A Different Way: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium This November
A Different Way: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium This November

Save the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.

Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Diakonia Comment
Apply by Sept. 25 for a 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant
Apply by Sept. 25 for a 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant

Eligible Grand Canyon Synod congregations and ministries may apply for up to $15,000 through the 2027 Synod Grants Program. Approximately $175,000 is available for projects advancing the synod’s strategic-plan goals, with preference given to innovative and collaborative proposals.

Completed applications and all required financial documents must be submitted electronically by midnight Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGCS Grants ProgramComment
Register by Sept. 18 for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Register by Sept. 18 for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Register by Friday, Sept. 18, for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, Oct. 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers will gather around the theme Rooted in God’s Story for worship, renewal, synod conversations, and keynote sessions with Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos exploring theology, neuroscience, liberation, and healing.

Single-room, shared-room, commuter, and extended First Call registration options are available. Registration includes meals.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Is God Tapping You on the Shoulder? Explore a Call to Ministry This September
Is God Tapping You on the Shoulder? Explore a Call to Ministry This September

Wondering whether God may be calling you toward ministry, theological education, or church leadership? Join representatives from all seven ELCA seminaries online Sunday, September 27, from 2–4 p.m. in Arizona, the Navajo Nation, and Utah—or 1–3 p.m. in Southern Nevada. Learn about programs, ask questions, and take a faithful next step in discernment.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA SeminariesComment
Resources to Strengthen the Church’s Song
Resources to Strengthen the Church’s Song

ELCA Worship shares new resources for musicians, worship planners, and congregational leaders, including fall webinars from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, the Oct. 18–20 Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music, free sheet music from Lutheran Summer Music, and tools for community singing. Early registration for the Vi Messerli lectures ends Sept. 15. Explore the resources and events.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
When Faith, Organizing, and Mutual Respect Meet
When Faith, Organizing, and Mutual Respect Meet

In this guest reflection for ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Rev. Terrance A. Jacob recounts how faith-based organizing, grassroots leadership, and a meeting with then-Sen. Barack Obama helped advance support for a Lutheran AIDS ministry in Soweto. It is a personal story of persistence, partnership, and the power of mutual respect across borders. Read Rev. Jacob’s full reflection.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Racial JusticeComment
Your Voice Matters: ELCA Human Sexuality Study Seeks Feedback by Sept. 30
Your Voice Matters: ELCA Human Sexuality Study Seeks Feedback by Sept. 30

The ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.

The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardHuman SexualityComment
Nature Trek Helps People with IDD Connect with Nature, Reach Personal Goals
Nature Trek Helps People with IDD Connect with Nature, Reach Personal Goals

Nature Trek, through Living Innovations in Maine, helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities overcome fears and push beyond self-imposed limits through outdoor adventures. Read about it in this message from Mosaic.

The post Nature Trek Helps People with IDD Connect with Nature, Reach Personal Goals appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, the Office of the Bishop will connect with congregations and leaders through visits, preaching, a retirement celebration, the Conference Dean Retreat, and various meetings. Staff will also advance candidacy, ministry, grants, communications, finance, event planning, and administrative work while welcoming the Rev. Jacqueline Pagel back from sabbatical. We also share a photo of Bishop Hutterer’s visit to Trinity Lutheran Church for Pastor Karl Guhn’s retirement.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Finding God in the In-Between
Finding God in the In-Between

Transitions can leave us between what was and what will be—a disorienting “liminal space” of waiting and uncertainty. Drawing on a difficult mountain hike, Joseph’s years of waiting and the Christian hope of God’s “already, but not yet” reign, the Rev. Becca Ehrlich reminds us that in-between time is not a time for inaction.

Even without a clear view of what lies ahead, we can listen for God, love our neighbors and become guiding lights for one another. Read the full reflection in Café.

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ELCABrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Meeting Change With Body, Spirit and Grace
Meeting Change With Body, Spirit and Grace

Life transitions can stir physical sensations, powerful emotions and spiritual questions—even when the change is welcome. The Rev. Dr. Becca Ehrlich introduces somatic awareness as a way to listen to our bodies, practice self-compassion and remain present with God amid change.

Discover how embodied practices can deepen prayer and expand our capacity to love and serve others. Read the full reflection from Café, a publication of Women of the ELCA.

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ELCABrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Living Water: Worshiping With the Watersheds That Sustain Us
Living Water: Worshiping With the Watersheds That Sustain Us

The Season of Creation, observed September 1 through October 4, invites congregations to give thanks for water and examine the environmental justice questions surrounding it. The Rev. Nancy Wright connects baptism, Jesus’ promise of living water and the watersheds that sustain every community.

Explore ideas for water-centered worship, education and action—especially relevant to the desert, rural and tribal communities of the Grand Canyon Synod. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment