Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking a part-time Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator to nurture faith formation from nursery through fifth grade. This flexible, 15-hour-per-week position focuses on relationship-building, volunteer coordination, and family-centered ministry. Resumes should be sent to info@kogaz.org. View job description in PDF.

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Loving Someone Through Recovery: Free Webinar with Caroline Beidler on May 27

The Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free Zoom webinar, “How to Love Someone in Recovery,” on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT featuring author and recovery advocate Caroline Beidler. The conversation will explore practical ways to support loved ones navigating addiction recovery with compassion and hope.

Participants will hear insights from Beidler’s new book, When You Love Someone in Recovery, and learn from her experience as a speaker, writer, and managing editor at Recovery.com. Registration is free and the webinar will be recorded for later viewing.

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Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration

Registration is now open for this summer’s online Diakonia continuing education courses, with offerings on baptismal living, First Testament prophets, the Gospel of John and introductory New Testament Greek. Open to current students, graduates, instructors and anyone interested in deeper theological learning, the courses will meet online in five-week formats.

Organizational meetings begin in June, with final schedules determined collaboratively after registration. Learn more and register at Diakonia Education.

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A Different Way: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium This November

Save the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.

Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.

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Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS

Rev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.

Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.

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Keeping Vigil for the Spirit: Faith Lutheran in Phoenix to Host Rare Pentecost Liturgy (Copy)

Faith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a rare Vigil of Pentecost worship service on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. Featuring scripture, global Pentecost music, candle lighting, and prayerful reflection, the service invites worshipers to prepare for Pentecost in hope and anticipation of the Holy Spirit.

The liturgy will take place at 801 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix and is open to all.

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Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.

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Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod

God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.

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Heat Relief Ministry Returns This Summer at Grace and First UCC in Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church and First United Church of Christ are partnering once again to provide Heat Relief ministry from June 1–August 24, offering cooling space, water, snacks, and hospitality for vulnerable neighbors during the hottest months of the year. Congregations are invited to support the effort through donations of water, snacks, pet food, cooling supplies, and frozen burritos. Read a letter from Pastor David Sivecz here.

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“America Is Something You Make”: BJC Invites Stories of Faith and Community

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is inviting people to share stories of faith, community, and civic engagement through its new “Founders Wall” project. Participants can submit written reflections, photos, audio, or short videos describing how they are helping build stronger neighborhoods, congregations, schools, and communities. Share your story here.

The project emphasizes the idea that “every generation is the founding generation” and invites people of faith to reflect on vocation, public witness, and care for neighbor. Read more and learn how to participate through the BJC campaign website.

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Keeping Vigil for the Spirit: Faith Lutheran in Phoenix to Host Rare Pentecost Liturgy

Faith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a rare Vigil of Pentecost worship service on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. Featuring scripture, global Pentecost music, candle lighting, and prayerful reflection, the service invites worshipers to prepare for Pentecost in hope and anticipation of the Holy Spirit.

The liturgy will take place at 801 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix and is open to all.

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Office of the Bishop Updates

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer accompanies visits with Iglesia Mexicana Luterana, AMEXTRA, and Young Adults in Global Mission partners while continuing meetings and preparations for the upcoming Synod Assembly.

Synod staff will continue supporting candidacy and faith formation work, preparing Assembly communications and storytelling projects, assisting congregations and ministry partners, managing administrative and financial responsibilities, and coordinating upcoming meetings and events across the Grand Canyon Synod.

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Shared Generosity, Shared Mission: Annual Report Highlights Growth and Impact

The FY2025–2026 Annual Report from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, highlights a year of storytelling, stewardship, donor engagement, and mission support across the Grand Canyon Synod. From celebrating seven ordinations and launching the synod’s first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign to granting $363,100 through the Mission & Ministry Fund, the report reflects how shared generosity continues to strengthen ministries across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

The report also highlights new storytelling initiatives, congregation visits, leadership coaching, and expanded tools for mission support engagement, all rooted in the synod’s shared calling to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities.

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Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

The FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.

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Arizona Faith Network Highlights Interfaith Dialogue, Advocacy, and Heat Relief Efforts

Arizona Faith Network’s newest newsletter features interfaith dialogue opportunities, prophetic witness media training, immigration advocacy updates, security webinars, and recruitment for its 2026 Heat Relief Program. Upcoming events include visits to the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center, online justice trainings, and creation care gatherings across Arizona.

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LAMA Newsletter Highlights Advocacy for Indigenous Communities, Hunger Relief, and Civic Engagement

LAMA’s newest newsletter highlights the ELCA’s observance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Arizona budget updates, voting rights engagement, and new nonprofit security grant information.

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