Women of the ELCA invites all to a virtual Blue Christmas Service on Monday, December 21, at 6 p.m. MST / 5 p.m. PST. Held on the longest night of the year, this service offers space for grief, reflection, comfort, and hope during the Christmas season. Registration is required for Zoom participation.
Read MoreExplore upcoming Arizona Faith Network events focused on interfaith understanding, peacebuilding, and community service. November and December highlights include Sikhism 201, interfaith chaplaincy, Walk4Unity, and a conversation about the Psalms. Read the full AFN newsletter for event details and registration.
Read MoreCelebrate Christmas Eve at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley on Thursday, December 24, with five worship services at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. Choose from traditional, children's, contemporary, and outdoor worship, with Holy Communion and candlelight at every service. All are welcome!
Read MoreLAMA's November 10 newsletter highlights opportunities to connect with Arizona legislators, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Election Day reflections, and resources for Advent and GivingTuesday. Learn how to put faith into action, support neighbors in need, and share your voice on important issues. Read the full LAMA newsletter for details and ways to participate.
Read MoreTwo Grand Canyon Synod congregations are featured in Living Lutheran’s fall Churchscan! Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale collected books for families across the Phoenix area, while Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix partnered with First United Church of Christ to provide summer heat relief, water, and hospitality to vulnerable neighbors. Their ministries join inspiring stories of service from ELCA congregations nationwide. Read the full Churchscan feature in Living Lutheran
Read MoreA new free ELCA resource, Reproductive Loss: Seeking Peace in Faith Practices, offers compassionate support for those experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, infertility, and other forms of reproductive grief. Through guided reflection and journaling, the resource helps individuals, loved ones, and faith leaders navigate loss while finding space for God's grace and presence. Read the full story in Living Lutheran
Read MoreELCA Worship’s November roundup features resources and events for congregational worship leaders and musicians, including Lutheran Summer Music’s Advent calendar (Nov. 29–Dec. 24), upcoming webinars, and 2027 conferences on liturgy and church music. Explore registration deadlines, scholarships, and opportunities to strengthen worship ministry. Read the full ELCA Worship roundup.
Read MoreIn this week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection for November 15, Pastor Lindsay Batesmith explores Matthew 25:14–30 and Jesus’ parable of the talents. How can we move beyond fear and use our God-given gifts to serve others? Discover a message of faithful stewardship, courage, and grace, along with discussion questions and activities for group reflection.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary plans to move to Berkeley’s Holy Hill in June 2027, strengthening theological partnerships and redirecting resources toward academic programs. Learn more at the virtual State of the Seminary gathering on December 2 at 5 p.m. Arizona time.
Read MoreCelebrate Pastor Ruby’s fifth anniversary of ordination on Sunday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 9424 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Join Bishop Hutterer and the Grand Canyon Synod in giving thanks for her ministry.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest is collecting new towel sets for older adults and new, unwrapped toys, games, sporting equipment, arts and crafts, and gift cards for children across Arizona. Gifts must be received by 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2026.
Shop the online wish list, give financially, volunteer, or organize a collection drive with your congregation through LSS-SW’s Christmas Wishes campaign.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Ruby Myers, who celebrates 5 years on November 13.
Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 50 years on November 14.
Navajo Lutheran Mission continues supporting families affected by devastating flooding in Rock Point, Arizona. Financial donations remain the greatest need, and a new Givelink wishlist offers another way to provide essential supplies. See the latest photos from November 3 and learn how you or your congregation can help.
Read MoreJoin SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and (NEW DATE) December 3 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.
Read MoreCelebrate Thanksgiving weekend at ThanksLiving Music Fest, beginning November 27 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Enjoy live music, meals, and fellowship while supporting its ministry of renewal and healing. Choose an on-site stay or individual concert-and-meal tickets. Explore options and register.
Read MoreSave the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Read MoreFacing a ministry crossroads? Reflective Leadership Grants offer up to $20,000 to support structured reflection for established lay and clergy leaders serving eligible Christian organizations. Apply by December 7, 2026; applicant Q&A sessions are October 21 and November 18. Explore eligibility and application details.
Read MoreBuild practical ministry skills and make space for renewal at Executive Skills for Church Leaders, January 3–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Open to pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, the retreat explores grace-centered leadership, finances, staff support, and the Enneagram. Residential and commuter options are available; programming begins January 4. Learn more and register.
Read MoreVeterans are invited to a free Healing of Memories retreat November 20–22 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, from Friday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 2 p.m. The weekend offers reflection, compassionate listening, and support. Space is limited: contact Mike Wold at 651-687-9767 or michael_w_wold@msn.com. Please share with veterans in your congregation and community.
Read MoreEnjoy a Senegal-style dinner and drum circle with Pape Diouf and Dr. Sonja Branch at Holy Trinity in Chandler on November 21. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a freewill offering; drumming begins at 7 p.m. Beginners, experienced drummers, and children are welcome—$10 to play with an RSVP, free to listen. Learn more and RSVP.
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