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News
The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the ongoing federal investigation involving a former synod leader. As of this posting, there are no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity.
The Fall 2025 ION Newsletter explores how moments of waiting can lead to unexpected growth. From a new reentry video podcast to a faith-driven smartphone donation project, ION continues to connect returning citizens with hope and community. Read stories of transformation, fresh data insights, and updates from Arizona and Oregon in this inspiring edition. Read the full newsletter online or in this PDF.
The Grand Canyon Synod sent $6,000—raised by congregations and our Global Engagement Team—to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Senegal for the Martin Luther School in Fatick. The gift funded books for all 180 students, with remaining funds supporting teacher guides, classroom supplies, and repairs. This week, ELS President Pastor Latyr Diouf sent a heartfelt note of thanks and blessing, celebrating the companionship we share in Christ.
Join us for the Ordination for Wanda K. Frenchman on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside, and Vance Blackfox will preach. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Dinner will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Grace Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, with video later on the Native American Urban Ministry page. All are welcome.
Advent & Christmas
Featured
Celebrate the season of Advent and Christmastide with the Grand Canyon Synod! Visit our 2025 Advent and Christmas page to explore stories, worship opportunities, and events from across our congregations. We invite you to share your own seasonal news or event as together we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and rejoice in the light that has entered the world.
This Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.
ELCA Sumud now offers a rich collection of resources for Advent and Christmas 2025: a four-week adult devotional series, a Biblical Botany guide, and a children’s Christmas book. Download Advent and Christmas resources here.
Prepare your congregation for Advent with Vero Communications’ Advent Bundle—a set of customized postcards, flyers, banners, and social media graphics designed to help you invite your community to worship. With a two-week turnaround, Vero creates professional, ready-to-use materials based on your church’s Advent theme. Learn more →
Latest News
Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to support families in Globe and Miami recovering from September’s floods through a Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1–10. Donations of traditional Thanksgiving items—or financial gifts for turkeys and other foods—will benefit the Gila Community Food Bank in Globe. A special drive-up drop-off event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Together, we are blessed to be a blessing.
Celebrate the season of Advent and Christmastide with the Grand Canyon Synod! Visit our 2025 Advent and Christmas page to explore stories, worship opportunities, and events from across our congregations. We invite you to share your own seasonal news or event as together we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and rejoice in the light that has entered the world.
Stay informed and engaged with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) in this week’s update, featuring an urgent SNAP Action Alert, events for faith-based advocates, and new blog stories on hunger, refugee policy, and Reformation courage.
Read the full LAMA Newsletter for November 4, 2025 to learn how you and your congregation can take part in advocacy for justice, hunger relief, and faithful civic engagement.
The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the ongoing federal investigation involving a former synod leader. As of this posting, there are no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity.
Discover what’s happening across Arizona’s interfaith community in the latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter. Explore the new Faith & Mutual Aid Resource Guide, register for the 2025 Annual Gathering: United We Rise, and find upcoming events focused on justice, creation care, meditation, and interfaith collaboration. Subscribe or share today to help build Arizona’s network of care.
The issue also includes details for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, United We Rise, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, honoring Rev. Towanda NT Connelly and other bridge builders; weekly Monday Meditations; Reconciliation Ecology workshops; and safety training for faith communities.
For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Pakistan/Afghanistan, and Tanzania…
For relief, recovery, and grief work following Tropical Storm Melissa, Typhoon Kalmaegi, and the Afghan earthquake…
For victims of political and police violence in Tanzania and Brazil…
For victims of the UPS plane crash in Louisville, KY…
For all who face food insecurity and hunger…
For farmers and for food production…For elections, political transitions, and all government employees and leaders…
For protection, justice, and human rights for all migrants…
In gratitude for all veterans and their service to the common good…
This week, the Office of the Bishop continues its work across the synod, from preaching, teaching, and stewardship support to event planning, communications, and financial administration.
This Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.
ELCA Sumud now offers a rich collection of resources for Advent and Christmas 2025: a four-week adult devotional series, a Biblical Botany guide, and a children’s Christmas book. Download Advent and Christmas resources here.
Prepare your congregation for Advent with Vero Communications’ Advent Bundle—a set of customized postcards, flyers, banners, and social media graphics designed to help you invite your community to worship. With a two-week turnaround, Vero creates professional, ready-to-use materials based on your church’s Advent theme. Learn more →
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 39 years on November 12.
Rev. Ruby Myers, who celebrates 4 years on November 13.
The Fall 2025 ION Newsletter explores how moments of waiting can lead to unexpected growth. From a new reentry video podcast to a faith-driven smartphone donation project, ION continues to connect returning citizens with hope and community. Read stories of transformation, fresh data insights, and updates from Arizona and Oregon in this inspiring edition. Read the full newsletter online or in this PDF.
In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Heather Hansen explores how Jesus responds to the Sadducees’ attempt to trap him with a question about the resurrection (Luke 20:27–38). Instead of arguing over details, Jesus redirects the conversation toward what truly matters: that God is God of the living, and that love and life—not power or status—define God’s kingdom.
