All times listed in Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) for Arizona and Nevada. 1 hour later for Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) in Utah and Navajo Nation.
Clicking the “Google Calendar” or “ICS” links should adjust time zones to your calendar’s default time zone.
The 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.
Begin your Advent Saturdays in prayer and quiet community with Earth and All Flesh: Advent Prayer Gathering, meeting on Zoom from 8:00–8:30 am MST on November 29, December 6, 13, and 20. Each 30-minute gathering includes a reading from Martin Luther’s Christmas Book, guided meditation, music or poetry, silent contemplation, and prayers of intercession, led by retreat facilitator Sheri Brown in partnership with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West for a beloved holiday tradition: the Messiah Sing-Along on Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM. Sing with the choir and full orchestra or simply enjoy the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, including Comfort Ye My People and For Unto Us a Child Is Born. Rehearsals are available November 19, 26, and 29. All are welcome to lift their voices in this joyful celebration of Christ’s coming.
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.
Join faith and community leaders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM at the Bahá’í Center in Scottsdale. The morning features guest speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma and honors the 2025 Arizona Leadership Awardees. Register at arizonafaithnetwork.org/annualgathering. A communications toolkit and graphics are available to support congregational sharing.
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.
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson will host a Vintage Jewelry Sale on Saturday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to noon at 7570 North Thornydale Road. The sale features new, boxed vintage jewelry—rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, charms, and Christmas pieces—with some items containing lab-created gems. All proceeds support charitable causes, and the event is cash only.
Begin your Advent Saturdays in prayer and quiet community with Earth and All Flesh: Advent Prayer Gathering, meeting on Zoom from 8:00–8:30 am MST on November 29, December 6, 13, and 20. Each 30-minute gathering includes a reading from Martin Luther’s Christmas Book, guided meditation, music or poetry, silent contemplation, and prayers of intercession, led by retreat facilitator Sheri Brown in partnership with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
Mountain View Lutheran Church invites families to Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6, 8:30–10:30 am. Enjoy a hot breakfast, crafts, games, cookie decorating, and a visit with Santa. Early Bird pricing ends December 2.Register at https://bit.ly/apbws2025 or contact 480-893-2531.
Mountain View Lutheran Church will open its 20-year-old time capsule on Sunday, December 7 at 10 am in the Worship Lobby. Attendees are invited to bring items for the next capsule. Cake and refreshments provided—all are welcome!
Join 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.
Join us for the Ordination for Wanda K. Frenchman on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside, and Vance Blackfox will preach. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Dinner will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Grace Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, with video later on the Native American Urban Ministry page. All are welcome.
Mountain View Lutheran Church hosts “I, Joseph,” a free one-man Christmas presentation by Tom Owen, on Friday, December 12, 6–7 pm. Walk with Joseph through the Nativity story in a powerful dramatic experience. Refreshments provided; all are welcome. View the event flyer here.
Begin your Advent Saturdays in prayer and quiet community with Earth and All Flesh: Advent Prayer Gathering, meeting on Zoom from 8:00–8:30 am MST on November 29, December 6, 13, and 20. Each 30-minute gathering includes a reading from Martin Luther’s Christmas Book, guided meditation, music or poetry, silent contemplation, and prayers of intercession, led by retreat facilitator Sheri Brown in partnership with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert invites you to The Winter Rose: Songs of Worship and Wonder on Sunday, December 14, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. This free Advent cantata weaves scripture, prayer, and music into a beautiful reflection on Emmanuel—God with Us. Featuring choirs, guest musicians, and a Christmas cookie reception, the event is offered as a gift of love to the community. All are welcome.
Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on Sunday, December 14, 2025, for a German-Language Christmas Service, beginning with caroling at 4:10 p.m. and worship at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy fellowship afterward with coffee, tea, and Christmas cookies (donations welcome). The service will also be livestreamed at bit.ly/weihnachtsgottesdienst2025inphoenix. Learn more at weihnachtsgottesdienstphoenix.com.
