Past Events

Major changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.

Join the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.

Major changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.

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.

Problem gambling impacts up to 10 million Americans, with online betting and gaming fueling its rise. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 2–3 pm MST/PDT, the Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free webinar, Problem Gambling: Becoming a Part of the Solution, featuring Susan Sheridan Tucker of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, the session will explore the scope of the issue, its public health intersections, and practical steps for prevention and recovery—equipping faith communities to respond with compassion and action. Register here.

Diakonia’s new 2025-2026 Foundation Year courses begin on August 25, 2025. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.

Join the Love Our Neighbors Online Cohort launching this fall from LEAD. Designed for teams of congregational leaders curious about neighborhood ministry, this five-session series will explore holy listening, Scripture, and community-rooted action. Registration closes August 15. Sessions begin September 4. Learn more at leadconnects.org.

Join the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.

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 Grand Canyon Synod will host the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix from July 28–August 2, 2025. We’ll need up to 100 volunteers to assist with this significant event, held at the Phoenix Convention Center. Visit our Churchwide Assembly page to learn how you can help. For early inquiries, contact Mary Beth Baron at mbbaron@gcsynod.org. Help us welcome the wider ELCA church to Phoenix!

Help us welcome the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to Phoenix in 2025! Volunteers are invited to an informational Zoom meeting on Wednesday, July 16 at 4:30 PM Arizona time to learn about available shifts, roles, and expectations. Can’t attend live? The session will be recorded. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at gcsynod.org/cwa.

Join a free, one-hour webinar on June 25, Prepare to Quit: Equipping Others for Readiness to Change, hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Author and coach Rose Ann Forte offers a biblically grounded, neuroscience-informed approach to support those exploring recovery from alcohol and substance use. This resource is ideal for ministry leaders, lay leaders, and anyone walking with others through the preparation stage of change. Register now to gain tools that empower without shame.

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 Grand Canyon Synod is sharing the proposed 2026-2027 Mission Plan, available as a PDF here, and we invite you to be part of the conversation! Sign up for a Mission Plan presentation webinar on May 28 at 5:30 PM or May 31 at 9:00 AM to learn more and ask questions.

The Grand Canyon Synod is sharing the proposed 2026-2027 Mission Plan, available as a PDF here, and we invite you to be part of the conversation! Sign up for a Mission Plan presentation webinar on May 28 at 5:30 PM or May 31 at 9:00 AM to learn more and ask questions.