This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Rodney Hutton, who celebrates 48 years on December 26.
Rev. Susan Swanson, who celebrates 27 years on December 27.
Rev. Kim Taylor, American, Tucson, who celebrates 41 years on December 30.
Start the new year with clarity—not guilt. Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free one-hour webinar, “Unwine Your Mind – A January Reset,” on Wednesday, December 31, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MST (10:00–11:00 AM PT). Featuring journalist and sober-curious leader Hilary Sheinbaum, this judgment-free session invites participants to explore a 30-day alcohol-free reset—or a meaningful reduction—with attention to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Designed especially for faith leaders and those navigating stress and exhaustion, this webinar offers practical insight, Lutheran-friendly reflection, and a compassionate approach to healthier living. Registration is free and open now.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays on December 24–26 and January 1. Responses to emails and calls may be delayed during these dates. Thank you for your understanding as staff observe this time of rest and renewal.
Read MoreJoin Luther Seminary and Faith+Lead for the 2026 Rutlen Lecture on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, featuring Old Testament scholar Dr. William P. Brown. This year’s theme, Be-Wilded by Wonder: Just Creation in the Book of Job, explores how reading Job “from the end” reshapes our understanding of God, justice, and creation—especially in a time of climate crisis. Attend online or in person (with dinner included) and engage with a powerful exploration of Scripture, awe, and creation care. Register at faithlead.org/live-learning/rutlen26.
Read MoreLEAN is planning for 2026 and invites your congregation to complete two short surveys that will guide next year’s hunger and advocacy priorities. Share how your congregation engages ELCA World Hunger and which justice issues matter most in your community—including housing, food insecurity, and voter engagement. Your input strengthens our shared Lutheran witness in Nevada.
Read MoreCongregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to prepare their 2026–2027 Mission Support Plans and submit their Statement of Intent by March 1, 2026. Mission Support resources—including the letter from Bishop Hutterer and Vice President Mark Myers and the fillable intent form—are now available. A downloadable thank you video from Bishop Hutterer is also provided for use in worship, newsletters, and council meetings.
Rooted in our 2026 theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” congregations are encouraged to consider a 10% Mission Support commitment as we invest in leadership formation, local and global partnerships, justice advocacy, and ministries that transform lives across our synod and the wider church.
Read MoreCalling 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, 12/30/2025, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreFour national Racial Justice Learning Cohorts begin in January, offering pastors, church councils, youth leaders, and synod staff an 8-week, faith-rooted space to learn and grow in justice work without guilt or shame. Created and led by racial justice educator David Scherer (AGAPE)*, these weekly noon gatherings focus on real-life ministry challenges, biblical grounding, and developmentally appropriate tools for leading change in polarized times. Flyers and registration links for all four cohorts are included.
Read MoreRegistration is open for Camp ALOMA’s Annual New Year’s Retreat for Jr High and High School youth, running December 29, 2025 (3:00 pm) through January 1, 2026 (2:00 pm) in Prescott, AZ. This relaxed, faith-centered retreat blends worship, devotions, campfires, and classic camp fun as youth ring in the new year together.
The cost is $110 per camper, and youth are encouraged to invite friends. Learn more and register today at campaloma.com or through the registration link.
Read MoreIs seminary part of God’s call in your life? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a discernment weekend March 13–15 2026 in Berkeley, CA, designed for those exploring online seminary education. Participants will experience a PLTS class, connect with faculty and students, and reflect on vocation in community.
Lodging and most meals are covered, with travel assistance available. Learn more and register at plts.edu/signs.
Read MoreLiving a life of possibilities looks different to everyone, and at Mosaic, we honor that difference. In our newest issue of Promise magazine, you’ll learn how Mosaic’s approach to personalized services improves lives and enables people to achieve their personal goals and ambitions.
The issue also recaps the recent Martin Luther Home Centennial Celebration, introduces new Mosaic Board and Foundation Board members and celebrates the recipients of our Partners in Possibilities and Advocacy awards. The post Promise Magazine: When Mosaic Succeeds, People Win appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason offers church leaders something they rarely receive: a heartfelt thank you, permission to breathe, and a blessing that releases the burden of making everything perfect.
Read MoreAs members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders are invited to a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, with a local gathering option in the Grand Canyon Synod. This morning workshop connects congregations to regional teaching and local conversation and complements the January 22–24 in-person PLTS gathering. For details, contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays on December 24–26 and January 1. Responses to emails and calls may be delayed during these dates. Thank you for your understanding as staff observe this time of rest and renewal.
Read MoreThe latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features interfaith gatherings, educational events, meditations, partner actions, and seasonal opportunities for service across Arizona. From peace-focused worship to justice-centered advocacy, there are many ways to engage. Explore the full newsletter and stay connected.
Read MoreThis week’s LAMA newsletter highlights urgent advocacy opportunities to protect creation, upcoming hunger and advocacy gatherings, and faith-based responses to pressing public issues. With key deadlines this week and important events ahead, now is the time to act. Read the full update and take part in advocacy grounded in Lutheran faith.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed December 24-26, as we complete year-end projects. We also share photos from the Installation and Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully in the federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. As of December 18, there are still no known victims within our synod, and all criminal allegations involve online activity, with no new developments reported in recent weeks.
As a result, the Office of the Bishop will move away from weekly updates and will share future information on an as-needed basis. The synod remains committed to transparency, pastoral care, and ongoing communication, and leaders are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Read MoreMount of Olives Lutheran Church hosts Cocoa and Carols on December 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., featuring Typhanie Monique and Raul Yanez. This free Music for Food sing-along includes a freewill offering supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM)—an afternoon of music, generosity, and seasonal joy.
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