The Grand Canyon Synod will gather for the 2026 Synod Assembly from June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Congregations are encouraged to begin identifying their voting members now, especially as annual meetings approach. Our churchwide representative will be Rev. Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship. Additional details and registration information will be shared in early 2026.
Read MoreLutherans and friends from across Arizona are invited to gather at Wesley Bolin Plaza on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. The morning includes meeting legislators, connecting with LAMA leaders, hearing speakers, and praying for justice, with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch provided.
Held at the Arizona State Capitol in downtown Phoenix, this annual event equips us to live out our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace. Register today.
Read MoreMark your calendars for the Grand Canyon Synod Spring Gatherings 2026, where we come together under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Gatherings will be held in Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas from February through April. These events offer opportunities for connection, reflection, and renewal across our synod.
Read MoreOur theme for 2026 is Rooted in God’s Story. This theme will guide our Spring Gatherings, the 2026 Synod Assembly, and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, inviting us to tell and live the story of God’s love with clarity and hope.
Read MoreAs we close 2025, we give thanks for a year shaped by our synod theme, Build Up the Body. Explore the Grand Canyon Synod’s month-by-month Year-in-Review newsletter and celebrate how Christ has been at work among us—while looking ahead to 2026, Rooted in God’s Story.
Read MoreJoin the synodwide choir for our 2026 MLK Celebration at King of Glory, Tempe. Rehearsals: Jan 3, 10, 15, 17; Service: Sun, Jan 18 at 3:00pm (call 2:00pm). Concert black attire; practice recordings and full service details coming soon. View all the info for our synod’s MLK events at gcsynod.org/mlk.
Read MoreCongregations across the Grand Canyon Synod will gather this January to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through worship, Gospel music, prayer, and service. Events will take place in the Phoenix area, Tucson, and the Colorado River/Las Vegas region, including a synod-wide choir celebration in Tempe and a special event with Rev. Dr. James Thomas in Henderson. Offerings from all gatherings support the synod’s growing work in diversity, equity, and justice. Full details at gcsynod.org/mlk.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard “Dick” Glover, retired pastor and member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix, who died on November 17, 2025. A Service of Life and Resurrection will be held Saturday, January 17, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m., followed by fellowship.
We invite the synod to hold Alice, the Glover family, and the St. Andrew community in prayer, trusting in God’s promises of baptismal grace, resurrection, and eternal peace in Christ.
Read MoreELCA Coaching is offering a full month of free January opportunities for ministry leaders, including gatherings, workshops, formation offerings, and racial justice and wellness training opportunities—most requiring advance registration. Additional subsidized leadership trainings begin in April. These resources support leaders across the ELCA, helping strengthen ministry, deepen resilience, and remind us that nobody journeys alone. Learn more at elcacoaching.org/events.
Read MoreWhat happens when grace refuses to stay passive? In this thoughtful reflection from Living Lutheran, Pastor Ralen M. Robinson explores shrewd grace—a grace that is both tender and wise, compassionate and discerning. Drawing on Scripture and real-world complexity, Robinson invites readers to hold mercy and boundaries together, seeing grace not as weakness, but as God’s love actively at work in a broken world.
As we enter a new year amid ongoing injustice and division, this reflection challenges us to forgive without forgetting, to love boldly without enabling harm, and to embody Christ’s courageous, resourceful grace. Read the full article, “Shrewd Grace,” on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, is seeking a new Executive Director to lead its Lutheran-rooted mission of grace-filled hospitality, renewal, and spiritual growth. The role includes strategic and hands-on leadership across operations, staff supervision, financial sustainability, donor relations, and community partnerships.
Applications received by January 15, 2026 will be assured of full consideration. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and five professional references (PDF format) to Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com. Nominations are also welcome.
Read MoreAs we settle into the early days of the new year, the work of the synod continues across worship, leadership development, justice, generosity, and congregational life. We are grateful for the faithful ministries being carried forward during this season of transition and renewal. We are especially grateful for the steady commitment of our leaders and staff as we begin 2026 together.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest is preparing for a challenging 2026, as state leaders warn of a tight Arizona budget and federal officials propose changes to the “public charge” test that could harm immigrant communities and caregivers. Strong advocacy will be essential to protect basic needs, human dignity, and access to vital supports.
As people of faith, we remain committed to standing with our neighbors, amplifying unheard voices, and raising our voices together in hope as we move into the new year.
Read MoreThe January 2026 Blessed Tomorrow newsletter invites faith communities into a year of visible climate leadership, rooted in faith and expressed through action. Highlights include the announcement of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson as the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum keynote, funding opportunities through the American Climate Leadership Awards, tools for launching or strengthening Green Teams, and new research pointing to growing moral momentum for climate action.
Congregations will also find practical resources, inspiring stories from faith leaders across the country, and clear next steps for engaging climate care as an expression of discipleship. Read the full newsletter to explore how your community can lead visibly in 2026.
Read MoreMany congregations are facing rising costs, leadership shortages, and increasing pressures—but the gospel continues to call us forward together. Join the Grand Canyon Synod for “Possibilities in Partnership,” a synod-wide Zoom conversation on January 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm MST, 5:00 PM PST, exploring new ways congregations can collaborate and share ministry.
Led by Rev. David Pavesic, this gathering invites rostered ministers and lay leaders into reflection, conversation, and discernment around what it means to be church together in this season. Advance registration is required.
Read MoreAs members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders are invited to a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, with a local gathering option in the Grand Canyon Synod. This morning workshop connects congregations to regional teaching and local conversation and complements the January 22–24 in-person PLTS gathering. For details, contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.
Read MoreJoin Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, January 16–19, 2026, for Living Into a New Story. Led by Pastor Ron Rude and hymnist Sharon Reinbott, this retreat explores how science, Scripture, and earth wisdom can renew our faith and reshape our relationship with creation. Scholarships are available.
Read MoreWith deep sadness and in Christian hope, the Grand Canyon Synod shares the news of the death of Roger Bailey and his wife, Kristine. Roger was a faithful synod leader who served on Synod Council, the Executive Committee, and numerous teams, offering steady leadership and a hopeful vision for the church.
Kristine was deeply devoted to children’s ministry, serving regularly in Sunday school, children’s ministry, and Vacation Bible School, where her care and faith shaped many young lives. We invite prayers for their family, current and former members of Reformation/Living Hope and Community Lutheran Churches in Las Vegas, and all who grieve. Additional information, including memorial services, will be shared as it becomes available.
Read MoreRenew 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
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