• Norway: life and ministry in a remote Arctic region

• Speaking out on violence against women and girls in Chad

• Attacks on historic Christian town highlight need for protection of religious communities

• Making climate funding fair for everyone

• Economies must prioritize people over profits

The Grand Canyon Synod is already represented on the national Lutherans Restoring Creation map—and your ministry can be too. Whether through gardens, green teams, outdoor worship, or advocacy, congregations across our synod are invited to share their creation care efforts and connect with others doing this vital work across the ELCA. The Stewardship team invites you to add your ministry at www.LutheransRestoringCreation.org and help highlight how we care for creation in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

Ascension Lutheran, Scottsdale (top photos) and New Journey, Fountain Hills (lower photos) launched the second year of NEVC provision of lunches, water pallets, and electrolyte powder to Arizona Faith Network (AFN) cooling centers. Christ the Lord in Carefree, plus Living Water and New Covenant Lutheran Churches in Scottsdale join in the summer calendar of lunch packs.

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, Shannon Kiser reveals how fresh expressions transformed her church from event-driven ministry to authentic neighborhood relationships.

• For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

• For those affected by Tropical Storm Chantal in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, and the threat of flooding…

• For those grieving loss of life in the aftermath of severe flooding in Texas, and for the work of first responders and relief agencies…

• For all victims of gun violence, including those affected by recent shootings in Albany (NY), Philadelphia, and Chicago over the holiday weekend…

• For those who are uninsured and who do not have access to healthcare, and those who are at risk of losing health insurance…

• For our neighbors and community members who depend on food assistance programs and other social services whose future funding is uncertain…

• For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…

• For all who are in the final stages of planning for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly beginning later this month…

August is a key moment for advocacy, as members of Congress return to their districts during recess. Whether in-person or virtual, it’s a prime time to lift your voice as a person of faith. Learn how to schedule a meeting or attend a town hall, and get tips from an ELCA Advocacy intern on how to prepare, show up, and follow up. This is how we bring our Lutheran values into public life. Click here to read the full article with practical steps, theological grounding, and helpful tools.

Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler urges us to act on behalf of hungry neighbors across Arizona in the context of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. With food insecurity rising—especially among children, seniors, and rural residents—Stoxen calls on Christians to advocate for SNAP benefits and support local food pantries. Faith without action is dead, she reminds us. Click here to read her full op-ed published in The Chandler Arizonan.

The Office of the Bishop prepares for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering. We also share photos from the Diakonia Graduation and Campformation.

The annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.

Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 59 years on July 10.

Join us for a candlelight prayer vigil on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 pm at Peace Park in Phoenix, following the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This 30-minute gathering will include music, prayer, and reflections from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other leaders, with a focus on preserving the human dignity of migrants, asylees, and refugees. Open to the public—all are welcome.

The Grand Canyon Synod is making a final push to fill open volunteer roles for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to assist with tech, hospitality, support, and more. Learn how you can help welcome the wider church and be part of this historic event. Sign up today and join the team that makes it all happen.

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada has launched She Cares, a new initiative providing purses filled with essential hygiene items to women in need, along with ongoing monthly refills through a dignity-centered care model. Supported by local congregations and generous business partners, She Cares offers more than supplies — it offers restored confidence, peer support, and compassion. Learn how congregations like Holy Spirit, New Song, and Good Samaritan are involved, and join us in celebrating this meaningful ministry in our synod.

The 2025 Campformation recap video is now available! Experience the joy, worship, and community shared by Lutheran youth from across our synod through this inspiring new highlight reel.

From heat relief efforts to interfaith meditation, Arizona Faith Network is calling on communities to serve and grow together this July. Pack Bags of Hope, join clergy gatherings, learn about the Bahá’í faith, or participate in a prophetic book study. Learn more and find ways to get involved at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Faith communities across the U.S.—including 47 supported by Blessed Tomorrow—are launching new climate initiatives through small grants aimed at youth education, community gardens, Indigenous land restoration, and advocacy. These projects build relationships across congregations and expand on the momentum of 2024’s efforts. Save the date: the next National Faith + Climate Forum is April 26, 2026. Click here to read more about these inspiring projects and how your congregation can get involved.