Scroll
Featured News
News
Lent and Easter 2026 resources are now live on our site, featuring reflections, worship tools, and opportunities for faithful action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Highlights include the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger, upcoming Lenten events, and new worship resources for the season.
Congregations and leaders are invited to explore, participate, and share their own stories and events at gcsynod.org/share as we journey together from ashes to resurrection hope.
The Grand Canyon Synod’s Spring Gatherings begin in the Phoenix area this February and continue across the synod in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas. Under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members are invited to gather for connection, reflection, and shared learning.
All are welcome to attend any gathering. Mark your calendar now as we launch this spring season together.
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.
If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.
Mission Support Statements of Intent for 2026–2027 are due March 1, 2026. Congregations are asked to submit their completed form to office@gcsynod.org to support faithful planning and shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, the wider ELCA, and the world.
Rooted in the 2026 synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, Mission Support is a theological practice grounded in abundance, partnership, and hope. Resources—including the Mission Support Letter, fillable form, and Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video—are available now.
Lent & Easter
Welcome to our dedicated space for reflections, resources, and community engagement during this season of renewal and spiritual depth. Here, you will find a curated collection of blog posts, thoughtful letters, and valuable resources designed to enrich your journey. Whether you're looking for inspiration, guidance, or simply a moment of contemplation, our contributors offer diverse perspectives to accompany you through these forty days.
Lenten Challenge
We also extend a special invitation to participate in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge—a unique opportunity to deepen your faith through devotion, discipline, decluttering, and donation, all while connecting with a broader community of believers. Join us as we walk this path of reflection, prayer, and action together, embracing the transformative power of Lent.
Featured
Lent and Easter 2026 resources are now live on our site, featuring reflections, worship tools, and opportunities for faithful action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Highlights include the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger, upcoming Lenten events, and new worship resources for the season.
Congregations and leaders are invited to explore, participate, and share their own stories and events at gcsynod.org/share as we journey together from ashes to resurrection hope.
Celebrate Fat Tuesday with food, music, and generosity at Music for Meals on Tuesday, February 17, at Hope Hall at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy New Orleans–style cuisine and live music from the Connections band, with the meal beginning at 6:00 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m.
This free event supports the Pitchfork Pantry, serving ASU Downtown students facing food insecurity. Bring canned goods, and know that all monetary donations will help purchase fresh, healthy food for the pantry. Join us for one last joyful gathering before the season of Lent begins.
The 2026 Lenten Challenge invites individuals and congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod to join four other ELCA Region 2 synods in raising $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger during Lent. Participants commit to three of four spiritual practices—devotions, learning, action, and donation—using a Matthew 25–centered toolkit.
Everyone is welcome to participate, with a shared goal of engaging at least one person from 50 congregations per synod. Sign up, invite others, and live out Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” this Lent.
Lent is soon upon us (Ash Wednesday February 18). Once again, we are invited into a holy season of prayer, repentance, and renewed love of neighbor. If you’ve participated in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge before, you already know how powerfully God can work through simple, daily steps: a Scripture-based reflection, a faithful action, a moment of courage, a practice of compassion. This year’s challenge is ready for you at lentenchallenge.org—and your place in it matters.
All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to begin Lent with a half-day Silent Prayer Retreat on Saturday, February 28, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rooted in monastic tradition, the retreat includes silent and communal prayer, worship, a shared meal, and service projects.
Space is limited. Contact the church office at 602-866-9191 or email Pastor Daniel Volkmann at dvolkmann@allsaintsphoenix.org to register or learn more.
ELCA Worship highlights new offerings from Augsburg Fortress, including Love Outpoured: Devotions for Lent 2026, a free webinar series on hymn improvisation with David Cherwien, Martin Luther’s Easter Book, and Bible People: Monologues for Lent.
These resources support worship planners, musicians, and congregations seeking fresh, faithful approaches to the church year. See what’s new for 2026.
Upcoming Gatherings
Click for full details and map.
Featured
This coming spring, our Grand Canyon Synod will gather across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. These gatherings are opportunities for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to connect, learn, and grow in community. Together, we reflect on God’s Word as the foundation of our lives and ministries. View our spring gatherings page for more info.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the gathering in your area:
As people of faith, we know that our stories are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. These spring gatherings are a chance to be reminded of that truth and to strengthen the bonds that hold our synod together.
Featured Events
Featured
Lutherans 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.
Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.
Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.
Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.
Mission Support Statements of Intent for 2026–2027 are due March 1, 2026. Congregations are asked to submit their completed form to office@gcsynod.org to support faithful planning and shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, the wider ELCA, and the world.
Rooted in the 2026 synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, Mission Support is a theological practice grounded in abundance, partnership, and hope. Resources—including the Mission Support Letter, fillable form, and Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video—are available now.
Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.
Latest News
Dive into the 2027 Gathering’s theme, Imagine More! Based on Ephesians 3:20 (Inclusive), the Gathering will be a space for young people to Imagine More - love, welcome, joy, courage, and grace. To learn more about the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble, or the Young Adult Gathering, please visit elca.org/Gathering.
Artist activist and author Joe Davis sat down with Living Lutheran to share how the work he does as an artist shows up in healing spaces. Watch for part two of “Art as a conduit of collective liberation,” coming Feb. 23 on LivingLutheran.org.
The Transfiguration may be one of the strangest stories in the Gospels—mountaintop glory, Moses and Elijah, and a voice from heaven. Yet at its heart is a simple truth: when the journey is hard, “it is good for us to be here.” In a world marked by war, discouragement, and disconnection, Christ gathers us into community and kindles hope like a small flame that refuses to go out.
This week’s Faith Lens reflection invites us to consider where we experience renewed hope, how church becomes a mountaintop moment, and how God sustains us together—even as we descend back into a world that still needs healing.
For an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For protection, compassion, and dignity for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For strained diplomatic relations between nations in the United States, Canada, and Cuba…
For those grieving the death of Hallie Tobler, daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson…
For all victims of domestic violence and abuse, and all victims of sexual abuse and exploitation…
For those affected by severe cold weather, especially those without access to adequate heat and other resources…
For the continued safety of athletes, reporters, and others participating in the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy…
For the conclusion of the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace, ending in Washington DC this Tuesday…
For affirmation, dignity, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
For pastors, deacons, church administrators, and musicians preparing for Lent…
ELCA Worship has highlighted several upcoming 2026 opportunities from trusted Lutheran and ecumenical partners, including The Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22, Princeton, NJ), the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (application deadline March 1), the Institute of Liturgical Studies (April 13–15, Valparaiso, IN), and the ALCM Conference (Early Bird deadline March 17). Student awards in liturgical art and church music composition are also open, with $1,000 prizes and spring deadlines.
These gatherings and resources nurture congregational song, liturgical renewal, and theological depth in worship. Read more and access registration details at ELCA.org.
The ELCA resource Protecting Employees – Security Procedures in the Workplace offers congregations a clear, church-specific starting point for thinking about safety and preparedness. Grounded in care rather than fear, it encourages proactive planning that reduces risk and supports staff, volunteers, and worshipers.
This article highlights the document’s key guidance for leadership, volunteers, and building safety as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s year-long series on congregational security and preparedness.
Lent and Easter 2026 resources are now live on our site, featuring reflections, worship tools, and opportunities for faithful action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Highlights include the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger, upcoming Lenten events, and new worship resources for the season.
Congregations and leaders are invited to explore, participate, and share their own stories and events at gcsynod.org/share as we journey together from ashes to resurrection hope.
The Grand Canyon Synod’s Spring Gatherings begin in the Phoenix area this February and continue across the synod in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas. Under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members are invited to gather for connection, reflection, and shared learning.
All are welcome to attend any gathering. Mark your calendar now as we launch this spring season together.
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.
If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.
The annual Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop is now open and due Monday, March 30, 2026. This report offers rostered ministers an opportunity to reflect on their ministry and connect directly with Bishop Deborah Hutterer as part of our shared life as a synod.
All active (including those on leave or disability) and retired rostered ministers are asked to complete the appropriate online form. Every report is read by the bishop, with care given to each response. Links to both forms are on the synod website.
The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.
Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.
Mission Support Statements of Intent for 2026–2027 are due March 1, 2026. Congregations are asked to submit their completed form to office@gcsynod.org to support faithful planning and shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, the wider ELCA, and the world.
Rooted in the 2026 synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, Mission Support is a theological practice grounded in abundance, partnership, and hope. Resources—including the Mission Support Letter, fillable form, and Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video—are available now.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Wendi Van Beek, U of A LCM, Tucson, who celebrates 1 year on February 19.
Thrivent members can make a big difference through Thrivent Choice Dollars and Thrivent Action Teams—two benefits that support ministry at no extra cost. Direct your 2025 Choice Dollars by March 31, 2026 to your congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, and apply anytime for a $250 Action Team grant to fund a service or outreach project. Learn more at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice and Thrivent.com/actionteam.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.
Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.
The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.
Church & Society
Featured
The Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert meets Thursday, February 26, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (MST) to discuss Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism—with author Drew J. Strait joining the conversation. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this timely gathering invites faithful reflection on how worship, theology, and public witness intersect.
It’s not too late to register or read the book. Rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are warmly invited to take part in this important and hope-filled discussion.
Lutherans from across Arizona will gather at the Arizona Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. Rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace, the day will include speakers, legislative meetings, prayer, training, and opportunities to engage directly with public leaders.
Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with breakfast and lunch provided. All Lutherans and friends of Lutherans are invited to learn, witness, and raise a faithful voice in the public square. Registration is now open.
The February 2026 Faith Freedom Dispatch from BJC highlights urgent actions to protect religious freedom, including calling on Congress to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, submitting public comments to safeguard church–state separation by February 9, and applying for the 2026 BJC Fellows Program.
The issue also features BJC’s voice in Rolling Stone on immigration enforcement and religious liberty. Read the full newsletter to learn how people of faith can defend sacred spaces, uphold freedom of conscience, and take action now.
This week’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter includes an urgent action alert calling advocates to speak out by February 4 in support of SNAP integrity and against punitive legislative measures. The update also highlights advocacy events focused on hunger, voting rights, creation care, and civic engagement, along with new LAMA blog posts and upcoming opportunities to learn and act.
The 57th session of the Arizona Legislature is underway, with more than 1,000 bills already introduced and major decisions ahead on housing, tax conformity, education funding, and the state budget. In this advocacy update, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest highlights key legislation to watch, including the reintroduction of the “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill, renewed debate around Proposition 123, and emerging budget negotiations for FY2027.
The update also looks ahead to Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza, where people of faith are invited to advocate on food insecurity, housing and homelessness, healthcare, and civic engagement.
The Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert meets Thursday, February 26, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (MST) to discuss Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism—with author Drew J. Strait joining the conversation. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this timely gathering invites faithful reflection on how worship, theology, and public witness intersect.
It’s not too late to register or read the book. Rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are warmly invited to take part in this important and hope-filled discussion.
In a letter to Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Anne Burghardt expresses deep concern and heartfelt solidarity as U.S. church leaders respond to rising political polarization and deadly violence, particularly in Minnesota. She affirms the ELCA’s courage in condemning violence, accompanying immigrants and refugees, and refusing to let fear silence the gospel—calling this “the prophetic witness the church is called to embody.”
The Lutheran World Federation assures the ELCA of the prayers and support of the global communion, lifting up those who grieve, those living in fear, and leaders who choose justice over violence. Read the full letter and story from Lutheran World Federation.
Lutherans from across Arizona will gather at the Arizona Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. Rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace, the day will include speakers, legislative meetings, prayer, training, and opportunities to engage directly with public leaders.
Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with breakfast and lunch provided. All Lutherans and friends of Lutherans are invited to learn, witness, and raise a faithful voice in the public square. Registration is now open.
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona’s latest newsletter is filled with timely action opportunities, including registration for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 23, advocacy alerts on housing and immigration, and multiple trainings and events in the coming weeks. From confronting Christian nationalism to learning how to use Arizona’s Request to Speak system, LAMA continues to equip people of faith to act for justice.
Read the full newsletter for dates, links, and ways to engage—and share it with others to strengthen our collective Lutheran witness for the common good.
Faith leaders across the country are calling on Congress to act as immigration enforcement increasingly threatens places of worship and community safety. A new call to action urges lawmakers to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Actand to hold ICE accountable by withholding funding, citing escalating enforcement actions on church grounds and growing fear among immigrant and refugee communities.
Rooted in the conviction that religious freedom must be lived and defended—not just named—this appeal invites people of faith to contact their elected officials and take action now. Read the full call and learn how to respond faithfully and urgently.
In a time marked by fear, violence, and division, Women of the ELCA calls the church to peace rooted in prayer, lament, and faithful engagement. Reflecting on recent deaths, detentions, and rising fear in communities, this message invites Lutherans to resist dehumanization and choose a deeper trust in God—through two upcoming online conversations focused on truth, prayer, and faithful response.
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and Minnesota ELCA synod bishops have released a joint pastoral video condemning aggressive immigration activity and addressing the fear and uncertainty experienced by many communities. Grounded in Christ’s promises, the bishops call the church to faithful lament, moral clarity, and continued witness rooted in human dignity.
Watch and share the video message as an act of prayerful solidarity and hope.
Featured
Please note a schedule change: February’s Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church will take place on Saturday, February 15, not the usual second Sunday. This Valentine’s-themed evening features Typhanie Monique with Beth Lederman, with all proceeds supporting food for 250 families each week through the Music for Food ministry.
Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry.
Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Find full information and registration links here.
Celebrate Fat Tuesday with food, music, and generosity at Music for Meals on Tuesday, February 17, at Hope Hall at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy New Orleans–style cuisine and live music from the Connections band, with the meal beginning at 6:00 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m.
This free event supports the Pitchfork Pantry, serving ASU Downtown students facing food insecurity. Bring canned goods, and know that all monetary donations will help purchase fresh, healthy food for the pantry. Join us for one last joyful gathering before the season of Lent begins.
Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry.
Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Find full information and registration links here.
Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.
All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.
Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.
Lutherans 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.
Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.
If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.
Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.
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.
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.
The ELCA resource Protecting Employees – Security Procedures in the Workplace offers congregations a clear, church-specific starting point for thinking about safety and preparedness. Grounded in care rather than fear, it encourages proactive planning that reduces risk and supports staff, volunteers, and worshipers.
This article highlights the document’s key guidance for leadership, volunteers, and building safety as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s year-long series on congregational security and preparedness.