Love of Christ Lutheran Church in East Mesa is hiring a part-time Children and Youth Director (10–15 hours/week) to lead relational, Christ-centered faith formation for children and youth. Responsibilities include Sunday and Wednesday programming, monthly gatherings, and coordination with families and volunteers.

The April 26 Faith Lens reflection, Awe and Belonging, explores Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47 and the early Christian community where “no one was in need.” Rather than beginning with rules or expectations, this community was formed through awe at God’s presence—an awe that led to deep sharing, trust, and belonging. The reflection challenges common assumptions about faith, inviting us to see that authentic Christian community is rooted not in human effort, but in encountering Christ already at work among us.

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking a part-time Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator to nurture faith formation from nursery through fifth grade. This flexible, 15-hour-per-week position focuses on relationship-building, volunteer coordination, and family-centered ministry. Resumes should be sent to info@kogaz.org. View job description in PDF.

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to a free Jazz Night on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 PM, supporting ASU’s Pitchfork Pantry. With one in four ASU students facing food insecurity, this student-led ministry provides essential resources with dignity. Bring a nonperishable food item and enjoy live music, food, and fellowship while living out our call to serve our neighbors.

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Stephen J. Hammer, who celebrates 44 years on April 25.

• Rev. Debra Slifer, who celebrates 39 years on April 25.

• Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel, Christ the Servant, Henderson, who celebrates 39 years on April 26.

• Rev. David Drach-Meinel, who celebrates 39 years on April 26.

• Rev. Kevin Meyer, LSS-SW, Phoenix, Covenant, Quartzsite, who celebrates 31 years on April 30.

• Deacon Sally Almen, who celebrates 39 years on April 30.

Camp ALOMA invites you to an Open House on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. in Prescott (300 S. Margaret Dr.). Tour the camp, enjoy refreshments and s’mores, and experience activities while exploring options for retreats or summer camp.

RSVP to office@campaloma.com or (928) 778-1690, and learn more at campaloma.com.

In an emergency, clarity saves time—and can save lives. This article highlights the importance of defining simple roles in advance: who calls 911, who meets first responders, and who communicates with the congregation.

Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers a practical step congregations can take to respond more calmly and effectively when it matters most.

Nominations are open for leadership roles to be elected at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, including Synod Secretary, council members, and committee positions. Any member in good standing may nominate themselves or others, with all forms due by May 4, 2026.

This is an invitation to prayerfully discern how God may be calling leaders to serve in the life of the synod. Learn more about open positions and submit nominations today. Learn more and submit a nomination.

Those wishing to submit a resolution for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly must do so by Monday, April 27, 2026, by sending an editable electronic file to Kathye Hamm (khamm@gcsynod.org). Resolutions must comply with the ELCA and Grand Canyon Synod governing documents, Robert’s Rules of Order, and the assembly’s rules and agenda. More info here.

The Reference and Counsel Committee will review submissions and publish a report—including recommendations—on the synod website by May 22, 2026. While all submitted resolutions will appear in the report, the assembly’s agenda and rules determine whether they are discussed or voted on during the gathering.

Camp ALOMA in Prescott is hiring Summer 2026 counselors (18+) for May 20–July 20, with flexible scheduling options. Training begins May 20, with camp running seven weeks starting May 31.

Staff receive pay, meals, and lodging while gaining leadership experience, growing in faith, and building lasting relationships. Learn more at campaloma.com or contact Leah, Camp Director, at office@campaloma.com or 928-778-1690.

In a pastoral message for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to protect children, support survivors, and confront the realities of abuse with honesty and faith. Grounded in resurrection hope, the message invites congregations to review policies, strengthen practices, and embody Christ’s care for the most vulnerable. Read the full message and explore how your congregation can respond.

Our April 2026 Mission Support memo takes us back to Palm Sunday where this year many palm waving processions continued into the afternoon with journeys through downtown areas, around state buildings, in amphitheaters and in parking lots, as we and our denominational partners cried out for justice, peace and love, during the Palm Sunday Path. Our story focuses on activites in Wisconsin and specifically Northwest Synod of Wisconsin ~ learn about the day with dance, prayer, and calls to action. Also check out how to participate in the May 18 in the evening for a webinar on The Stewardship of AI: Benefits and Concerns.

Young adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.

Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.

As preparations begin for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, a new webinar offers practical guidance on budgeting and planning for your group. Led by Gathering leadership, the session provides timely tools, key dates, and a Q&A to support congregations as they prepare for this important faith-forming experience.