Registration is open for Leadership Lab 2027, June 21–26 at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. This ELCA faith formation camp brings together high school students, young adults, and church leaders for worship, fellowship, service, and leadership development. Registration starts at $450, with possible discounts. Learn more at LeadershipLab.net.
Read MoreSupport Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU with tamales and football! Order red chile pork tamales by November 12 for $37.50 per dozen—only 50 orders are available—or reserve $25 tickets for the November 28 ASU–UofA watch party, including food and soft drinks. Tamale pickup and the party are at University Lutheran Church in Tempe; times will be announced. Read more for ordering instructions and select the correct LCM fund when paying.
Read MoreJoin Gather Valley of the Sun for a Heard Museum visit on Sunday, November 8, at noon, guided by ELCA Young Adults’ Taína Diaz-Reyes in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. Optional lunch is at 11 a.m., with carpooling from University Lutheran Church in Tempe. The first 10 attendees receive free admission. RSVP through @gathervalleyofthesun on Instagram.
Read MorePreparing youth for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? Watch the recorded morning worship webinar with your adult leadership team, then begin a conversation with youth about worshiping together. Find the video and links to upcoming Gathering webinars on our blog.
Read MoreMake Your Mark! Students in grades 8–12 are invited to the CRC Fall Retreat November 13–15, 2026, at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Explore faith through the stories of Esther, Moses, and David and Goliath, with games, service, worship, and friendship. Cost: $50 plus transportation. Register and pay by October 26.
Read MoreJoin SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and December 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.
Read MorePreparing to bring youth to the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? The Registration 101 webinar offers guidance from Gathering leadership to help congregational leaders and adult volunteers prepare for registration. Share this resource with your planning team as you support young people’s journey of faith. Watch the recorded webinar.
Read MoreHelp every generation grow in faith together. ReFocus Ministry’s Generations Together online conference on October 22, 2026, offers keynote speakers, practical breakouts, and live ministry conversations for pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers. Registration is $35, or $50 for VIP access with recordings, resources, and Q&A opportunities. Learn more and register.
Read MoreCongratulations to Annie Durante of New Covenant Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, this year’s Grace & Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship recipient! Congregations and individuals can help grow this ministry, which funds scholarships through interest while preserving the principal. For giving information, contact Shawn Watts at the Arizona Community Foundation, rather than Grace Lutheran or the synod office.
Read MorePreparing for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis? Share this video with youth, families and adult leaders for a glimpse of ENGAGE, the Gathering’s new program experience. Watch the ENGAGE preview.
Read MoreVolunteer with Gather Valley of the Sun and Pitchfork Pantry on October 3 to help distribute food and essentials to ASU students. Arrive at 8 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Tempe for an 8:15–10:15 a.m. shift, with optional brunch and a devotional afterward. RSVP by messaging Gather on Instagram.
Read MoreChildren, youth and young adult ministry leaders are invited to Camp Pinerock in Prescott, October 16–17, for 24 hours of connection, renewal and shared learning. The $50 retreat includes informal fellowship and participant-driven conversations about faith formation, intergenerational ministry and the joys and challenges of ministry with younger generations.
Reserve your spot by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org by October 1, 2026.
Read MoreJoin SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: October 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a 2027 National Youth Gathering info session, November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and December 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.
Read MoreYouth musicians in grades 8-12 are invited to Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2027 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. Churches from around the country send students to LSM for an unforgettable summer of musical growth and connections in faith and community.
Churches are encouraged to nominate students, and students can apply now through December 1 for a Priority Enrollment $100 discount.
Read MoreGather Valley of the Sun is relaunching this fall! ELCA young adults are invited to a Tie-Dye Workshop & Fall Kickoff at noon Sunday, Sept. 20, at University Lutheran Church in Tempe, with an optional lunch at 11 a.m. All materials are provided. Congregations are encouraged to share the invitation with young adults in their communities.
Read MoreJoin the SYAT Collective on Zoom Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. to explore creative, technology-savvy fundraising ideas for mission trips, the ELCA Youth Gathering, airfare to camp, and other youth ministry experiences. Come ready to share a successful approach or discover fresh possibilities for your congregation.
Read MorePlanning for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? Watch the new webinar introducing SERVE, an all-day experience combining hands-on service in the Twin Cities with reflection, Lutheran accompaniment and planning for continued service back home. SERVE space is limited, and priority Gathering registration opens Oct. 21.
Read MoreTwo recorded ELCA webinars offer practical help for congregations preparing for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, including guidance for volunteers and leaders using the Gathering’s Getting Ready materials.
Read MoreSee Campformation 2026 through a new video shared by Pastor David Sivecz of Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. From worship and friendship to outdoor adventures and faith formation, get a glimpse of a Grand Canyon Synod ministry that has been helping young people grow in faith and community for more than 60 years.
Read MoreThe SYAT Collective continues its free continuing education series for youth ministry leaders with two upcoming Zoom events: intergenerational ministry (August 20), and creative fundraising strategies (September 17). Congregational leaders, volunteers, and ministry staff are invited to learn practical tools for strengthening ministry with children, youth, and young adults.
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