Featured News
Join us at the Synod Assembly on June 13, 2024, to help pack Hygiene Kits for Grace in the City, Phoenix. Participate in our service project by purchasing items from our Amazon Gift List by June 1. Your involvement will directly support those in need and enhance our community outreach efforts.
All members of the Grand Canyon Synod—and especially assembly voting members—are invited to participate in a Q-&-A Zoom presentation of the 2025-2026 Mission Plan, hosted by Erik Rehms, our Synod Treasurer, and Barbara Carl, our Synod Vice-President. Each session is the same, with two dates to choose from.
Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30pm MST/PDT, 6:30pm MDT. Click here to register.
Saturday, June 1 at 9am MST/PDT, 10am MDT. Click here to register.
Book your stay at Westgate Painted Mountain for the Grand Canyon Synod assembly with our exclusive group discount. Ensure your reservation by May 13, 2024, to enjoy special rates and a prime location near the event. View all our accommodations recommendations here.
Discover how to vividly convey your community's mission through our step-by-step webinar on creating Narrative Mission Plans. Led by Pr. Tim Brown on May 6th and September 9th, this session is perfect for anyone looking to transform their budget into a compelling story of impact.
2024 Synod Assembly
June 13–15, 2024
Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa
Set aside time for spiritual nourishment at the "Loving God with St. Catherine of Siena and St. Thomas Aquinas" day. Learn from the lives of these saints in a quiet setting, hosted by the Church of the Epiphany on April 27, 2024. Delve into discussions, enjoy peaceful prayer, and savor a provided lunch with like-minded individuals seeking deeper faith.
Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Click here to access the meeting, at 6pm on the last Tuesday of every month.
LAMA invites us to join the Interfaith Campaign for Food and Nutrition Security on May 2, 2024, for a National Day of Prayer dedicated to ending hunger in the U.S. This virtual gathering will unite faith leaders and activists to mobilize support for national efforts against food and nutrition insecurity, aligning with the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. Register here.
You are invited to Servant Leader: Present, Equipped, Here—this year’s churchwide-sponsored leadership online event—Saturday, May 4 from 11am – 3:30pm PST/MDT. It’s open to all, whether involved in Women of the ELCA or not.
Including worship, Bible study, speakers and breakout sessions, this year’s leadership event will reintroduce the servant leader concept and its connection to relationships and community while acknowledging the many challenges facing organizations like ours in our current context. Participants will explore the leader-full community that is Women of the ELCA.
The ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to learn more about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). Visit ELCA.org/MMIW for a full list of resources to educate yourself and your community and plan a recognition of May 5, MMIW day.
At 6pm MST on Mondays, 5/6/2024 and again on 9/9/2024, Pastor Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship Support, will lead a webinar going step-by-step on how to create a Narrative Mission Plan hosted by our Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team.
May 6th Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/81979480200
September 9th Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/81769929305
Discover innovative and economical communication methods tailored for church leaders at the Grand Canyon Synod in the upcoming webinar. Learn to craft compelling content, manage social media efficiently, and build a volunteer communication team. Register here.
Explore the afterlife in a unique tri-faith discussion with leaders from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic communities on May 7, 2024. Join this free virtual event hosted by ISBA to gain insights into diverse religious perspectives. More information and register here.
Join Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) for the "Navigating the Compassionate Crossroads: Palliative Care vs. Hospice" webinar on May 9, presented by Rory Farrand of NHPCO. Discover the nuances between palliative and hospice care to guide patients thoughtfully through their end-of-life journey. View a PDF with info and registration here.
Join others at the 2024 Festival of Homiletics for a spiritual refresh that goes beyond the pulpit. Embrace this unique opportunity for self-care, community, and innovation in preaching. Secure your spot by February 15 to benefit from early bird rates and prepare for a transformative experience in Pittsburgh.
Featured Events
At 6pm MST on Mondays, 5/6/2024 and again on 9/9/2024, Pastor Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship Support, will lead a webinar going step-by-step on how to create a Narrative Mission Plan hosted by our Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team.
May 6th Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/81979480200
September 9th Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/81769929305
Discover innovative and economical communication methods tailored for church leaders at the Grand Canyon Synod in the upcoming webinar. Learn to craft compelling content, manage social media efficiently, and build a volunteer communication team. Register here.
We gather to connect people and do business at our annual synod assembly. We are pleased to be back at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The exact dates and time are subject to change.
At 6pm MST on Mondays, 5/6/2024 and again on 9/9/2024, Pastor Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship Support, will lead a webinar going step-by-step on how to create a Narrative Mission Plan hosted by our Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team.
May 6th Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/81979480200
September 9th Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/81769929305
We gather to connect people and do business at our annual synod assembly. We are pleased to be back at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. The exact dates and time are subject to change.
The 2025 Churchwide Assembly will be held in Phoenix, Arizona. Mark your calendars! Times and dates may shift for this event. More info will be updated at ELCA.org.
In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how, like toddlers trying to read before they fully understand, we often emulate spiritual practices without full comprehension. The article reflects on Acts 8:26-40, emphasizing that God appreciates our earnest attempts to live faithfully, even when we falter. Through discussion questions and activities, we are encouraged to embrace our spiritual journey with humility and trust, much like a child learning to navigate the world, and to draw nearer to Jesus to bear fruit in our lives.
At Portico we strive to offer benefits that make our plan members’ lives better, so that they can fulfill their mission of helping others live their best lives. Here is a visual recap (view in PDF) of what our community of 45,000+ members experienced in 2023.
Our mission is to serve those who serve — financially, emotionally, and physically. We do this by securing quality, cost-effective, and useful benefits that make a difference for our members and sponsoring organizations. With each new year we continue to grow our pool and affirm the value and importance of church together.
We give God thanks that Hannah Manzanares is currently home recovering from what was described by her mother, Sarah, as a “severe car accident.” While driving home from work Friday, April 19th, her car was hit by a drunk driver and flipped multiple times. Prayers for healing are requested for Hannah as she recovers with some head pain.
We’re looking forward to an incredible year at LSM, and we’ve been able to add extra spots for this summer! Final openings are available for the four-week Full Session (June 30-July 28) for students in grades 8-12 who play clarinet, flute, horn, oboe, trumpet, euphonium, violin, or string bass. For more information or to apply, visit LSMacademy.org.
Join us at the Synod Assembly on June 13, 2024, to help pack Hygiene Kits for Grace in the City, Phoenix. Participate in our service project by purchasing items from our Amazon Gift List by June 1. Your involvement will directly support those in need and enhance our community outreach efforts.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa, has transformed its 1958 building into a model of sustainability. Through a comprehensive upgrade that includes solar panels and geothermal heat pumps, the church significantly lowered its carbon footprint and energy costs. This initiative not only garnered the church the 2024 Energy Saver award from Interfaith Power and Light but also sets a replicable example for other communities aiming to enhance their environmental stewardship. Learn more in this Living Lutheran article.
In this Living Lutheran article, we meet Cora Rose, an ELCA deacon and legal ministry attorney based in southern Oregon, wo serves as a vital community advocate providing legal aid and supporting local initiatives for those facing housing insecurity and other challenges. In her unique role, she integrates her legal expertise with her spiritual calling, making significant impacts on both individual and systemic levels, embodying a profound commitment to justice and community service.
Dive deep into biblical teachings on justice with the faith+lead online course "Justice in the Bible." Learn from historical contexts and modern applications to cultivate a faith-driven approach to peace-making and social action, all within a supportive online community.
Join Sermon Camp to transform your approach to preaching with a six-week, comprehensive program starting May 19, 2024. Learn to craft impactful sermons through practical strategies that blend spirituality with best preaching practices, supported by expert mentors and a community of peers.
Embark on a transformative journey with the School for Lay Ministry Learning Community. This year-long program from Faith+Lead at Luther Seminary equips lay leaders with theological training and leadership skills to effectively serve and lead in their congregations. Starting May 18, 2024, the program offers 13 lessons and 42 contact hours of comprehensive training tailored to enhance your ministry impact.
Legacy gifts provide a unique opportunity to support your congregation and the Grand Canyon Synod for generations to come. Unlike direct donations, legacy gifts do not affect your current finances and allow you to honor your lifelong commitment to your faith community. Partner with Lisa Higginbotham from the ELCA Foundation to explore tax-efficient, impactful giving options that reflect your values and devotion.
Explore the impactful initiatives and future projects of the Northeast Valley Consortium, which continues to make significant contributions to community support and interfaith collaboration.
All members of the Grand Canyon Synod—and especially assembly voting members—are invited to participate in a Q-&-A Zoom presentation of the 2025-2026 Mission Plan, hosted by Erik Rehms, our Synod Treasurer, and Barbara Carl, our Synod Vice-President. Each session is the same, with two dates to choose from.
Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30pm MST/PDT, 6:30pm MDT. Click here to register.
Saturday, June 1 at 9am MST/PDT, 10am MDT. Click here to register.
Join us in welcoming Chaplain Capt Matthew W. Dobyns to the 2024 Synod Assembly, where he will share his valuable experiences and insights from his service as a United States Air Force chaplain.
Book your stay at Westgate Painted Mountain for the Grand Canyon Synod assembly with our exclusive group discount. Ensure your reservation by May 13, 2024, to enjoy special rates and a prime location near the event. View all our accommodations recommendations here.
The ELCA Worship News for April 2024 features an array of resources to enhance worship experiences throughout the church calendar. Highlights include new blog posts on utilizing "All Creation Sings" for post-Pentecost services, commemorative resources for the Emanuel Nine, and insights into Lutheran hymns. Additionally, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians is hosting a conference at Valparaiso University to delve deeper into church music leadership. Resources from Augsburg Fortress also offer vital support for congregations welcoming leaders of color. Read more here.
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.
We give God thanks that Hannah Manzanares is currently home recovering from what was described by her mother, Sarah, as a “severe car accident.” While driving home from work Friday, April 19th, her car was hit by a drunk driver and flipped multiple times. Prayers for healing are requested for Hannah as she recovers with some head pain.