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, 1/27/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreBeautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a skilled Music Accompanist to play piano or keyboard for Sunday worship and seasonal services, and to support choir rehearsals. This 12–15 hour/week position collaborates closely with the Music Director and Pastor and plays a key role in Lutheran worship life. Musicians with strong keyboard skills and a heart for worship are encouraged to inquire.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is now accepting applications, offering $50,000–$500,000 in grants plus expert support for congregations undertaking major historic preservation projects. An informational webinar will be held Thursday, January 22 at 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM AZ) to help congregations determine eligibility and learn more.
This program, led by Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports churches seeking to preserve their buildings while strengthening long-term ministry and community impact. Learn more and apply at fundforsacredplaces.org.
Read MoreBecoming a friend with someone who has a disability starts with a simple, “Hello!” Here are a few things to remember about communications that are good for everyone, but especially true for people with disabilities.
The post Be A Friend to People with Disabilities: 7 Ways to Communicate Respectfully appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.
Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith invites faith leaders and caregivers to a free Zoom webinar, “When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation,” on January 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MT (10:00–11:00 AM PT).
Featuring addiction psychiatrist Michael Hsu, MD, the session will explore how gaming and digital technology can both support and undermine well-being—and offer practical, compassionate tools for recognizing unhealthy patterns and supporting individuals and families with faith-centered care. Registration is free and required.
Read MoreThe IRS has released the 2026 standard mileage rates, effective January 1, 2026. The business rate increases to 72.5 cents per mile, while the charitable rate remains 14 cents per mile. Medical and certain moving rates decrease slightly to 20.5 cents per mile.
These updates affect pastors, church staff, and volunteers who drive in service of ministry. Congregations and leaders should review reimbursement policies and budgets in light of the new rates for the coming year.
Read MoreIn this latest Pivot podcast, Keith Bodner shares how a moment of panic in the pulpit led him to rediscover the confrontational power of Jesus' money parables.
Read MoreWhat does a “good life” look like? At Mosaic, we know the answer is always personal.
The post One Size Doesn’t Fit All: The Value of Personalized Services appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreAs the New Year begins, Deacon Laura Book reflects on faith, family, and the gift of time. Wrestling with modern challenges like screen use, parenting, and busy schedules, her family has embraced January as a sacred “reset”—a chance to reassess rhythms and begin again together.
Rooted in Scripture and Lutheran theology, this reflection reminds us that our resolutions need not be perfect to be faithful. In baptismal grace, we are free to try, fail, forgive, and start anew—trusting that God meets us in every season with mercy and love.
Read MoreThe latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter is now available, featuring upcoming opportunities for prayer, learning, and public engagement across Arizona. Highlights include weekly Monday Meditation, online conversations on democracy and voting rights, an interfaith exploration of faith and science from an Islamic perspective, the statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service in Phoenix, and links to MLK Day events across the state.
The newsletter also includes partner events, interfaith observances, and ways to stay connected with AFN’s ongoing work. We encourage congregational leaders and lay members throughout the Grand Canyon Synod to read the newsletter in full, share it with others, and subscribe for weekly updates.
Read MoreOn Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.
Read MoreIn this latest Pivot podcast, Pastor Brian Brown shares what it actually takes to build church unity across racial and cultural lines.
Read MoreThe ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.
The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.
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 MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luis Ochoa, Santa Trinidad, Chandler, and First Evangelical, Mesa, who celebrates 3 years on January 21.
Rev. Judi Tyler, Our Saviour’s, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on January 21.
The Synod Office will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with some staff attending MLK worship and community events around the synod, while this week’s Office of the Bishop update offers a snapshot of ongoing congregation visits, administrative work, financial processing, communications planning, and preparations for upcoming meetings and ministry commitments.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.
Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.
Read MoreChristians from across Arizona are invited to gather for the 2026 Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30 PM at Historic Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix. Hosted by The Rev’d Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. and the Tanner Chapel congregation, this ecumenical service is part of a global observance prayed by churches worldwide.
Using worship materials prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church, the service offers a powerful opportunity to pray for Christian unity, deepen relationships across traditions, and witness together to Christ’s reconciling love. All are welcome.
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