Begin your Advent Saturdays in prayer and quiet community with Earth and All Flesh: Advent Prayer Gathering, meeting on Zoom from 8:00–8:30 am MST on November 29, December 6, 13, and 20. Each 30-minute gathering includes a reading from Martin Luther’s Christmas Book, guided meditation, music or poetry, silent contemplation, and prayers of intercession, led by retreat facilitator Sheri Brown in partnership with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
Join the Women of the ELCA for the annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. This virtual Zoom service at 6 PM (Arizona/Utah) / 5 PM (Nevada) offers a peaceful space with music, readings, and prayer for all who seek comfort and hope during the holiday season. Register to attend here.
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.
First rehearsal for the synodwide MLK Choir—pick up music, meet your section, and get our sound started. All voices welcome; no audition. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. For sign-up, rehearsal dates, and updates, visit gcsynod.org/mlk.
Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and church leaders for a week of continuing education and renewal in the Arizona desert. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by experienced facilitators. Register here. Download event poster (PDF).
Renew 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
Join 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.
Join us Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix for Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations, a free interactive workshop led by Fred Nelson of the Inside Out Network. Explore a biblical foundation for reentry ministry, learn from new research, and discover eight practical models to help your congregation welcome and walk with returning citizens. Register today at the link provided—free parking and refreshments included.
Join the Grand Canyon Synod for our MLK Celebration worship service led by a synodwide choir lifting songs of hope and justice. Choir members arrive by 2:00 p.m.; service begins at 3:00 p.m. Full details and latest updates at gcsynod.org/mlk.
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.
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.
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.
Join us for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly as we gather under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. We’ll come together for worship, learning, connection, and the business of the church as we celebrate how God continues to work through our synod.
More information, registration details, and a full schedule will be shared as the date approaches.
Registration is now open for the Women of the ELCA 2026 Triennial Gathering, held July 16–19 in Des Moines, Iowa. With the theme “I Am Worthy,” this powerful event brings Lutheran women together for worship, learning, and connection. Reserve your spot today!
Mark your calendar for next year’s Bishop’s Fall Gathering—a time of rest, renewal, and community for rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. This retreat will continue our 2026 theme, Rooted in God’s Story.
Additional details, registration information, and session themes will be announced in the coming months.
Join 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.
Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, from 11 AM–12 PM MST (Arizona) / 10–11 AM PST (Nevada) titled Rethinking Addiction: A Faith Leader’s Guide. Guest presenter Rachel Bowling will help participants reflect on how we understand addiction through moral, medical, and social lenses, offering insights for compassionate, informed pastoral care. Registration required.
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.
Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club welcomes transformational life coach and author Sarah Payne Naylor on Thursday, November 20 at 3 p.m. (MST) for a discussion of her inspiring new book, You’re Not Done Becoming: Reclaim Personal Power and Purpose to Transform Your Life at Any Age.
Naylor—long connected with Lutheran ministries in Arizona—offers a heartfelt reminder that growth and faith never end. Learn more or register at Spirit in the Desert.
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.
Join Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. for a powerful evening with the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda. Their new production, Better Days—There is Hope, features vibrant music, dance, and testimonies of God’s love. Come be inspired by their message of hope and restoration.
Join Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a Refugee Services Update Webinar on Friday, November 14, at 11 a.m. Hear directly from Connie Phillips, President & CEO, and key staff about the state of refugee resettlement in Arizona and what’s ahead in 2026. Learn how congregations and individuals across our synod continue to walk alongside refugee families with compassion and hope. Register here.
Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to support families in Globe and Miami recovering from September’s floods through a Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1–10. Donations of traditional Thanksgiving items—or financial gifts for turkeys and other foods—will benefit the Gila Community Food Bank in Globe. A special drive-up drop-off event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Together, we are blessed to be a blessing.
Join women from across the Grand Canyon Synod for the 2025 Women of the ELCA Biennial Convention and Gathering on Saturday, November 8, at Faith/La Fe Lutheran Church in Phoenix. The day includes worship, speakers, and lunch for just $30. Special guests include Myrna Wells-Ulland, Pastor Jacqui Pagel, and Connie Phillips.
Register today at grandcanyonwomen.org/events.
Find handmade gifts that give back! Join Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley on Saturday, November 8, from 8 AM to 1 PM for the Sewing Bee’s annual Fall Boutique, featuring quilts, jewelry, décor, purses, baked goods, and more. All proceeds support local charitable organizations.
Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.
PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.
