Stay informed and engaged with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) in this week’s update, featuring an urgent SNAP Action Alert, events for faith-based advocates, and new blog stories on hunger, refugee policy, and Reformation courage.
Read the full LAMA Newsletter for November 4, 2025 to learn how you and your congregation can take part in advocacy for justice, hunger relief, and faithful civic engagement.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the ongoing federal investigation involving a former synod leader. As of this posting, there are no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity.
Read MoreDiscover what’s happening across Arizona’s interfaith community in the latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter. Explore the new Faith & Mutual Aid Resource Guide, register for the 2025 Annual Gathering: United We Rise, and find upcoming events focused on justice, creation care, meditation, and interfaith collaboration. Subscribe or share today to help build Arizona’s network of care.
The issue also includes details for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, United We Rise, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, honoring Rev. Towanda NT Connelly and other bridge builders; weekly Monday Meditations; Reconciliation Ecology workshops; and safety training for faith communities.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop continues its work across the synod, from preaching, teaching, and stewardship support to event planning, communications, and financial administration.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 39 years on November 12.
Rev. Ruby Myers, who celebrates 4 years on November 13.
The Fall 2025 ION Newsletter explores how moments of waiting can lead to unexpected growth. From a new reentry video podcast to a faith-driven smartphone donation project, ION continues to connect returning citizens with hope and community. Read stories of transformation, fresh data insights, and updates from Arizona and Oregon in this inspiring edition. Read the full newsletter online or in this PDF.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert shares a full month of ministry highlights, including the Nov. 15 dedication of a new meditation garden honoring Jim Hanson, two Healing of Memories retreats (free for qualified veterans & healthcare workers), and the first-ever ThanksLiving weekend celebration Nov. 28–30 featuring music, worship, and a festive luau.
Explore upcoming online and in-person retreats, daily devotions, leadership formation, and year-end giving opportunities. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod sent $6,000—raised by congregations and our Global Engagement Team—to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Senegal for the Martin Luther School in Fatick. The gift funded books for all 180 students, with remaining funds supporting teacher guides, classroom supplies, and repairs. This week, ELS President Pastor Latyr Diouf sent a heartfelt note of thanks and blessing, celebrating the companionship we share in Christ.
Read MoreFind handmade gifts that give back! Join Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley on Saturday, November 8, from 8 AM to 1 PM for the Sewing Bee’s annual Fall Boutique, featuring quilts, jewelry, décor, purses, baked goods, and more. All proceeds support local charitable organizations.
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 MoreThe right supports in the right environment are life-changing for people. For Dawn and daughter Brooke, Mosaic provided both and their lives have been transformed.
The post The Right Supports Make All the Difference in Peoples’ Lives appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Christian Smith explores why religion feels outdated in modern culture, citing shifts in family, institutions, and technology as key causes.
Read MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.
Read MoreExplore this week’s LAMA advocacy update, including an ELCA Action Alert urging Congress to protect international food aid in the upcoming Farm Bill. You’ll also find upcoming events—on hunger ministry, public lands, Christian nationalism, civic engagement—and new reflections from the LAMA blog. Read the full newsletter, event details, and action links here.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights ways people of faith are responding to community needs through mutual aid, reflection, and action. Congregations are invited to share their ministries in AFN’s new Faith & Mutual Aid Resource Guide, helping connect families across Arizona to food, shelter, and care.
The issue also includes details for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, United We Rise, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, honoring Rev. Towanda NT Connelly and other bridge builders; weekly Monday Meditations; Reconciliation Ecology workshops; and safety training for faith communities.
Read the full update and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop is actively engaging across our synod and Churchwide—preaching and worshiping with congregations, meeting with youth and parents, developing mission and stewardship plans, collaborating with national partners, and tending to communication, finance, and event planning to support ministries across the synod.
Read MoreGlobal Refuge’s volunteer Pastor in Residence, Rev. Eric C. Shafer, is booking Sunday visits to ELCA congregations in our synod to preach and lead an adult forum on Christian welcome. Available dates: Dec. 28, 2025; Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1; and all Sundays in March 2026. Hosts provide travel expense support. To schedule, email ericcshafer@hotmail.com and learn more at globalrefuge.org.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Ward, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 15 years on October 31.
Rev. Thaddeus Book, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 16 years on November 1.
Deacon Anada Guse, who celebrates 35 years on November 4.
Rev. Conrad Braaten, who celebrates 53 years on November 5.
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.
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