Join us for the Ordination for Wanda K. Frenchman on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside, and Vance Blackfox will preach. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Dinner will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Grace Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, with video later on the Native American Urban Ministry page. All are welcome.
Read MoreJoin women from across the Grand Canyon Synod for the 2025 Women of the ELCA Biennial Convention and Gathering on Saturday, November 8, at Faith/La Fe Lutheran Church in Phoenix. The day includes worship, speakers, and lunch for just $30. Special guests include Myrna Wells-Ulland, Pastor Jacqui Pagel, and Connie Phillips.
Register today at grandcanyonwomen.org/events.
Read MoreFederal shutdown delays have stalled this year’s refugee admissions, and SNAP food assistance has been halted for both refugees and all current recipients statewide. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest continues serving resettled families and invites you to advocate with legislators for restored SNAP funding and refugee protection. The ELCA has provided an easy tool to contact Congress—learn more and take action.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and coordinate with ELCA churchwide leadership in the ongoing federal investigation involving a former synod leader. As of this post, there are no known victims within our synod, and all allegations involve online activity.
Read MoreExplore a full month of free online events from ELCA Coaching, including sessions on beloved community, truth and healing, accessibility, decolonization, and the annual Vine Deloria, Jr. Theological Symposium. Several upcoming low-cost trainings begin in early 2026. View full details and registration links at elcacoaching.org/events.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) is temporarily closed during the federal government shutdown due to suspended grant funding that supports food and senior meal programs. LSSN is an independent organization, separate from Grand Canyon Synod leadership.
In a letter in this post, Rev. Dr. Marta Poling Schmitt outlines the shutdown’s impact, long-term plans for a federally qualified health clinic on the Boulder Pines campus, and a year-end fundraising effort leading into LSSN’s 40th anniversary. Congregations are invited to learn more, host an update this fall, and pray for this important ministry.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is currently seeking a part-time Property Manager to help support its mission of service and hospitality. Learn more and apply at AllSaintsPhoenix.org/job-openings.
Read MoreApply now for Grand Canyon Synod grants—up to $15,000 per project; ≈ $175,000 total available this fall. Applications open Sept. 8 and are due Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight). Projects aligned with the GCS Strategic Plan and collaborating with another ELCA ministry receive priority. Funding begins Feb. 2026.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club welcomes transformational life coach and author Sarah Payne Naylor on Thursday, November 20 at 3 p.m. (MST) for a discussion of her inspiring new book, You’re Not Done Becoming: Reclaim Personal Power and Purpose to Transform Your Life at Any Age.
Naylor—long connected with Lutheran ministries in Arizona—offers a heartfelt reminder that growth and faith never end. Learn more or register at Spirit in the Desert.
Read MoreThe November newsletter features stories of Climate Ambassadors leading creation care efforts, opportunities to host trainings, apply for ecoAmerica’s 2026 Climate Leadership Awards, and spark Thanksgiving climate conversations. Explore the new Faith + Climate video project, read the 2025 Impact Report, and join Rev. Carol Devine in a month of gratitude. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Scott and Timothy share how the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA is helping churches move from fixing institutional decline to discerning God's movement in their neighborhoods.
Read MoreNew Promise Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. George, Utah is hiring a part-time Church Musician (12–15 hrs/week) to provide organ/piano leadership for Sunday worship, plan with pastors and the music team, and support congregational song through the seasons of the church year. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes continuing education funds and paid vacation. Send a résumé, brief statement of interest, and (if available) a recording to newpromisemusicsearch@gmail.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Download the full job description PDF inside.
Read MoreJoin Mountain View Lutheran Church for Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 24, 5–8 p.m. at 11002 S 48th Street, Phoenix. Enjoy a laser light show, food trucks, games, crafts, prizes, and more—plus a costume-friendly Trunk or Treat contest with a grand prize for best trunk. Volunteer or register your trunk at bit.ly/mvlctrunkortreat2025.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 4 years on October 23.
Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 45 years on October 26.
Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 29 years on October 26.
Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 22 years on October 26.
Rev. Verónica Alvarez, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 3 years on October 30.
The Office of the Bishop is navigating a difficult and tender time for our synod community. Even as we respond with care and transparency, the staff continues its steady work of supporting congregations, leaders, and ministries throughout our synod.
Read MoreThe Youth Night of Connection planned for October 26, 2025, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, has been canceled. Organizers thank all who showed interest and hope to reschedule at a later date.
Read MoreRev. Ryan Marsh will be installed at Crossroads Lutheran (2769 E Combs Rd, Building D, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140) on Sunday, 10/26/2025 at 2pm. Rev. Tina Mills will preach and preside. View live-stream on the Crossroads YouTube channel.
Following the installation service, there will be an angel food cake dessert celebration.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has released the following statement from Bishop Deborah Hutterer regarding recent news reports involving a former youth ministry leader. View as a PDF here or in this blog post.
Read MoreCelebrate 80 years of ministry with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson during a History Walk on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. Walk through key spaces on campus as congregation members reenact moments from the church’s story, followed by a celebratory luncheon. Free and open to the public. For details or luncheon RSVPs, contact 520-327-6521 or oslc@lutherantucson.org.
Read MoreJoin Faith–La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a joyful 80th Anniversary Celebration, October 24–26, 2025. The weekend includes worship, music, fellowship, and food. RSVP by Sept. 14 by phone, email, or online. Contributions are welcome toward the restoration of the pipe organ and church beautification.
Faith–La Fe en Phoenix celebrará su 80.º aniversario del 24 al 26 de octubre con un fin de semana de adoración, música y compañerismo. Confirme su asistencia antes del 14 de septiembre por teléfono, correo electrónico o en línea. Se agradecen donaciones para apoyar proyectos de restauración y embellecimiento del templo. (PDF)
Read More
