Watch the first two webinars in ELCA Racial Justice Ministries’ series equipping the church to dismantle white supremacy—including “Freedom of a Christian,” featuring Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD, our 2026 Fall Gathering speaker. Meet Dr. Santos through this timely exploration of Lutheran freedom, justice and our calling to serve our neighbors.
Read MoreBefore this year’s Fall Gathering screening and conversation led by Pastor Amalia Vagts, watch the ELCA-supported restoration of the landmark 1966 Lutheran documentary A Time for Burning—a challenging examination of race, faith and the church that remains strikingly relevant nearly 60 years later.
Read MoreTwo recorded ELCA webinars offer practical help for congregations preparing for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, including guidance for volunteers and leaders using the Gathering’s Getting Ready materials.
Read MoreDownload Kingsfold, a new set of theme-and-variations for solo instrument and keyboard by Anne Krentz Organ. The third offering in the LSM Hymn Tune Project, Kingsfold is based on the beloved English folk tune associated with a wide range of hymn texts. Available for a variety of solo instruments and keyboard, the work may be performed in its entirety or as individual movements.
Preview and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress.
Read MoreAs the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Living Lutheran explores President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms”—freedom of speech and worship, and freedom from want and fear—through a distinctly Lutheran lens.
Leah Taber connects these enduring ideals with unity in Christ, reconciliation, community, grace and faith, asking what it would mean for Lutherans to embody these commitments in our congregations, communities and civic life. Read the full reflection in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWhat comes after deconstructing your faith? The Rev. Katie Langston of New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George hosts Faith After Faith, a new podcast and YouTube channel from the synod-supported Promise Studio ministry. Through honest conversations, theological reflection, and storytelling, it offers a grace-centered space for former Latter-day Saints, deconstructors, reconstructors, doubters, and spiritual seekers exploring what faith might look like on the other side of doubt.
Read MoreA congregation averaging just over 70 people in worship collected 1,440 jars of peanut butter for Interfaith Community Services—earning New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson recognition as the drive’s top per-capita donor and third-highest donor overall. Fellow Tucson congregation Tanque Verde Lutheran was also among the top five donors, contributing 1,187 pounds.
Pastor Greg Hartman shares how a simple food drive became a story of moving from scarcity to abundance—and discovering that with the Holy Spirit, a small congregation can make a very big impact.
Read MoreResources are now available from our August 18 conversation with Kendra Stea, ELCA Director, Misconduct Prevention, on safeguarding worshiping communities. Explore or download Kendra’s presentation covering mandatory reporting, Safe Church policies, misconduct, sex offender covenants, behavior agreements, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Congregational leaders are encouraged to use and share these materials—and to contact the synod when questions or concerns arise.
Read MoreDesert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley, Arizona is excited to begin the search for our next Director of Worship. This key leadership position will work closely with our pastors, staff, musicians, and volunteers to help shape meaningful worship experiences that inspire faith, build community, and glorify God. View PDF job description here.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 33 years on August 21.
Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 16 years on August 21.
Rev. Cherlyne Beck, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 43 years on August 21.
Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 55 years on August 22.
Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 44 years on August 22.
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 62 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 29 years on August 24.
Rev. Julie Gerrish, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 2 years on August 24.
Rev. Solomon Kuch, Emmanuel Sudanese, Glendale, who celebrates 1 year on August 24.
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 41 years on August 25.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 21 years on August 27.
Considering a 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant? Start with the Grant Application Webinar and Q&A on Tuesday, August 25, at 4:30 p.m. Arizona/Pacific time. Approximately $175,000 is available this grant cycle, with eligible projects able to request up to $15,000. Visit gcsynod.org/grants for more info.
The application window opens August 24 and closes September 25. Congregations and ministries with ideas to Communicate Jesus, Connect People or Create Possibilities are encouraged to review the new grant information and register for next week’s webinar.
Read MoreCalling 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! Tuesday, 8/25/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.
Read MoreGod is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.
Read MoreGuy Ilunga will be ordained and installed Saturday, 8/29/2026, 10 am, at Trinity Lutheran (9424 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Color of the day is red. Rostered ministers are invited to process, robes are optional.
Read MoreRev. Jen Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719).
Please check the calendar listing or lutherantucson.org for this event for up-to-date info and details.
Read MoreRev. Jose Valenzuela, called to serve University Lutheran and ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 9/20/2026, during 10 am worship at University Lutheran Church (340 E. 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281).
Please check the calendar listing or ulctempe.org for this event for up-to-date info and details.
Read MoreSave the date for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s Rooted in God’s Story gathering will feature Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, theologian and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain, alongside worship, synod conversations, ministry stories, and time for renewal and connection.
Read More
