Lutherans in Southern Africa join action to end gender-based violence
16 Days: Communities must be part of the solution in combatting digital violence
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2025
Resources and daily updates
Augsburg 2030: LWF launches preparations for Fourteenth Assembly
Our theme for 2026 is Rooted in God’s Story. This theme will guide our Spring Gatherings, the 2026 Synod Assembly, and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, inviting us to tell and live the story of God’s love with clarity and hope.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry shares a Christmas children’s sermon inviting us to listen for God’s gentle whispers of love, hope, and peace. The video is available for congregational use, along with downloadable English and Spanish PDFs. This Christmas, Bishop Curry reminds us that “the heavens are still whispering: Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”
El Obispo Presidente Yehiel Curry comparte un sermón infantil navideño que nos invita a escuchar los susurros de amor, esperanza y paz de Dios. El video está disponible para uso en congregaciones, junto con los PDFs en inglés y español. Este mensaje nos recuerda que “los cielos todavía susurran: Jesús está aquí. Dios te ama. Comparte ese amor con el mundo.”
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod will gather for the 2026 Synod Assembly from June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Congregations are encouraged to begin identifying their voting members now, especially as annual meetings approach. Our churchwide representative will be Rev. Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship. Additional details and registration information will be shared in early 2026.
Read MoreCentral Lutheran Church in Arizona City is offering parament banners, two wooden lecterns, and a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano to congregations across the synod. Interested ministries should contact Jill Lui (jillonahike@gmail.com)with “GCS classified” in the subject line. Pickup or delivery can be arranged. Full item list and details are available in this post.
Read MoreCongregations across the Grand Canyon Synod will gather this January to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through worship, Gospel music, prayer, and service. Events will take place in the Phoenix area, Tucson, and the Colorado River/Las Vegas region, including a synod-wide choir celebration in Tempe and a special event with Rev. Dr. James Thomas in Henderson. Offerings from all gatherings support the synod’s growing work in diversity, equity, and justice. Full details at gcsynod.org/mlk.
Read MoreLAMA’s latest newsletter highlights urgent #GivingTuesday news—after surpassing its $5,000 goal, LAMA is aiming for $10,000. It also includes key December advocacy events, volunteer opportunities, ELCA Action Alerts, and updates on issues impacting Arizona communities. Plus: Christmas service opportunities, a save-the-date for Lutheran Day at the Legislature 2026, and the launch of LAMA’s new T-shirt Design Contest. Read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully in the ongoing federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. As of December 4, there are still no known victims within our synod, and all allegations involve online activity. Acting Bishop Pastor Mike Girlinghouse and the Office of the Bishop remain committed to transparency, pastoral care, and timely communication as we monitor the situation. Pastors and deacons are encouraged to reach out with any pastoral care needs or questions.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop starts the 2026 assembly planning process with our first meeting, prepares for Bishop Hutterer’s brief break in her sabbatical, visits congregations in Mesa and Flagstaff, and works on year-end projects.
Read MoreFor an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For victims and families of the Hong Kong apartment fire…
For all affected by flooding in Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka…
For protection, provision, and justice for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and advocates…
For all victims of violence, exploitation, and abuse…
For access to affordable and reliable healthcare…
For those who live with seasonal affective disorder…
For just governance and equitable distribution of God’s abundance…
For those who cannot find peace or joy in this season…
Please keep Pastor Charles Newman in your prayers following a serious fall at home on November 29. He has undergone an initial surgery on his right leg and faces additional procedures and a long recovery ahead. Pastor Charles and his wife, Jenifer, welcome prayers as they adjust to the early weeks of healing.
Read MoreMark your calendars for the Grand Canyon Synod Spring Gatherings 2026, where we come together under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Gatherings will be held in Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas from February through April. These events offer opportunities for connection, reflection, and renewal across our synod.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →
Read MoreJoin Luther Seminary and Faith+Lead for the 2026 Rutlen Lecture on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, featuring Old Testament scholar Dr. William P. Brown. This year’s theme, Be-Wilded by Wonder: Just Creation in the Book of Job, explores how reading Job “from the end” reshapes our understanding of God, justice, and creation—especially in a time of climate crisis. Attend online or in person (with dinner included) and engage with a powerful exploration of Scripture, awe, and creation care. Register at faithlead.org/live-learning/rutlen26.
Read MoreExplore this month’s worship resources from Augsburg Fortress, including 2026 planning calendars, new Together by Grace Bible studies, a hymnary by Robert Buckley Farlee, and year-end discounts on Splash! faith formation tools for families with young children. Read the full roundup and find links to all resources at blogs.elca.org/worship/9365/.
Read MoreJoin the synodwide choir for our 2026 MLK Celebration at King of Glory, Tempe. Rehearsals: Jan 3, 10, 15, 17; Service: Sun, Jan 18 at 3:00pm (call 2:00pm). Concert black attire; practice recordings and full service details coming soon. View all the info for our synod’s MLK events at gcsynod.org/mlk.
Read MoreIn a season that can feel heavy, Living Lutheran gathers a set of recent stories where hope and generosity are powerfully visible in ELCA ministries. From campus communities cultivating belonging, to congregations giving sacrificially to feed neighbors, to student-led pantries, prison ministry, and “God’s work. Our hands.” service projects, each story reveals ordinary Lutherans sharing Christ’s love in concrete ways.
This “good news roundup” is designed as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is at work in and through our church—on campuses, in rural communities, in correctional centers, and beyond. It’s a quick way to be encouraged and to spark ideas for ministry in your own context. Read the full good news roundup on Living Lutheran ›
Read MoreAs families and friends gather to share a meal, Living Lutheran offers five simple, faith-rooted activities to help all ages name blessings and practice gratitude together. Ideas include a “build-a-prayer” litany using everyone’s thanksgivings and hopes, kid-drawn illustrations of favorite family stories, a Scripture “gratitude hunt,” “compliment cookies” delivered to neighbors, and serving together through local ministries.
Each activity is designed to be low-cost, creative, and adaptable for home or congregation, helping us direct our thanks toward God and express love for one another and our communities. Find all five gratitude ideas on Living Lutheran ›
Read MoreLiving Lutheran launches its Advent series with a simple pattern for Week One: a prayer from Bread for the Day, a reading from Matthew 24:36-44, and an easy “Wreath of Hope” activity that can be done in congregations, homes, or small groups. Using paper plates, green paper, and words of hope written on each “leaf,” households and faith communities are invited to reflect on God’s presence in weary years and uncertain times.
This first week centers on Jesus’ call to “keep awake,” recognizing that we do not know the hour of his coming and yet trusting that God is with us in our waiting. Reflection questions help participants name where they have experienced grace, and how uncertainty shapes their faith. Explore the full Week One guide on Living Lutheran ›
Read MoreExplore a full month of free December ELCA Coaching events, including the Creating Beloved Community series, writing workshops, and decolonizing worship sessions—all fully subsidized by the ELCA. Registration links, dates, and upcoming 2026 training opportunities are available, with reduced-cost training options for leaders beginning in January and April. Visit elcacoaching.org/events for details.
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