LEAN is planning for 2026 and invites your congregation to complete two short surveys that will guide next year’s hunger and advocacy priorities. Share how your congregation engages ELCA World Hunger and which justice issues matter most in your community—including housing, food insecurity, and voter engagement. Your input strengthens our shared Lutheran witness in Nevada.
Read MoreFour national Racial Justice Learning Cohorts begin in January, offering pastors, church councils, youth leaders, and synod staff an 8-week, faith-rooted space to learn and grow in justice work without guilt or shame. Created and led by racial justice educator David Scherer (AGAPE)*, these weekly noon gatherings focus on real-life ministry challenges, biblical grounding, and developmentally appropriate tools for leading change in polarized times. Flyers and registration links for all four cohorts are included.
Read MoreRegistration is open for Camp ALOMA’s Annual New Year’s Retreat for Jr High and High School youth, running December 29, 2025 (3:00 pm) through January 1, 2026 (2:00 pm) in Prescott, AZ. This relaxed, faith-centered retreat blends worship, devotions, campfires, and classic camp fun as youth ring in the new year together.
The cost is $110 per camper, and youth are encouraged to invite friends. Learn more and register today at campaloma.com or through the registration link.
Read MoreRecent federal spending cuts to Medicaid, refugee resettlement, and disaster response are already impacting Lutheran ministries across the country. In this Living Lutheran Voices of Faith column, Debra Madaris Efird reflects on how these changes affect agencies like Lutheran Services Carolinas—and asks what it means for us, as Lutherans, to respond with compassion, advocacy, generosity, and prayer. This timely reflection invites congregations and individuals alike to discern faithful action rooted in our shared call to love our neighbors. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWhat does God’s boundless love look like in everyday life? In this moving reflection from Living Lutheran, Augustana University campus pastor Shawna Day shares the story of Benedict Owusu, an international student from Ghana navigating culture shock, loneliness, and racism—and discovering God’s presence through community, care, and faith. Rooted in the conviction that God’s love knows no bounds, this story reminds us how the Holy Spirit works through human connection to create belonging and hope. Read the full reflection at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIs seminary part of God’s call in your life? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a discernment weekend March 13–15 2026 in Berkeley, CA, designed for those exploring online seminary education. Participants will experience a PLTS class, connect with faculty and students, and reflect on vocation in community.
Lodging and most meals are covered, with travel assistance available. Learn more and register at plts.edu/signs.
Read MoreLiving a life of possibilities looks different to everyone, and at Mosaic, we honor that difference. In our newest issue of Promise magazine, you’ll learn how Mosaic’s approach to personalized services improves lives and enables people to achieve their personal goals and ambitions.
The issue also recaps the recent Martin Luther Home Centennial Celebration, introduces new Mosaic Board and Foundation Board members and celebrates the recipients of our Partners in Possibilities and Advocacy awards. The post Promise Magazine: When Mosaic Succeeds, People Win appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MorePartners for Sacred Places has announced the winners of its 2025 national photo contest, themed “Third Place: Sacred Places Serving Their Neighborhoods.” Through anonymous jury selection and public voting, photographers from across the country captured how sacred spaces function not only as houses of worship, but as vital centers for art, service, education, open space, and community life.
The winning images—ranging from a historic Baptist church cemetery in Georgia to community events, music, dance, and service ministries—offer a powerful visual testimony to how sacred places continue to serve the common good. Read more and view the winning photographs from across the nation on the Partners for Sacred Places website.
Read MoreStephen Ministries is celebrating 50 years of equipping congregations for Christ-centered care with a nationwide anniversary tour that will include a future stop in Phoenix. Since 1975, the organization has trained hundreds of thousands of lay caregivers who have provided emotional and spiritual support to millions worldwide.
Grounded in incarnational theology, Stephen Ministries continues to expand its vision through new teaching events, books, and resources that equip people to care with empathy—in congregations and beyond. Learn more at stephenministries.org.
Read MoreNow is the time to nominate students for LSM 2026. Enrollment for next summer is filling quickly, and we expect most remaining spots to be filled by the March 1 Standard Enrollment deadline. At LSM, students connect advanced musical study with worship and the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. We welcome musicians on all instruments—brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, and harp—to study with nationally recognized faculty in a welcoming and supportive community.
LSM 2026 takes place at St. Olaf College from June 21–July 19. Know a young musician (grades 8–12) who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate. Questions? admissions@lutheransummermusic.org.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason offers church leaders something they rarely receive: a heartfelt thank you, permission to breathe, and a blessing that releases the burden of making everything perfect.
Read MoreAs members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders are invited to a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, with a local gathering option in the Grand Canyon Synod. This morning workshop connects congregations to regional teaching and local conversation and complements the January 22–24 in-person PLTS gathering. For details, contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays on December 24–26 and January 1. Responses to emails and calls may be delayed during these dates. Thank you for your understanding as staff observe this time of rest and renewal.
Read MoreThe latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features interfaith gatherings, educational events, meditations, partner actions, and seasonal opportunities for service across Arizona. From peace-focused worship to justice-centered advocacy, there are many ways to engage. Explore the full newsletter and stay connected.
Read MoreThis week’s LAMA newsletter highlights urgent advocacy opportunities to protect creation, upcoming hunger and advocacy gatherings, and faith-based responses to pressing public issues. With key deadlines this week and important events ahead, now is the time to act. Read the full update and take part in advocacy grounded in Lutheran faith.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed December 24-26, as we complete year-end projects. We also share photos from the Installation and Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully in the federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. As of December 18, there are still no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity, with no new developments reported in recent weeks.
As a result, the Office of the Bishop will move away from weekly updates and will share future information on an as-needed basis. The synod remains committed to transparency, pastoral care, and ongoing communication, and leaders are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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