In a world full of “gotcha” questions, we’re reminded to pause, breathe, and answer from a place of faith and love—trusting that God’s truth and grace endure beyond every debate.
The ELCA Office of the Secretary has released a new “Congregation Constitution 101” webinar and PowerPoint designed for congregation leaders. The hour-long training explains how constitutions function, how the Model Constitution is organized, and how to amend and update your congregation’s document. Watch the recording at vimeo.com/1129666826 or access materials at ELCA.org/Office-of-the-Secretary/Constitutions.
For additional help, see our related post: Update Made Easy: New 2025 Constitution Guidance for Your Congregation.
November is Native American Heritage Month. The ELCA invites our communities to honor Indigenous voices through two highlighted events: the 15th Annual Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium (online, Oct. 11–15, 2025) and the National Day of Mourning (Nov. 27, 12pm in Patuxet, MA). These gatherings offer meaningful opportunities for learning, remembrance, and solidarity. Learn more at elca.org/indigenous.
In a new episode of Here I Pod, Lutheran Disaster Response staff and partners share their recent conversations with legislators in Washington, D.C., urging stronger FEMA reform to support disaster-affected communities. Listeners also hear practical ways to take action and strengthen congregational preparedness. Listen and read more on Living Lutheran: Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation.
Featured Events
Featured
Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to support families in Globe and Miami recovering from September’s floods through a Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1–10. Donations of traditional Thanksgiving items—or financial gifts for turkeys and other foods—will benefit the Gila Community Food Bank in Globe. A special drive-up drop-off event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Together, we are blessed to be a blessing.
Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club welcomes transformational life coach and author Sarah Payne Naylor on Thursday, November 20 at 3 p.m. (MST) for a discussion of her inspiring new book, You’re Not Done Becoming: Reclaim Personal Power and Purpose to Transform Your Life at Any Age.
Naylor—long connected with Lutheran ministries in Arizona—offers a heartfelt reminder that growth and faith never end. Learn more or register at Spirit in the Desert.
Join us for the Ordination for Wanda K. Frenchman on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside, and Vance Blackfox will preach. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Dinner will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Grace Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, with video later on the Native American Urban Ministry page. All are welcome.
Join the Grand Canyon Synod for our MLK Celebration worship service led by a synodwide choir lifting songs of hope and justice. Choir members arrive by 2:00 p.m.; service begins at 3:00 p.m. Full details and latest updates at gcsynod.org/mlk.
Join us for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly as we gather under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. We’ll come together for worship, learning, connection, and the business of the church as we celebrate how God continues to work through our synod.
More information, registration details, and a full schedule will be shared as the date approaches.
Mark your calendar for next year’s Bishop’s Fall Gathering—a time of rest, renewal, and community for rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. This retreat will continue our 2026 theme, Rooted in God’s Story.
Additional details, registration information, and session themes will be announced in the coming months.
Featured
Find handmade gifts that give back! Join Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley on Saturday, November 8, from 8 AM to 1 PM for the Sewing Bee’s annual Fall Boutique, featuring quilts, jewelry, décor, purses, baked goods, and more. All proceeds support local charitable organizations.
Join women from across the Grand Canyon Synod for the 2025 Women of the ELCA Biennial Convention and Gathering on Saturday, November 8, at Faith/La Fe Lutheran Church in Phoenix. The day includes worship, speakers, and lunch for just $30. Special guests include Myrna Wells-Ulland, Pastor Jacqui Pagel, and Connie Phillips.
Register today at grandcanyonwomen.org/events.
Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to support families in Globe and Miami recovering from September’s floods through a Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1–10. Donations of traditional Thanksgiving items—or financial gifts for turkeys and other foods—will benefit the Gila Community Food Bank in Globe. A special drive-up drop-off event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Together, we are blessed to be a blessing.
Join Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. for a powerful evening with the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda. Their new production, Better Days—There is Hope, features vibrant music, dance, and testimonies of God’s love. Come be inspired by their message of hope and restoration.
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.
Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club welcomes transformational life coach and author Sarah Payne Naylor on Thursday, November 20 at 3 p.m. (MST) for a discussion of her inspiring new book, You’re Not Done Becoming: Reclaim Personal Power and Purpose to Transform Your Life at Any Age.
Naylor—long connected with Lutheran ministries in Arizona—offers a heartfelt reminder that growth and faith never end. Learn more or register at Spirit in the Desert.
Join us for the Ordination for Wanda K. Frenchman on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside, and Vance Blackfox will preach. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Dinner will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Grace Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, with video later on the Native American Urban Ministry page. All are welcome.
First rehearsal for the synodwide MLK Choir—pick up music, meet your section, and get our sound started. All voices welcome; no audition. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. For sign-up, rehearsal dates, and updates, visit gcsynod.org/mlk.
Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and church leaders for a week of continuing education and renewal in the Arizona desert. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by experienced facilitators. Register here. Download event poster (PDF).
Renew your leadership and spirit at Leading Well: A Learning Retreat, January 6–9, 2026, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Designed for all who serve in faith-based ministry, this ecumenical event blends sabbath rest, collegial support, and practical learning. Participants will leave refreshed, connected, and equipped with a tailored Leadership Formation Plan. Learn more and register: surfacetosoul.org/2026-lwr
Church & Society
Featured
Stay informed and engaged with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) in this week’s update, featuring an urgent SNAP Action Alert, events for faith-based advocates, and new blog stories on hunger, refugee policy, and Reformation courage.
Read the full LAMA Newsletter for November 4, 2025 to learn how you and your congregation can take part in advocacy for justice, hunger relief, and faithful civic engagement.
In a new episode of Here I Pod, Lutheran Disaster Response staff and partners share their recent conversations with legislators in Washington, D.C., urging stronger FEMA reform to support disaster-affected communities. Listeners also hear practical ways to take action and strengthen congregational preparedness. Listen and read more on Living Lutheran: Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation.
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.
Explore this week’s LAMA advocacy update, including an ELCA Action Alert urging Congress to protect international food aid in the upcoming Farm Bill. You’ll also find upcoming events—on hunger ministry, public lands, Christian nationalism, civic engagement—and new reflections from the LAMA blog. Read the full newsletter, event details, and action links here.
Federal shutdown delays have stalled this year’s refugee admissions, and SNAP food assistance has been halted for both refugees and all current recipients statewide. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest continues serving resettled families and invites you to advocate with legislators for restored SNAP funding and refugee protection. The ELCA has provided an easy tool to contact Congress—learn more and take action.
Nearly every ELCA bishop—including Bishop Deborah Hutterer—has signed a letter calling Lutherans to be a public witness of love and justice in a time of fear and division. The letter affirms that Christian Nationalism distorts the gospel and urges faithful action grounded in God’s inclusive love.
Advocacy is more than policy—it’s a faithful response to God’s grace. The Southeastern Synod models a Lutheran approach grounded in Scripture and accompaniment: engaging congregations in justice work, equipping them with tools to act, and empowering leaders to advocate for the vulnerable. Their work embodies the call to love our neighbors through advocacy rooted in baptismal vocation. Read the full story at LAMA.
A new proposal could restrict voter registration by requiring costly and hard-to-access documents like passports—potentially excluding 21 million eligible Americans. The Election Assistance Commission is taking public comments until October 20. Add your voice as a person of faith who believes every vote is sacred. Read the full post and submit your comment today.
Critical programs that protect clean air, water, soil, and wildlife are facing deep federal budget cuts. As people of faith, we’re called to safeguard creation so that all life may flourish. Join ELCA Advocacy and Lutherans across the country in urging Congress to maintain funding for essential environmental programs like the EPA, Clean Water State Revolving Funds, and Superfund cleanups. Read the full Action Alert and contact your members of Congress.
As the 2024 Farm Bill expires, critical hunger and rural support programs face uncertainty. ELCA Advocacy urges lawmakers to pass a new bill that strengthens food security, supports farmers, and upholds faith-based commitments to caring for creation. From SNAP benefits to global food aid, the Farm Bill affects ministries that serve vulnerable communities daily. Learn how Lutheran voices are advocating for policies that ensure all are fed—in body and spirit.
This week’s BJC newsletter highlights advocacy against Texas’s new Bible-infused school curriculum, previews the October 21–23 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, and covers an upcoming Supreme Court case on religious freedom in prisons. Readers will also meet Rabbi David Segal, BJC’s new Policy Counsel, and find the latest Report from the Capital addressing how threats to religious freedom are becoming reality. Read the full issue for details and ways to engage.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of the various regions of our synod. The Grand Canyon Synod is spread across lands in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, which are currently home to over two dozen tribal nations.
We acknowledge and honor these communities, their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. We give thanks to our Indigenous siblings who have cared and continue to care for this place — this land — and call it their home.
Learn more about ELCA Indigenous Ministries, land acknowledgments, and Native American and Indigenous education resources.
Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity
How the ELCA Foundation and our synod are cultivating faithful giving that endures.
Generosity has the power to transform ministries and communities. Watch this short video to see how Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley, the Grand Canyon Synod, and the ELCA Foundation are partnering to build a legacy of faith for generations to come.
Read the full story to learn more about this ministry partnership and how generosity grows the church.
To explore endowment or planned giving for your congregation, contact Lisa Marie Higginbotham, ELCA Foundation Gift Planner, here »
Synod Spotlight
This section is dedicated to celebrating and lifting up the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners at various levels—from local to global. Join us in gratitude and prayer for these people and organizations. View all spotlight posts here.
Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to support families in Globe and Miami recovering from September’s floods through a Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1–10. Donations of traditional Thanksgiving items—or financial gifts for turkeys and other foods—will benefit the Gila Community Food Bank in Globe. A special drive-up drop-off event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Together, we are blessed to be a blessing.