In this episode of the Pivot podcast, Brandon O'Brien reveals the unique advantages of smaller congregations in today's culture.
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The full agenda and session descriptions are now posted for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, taking place September 29–October 1 in Scottsdale. Join Bishop Hutterer and guest speakers from Wartburg Seminary as we explore Bonhoeffer’s Life Together and themes of lament, love, and Christian hope.
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A $6,000 gift from our Grand Canyon Synod—collected through donations and a contribution from the Global Engagement Team—is providing books for 180 students at our companion synod’s primary school in Fatick, Senegal. This tangible act of partnership ensures every child begins the school year equipped to learn.
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The Fall 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Grant cycle is now open, with $175,000 available to support ministries. Watch the grants webinar recording and apply by October 31, 2025. Proposals that align with the synod’s Strategic Plan and show collaboration with other ELCA ministries are strongly encouraged. Funding begins in February 2026.
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The Grand Canyon Synod is offering a simplified and time-saving process to help congregations update their governing documents to the 2025 ELCA Model Constitution. With support from an experienced synod consultant, congregations can ensure compliance, avoid common errors, and streamline the process. Download the guide and access official ELCA resources to begin your update today.
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In the latest Boundless magazine from the ELCA, a standout story titled “A Rural Revival” highlights how congregations in North Dakota are empowering lay leaders to serve as Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs). With no pastor in sight and a hunger for sustainable leadership, rural Lutherans — including full-time farmers — trained locally through a synod vitality grant, creating a model that others across the ELCA can follow. As the Grand Canyon Synod continues expanding opportunities for SAMs, this grassroots movement offers hope and a powerful vision for ministry in small communities. Read the full Boundless Summer 2025 magazine (PDF or flipbook) here.
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Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 9/30/2025, 6-7pm MST.
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Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »
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Join ELCA youth from across the valley for Youth Night of Connection, Sunday, Oct. 26, 4–7 PM at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa. The evening includes games, small group discussions, a youth-led message on connection, and a shared spaghetti dinner. Leaders are asked to share headcounts of youth and parents attending.
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Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, January 16–19, 2026, for Living Into a New Story. Led by Pastor Ron Rude and hymnist Sharon Reinbott, this retreat explores how science, Scripture, and earth wisdom can renew our faith and reshape our relationship with creation. Scholarships are available.
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As uncertainty around Medicaid funding grew in Washington, D.C, Robyn and other Home Providers made sure their Congressional representatives, friends and neighbors saw the faces and heard the names of people who rely on services made possible through the program.
The post Iowa Home Providers Share How Medicaid Has Improved Lives, What’s at Stake Without It appeared first on Mosaic.
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Join the Oct. 23 one-day Virtual Addiction & Faith Conference, “Awakening the Church to Address Addiction,” hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Open to clergy, laypeople, and all impacted by addiction, this $50 event equips congregations to become safe, recovery-friendly communities. Register now and share the flyer to spread the word across our synod.
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Learn evidence-based tools to offer hope during crisis. On Oct. 7, join LFCNA for Hope in Practice, a two-hour online workshop introducing Solution-Focused communication techniques for faith leaders, nurses, and caregivers. Led by Laurra Aagaard, this training emphasizes strengths-based care, with CE credits available. Open to all. Register here. View PDF here.
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Enrollment is now open for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more.
Priority enrollment deadline: December 1, 2025. Standard enrollment deadline: March 1, 2026. Learn more at LSMacademy.org/program.
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This 4-part video course from ELCA World Hunger introduces the role of a “Hunger Leader”—a person who builds bridges between need and abundance in our communities. Open to everyone, this module offers inspiration and practical steps to step deeper into anti-poverty ministry rooted in Jesus’ call to love and serve. Click here to take the course.
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In moments of political violence or misinformation, faith leaders play a vital role in calming tensions and promoting safety. This guide from the Safe Communities Coalition (of which GCS is a member) offers best practices for communication that de-escalates harm, respects victims, and strengthens democratic norms. Click here to read the full guide.
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Faith leaders across Arizona are invited to sign a public letter denouncing political violence and affirming peaceful civic engagement. The Arizona Faith Network will publish signatures alongside the statement on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21. All clergy and faith leaders are encouraged to sign. Click here to read and sign the statement.
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Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran in Chandler calls for humane immigration reform and oversight of Arizona’s ICE detention centers, where inhumane conditions continue to be documented. Rooted in Scripture and ELCA social teaching, she urges people of faith to advocate for justice, care for the imprisoned, and welcome the stranger in our midst. Click here to read more.
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Autumn Byars, member of University Lutheran in Tempe and former LAMA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, reflects on joining Creation Justice Ministries’ Witness for Creation press conference and worship at the Desert Botanical Garden. Held during the Season of Creation, this interfaith gathering lifted up urgent issues such as water justice, sacred lands, and support for the unhoused amid intensifying Arizona heat. It was a powerful call to care for creation—and one another—as an act of faith. Click here to read more.
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As the Jewish High Holidays approach, the Grand Canyon Synod offers a heartfelt greeting to our Jewish neighbors. We honor this sacred time of reflection, renewal, and peace, and extend our wishes for a sweet and meaningful year ahead. L’shanah tovah.
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