LAMA News: Giving Tuesday Goal Doubled & Key December Events Across Arizona

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), a ministry of our Grand Canyon Synod, has released its December 2 newsletter with urgent updates, action items, and opportunities to engage in advocacy across Arizona and beyond.

This week’s top news: LAMA exceeded its initial $5,000 #GivingTuesday goal mid-afternoon and has now set a new goal of $10,000 by midnight. Your generosity directly strengthens our collective witness for justice, compassion, and faithful public action.

The newsletter features several upcoming justice-focused events open to all in our synod:

  • Coffee with Christine – Dec. 3, 10:30–11:30 p.m., ELCA Advocacy’s monthly Q&A.

  • Arizona Faith Network Social Justice Commission – Dec. 4, 8:30–9:30 a.m.

  • “Samaritans” Documentary Screening – Dec. 5, 6–9 p.m. at First Church UCC Phoenix.

  • Prayer Walk on the Arizona Trail – Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. near Picketpost Mountain.

  • LAMA Liaison Roundtable – Dec. 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Readers will also find new articles from the LAMA blog, including:

  • Christmas volunteer opportunities with LSS-SW in Tucson and Phoenix

  • ELCA Good Gifts recommendations for this season

  • Updates on SNAP and WIC following the federal government shutdown

  • An ELCA Action Alert urging Congress to release funds for HIV/AIDS programs

  • A save-the-date for Lutheran Day at the Legislature: February 23, 2026

  • A call for submissions for the LAMA T-shirt Design Contest (deadline Dec. 31)

The newsletter concludes with a look inside the week at LAMA HQ—from advocacy meetings to regional collaborations—and a reminder of ways your congregation can partner with LAMA in justice work across our synod. Read the full newsletter here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment