Now Hiring: Office Administrator Role Supports Ministry in Scottsdale Congregation
Now Hiring: Office Administrator Role Supports Ministry in Scottsdale Congregation

North Scottsdale United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Office Administrator in Scottsdale, AZ, with a starting salary of $55,000 plus benefits. Applications are being accepted through Indeed. The role oversees communications, office operations, database management, and administrative coordination that support the congregation’s ministry and daily life.

Ideal candidates will bring strong organizational and communication skills, experience with office and database systems, and a commitment to supporting the church’s mission—serving in a key behind-the-scenes role that helps connect people and sustain ministry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking a part-time Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator to nurture faith formation from nursery through fifth grade. This flexible, 15-hour-per-week position focuses on relationship-building, volunteer coordination, and family-centered ministry. Resumes should be sent to info@kogaz.org. View job description in PDF.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Facing Our History: Join the ELCA’s Truth-Telling Work on Indian Boarding Schools
Facing Our History: Join the ELCA’s Truth-Telling Work on Indian Boarding Schools

The ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, inviting clergy and lay leaders to research and confront Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools. This growing effort focuses on uncovering historical records, educating the church, and supporting truth-telling and healing for Native communities impacted by this legacy.

Participants can contribute through research, education, and quarterly gatherings. All are welcome to get involved. Learn more and sign up at tstti.org.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Be Still and Be Renewed: Registration Opens for NAES/ELEA 2026 Conference
Be Still and Be Renewed: Registration Opens for NAES/ELEA 2026 Conference

Registration is now open for the NAES/ELEA Biennial Conference 2026, happening November 18–20 in Los Angeles. Centered on Psalm 46:10, this national gathering offers keynote speaker Dr. Lisa Miller, worship with Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe, 60+ workshops, and service opportunities—all designed to renew and equip faith-based education leaders.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment
Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration
Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration

Registration is now open for this summer’s online Diakonia continuing education courses, with offerings on baptismal living, First Testament prophets, the Gospel of John and introductory New Testament Greek. Open to current students, graduates, instructors and anyone interested in deeper theological learning, the courses will meet online in five-week formats.

Organizational meetings begin in June, with final schedules determined collaboratively after registration. Learn more and register at Diakonia Education.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS
Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS

Rev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.

Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardNative American Urban Ministry Phoenix, American Indian and Alaska Native, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
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
From Film Series to Faithful Action: Climate Justice Resources for ELCA Lutherans
From Film Series to Faithful Action: Climate Justice Resources for ELCA Lutherans

Lutherans Restoring Creation’s latest Good Green News includes new climate justice resources, a Faith + Climate Film Series, advocacy around a proposed Decade of Climate Justice resolution, and upcoming events including Coffee with Christine and a renewables ethics conversation. Learn how your congregation can engage faithful care for creation and explore the full newsletter for links, dates, and action opportunities.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
Why Religious Freedom Matters Right Now: Highlights from the Latest BJC Update
Why Religious Freedom Matters Right Now: Highlights from the Latest BJC Update

The latest newsletter from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty includes Congressional testimony by Executive Director Amanda Tyler on religious freedom and anti-Muslim rhetoric, updates on local organizing efforts, a new youth curriculum focused on neighbor love and empathy, and opportunities to engage in advocacy. Read highlights and explore the full newsletter for resources at the intersection of faith, freedom, and public life. Read the full BJC newsletter here: Faith Freedom Dispatch – May 2026.

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Brian FlatgardBJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment
Get Ready for Lutheran Summer Music 2026
Get Ready for Lutheran Summer Music 2026

Lutheran Summer Music returns to St. Olaf College for its 2026 season, June 21–July 19, featuring more than 40 free concerts, recitals, worship services, and special events free and open to the public.

Highlights include the inaugural LSM Choral Gathering, guest performance by Cantus, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, the Bach Cantata Eucharist, and Festival Week concerts featuring LSM’s Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra. Most events will also be available online via Live from LSM. View the season brochure, explore events, and reserve free tickets at LSMacademy.org/2026season.

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Brian FlatgardLutheran Summer MusicComment
Mosaic: Home Modifications, Big or Small, Can Make an Impact
Mosaic: Home Modifications, Big or Small, Can Make an Impact

When the person she supports began to be afraid to take a bath, Mosaic Home Provider Arlene Deaner made a home modification that proved life-changing. Home modifications, both big and small, can make a difference for people with physical limitations. The post Creating Comfort: Home Modifications, Big or Small, Can Make an Impact appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Property Insurance, Financial Stewardship, and Fraud Prevention: May Administration Matters
Property Insurance, Financial Stewardship, and Fraud Prevention: May Administration Matters

The May 2026 issue of Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders navigating today’s challenges, including property insurance questions, faithful investing through the ELCA, nonprofit financial controls, and strategies to prevent online donation scams. The issue also includes a reflection on financial well-being and stewardship from Portico Benefit Services.

Whether you serve on council, manage finances, or support congregational administration, these timely resources can help strengthen ministry and reduce risk. Read the full May issue of Administration Matters.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Finding Belonging at God’s Table: Honoring AANHPI Heritage Month
Finding Belonging at God’s Table: Honoring AANHPI Heritage Month

As the church marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the ELCA invites reflection on identity, belonging, faith, and bold witness. In a moving essay, Pastor Jill Rode—a Korean American adoptee and lifelong Lutheran—shares her journey of navigating culture, adoption, and faith, reminding us that there is room for all of us at God’s table. Additional resources highlight the 50th anniversary of Hmong refugee arrivals in the United States, worship ideas, storytelling opportunities, and upcoming events for congregations.

This Heritage Month offers an invitation to listen deeply, honor stories across generations, and reflect on how God is present in our own journeys. Read the original reflection and explore AANHPI Heritage Month resources.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAsian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCAComment
Global Crises Deepen as Lutheran Disaster Response Walks Alongside Communities
Global Crises Deepen as Lutheran Disaster Response Walks Alongside Communities

Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to growing global humanitarian emergencies fueled by conflict, climate disasters, hunger, and displacement. A new article highlights the urgent needs facing communities worldwide and how Lutherans are accompanying neighbors through relief, recovery, and resilience efforts. Read the full story and learn how you can support this work.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment