The last 30 events from our calendar. View full calendar here.

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Unwine Your Mind: A January Reset for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Dec 31
Unwine Your Mind: A January Reset for Body, Mind, and Spirit

Start the new year with clarity—not guilt. Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free one-hour webinar, “Unwine Your Mind – A January Reset,” on Wednesday, December 31, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MST (10:00–11:00 AM PT). Featuring journalist and sober-curious leader Hilary Sheinbaum, this judgment-free session invites participants to explore a 30-day alcohol-free reset—or a meaningful reduction—with attention to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Designed especially for faith leaders and those navigating stress and exhaustion, this webinar offers practical insight, Lutheran-friendly reflection, and a compassionate approach to healthier living. Registration is free and open now.

Hunger Leaders Network meeting
Dec 30
Hunger Leaders Network meeting

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.

A Service for the Weary and Grieving: Blue Christmas with the Center of Addiction & Faith
Dec 21
A Service for the Weary and Grieving: Blue Christmas with the Center of Addiction & Faith

Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a virtual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, at 6 p.m. MT / 5 p.m. PT—a gentle, contemplative space for anyone carrying grief, stress, or sorrow during the holiday season. Grounded in the promise of John 1:5, this service honors the real struggles that accompany the darkest time of the year and invites participants to seek comfort and light together. Register online and come as you are.

Women of the ELCA Host Annual Blue Christmas Service on the Winter Solstice
Dec 21
Women of the ELCA Host Annual Blue Christmas Service on the Winter Solstice

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.

Cocoa and Carols: A Music for Food Celebration Supporting Navajo Lutheran Mission at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Dec 21
Cocoa and Carols: A Music for Food Celebration Supporting Navajo Lutheran Mission at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church hosts Cocoa and Carols on December 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., featuring Typhanie Monique and Raul Yanez. This free Music for Food sing-along includes a freewill offering supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM)—an afternoon of music, generosity, and seasonal joy.

Advent Saturdays of Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet
Dec 20
Advent Saturdays of Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet

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.

Celebrate the Season at the Lord of Life Big Band Christmas Concert in Sun City West
Dec 19
Celebrate the Season at the Lord of Life Big Band Christmas Concert in Sun City West

Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Friday, December 19 at 10:00 AM for a joyful Big Band Christmas Concert featuring festive music, vocalists, and a time of fellowship with holiday treats. All are welcome to gather in the Social Hall for a warm and spirited start to the Christmas season.

Jazz Meets the Nativity: New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Hosts “Bending Towards the Light”
Dec 14
Jazz Meets the Nativity: New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Hosts “Bending Towards the Light”

New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson once again hosts Arizona’s exclusive production of Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity on December 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 5 p.m. This joyful retelling of the Nativity—written by Anne Phillips and inspired by “The Jazz Pastor” John Garcia Gensel—blends the Christmas story with the expressive beauty of jazz. Tickets and details at jazznativity.org/tucson.

German-Language Christmas Service Returns December 14 at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee
Dec 14
German-Language Christmas Service Returns December 14 at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee

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.

Desert Cross Lutheran in Gilbert Presents The Winter Rose: A Free Advent Cantata of Hope and Wonder
Dec 14
Desert Cross Lutheran in Gilbert Presents The Winter Rose: A Free Advent Cantata of Hope and Wonder

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.

Jazz Meets the Nativity: New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Hosts “Bending Towards the Light”
Dec 13
Jazz Meets the Nativity: New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Hosts “Bending Towards the Light”

New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson once again hosts Arizona’s exclusive production of Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity on December 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 5 p.m. This joyful retelling of the Nativity—written by Anne Phillips and inspired by “The Jazz Pastor” John Garcia Gensel—blends the Christmas story with the expressive beauty of jazz. Tickets and details at jazznativity.org/tucson.

Candlelit Advent Vespers & Lessons and Carols at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix
Dec 13
Candlelit Advent Vespers & Lessons and Carols at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix

Join Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 PM for a candlelit service of Advent Vespers with Lessons and Carols. This cherished annual tradition weaves Scripture, choir anthems, congregational singing, and organ music into a beautiful proclamation of Advent hope. A Dessert Festival follows the service. All are welcome as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Advent Saturdays of Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet
Dec 13
Advent Saturdays of Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet

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.

A Powerful Christmas Drama: “I, Joseph” — Free One-Man Presentation at Mountain View Lutheran
Dec 12
A Powerful Christmas Drama: “I, Joseph” — Free One-Man Presentation at Mountain View Lutheran

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.

Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman
Dec 11
Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman

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.

Jazz Vespers Celebrates One Year of “Music for Food” with December 7 Concert at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Dec 7
Jazz Vespers Celebrates One Year of “Music for Food” with December 7 Concert at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

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.

Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix to Open 20-Year Time Capsule
Dec 7
Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix to Open 20-Year Time Capsule

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 Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for Breakfast with Santa
Dec 6
Join Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for Breakfast with Santa

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.

Advent Saturdays of Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet
Dec 6
Advent Saturdays of Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet

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.

Vintage Jewelry Sale at Beautiful Savior in Tucson
Dec 6
Vintage Jewelry Sale at Beautiful Savior in Tucson

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.

Roster Manual Revised for 2025: Join the Dec. 2 Webinar to Learn More
Dec 2
Roster Manual Revised for 2025: Join the Dec. 2 Webinar to Learn More

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.

United We Rise: Join the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering
Dec 2
United We Rise: Join the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering

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.

Slow Down and Be Still: Join the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge
Dec 1
Slow Down and Be Still: Join the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge

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.

Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West
Nov 30
Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West

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.

Advent Saturdays of Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet
Nov 29
Advent Saturdays of Prayer, Poetry, and Quiet

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.

Synod Office Closed Nov. 27–28 for Thanksgiving
Nov 27
Synod Office Closed Nov. 27–28 for Thanksgiving

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.

Grace Lutheran in Phoenix Hosts Free “Night of Jazz” on Nov. 26
Nov 26
Grace Lutheran in Phoenix Hosts Free “Night of Jazz” on Nov. 26

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.

Rethinking Addiction: Free Webinar for Faith Leaders
Nov 26
Rethinking Addiction: Free Webinar for Faith Leaders

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.

Hunger Leaders Network meeting
Nov 25
Hunger Leaders Network meeting

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.

You’re Not Done Becoming: A Spirited Book Club Conversation with Sarah Payne Naylor
Nov 20
You’re Not Done Becoming: A Spirited Book Club Conversation with Sarah Payne Naylor

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.