availability may become limited closer to the June 11–13 gathering.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Lutheran Men in Mission Shares Spring 2026 Opportunities and Resources
Lutheran Men in Mission Shares Spring 2026 Opportunities and Resources

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Spring 2026 Ambassador-Gram newsletter, featuring upcoming online studies, a new discipleship course, estate planning resources, ministry tools, retreats, and the June 2 annual meeting. The newsletter also introduces LMM’s new simplified web address, LMM.MEN, and highlights resources available for congregations and men’s ministry leaders.

Read the full newsletter for registration links, study opportunities, retreat information, and new ministry resources designed to help build men for Christ across the church.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutheran Men in MissionComment
Mother’s Day Across Borders: A Call to Share Hope with Detained Families
Mother’s Day Across Borders: A Call to Share Hope with Detained Families

This Mother’s Day (beginning May 7, 2026), Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join a cross-border effort delivering yellow flowers to detention centers and migrant shelters as a sign of compassion and solidarity. Participants can donate flowers or serve as Volunteer Site Leaders, helping coordinate local actions that lift up the dignity of those separated from their families.

Organized by partners including International Friendship Park and Border Church, this campaign reflects our Lutheran call to love our neighbor and seek justice. Learn how your congregation can take part in this meaningful witness of hope and shared humanity. View a PDF flyer here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan
Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan

Creating or updating a simple emergency plan is a key step in congregational preparedness. This article outlines three essential elements—evacuation, shelter, and communication—and encourages congregations to develop a clear, usable plan that can guide response in a crisis.

Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers practical next steps to help congregations respond calmly and effectively when it matters most.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Reserve Your Ministry Partner Table for the 2026 Synod Assembly by May 18
Reserve Your Ministry Partner Table for the 2026 Synod Assembly by May 18

Registration is now open for Ministry Partner Tables at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Exhibitor space ($80, includes non-voting visitor access) is available to ELCA-related and approved ministries, with registration due by May 18, 2026. Learn more and register today to share your ministry’s story with voting members and leaders from across our synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment