In 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.
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As 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.
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The 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.
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Celebrate the season of Advent and Christmastide with the Grand Canyon Synod! Visit our 2025 Advent and Christmas page to explore stories, worship opportunities, and events from across our congregations. We invite you to share your own seasonal news or event as together we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and rejoice in the light that has entered the world.
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Portico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.
This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.
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Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »
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In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Paul Hoffman, author of AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep, joins hosts Terri Elton and Dwight Zscheile to offer a framework for discernment: How might artificial intelligence help or hinder human flourishing?
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Portico Benefit Services is mailing new 2026 Health ID cards and HealthEquity debit cards to ELCA-Primary health benefit members. Most cards arrive in December, though some may be delayed until mid-January. Members can print a temporary card or contact Quantum Health if theirs has not arrived by Jan. 1. HSA/FSA accounts will transition from Further to HealthEquity on Jan. 1, with specific cutoff dates for using current debit cards. New HealthEquity cards should be used starting Jan. 1.
This update outlines key dates, contact information, and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to health benefits in the new year.
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Faith+Lead’s December Monthly Roundup features new courses—including Family Systems: Tools for Ministry and a new Spanish-language theology course—along with boundary-training for Christian leaders, an updated certificate catalog, and details on the School for Lay Ministry launching in January. Free resources include a new ebook on Spirit-led discernment, a “Bible in a Year” podcast preview, and Working Preacher newsletter subscriptions. Read the full update and explore training opportunities for you and your congregation.
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The new LivingLutheran.org has launched, offering a free digital membership for readers across the Grand Canyon Synod. To create your free account, visit the direct sign-up link at https://www.livinglutheran.org/create-account the page is currently hard to find from the main subscribe screen.
A free account provides a personalized dashboard, members-only content, article-saving features, and customizable e-news options. Learn more about digital access and print subscriptions at livinglutheran.org/subscribe and stay connected to stories that strengthen us as one ELCA church.
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The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.
El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.
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ELCA Disability Ministries recently gathered 168 leaders for a webinar on affordable, practical steps toward accessible worship and congregational life. The session explored “holy creativity,” resources for Blind and Deaf community members, and ways to support people with invisible and cognitive disabilities. A full recording is now available. Watch the webinar on ELCA Disability Ministries or in this blog post.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, Wes Granberg-Michaelson shares insights from five decades of church leadership about why tending your inner life is essential for sustainable ministry.
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Explore 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/.
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The Grand Canyon Synod is developing a new Congregational Security & Preparedness resource page under our Congregation Resources section, at the request of Synod Vice President Mark Myers. This evolving hub will gather practical tools from ELCA churchwide resources, insurers like Brotherhood Mutual and Church Mutual, and federal partners such as the FBI to help congregations review building security, plan for emergencies, and respond wisely to threats or concerning behavior.
Councils, staff, ushers, and safety teams are encouraged to use these materials in conversation with local law enforcement, insurers, and legal counsel, taking simple first steps now while we continue to add and update resources.
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In this special Thanksgiving episode, Luther Seminary professor Dr. Lois Malcolm offers a powerful seven-minute blessing that reframes what gratitude and thanksgiving really mean.
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Explore 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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The ELCA Church Council has approved major revisions to the roster manual, with updates now in effect across the church. Changes include new policies on on-leave and retired status, interim and supply ministry, expanded exceptions to the three-year congregational service bylaw, and a new 10-hour minimum for part-time calls. View and download as PDF here.
A webinar explaining these updates will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1–2 p.m. Central. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85159197176. Leaders are encouraged to discard old versions of the roster manual and direct questions to Keith.Fry@ELCA.org.
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This Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.
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ELCA Sumud now offers a rich collection of resources for Advent and Christmas 2025: a four-week adult devotional series, a Biblical Botany guide, and a children’s Christmas book. Download Advent and Christmas resources here.
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