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.
The Youth Night of Connection planned for October 26, 2025, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, has been canceled. Organizers thank all who showed interest and hope to reschedule at a later date.
Rev. Ryan Marsh will be installed at Crossroads Lutheran (2769 E Combs Rd, Building D, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140) on Sunday, 10/26/2025 at 2pm. Rev. Tina Mills will preach and preside. View live-stream on the Crossroads YouTube channel.
Following the installation service, there will be an angel food cake dessert celebration.
Celebrate 80 years of ministry with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson during a History Walk on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. Walk through key spaces on campus as congregation members reenact moments from the church’s story, followed by a celebratory luncheon. Free and open to the public. For details or luncheon RSVPs, contact 520-327-6521 or oslc@lutherantucson.org.
Join Faith–La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a joyful 80th Anniversary Celebration, October 24–26, 2025. The weekend includes worship, music, fellowship, and food. RSVP by Sept. 14 by phone, email, or online. Contributions are welcome toward the restoration of the pipe organ and church beautification.
Faith–La Fe en Phoenix celebrará su 80.º aniversario del 24 al 26 de octubre con un fin de semana de adoración, música y compañerismo. Confirme su asistencia antes del 14 de septiembre por teléfono, correo electrónico o en línea. Se agradecen donaciones para apoyar proyectos de restauración y embellecimiento del templo. (PDF)
Join Mountain View Lutheran Church for Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 24, 5–8 p.m. at 11002 S 48th Street, Phoenix. Enjoy a laser light show, food trucks, games, crafts, prizes, and more—plus a costume-friendly Trunk or Treat contest with a grand prize for best trunk. Volunteer or register your trunk at bit.ly/mvlctrunkortreat2025.
Join the Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert on Thursday, October 23 (3:00–4:00 p.m. AZ/PDT) for a discussion of Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. The book invites readers to face global challenges with courage and creativity, offering a framework for resilience rooted in faith, gratitude, and community action. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this conversation explores how Christians can live out “active hope” amid uncertainty. Register here: spiritinthedesert.org/events/spirited-book-club-active-hope.
Join the Oct. 23 one-day Virtual Addiction & Faith Conference, “Awakening the Church to Address Addiction,” hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Open to clergy, laypeople, and all impacted by addiction, this $50 event equips congregations to become safe, recovery-friendly communities. Register now and share the flyer to spread the word across our synod.
Join the Stephen Ministers at Desert Hills Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 22, at 1:30 PM for a dementia and Alzheimer’s presentation by Rev. Jerry Haas of United Methodist Church of Green Valley. Learn, share, and support one another in faith. Dessert and coffee will be provided.
Rostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration opens May 1 and space is limited to 25 participants.
Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church for Jazz Vespers on Sunday, October 12 at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde. Last month’s concert raised $850, helping the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry serve 238 families. Enjoy an evening of jazz and generosity that feeds both body and spirit.
Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson will celebrate its 40th Anniversary October 11–12, 2025. Saturday includes greetings, lunch, video presentations, history displays, cake, and mariachi music. Sunday’s worship, with Bishop Hutterer preaching, will bless a new youth-created banner and pray for future generations. Join in giving thanks for 40 years of ministry!
Craft Fair & Bake Sale — Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host its first-ever craft fair on Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The event is free to the public, featuring local vendors and baked goods. Vendor sign-up available online.
Resurrection Lutheran Church hosts its Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 11, from 9am–2pm in Oro Valley. With 50+ vendors, food supporting the youth group, Art by Heart, and a diaper drive for local food banks, it’s a joyful day to shop local, support ministry, and share in community. Free admission and parking.
Join over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.
All rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.
The Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central (12 p.m. MST) at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Curry, the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA, was elected during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The service is open to the public, with livestream access available here: ELCA Installation of the Presiding Bishop.
Blessing of the Animals — Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, October 4 at 9:00 a.m. for a service in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Bring your pet—or a photo—for a special blessing as we give thanks for all God’s creatures. View the Facebook event page.
Join this three-session workshop led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners, equipping leaders for ministry with and among the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. More info and flier (PDF)
Participe en este taller de tres sesiones dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes, que ofrece herramientas para el ministerio con y entre la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí | Más información y folleto (PDF)
