Jazz Vespers for a Cause: Support Families Facing SNAP Losses This Mother’s Day

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to a special Mother’s Day Jazz Vespers on May 10 at 5:30 PM, supporting its “Music for Food” ministry as food insecurity rises across Arizona. With nearly 300 families served weekly and over 450,000 Arizonans losing SNAP access, the need is urgent.

Additional Jazz Vespers are scheduled for June 14 and July 12, offering ongoing opportunities to gather in worship, enjoy live music, and support neighbors in need through this growing ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 30, 2026Capital Conference, Hunger, Mount of Olives PhoenixComment

Jazz Night for a Cause: Supporting ASU Students Through Pitchfork Pantry

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to a free Jazz Night on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 PM, supporting ASU’s Pitchfork Pantry. With one in four ASU students facing food insecurity, this student-led ministry provides essential resources with dignity. Bring a nonperishable food item and enjoy live music, food, and fellowship while living out our call to serve our neighbors.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 22, 2026Grace Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

“This Is the Night of Salvation”: Join the Great Vigil of Easter at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Beginning with a new fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle, the service moves through scripture, song, and sacrament, culminating in the first Eucharist of Easter, the affirmation of baptism, and the welcome of new members.

Held at 801 E Camelback Rd, this powerful and ancient liturgy proclaims the resurrection story in full, inviting all into the hope and promise of new life in Christ.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 1, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Faith Lutheran’s Organ Restoration Effort Featured on Local News

A Phoenix congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod is gaining local attention as Faith Lutheran Church launches a campaign to restore its historic M. P. Möller pipe organ. The more-than-3,000-pipe instrument—built in 1962 and installed at the church in 2005—now requires $150,000 in restoration after years of wear and Arizona’s harsh climate.

The effort recently made local news on ABC15, which visited the church to share the story and highlight a kickoff concert featuring former music directors. Watch the news segment to see how this congregation is working to ensure its organ—and its voice in worship—can sing again.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 11, 2026In the News, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Jazz Vespers on Sunday, March 8 from 5:30–6:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and William “Gooch” on saxophone and vocals. Admission is free, with a freewill offering supporting the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, which now helps over 250 families each week.

Part of the congregation’s Music for Food ministry, Jazz Vespers blends soulful jazz with prayer and service—an evening where music becomes a way to support neighbors in need and live out Christ’s call to feed the hungry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 4, 2026Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Help Wanted: Piano Player for Sunday Worship at Trinity Lutheran, Phoenix

Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a piano player for Sunday morning worship services, with rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve through music in a collaborative praise team setting. Interested musicians should contact Judy Vogt at 602-999-7620 or jkvsinger@outlook.com.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 2, 2026Help Wanted, Trinity Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Three Organists Return to Phoenix for Pipe Organ Benefit at Faith Lutheran on March 7

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a free benefit concert on Saturday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. featuring three former organists returning to support the restoration of the congregation’s historic 57-rank pipe organ. Donations will fund critical repairs to the instrument’s windchests, preserving a vital voice for Lutheran worship and congregational song. A reception will follow. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 2, 2026Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Three Organists Return to Faith Lutheran in Phoenix for Historic Organ Benefit on March 7

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a Three Organists Benefit Concert on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. featuring former organists Gary Rutherford, Jim Sage, and Craig Westendorf. Admission is free, with donations supporting the restoration of Faith’s historic pipe organ. The afternoon includes solos, duets, trios, guest musicians, and a reception. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 25, 2026Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Enter Lent in Stillness: A Silent Prayer Retreat at All Saints in Phoenix, Feb. 28

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to begin Lent with a half-day Silent Prayer Retreat on Saturday, February 28, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rooted in monastic tradition, the retreat includes silent and communal prayer, worship, a shared meal, and service projects.

Space is limited. Contact the church office at 602-866-9191 or email Pastor Daniel Volkmann at dvolkmann@allsaintsphoenix.org to register or learn more.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 23, 2026All Saints Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Three Organists Return to Faith Lutheran in Phoenix for Historic Organ Benefit on March 7

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a Three Organists Benefit Concert on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. featuring former organists Gary Rutherford, Jim Sage, and Craig Westendorf. Admission is free, with donations supporting the restoration of Faith’s historic pipe organ. The afternoon includes solos, duets, trios, guest musicians, and a reception. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 19, 2026Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Building a More Caring World: Stephen Ministries’ 50th Anniversary Event Comes to All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.

Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 16, 2026All Saints Phoenix, Capital Conference, Stephen MinistriesComment

Building a More Caring World: Stephen Ministries’ 50th Anniversary Event Comes to All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.

Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 9, 2026All Saints Phoenix, Capital Conference, Stephen MinistriesComment

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Music, Food, and Generosity at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with food, music, and generosity at Music for Meals on Tuesday, February 17, at Hope Hall at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy New Orleans–style cuisine and live music from the Connections band, with the meal beginning at 6:00 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m.

This free event supports the Pitchfork Pantry, serving ASU Downtown students facing food insecurity. Bring canned goods, and know that all monetary donations will help purchase fresh, healthy food for the pantry. Join us for one last joyful gathering before the season of Lent begins.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 9, 2026Grace Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Help Wanted: Piano Player for Sunday Worship at Trinity Lutheran, Phoenix

Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a piano player for Sunday morning worship services, with rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve through music in a collaborative praise team setting. Interested musicians should contact Judy Vogt at 602-999-7620 or jkvsinger@outlook.com.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 6, 2026Help Wanted, Trinity Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Schedule Update: Jazz Vespers Shifts to February 15 at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Please note a schedule change: February’s Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church will take place on Sunday, February 15, not the usual second Sunday. This Valentine’s-themed evening features Typhanie Monique with Beth Lederman, with all proceeds supporting food for 250 families each week through the Music for Food ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Music, Food, and Generosity at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with food, music, and generosity at Music for Meals on Tuesday, February 17, at Hope Hall at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy New Orleans–style cuisine and live music from the Connections band, with the meal beginning at 6:00 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m.

This free event supports the Pitchfork Pantry, serving ASU Downtown students facing food insecurity. Bring canned goods, and know that all monetary donations will help purchase fresh, healthy food for the pantry. Join us for one last joyful gathering before the season of Lent begins.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 3, 2026Grace Phoenix, Capital Conference, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Enter Lent in Stillness: A Silent Prayer Retreat at All Saints in Phoenix, Feb. 28

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to begin Lent with a half-day Silent Prayer Retreat on Saturday, February 28, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rooted in monastic tradition, the retreat includes silent and communal prayer, worship, a shared meal, and service projects.

Space is limited. Contact the church office at 602-866-9191 or email Pastor Daniel Volkmann at dvolkmann@allsaintsphoenix.org to register or learn more.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 26, 20262026 Lent and Easter, All Saints Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Music for Food Kicks Off 2026 with Jazz Vespers on January 11

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church kicks off the new year with Jazz Vespers on Sunday, January 11. at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman with Todd Herzog and a reception to follow. After raising over $10,000 in 2025 and supplying more than 8,000 family units with food, the Music for Food ministry continues to unite worship, music, and service to neighbors in need.

In Memoriam: Rev. Richard “Dick” Glover

The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard “Dick” Glover, retired pastor and member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix, who died on November 17, 2025. A Service of Life and Resurrection will be held Saturday, January 17, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m., followed by fellowship.

We invite the synod to hold Alice, the Glover family, and the St. Andrew community in prayer, trusting in God’s promises of baptismal grace, resurrection, and eternal peace in Christ.

Cocoa and Carols: A Music for Food Celebration Supporting Navajo Lutheran Mission at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church hosts Cocoa and Carols on December 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., featuring Typhanie Monique and Raul Yanez. This free Music for Food sing-along includes a freewill offering supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM)—an afternoon of music, generosity, and seasonal joy.

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