Next week, the Office of the Bishop staff will be engaged in candidacy work, preaching and leading worship, supporting conference gatherings and ministry conversations, and preparing for synod assembly and upcoming events. Alongside this, the team will continue core operations including communications, financial reporting and audit support, governance participation, and strategic planning for congregations and synod leadership.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Adele Resmer, Ascension, Scottsdale, who celebrates 39 years on April 5.
Read MoreCongregations are now preparing voting members for the 2026 Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa). In addition to standard representation, each congregation may elect two additional members: one youth or young adult and one person of color or primary language other than English, helping reflect the diversity of God’s people.
Thanks to the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, congregations can also send one youth or young adult for free using code YOUTH2026. Now is the time to identify leaders, broaden participation, and ensure your congregation’s voice is part of the synod’s shared work.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2026 Synod Assembly. Workshops are one-hour sessions designed to equip rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical tools, theological insights, and ministry resources aligned with this year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story.”
Proposals must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2026, with presenters notified by mid-April. Submit your workshop title, description, audience, presenter information, and technology needs through the synod’s online proposal form.
Read MoreFaith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Beginning with a new fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle, the service moves through scripture, song, and sacrament, culminating in the first Eucharist of Easter, the affirmation of baptism, and the welcome of new members.
Held at 801 E Camelback Rd, this powerful and ancient liturgy proclaims the resurrection story in full, inviting all into the hope and promise of new life in Christ.
Read MoreThe Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund is now in its fourth year, having awarded $16,000 to students across the synod since its launch in 2023. Open to ELCA members pursuing higher education or certification programs, the fund supports both academic goals and faith formation, with recipients highlighting its impact on belonging, purpose, and community connection.
Applications are open to eligible students, and contributions can be made through the Arizona Community Foundation. To learn more, apply, or support the fund, visit azfoundation.org or contact Grace Lutheran Church directly.
Read MoreA simple walk-through of your building and grounds is one of the easiest and most effective steps a congregation can take toward safety and preparedness. By paying attention to lighting, entrances, exits, and visibility, congregations can identify small changes that make a big difference.
This article offers practical guidance for conducting a 30–45 minute walk-through and invites congregations to take this next step as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security and preparedness series.
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 MoreWe come to Easter this year in a world that feels, in many ways, unsettled—marked by uncertainty, division, and deep longing. And yet, this is not new territory for God’s people.
Jesus lived, spoke, and moved among communities facing turmoil, oppression, and fear. Into that very reality, he proclaimed good news. Into that very reality, he brought healing, hope, and ultimately resurrection.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, April 3, for Good Friday. We pause to remember Christ’s sacrifice and pray for hearts open to the hope of resurrection.
Read MoreMountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to “The Way of the Cross: A Time of Meditation and Prayer”on Friday, April 3 (7 AM–6 PM, closed 12–1 PM). This self-guided experience features seven stations with artwork, Scripture, meditation, and prayer, inviting participants to walk alongside Jesus while reflecting on both Christ’s suffering and the realities of life today.
Open to all, this Holy Week opportunity offers space to pause, pray, and consider where we find ourselves in God’s story—bringing our burdens before Christ and encountering his presence along the way.
Read MoreSmall and rural congregations are invited to apply for the Faith Forward program, a grant-funded initiative that equips parents, grandparents, and faith mentors to nurture faith in children through everyday practices. The program begins with a two-day training at Grand View University in May, followed by a year of learning and experimentation with practical faith formation tools.
Thanks to funding from the Lilly Endowment, transportation, housing, meals, and a small congregational implementation grant are covered. Congregations located in towns under 10,000 or worshiping fewer than 100 people are especially encouraged to apply. Learn more at grandview.edu/faith-forward.
Read MoreMarch is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and this year’s campaign highlights that people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities and always will be. Promoting accessibility online is one way we can acknowledge that truth and ensure they're included. Here are 5 easy ways you can make your social media accessible.
The post 5 Ways to Create Accessible Social Media appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn this latest Pivot podcast, we find the loneliness epidemic has deep roots. Dwight Zscheile and Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski explore why.
Read MoreThe ELCA has released a new video, Heart of the Community, featuring the ministry of Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM). The video highlights NELM’s deep relationships, community presence, and faithful witness on the Navajo Nation.
Read MoreA Sohmer console piano in excellent condition is available at no cost to a congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod. Located near 39th Ave. and Northern in Phoenix, the piano is ready for pickup and could support worship and music ministry.
Interested congregations should contact Richard Haaland directly at richahaa@yahoo.com or 602-300-4605.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest invites you to a live webinar, Supporting Refugees in a Time of Uncertainty, on Wednesday, April 1 from 11:30am–1:00pm (AZ Time) via Zoom. Learn about current resettlement realities, challenges refugees face, and practical ways to respond faithfully in your community.
Featuring guest speaker Valentina Restrepo-Montoya of ALWAYS, this conversation will equip individuals and congregations with timely insight and actionable next steps. Submit questions in advance when you register and join this important conversation.
Read MoreThe 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 includes a critical health care Action Alert (including HCR2056), along with opportunities to engage in advocacy, hunger ministry collaboration, voting rights efforts, and interfaith public witness.
Stay informed, take action, and live out our call to justice. Read and share the full LAMA newsletter.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table recipe project invites you to share a dish that reflects your culture, community, and context—from Arizona and southern Nevada to St. George and the Navajo Nation. All recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in a printed cookbook for the 2026 Synod Assembly.
Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 and help create a collection that reflects the full flavor and diversity of our synod.
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