This month’s AFN newsletter includes a full calendar of interfaith opportunities—meditation gatherings, youth climate action, ELCA Assembly vigils, and a 5-week Rohr book study. RSVP now and stay connected through prayer, learning, and justice. Read the full newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreGather with fellow rostered leaders at the Franciscan Renewal Center, September 29–October 1, for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Under the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, we’ll explore Bonhoeffer’s vision of community with theologians from Wartburg Seminary, enjoy meaningful worship, and share in meals and fellowship. Space is limited—register by September 5.
Read MoreOur new Youth and Family Ministry page is live! Discover resources for faith formation, summer programs, Safe Church policies, and national initiatives like TENx10. Meet our Synod Youth Advisory Team and explore how we equip young people and families to grow in faith and leadership. Visit gcsynod.org/youth-family to get started.
Read MoreThe Synod Youth Advisory Team invites all congregations to complete a brief survey about youth, children, and family ministry in your context. Help us build a synod-wide picture of what’s happening with young people—from Pre-K to post-high school—and share contact information so we can connect, support, and grow together. Take the Survey Now: Grand Canyon Youth Ministry Survey.
Read MoreJoin over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends and volunteers at the final events of the Churchwide Assembly, and also attends the Ordination of Kevin Anderson at Love of Christ in Mesa, Aug 6, 2025, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Rebecca Boardman, U of A LCM, Tucson, who celebrates 21 years on July 31.
Rev. James Schubert, who celebrates 35 years on July 31.
Stepping Up to Supervision is a practical, faith-based leadership training designed to help ministry leaders supervise with clarity and care, while staying rooted in their pastoral identity. Led by author and coach Rev. Susan Beaumont, this live online training runs August 5–19 and includes 9 contact hours, a comprehensive workbook, and year-long access to all materials. Scholarships available.
Read MoreJoin the Love Our Neighbors Online Cohort launching this fall from LEAD. Designed for teams of congregational leaders curious about neighborhood ministry, this five-session series will explore holy listening, Scripture, and community-rooted action. Registration closes August 15. Sessions begin September 4. Learn more at leadconnects.org.
Read MoreRegistration is still open for the inaugural Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy, August 13–15 in Minneapolis. Join clergy, musicians, and lay leaders from across the country to explore how liturgy forms faithful leadership and serves as a counter to Christian Nationalism. Registration closes August 1. Learn more and register now at: seminarliturgy.org/event-list.
Read MoreFeeling like your church doesn’t have enough? Join a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Central (4 p.m. AZ)to discover the hidden resources your congregation already holds. Learn from the Kaleidoscope Institute how currencies of relationship, truth, and more can help us move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. No registration required—just click to join.
Read MoreLutheran school leaders are invited to the ELEA Leadership Conference 2025, “Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith,” held November 5–7 in Cleveland, Ohio. This national gathering offers three days of professional development, spiritual renewal, and community for educators shaping the future of Lutheran schools. Register now and join the movement to nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.
Read MoreHelp the students of our companion synod in Fatick, Senegal, by donating $25 to provide a full set of schoolbooks. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team invites your support by August 20. Every gift equips a child for success. Contact Cheryl Jones at 480-620-8126 to learn more.
Read MoreJazz with a purpose! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Sunday, August 10 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman and Kimberly Weston. This free concert supports the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Refreshments follow, and the series continues September 14—guest artist to be announced.
Read MoreDiakonia’s new 2025-2026 Foundation Year courses begin on August 25, 2025. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreYour ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.
Read MorePending a congregational vote on August 3, Solomon Kuch will be ordained and installed at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301) on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1 pm. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. The color of the day is red.
The service will be live-streamed on the Emannuel Sudanese Facebook page.
Read MoreKevin Anderson will be ordained Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1:30 pm. The service will be in the Sanctuary at Love of Christ Lutheran Church (1525 N. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205). Pastor Steve Talmage will be serving as Assisting Minister. Pastor Nanette Christofferson will be preaching. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will be presiding. The service will be live-streamed at on the church website, on Facebook and YouTube.
Rostered Ministers are invited to process, robes are encouraged. The color of the day is red. A light reception will be offered after the service in Love of Christ’s Center of Compassion. If clergy would RSVP, that would be helpful so we can know how many seats to reserve.
Read MoreDeacon Emma Janzen will be installed Sunday, 8/10/2025, 10:45 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, livestream here), with Pastor Jacqui Pagel preaching and presiding.
Rostered ministers and candidates for rostered ministry are invited to process and wear their albs. Color of the day is green.
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