The Arizona Faith Network’s weekly newsletter highlights upcoming interfaith events across Arizona, including dialogue series, sacred site visits, advocacy opportunities, and community gatherings. From a prayer walk at the Capitol to workshops on Indigenous perspectives and shared scripture, these events invite Lutherans and neighbors of all faiths into deeper understanding and public witness.
Read MoreThis week’s LAMA newsletter highlights Interfaith Day at the Capitol (March 25), upcoming hunger and justice events, and key ELCA action alerts on Dreamers, the Farm Bill, and child protection.
Read the full newsletter to stay informed, take action, and engage in faithful advocacy across Arizona and our synod.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff will gather with leaders and congregations in Tucson for the Kino Conference Spring Gathering while continuing preaching, teaching, and relationship-building across the synod. Alongside these shared ministries, staff will advance key internal work—including assembly planning, financial and audit preparation, leadership development, and ongoing communications—supporting the synod’s mission in both public and behind-the-scenes ways.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Heriberto Prudencio, who celebrates 36 years on March 25.
The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt, Church of Our Saviour, Lakeside, who celebrates 43 years on March 25.
LCM at ASU invites volunteers to a Palm Sunday Hygiene Kit Assembly on March 29 (11:30 AM–2 PM) in Tempe. Help assemble and distribute kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness while supporting student-led outreach grounded in faith and service. Registration is open.
Read MoreLCM at ASU invites the synod to support their team in the Out of Darkness Campus Walk on March 21 at 11 AM, raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Join the walk or donate to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and stand with students witnessing to hope, healing, and Christ’s call to bear one another’s burdens.
Read MoreMeals are central to the life of faith—from Holy Communion to church potlucks and shared meals in times of joy and need. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to reflect on the meaning of the table and share a recipe that tells your story.
Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 to be part of this growing collection, with all recipes shared online and a selection included in the Synod Assembly cookbook.
Read MoreBuilding relationships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS is one of the most important steps a congregation can take toward preparedness. When first responders already know your building and leadership, they can respond more quickly and effectively in an emergency.
This article offers simple, practical ways to begin those relationships and invites congregations to take a first step as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s ongoing 2026 security and preparedness series.
Read MoreThis Lent, individuals and congregations across ELCA Region 2, including the Grand Canyon Synod, are invited to participate in the “Lord, When Did We See You?” Lenten Challenge, a set of simple daily practices rooted in Matthew 25. The toolkit offers intergenerational activities that connect prayer, worship, advocacy, and daily acts of compassion.
Participants are also encouraged to support ELCA World Hunger using Appeal Code R2LENT2026, or donate to ELCA World Hunger here. Explore the toolkit and join the challenge: lentenchallenge.org/toolkit.
Read MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking a part-time Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator to nurture faith formation from nursery through fifth grade. This flexible, 15-hour-per-week position focuses on relationship-building, volunteer coordination, and family-centered ministry. Resumes should be sent to info@kogaz.org. View job description in PDF.
Read MoreAt its March meeting in Itasca, Illinois, the ELCA Conference of Bishops elected the Rev. Deborah Hutterer, bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, as chair, with the Rev. Greg Busboom elected vice chair. Their terms begin July 1, 2026, and will serve the conference of 65 synod bishops along with the presiding bishop and secretary.
During the meeting, bishops also discussed the future of theological education, updates to the ELCA candidacy process, and financial challenges facing the churchwide organization. Bishop Hutterer reflected on the gathering as a reminder that the ministry of bishops is deeply relational, strengthened through worship, prayer, and shared listening. Read the full ELCA news release.
Read MoreBarriers to voting for people with disabilities have existed for a long time. Federal laws helped address some of the challenges by setting accessibility requirements and reinforcing voter rights.
In our latest blog, read how a fundamental piece of the puzzle that doesn’t require new laws or regulations—the support to vote— helped Nathan cast his ballot. The post The Right Support Can Help People with Disabilities Vote appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 11–13, 2026, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story.” Early bird voting member registration is $140 through April 13 ($160 through May 18). Visitors and exhibitors register for $80. Congregations may send one youth or young adult voting member free using code YOUTH2026. Visit gcsynod.org/assembly for full details and to register.
Read MoreELCA pastor and indie-pop songwriter Jonathan Rundman will visit Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, AZ, March 21–22, 2026. Rundman will provide music during worship on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., and will present a community concert at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, open to all with a freewill offering.
A Luther Seminary graduate and Pastor of Worship and Music at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Minnesota, Rundman blends thoughtful lyrics, indie-pop sounds, and Nordic folk influences. His visit offers a unique opportunity to experience music ministry that bridges worship, storytelling, and live performance.
Read MoreJusta Center in Phoenix is seeking a Program Director to provide leadership for programs serving adults age 55 and older experiencing homelessness. The role oversees initiatives such as Path to Housing, Transitional Housing, and Veterans services while coordinating with healthcare, housing, and community partners to support older adults in moving toward stability and permanent housing.
Founded in 2006, Justa Center is the only day center in the Phoenix metro area dedicated exclusively to seniors experiencing homelessness. Qualified candidates with human services leadership experience and a passion for serving vulnerable populations are encouraged to apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to dean@justacenter.org.
Read MoreIn this latest Pivot podcast, what do the growing numbers of religious nones reveal about the Americans sitting just outside your church doors?
Read MoreYouth in grades 7–12 from ELCA congregations across the Valley are invited to a Youth Community Event on Sunday, March 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The evening will include games, food, and fellowship, bringing together youth from multiple congregations including Esperanza and Desert Cross.
Additional churches are welcome to join. Congregations interested in participating can contact Deacon Laura Book (lbook@gcsynod.org) for details.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is inviting congregations and individuals to contribute recipes for Rooted at the Table, a shared recipe project connected with the 2026 Synod Assembly. Recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in a printed cookbook.
Submit a favorite dish from your congregation, family, or culture by May 1, 2026, and help celebrate the many traditions that shape life across our synod.
Read MoreThe 2026 Lenten Challenge invites individuals and congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod to join four other ELCA Region 2 synods in raising $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger during Lent. Participants commit to three of four spiritual practices—devotions, learning, action, and donation—using a Matthew 25–centered toolkit.
Everyone is welcome to participate, with a shared goal of engaging at least one person from 50 congregations per synod. Sign up, invite others, and live out Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” this Lent.
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert supporting a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, along with upcoming advocacy opportunities including the LAMA Liaison Roundtable (March 16) and Interfaith Day at the Capitol (March 25).
The update also includes legislative resources, hunger advocacy opportunities, and ELCA statements on peace and justice. Read the full LAMA newsletter to learn more and take action.
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