Lent and Easter 2026 resources are now live on our site, featuring reflections, worship tools, and opportunities for faithful action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Highlights include the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger, upcoming Lenten events, and new worship resources for the season.
Congregations and leaders are invited to explore, participate, and share their own stories and events at gcsynod.org/share as we journey together from ashes to resurrection hope.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Spring Gatherings begin in the Phoenix area this February and continue across the synod in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas. Under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members are invited to gather for connection, reflection, and shared learning.
All are welcome to attend any gathering. Mark your calendar now as we launch this spring season together.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.
If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.
Read MoreThe Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.
Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.
Read MoreMission Support Statements of Intent for 2026–2027 are due March 1, 2026. Congregations are asked to submit their completed form to office@gcsynod.org to support faithful planning and shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, the wider ELCA, and the world.
Rooted in the 2026 synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, Mission Support is a theological practice grounded in abundance, partnership, and hope. Resources—including the Mission Support Letter, fillable form, and Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video—are available now.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Wendi Van Beek, U of A LCM, Tucson, who celebrates 1 year on February 19.
Read MoreLent is soon upon us (Ash Wednesday February 18). Once again, we are invited into a holy season of prayer, repentance, and renewed love of neighbor. If you’ve participated in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge before, you already know how powerfully God can work through simple, daily steps: a Scripture-based reflection, a faithful action, a moment of courage, a practice of compassion. This year’s challenge is ready for you at lentenchallenge.org—and your place in it matters.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.
Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.
Read MoreCelebrate Fat Tuesday with food, music, and generosity at Music for Meals on Tuesday, February 17, at Hope Hall at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy New Orleans–style cuisine and live music from the Connections band, with the meal beginning at 6:00 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m.
This free event supports the Pitchfork Pantry, serving ASU Downtown students facing food insecurity. Bring canned goods, and know that all monetary donations will help purchase fresh, healthy food for the pantry. Join us for one last joyful gathering before the season of Lent begins.
Read MoreTrinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a piano player for Sunday morning worship services, with rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve through music in a collaborative praise team setting. Interested musicians should contact Judy Vogt at 602-999-7620 or jkvsinger@outlook.com.
Read MoreChoosing a provider for intellectual and developmental disability services is an important decision. It can also be overwhelming. Here are questions you can ask to find a provider that truly aligns with your specific needs, goals and dreams.
The post Searching for IDD services? Ask these 6 Questions to Find the Right Provider appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn this latest Pivot podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm answer your real questions about the shift from clergy-led to lay-led ministry.
Read MoreIn the coming week, staff will be engaged in governance, formation, and preparation for the season ahead. Bishop Hutterer will meet with Synod Council, preach and gather with the congregation in Yuma, and continue one-on-one meetings, while staff advance work in youth leadership, candidacy, congregational vitality, generosity, communications, administration, and financial stewardship in support of the synod’s shared ministry and upcoming gatherings.
Read MoreThe annual Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop is now open and due Monday, March 30, 2026. This report offers rostered ministers an opportunity to reflect on their ministry and connect directly with Bishop Deborah Hutterer as part of our shared life as a synod.
All active (including those on leave or disability) and retired rostered ministers are asked to complete the appropriate online form. Every report is read by the bishop, with care given to each response. Links to both forms are on the synod website.
Read MorePlease note a schedule change: February’s Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church will take place on Sunday, February 15, not the usual second Sunday. This Valentine’s-themed evening features Typhanie Monique with Beth Lederman, with all proceeds supporting food for 250 families each week through the Music for Food ministry.
Read MoreLooking for a simple daily devotional practice? d365 offers a free, five-step daily devotion—Pause, Listen, Think, Pray, Go—written especially for youth and young adults and used by readers around the world. Available online and as a free mobile app.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s weekly newsletter highlights upcoming advocacy meetings, faith-based trainings, and community events focused on immigration justice, voting rights, creation care, and interfaith collaboration. From the Prophetic Witness Campaign and Environmental Day at the Capitol to meditation, book groups, and leadership trainings, AFN continues to invite people of faith into meaningful, coordinated action across Arizona.
Read MorePastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry. Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Morning sessions start 2/17, evening sessions begin 2/19.
Read MoreThis week’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter includes an urgent action alert calling advocates to speak out by February 4 in support of SNAP integrity and against punitive legislative measures. The update also highlights advocacy events focused on hunger, voting rights, creation care, and civic engagement, along with new LAMA blog posts and upcoming opportunities to learn and act.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Pam A. Reynolds, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 5 years on February 6.
Rev. Mark Wickstrom, who celebrates 40 years on February 9.
Rev. Daniel Paulson, who celebrates 29 years on February 9.
