Explore 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 MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is celebrating a record year of leadership formation with six ordinations in 2025 and a seventh scheduled for December, including our first-ever two deacons in Word and Service Ministry. Thanks to your congregation’s mission support, leaders across the synod are being raised up, equipped, and called into ministry.
Bishop Hutterer’s 2025 Impact Story highlights the journey of Rev. Solomon Kuch, a South Sudanese refugee who served Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship for years while working night shifts, raising a family, and completing seminary. His ordination shows what becomes possible when a community’s generosity meets God’s call. Download and share the full story to celebrate how your mission support is transforming lives and empowering ministry across our synod. View the letter in English and Spanish here.
Read MoreEl Sínodo del Gran Cañón celebra un año histórico con seis ordenaciones en 2025 y una séptima prevista para diciembre, incluyendo por primera vez dos diáconos en el Ministerio de Palabra y Servicio. Gracias al apoyo misionero de sus congregaciones, nuevos líderes están siendo acompañados, formados y enviados a servir en comunidades de todo nuestro sínodo.
La historia destacada de este año es la del Rev. Solomon Kuch, un refugiado sudsudanés que sirvió fielmente durante años mientras trabajaba turnos nocturnos, criaba a su familia y completaba el seminario. Su ordenación muestra lo que sucede cuando la generosidad de una congregación se une al llamado de Dios. Descargue y comparta la carta completa para celebrar cómo su apoyo transforma vidas y fortalece el liderazgo en nuestro sínodo. Descarga la historia completa aquí:: Inglés y Español.
Read MoreCatch the latest November Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation, including upcoming events, advocacy actions, and opportunities to support creation justice this season. Highlights include the Nov. 18 Calling Conscientious Consumers event, early registration for the January 2026 LRC gathering, COP30 reflections, monthly policy conversations, and ways to urge U.S. participation in global climate talks. Read the full newsletter here: November Good Green News.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Kristina Frugé shares insights from her work with hundreds of young adults and from the new book "Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young Adults."
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the ELCA churchwide organization regarding the ongoing federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. A new gathering, Holding Space: A Time for Prayer and Conversation, will be offered Monday evening, 11/17/2025, for rostered and lay leaders affected by this news.
Read MoreDespite a temporary government shutdown that has paused pantry and senior meal services, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada continues serving the Las Vegas community through its holiday assistance programs. A new partnership with E.A.T Meals will provide 2,000 Thanksgiving dinners on November 25, and volunteers are invited to help. LSSN also thanks New Song Lutheran Church and Christian Academy for their creative generosity.
Read MoreThe latest newsletter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) calls us to faithful advocacy on behalf of our neighbors and creation. This week’s Action Alert urges Lutherans to contact legislators and advocate for U.S. participation in global climate talks (COP30).
Upcoming events include the Power of Hello workshop on community safety (Nov. 17), the LAMA Liaison Roundtable (Nov. 17), Bread for the World regional meetings (Nov. 18–19), and the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network (Nov. 25).
The newsletter also features the LAMA T-Shirt Design Contest, ELCA World Hunger’s Daily Bread Grants, and a Save the Date for Lutheran Day at the Legislature 2026 (Feb. 23). Read more at lamaz.org and join the movement for justice and compassion in Arizona.
Read MoreJoin people of faith across Arizona for AFN’s 2025 Annual Gathering—United We Rise on Dec. 2, honoring Rep. Patty Contreras for her leadership in unity and service. Explore more events including an interfaith Prayer Walk, Reconciliation Ecology Workshop, and the No Amazon for Advent pledge. Read the full newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop gathers for the synod council meeting and travels to churches for worship and giving thanks..
Read MoreRev. Dan Potaznick, our synod’s Director of Generosity and Strategic Development and pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, recently shared joyful news about his growing family. Pastor Dan and his wife, Randi, are expecting their first child—affectionately nicknamed “Baby Hiccup”—with a due date of December 15.
He will be on parental leave from December 15 through February 15, supported by both St. John’s and the Grand Canyon Synod, as they celebrate this precious time together. We join in congratulating Pastor Dan and Randi, holding them in prayer and joy as they prepare for this new chapter of life.
Read the full update and message from Pastor Dan on the St. John’s website: “Baby Hiccup Updates”.
Read MoreThe Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.
El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.
Read MoreJoin the Women of the ELCA for the annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. This virtual Zoom service at 6 PM (Arizona/Utah) / 5 PM (Nevada) offers a peaceful space with music, readings, and prayer for all who seek comfort and hope during the holiday season. Register to attend here.
Read MoreExplore highlights from BJC’s November Faith Freedom Dispatch, including the 2025 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, new clergy organizing efforts to confront Christian nationalism, and Season 7 of the Respecting Religion podcast. Additional updates include a new BJC merch shop, national news coverage of religious liberty, and upcoming Supreme Court advocacy. Read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 49 years on November 14.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a Refugee Services Update Webinar on Friday, November 14, at 11 a.m. Hear directly from Connie Phillips, President & CEO, and key staff about the state of refugee resettlement in Arizona and what’s ahead in 2026. Learn how congregations and individuals across our synod continue to walk alongside refugee families with compassion and hope. Register here.
Read MoreJoin faith and community leaders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM at the Bahá’í Center in Scottsdale. The morning features guest speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma and honors the 2025 Arizona Leadership Awardees. Register at arizonafaithnetwork.org/annualgathering. A communications toolkit and graphics are available to support congregational sharing.
Read MoreJoin the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, from 11 AM–12 PM MST (Arizona) / 10–11 AM PST (Nevada) titled Rethinking Addiction: A Faith Leader’s Guide. Guest presenter Rachel Bowling will help participants reflect on how we understand addiction through moral, medical, and social lenses, offering insights for compassionate, informed pastoral care. Registration required.
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 MoreJoin Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. for a powerful evening with the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda. Their new production, Better Days—There is Hope, features vibrant music, dance, and testimonies of God’s love. Come be inspired by their message of hope and restoration.
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