As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, faith communities are stepping up with compassion and support. ecoAmerica’s latest research reveals rising climate concern across political divides, and President Jimmy Carter’s legacy inspires faith-rooted action. Explore how worship facilities can improve energy efficiency, join the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum, and learn about powerful climate ambassador initiatives. Read more in Blessed Tomorrow’s February newsletter: Read Here.
Read MoreThis week, join events like a conversation on peacemaking with Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, and advocacy opportunities like Environmental Day at the Capitol. Discover ways to deepen your faith and engage in justice. Learn more and register for events in the AFN newsletter.
Read MoreThis week, ELCA Region 2 leaders respond to a recent presidential declaration limiting gender identity to a binary framework. Reflecting on Galatians 3:28 and the ELCA’s 2019 social statement, they affirm the inherent diversity of God’s creation, celebrate all gender expressions, and call for advocacy against discrimination. This letter underscores our shared identity in Christ and invites prayer for those affected by these harmful statements. Read the full letter and join us in standing for justice and inclusion.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Tina Mills, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 14 years on January 25.
Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 7 years on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 43 years on January 27.
Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 20 years on January 30.
Rev. Paul Nordeen, who celebrates 48 years on January 30.
Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 16 years on January 31.
The Office of the Bishop Staff strides into 2025 with synod assembly planning and reaching out to leaders and congregations across the synod.
Read MoreJoin the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for Living Our Faith, a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. MST. Discover how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions navigate mourning rituals and customs, with insights from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Pastor Judith Rainforth, and Imam Shahir Safi. Register now at www.isb-az.org/trifaith to participate in this inspiring evening of interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Read MoreHave exciting news or upcoming events? Share them with the Grand Canyon Synod! Congregations across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation are encouraged to submit stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities to foster connection and inspiration. Visit gcsynod.org/share to submit your updates today and help us celebrate the work of God through our community of faith.
Read MoreThe success of Building a Caring Community’s (BCC) annual Disability Festival Celebration this past year was even sweeter with the addition of a guest from the President of Tanzania’s office. While BCC invites a wide range of government officials hoping to gain attention and support for the work they do, this visit was a special honor for all involved. The post Pride in Earning an Income in Tanzania appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreStarting January 1, 2025, the IRS standard mileage rate for business travel increases to 70 cents per mile, up 3 cents from 2024. Churches should adjust their reimbursement processes accordingly. Rates for charitable use remain at 14 cents per mile. Learn more about the updates and their implications in this post.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod invites your congregation to submit its 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent by February 1, 2025. Your gifts empower local, national, and global ministries, equipping leaders, transforming lives, and advancing God’s mission. Visit gcsynod.org/intent for forms and details. Together, we live into God’s vision of abundance and equality.
Read MoreCelebrate 75 years of ministry with American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson! Join the fiesta on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from noon to 3 PM at 115 N. Tucson Boulevard. The event features Parrita’s Mexican Food Truck, live flamenco music by Jon Banuelos, and family fun activities. Tickets are available until noon on January 19, 2025.
Read MoreOn Martin Luther King Day, faith leaders from Nevada, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, called on political leaders to support humane immigration reform. Their published letters emphasize justice, compassion, and dignity for immigrants. Read the full messages and learn how you can support their advocacy efforts.
En el Día de Martin Luther King, líderes religiosos de Nevada, incluida la Obispa Deborah Hutterer, llamaron a los líderes políticos a apoyar una reforma migratoria humana. Sus cartas publicadas destacan la justicia, la compasión y la dignidad para los inmigrantes. Lea los mensajes completos y descubra cómo apoyar sus esfuerzos de abogacía.
Read MoreAs people of faith, we are called to courageously address the challenges of our time—from the climate crisis to the rise of authoritarianism. Rev. Dr. Jim Antal invites congregations to embrace their unique vocation as centers of hope and action. In this article from Blessed Tomorrow, learn how your church can integrate testimonies, education, and advocacy into its ministry to transform grief into hope and hope into collective action.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop has seen a rise in phishing scams using fake email accounts. These emails may request sensitive information or gift cards. Always verify the sender’s email address, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report phishing attempts in your email app. Learn best practices to stay safe and protect our synod community.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Jeremy Nausin and the people of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Rev. Christopher Heller and the people of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Fiesta Conference.
Read MoreDiscover how congregations can save money while caring for creation! Learn from First Christian Church in Tucson and access free tools like the Go Green, Save Green checklist from One Home One Future. Start your journey to sustainability and stewardship today.
Read MoreYouth musicians from across the country are headed to Valparaiso University this year for the 2025 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM). Students in grades 8-12 will be immersed in a supportive community that nurtures their musical growth, and invites them to share their musical gifts in performance and in worship.
With the Standard Enrollment deadline approaching on March 1, now is the perfect time to nominate students so their families can directly receive information and an invitation to apply. Do you know young musicians who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is offering grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for preservation projects. Join an informational webinar on February 6, 2025, at 3 PM EST to learn about eligibility and application details. Register now and discover how this program supports sacred spaces across communities.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025 theme, “Build Up the Body”, inspired by Ephesians 4:12-13, will guide us throughout the year. This focus on unity, growth, and service will shape key events, including the Synod Assembly in Las Vegas and the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. This year, let’s explore how we can grow together as the body of Christ, equipping one another for works of service and fostering resilience in our communities.
Read More
