The Fall 2025 Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram is now available, featuring updates on men’s ministry resources, national retreats, weekly Bible and book studies, and LMM’s 2025–27 strategic plan. Read the full newsletter—as a PDF or a Constant Contact link —and help us share it with men seeking to grow as bold followers of Jesus Christ.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the ELCA regarding the ongoing federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. There are still no known victims within our synod, and all allegations involve online activity. This week’s update includes gratitude for those who attended our recent Holding Space gathering for prayer and conversation. The Office of the Bishop remains committed to transparency, pastoral care, and clear communication as the investigation continues.
Read MoreAFN shares a full lineup of upcoming events, including the 2025 Annual Gathering (Dec. 2), interfaith Thanksgiving services, prayer walks, ecology workshops, and the “No Amazon for Advent” campaign. Learn more and view all events and advocacy actions in the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop visits congregations, works on year-end projects, and celebrates Thanksgiving.
We are grateful to be Church Together with you.
Read MoreRetired pastor Rev. Richard (Dick) Glover, a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix, died earlier this week on Monday, November 17, 2025. Details about services are not yet available. Please keep his wife Alice, his loved ones, and the St. Andrew community in your prayers. We will share service information as soon as it becomes available.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 27–28, 2025, for the Thanksgiving holiday, reopening Monday, December 1. As we enter this season of gratitude, we give thanks for the faithful ministry of our congregations and partners across the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreIn the face of life’s uncertainty, Jesus calls us not to over-prepare or defend ourselves, but to trust that he will give us the words and wisdom we need. This devotion invites readers to release their fears into Christ’s care and remember that God’s promise of presence endures, even when all else seems to fall apart.
Read MoreFor an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all affected by the the eruption of the Semeru volcano in Indonesia…
For safety, dignity, and justice for immigrants…
For the health of the earth and for those working to mitigate environmental destruction…
For victims of abuse and trafficking…
For ELCA indigenous ministries and tribal relations, and for the work of truth and healing…
For all who await the reign of Christ to break into our world and our hearts…
The ELCA Church Council has approved major revisions to the roster manual, with updates now in effect across the church. Changes include new policies on on-leave and retired status, interim and supply ministry, expanded exceptions to the three-year congregational service bylaw, and a new 10-hour minimum for part-time calls. View and download as PDF here.
A webinar explaining these updates will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1–2 p.m. Central. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85159197176. Leaders are encouraged to discard old versions of the roster manual and direct questions to Keith.Fry@ELCA.org.
Read MorePublic voting is open for the 2025 Partners for Sacred Places Photo Contest through December 5. Help select the People’s Choice winners in four categories—Arts, Education & Service, Open Space, and Community Events. This year’s theme highlights sacred places as community “third spaces,” serving neighborhoods with beauty, care, and hospitality. Vote here: https://sacredplaces.org/photo-voting/
Read MoreLiving Lutheran profiles Zander Hine, a high school senior and lifelong member of St. John Lutheran, Hagerstown, Md., whose faith has led him into deep engagement with food insecurity, environmental advocacy, and community service. From overseeing Micah’s Backpack and serving on local nonprofit boards to conducting research on food waste and hunger in his school district, Zander lives his baptismal call by “living grace through action.”
Be inspired by his story of service, leadership, and hope by reading the full “I’m a Lutheran” feature on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreMeeting electronically on Nov. 12, 2025, the ELCA Church Council adopted “Child Protection” as an official social message of our church and advanced several significant initiatives. Actions included beginning work on study resources addressing white supremacy, supporting educational debt relief for rostered ministers—especially women and people from historically under-represented groups—and revising spending authorization and benefits policies for 2026.
For a full overview of these actions and what they mean for the ELCA’s life and mission, read the complete news release from ELCA News.
Read MoreWhen migrants and other neighbors are labeled “invasion,” “animals,” or “illegals,” our faith compels us to respond. This AMMPARO reflection names dehumanization as sin and calls Lutherans to “faithful resistance” in our words, actions, and hearts, grounded in Scripture’s witness that every person bears the image of God.
Read how this resistance takes shape in daily life—through language, advocacy, and humble service rooted in Micah 6:8—by reading the full article from AMMPARO.
Read MoreAfter a 43-day shutdown, the federal government reopened on Nov. 13, 2025. In response, the ELCA shared a message of gratitude with federal elected leaders while urging them to prioritize good governance, affordable healthcare, and strong support for programs that address hunger, poverty, and illness. The statement lifts up our Lutheran conviction that government is called to serve the common good and protect human dignity.
Learn more about this message, including specific policy priorities and ways congregations can engage, by reading the full statement from ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 10 years on November 21.
Rev. Anna Rieke, Christ the Lord, Carefree, who celebrates 11 years on November 22.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 29 years on November 23.
Begin your Advent with intention and peace. From December 1–4, the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge offers daily devotionals featuring contemplative artwork by Steve Thomason, a prayer, and a simple spiritual practice. This short, reflective experience invites you to slow down, breathe, and rediscover Advent’s themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Sign up to receive the daily devotions directly to your inbox.
Read MoreJoin Mount of Olives Lutheran Church on December 7 as Jazz Vespers celebrates its one-year anniversary of the Music for Food ministry, which has supported over 7,000 family units since last December. This month’s concert features Beth Lederman and Sandra Bassett at 5:30 p.m., with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Free admission; offerings support the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry.
Come for the music and help continue a ministry that feeds both body and spirit.
Read MoreJoin Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix for A Night of Jazz on Wednesday, November 26 at 6:00 p.m. This free community event features musicians Beth Lederman and Typhaine Monique and is hosted by Connections, a ministry centered on belonging and God’s unconditional love. All are welcome for an evening of music, joy, and community at 1124 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix.
Read MoreExperience the fifth annual Musical Advent Calendar from Lutheran Summer Music, November 30–December 24—daily musical meditations to inspire reflection throughout the Advent season. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, with all videos archived at LSMacademy.org/acal. Sign up to receive each day’s video directly to your inbox by completing this form.
Read More
