Join us for a candlelight prayer vigil on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 pm at Peace Park in Phoenix, following the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This 30-minute gathering will include music, prayer, and reflections from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other leaders, with a focus on preserving the human dignity of migrants, asylees, and refugees. Open to the public—all are welcome.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is making a final push to fill open volunteer roles for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to assist with tech, hospitality, support, and more. Learn how you can help welcome the wider church and be part of this historic event. Sign up today and join the team that makes it all happen.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Sherwood Glover, who celebrates 52 years on July 15.
Rev. James Price, who celebrates 28 years on July 15.
Rev. Erin Morris, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 6 years on July 15.
Do you know a young dancer? The ELCA is seeking Phoenix-area students and young adults to participate in the Opening Worship of Churchwide Assembly on Monday, July 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Dancers will rehearse and perform from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—a rare opportunity to offer movement as worship. Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at sbjornebo@yahoo.com or 303-257-3356 to share names or learn more.
Read MoreJoin Bishop Hutterer and Wartburg Seminary leaders for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, explores Bonhoeffer’s vision of Christian community through Old Testament stories and Lutheran theology. Rostered ministers and SAMs are invited to attend; registration includes meals and closes September 5. Scholarships are available.
Read MoreFeeling stuck in your ministry? This July 24 online workshop with Dr. Dwight Zscheile will help you explore the “mixed ecology” of church—equipping you with theological insight and practical tools to engage your community in new, Spirit-led ways. Open to Faith+Lead members ($19.95/month), with scholarships available.
Read MoreThe annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.
Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club this July to explore Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand by Jeff Chu, a memoir that weaves together faith, identity, food, and the lessons of the land. In two thoughtful sessions—July 10 and 24 from 12:00–1:00 pm (AZ/PDT)—participants will reflect on Chu’s journey from Manhattan magazine editor to seminary farmhand, where spiritual formation meets ecological practice.
Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this virtual gathering invites readers into a moving story of transformation, rooted in theology, community, and grace. Good Soil is a compelling read for anyone yearning for meaning, connection, and hope in today’s world. Click here to learn more and join the discussion.
Read MoreRostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Arthur Goetz, who celebrates 63 years on July 14.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Susan Sauerberg, who celebrates 28 years on July 13.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Abigail Byrd, who celebrates 33 years on July 12.
Rev. Richard Sherrill, Prince of Peace, Phoenix, who celebrates 27 years on July 12.
Rev. Steven Holm, who celebrates 55 years on July 12.
Rev. Keith Ingle, who celebrates 55 years on July 12.
The Grand Canyon Synod is already represented on the national Lutherans Restoring Creation map—and your ministry can be too. Whether through gardens, green teams, outdoor worship, or advocacy, congregations across our synod are invited to share their creation care efforts and connect with others doing this vital work across the ELCA. The Stewardship team invites you to add your ministry at www.LutheransRestoringCreation.org and help highlight how we care for creation in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Read MoreAscension Lutheran, Scottsdale (top photos) and New Journey, Fountain Hills (lower photos) launched the second year of NEVC provision of lunches, water pallets, and electrolyte powder to Arizona Faith Network (AFN) cooling centers. Christ the Lord in Carefree, plus Living Water and New Covenant Lutheran Churches in Scottsdale join in the summer calendar of lunch packs.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Shannon Kiser reveals how fresh expressions transformed her church from event-driven ministry to authentic neighborhood relationships.
Read MoreAugust is a key moment for advocacy, as members of Congress return to their districts during recess. Whether in-person or virtual, it’s a prime time to lift your voice as a person of faith. Learn how to schedule a meeting or attend a town hall, and get tips from an ELCA Advocacy intern on how to prepare, show up, and follow up. This is how we bring our Lutheran values into public life. Click here to read the full article with practical steps, theological grounding, and helpful tools.
Read MoreRev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler urges us to act on behalf of hungry neighbors across Arizona in the context of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. With food insecurity rising—especially among children, seniors, and rural residents—Stoxen calls on Christians to advocate for SNAP benefits and support local food pantries. Faith without action is dead, she reminds us. Click here to read her full op-ed published in The Chandler Arizonan.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop prepares for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering. We also share photos from the Diakonia Graduation and Campformation.
Read MoreThe annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.
Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 59 years on July 10.
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