Honoring Dr. King: 2026 MLK Worship, Service, and Community Events Across Our Synod
Visit gcsynod.org/mlk for full details.
Each January, congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod gather to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through worship, Gospel music, community prayer, and acts of service, we lift up Dr. King’s vision of justice, peace, and beloved community—a vision deeply rooted in our Lutheran call to love our neighbors and seek justice for all.
Below are details for this year’s synod-wide MLK observances in the Phoenix area, Tucson, and the Colorado River/Las Vegas region.
Phoenix Area: MLK Celebration Worship
Sunday, January 18, 2026 • 3:00–4:30 p.m.
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe
2085 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282
Choir members are invited to arrive at 2:00 p.m.
Join us for a spirited MLK Celebration worship service led by a synod-wide choir lifting songs of hope and justice. Through Word and music, we remember Dr. King’s legacy and recommit ourselves to building beloved community in our own neighborhoods.
Learn more about joining the choir here.
Tucson Area & Kino Conference: Prayer Gathering and Service Day
Monday, January 19, 2026
Details forthcoming.
ELCA congregations in Tucson will gather for a time of prayer and a community service day to honor Dr. King’s legacy through hands-on love for neighbor.
To get involved, contact Mr. Kenneth Goode at Kgoode53@gmail.com.
Colorado River Conference (Las Vegas / Henderson): Second Annual MLK Celebration
Sunday, January 18, 2026 • 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time
New Song Church, Henderson, NV
1291 Cornet Ave, Henderson, NV 89052
The Colorado River Conference invites you to a festive worship celebration featuring guest preacher Rev. Dr. James Thomas, author of A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism. Worship will be followed by a reception and conversation/book study with Dr. Thomas.
The Rev. Jacqui Pagel, Assistant to the Bishop, will attend on behalf of the Grand Canyon Synod.
For details, contact Pastor Paul Block at pastorpaul@newsonganthem.org.
Offerings that Support Justice and Equity
Offerings received at all MLK events directly support the Grand Canyon Synod’s commitment to diversity, equity, and justice. All gifts help:
Sustain future Celebrations of Diversity, including MLK worship and community gatherings; and
Support the development of a new Grand Canyon Synod Diversity & Social Justice Team.
Your generosity strengthens our shared ministry of justice, healing, and hope.