In the latest Pivot podcast, why is Christian community so hard to cultivate right now? Dwight Zscheile continues his conversation with Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski.
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With a special needs trust, you can remember your loved one with a disability in your estate to secure their financial future and protect their ability to continue receiving the Medicaid-funded services they rely on.
The post Plan for Your Child with a Disability’s Financial Security When You’re Gone appeared first on Mosaic.
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Next week, synod staff will be engaged in the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering in Las Vegas, alongside preaching, First Call Accompaniment, youth leadership, and key meetings with congregations and leaders. Additional work includes anniversary celebrations, stewardship planning, assembly and communications prep, audit and finance tasks, and ongoing administrative responsibilities.
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Every congregation has that one dish—the recipe that shows up at every potluck, from Jell-O salads to funeral potatoes and church basement favorites. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share the recipe that defines your community.
Submit your potluck classic by May 1, 2026. All recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in the Synod Assembly cookbook.
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Arizona Faith Network is offering a full slate of April opportunities—from poll chaplain training and immigration advocacy gatherings to interfaith dialogue and community health events. With both online and in-person options, these events equip faith communities to engage in justice, care, and public witness across Arizona.
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LAMA’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert opposing the SAVE America Act, along with upcoming events on immigration, voting rights, and public witness. Additional updates include legislative news, advocacy opportunities, and ways to stay engaged across Arizona.
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As the 2026 Synod Assembly (June 11–13) approaches, congregations and ministry partners across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to participate in multiple ways—whether attending or not. Opportunities include submitting ministry stories (due May 8), contributing recipes for Rooted at the Table (due May 1), proposing Variety Show acts (due April 27), leading workshops (due April 6), and joining the synod-wide offering supporting the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.
Rooted in the theme “Rooted in God’s Story,” these opportunities invite the whole synod to share gifts, tell stories of faith, and participate in God’s work—locally and globally.
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Join the first SYAT Collective gathering on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 PM to prepare for summer camp. This Zoom session will cover registration, what to expect, how to prepare students and families, and insights from leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod.
Whether you’re new or experienced, this practical session will help you feel confident heading into camp season. Register now and start the summer strong.
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The Grand Canyon Synod’s Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) is launching The SYAT Collective, a new monthly Zoom gathering for those serving in next generation ministry. Open to staff and volunteers working with children, youth, and young adults, the Collective offers practical training, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection.
Meeting monthly on Thursdays at alternating times, each session will focus on real ministry topics like camp preparation, event planning, and supporting young people through life’s challenges. Join this new space to learn, ask questions, and connect—because we are better when we lead together.
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Pastor Bill Dowling died March 31, 2026. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held Friday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow and a livestream available.
Those wishing to send condolences may contact the synod office for details. Please keep Pastor Dowling’s family and all who mourn in your prayers, trusting in the promise of resurrection in Christ.
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More than 400 participants across ELCA Region 2 joined this year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, reflecting on Matthew 25 and responding through prayer, devotion, and generosity. The online giving portal for ELCA World Hunger remains open through May 31, offering continued opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate.
Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. Donate online or give by check using Appeal Code R2LENT2026 as this shared Lenten witness continues beyond the season.
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Spring is a great time to get active, try something new, and build habits that support your well-being. Breathing fresh air, looking for signs of growth, and praying for our planet is a great way to give thanks for creation. Want to go the extra mile? ELCA-Primary health benefit members can explore Burnalong classes designed to help your wellness goals bloom. Check out the April calendar.
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Starting April 1, ELCA Health Plan members may notice a refreshed experience on the Quantum Health Care Coordinators website and app — including an enhanced provider search designed to make finding high-quality care easier. Contact a Care Coordinator forhelp navigating care, resolving claims and billing issues, and confirming your provider or clinic are in-network.
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Tying up receipts and loose ends? ELCA Health Plan members have until April 30 to submit 2025 claims for reimbursement from your health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). Submit 2025 claims to Further (and 2026 claims to HealthEquity). Not sure what qualifies as an eligible health care expense? This guide can help.
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Clergy and ministry leaders are invited to a timely online gathering on Tuesday, April 14 (11:00 AM–12:30 PM) hosted by BJC and Christians Against Christian Nationalism. This Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint will focus on urgent issues at the intersection of immigration and religious freedom, offering conversation, leadership insight, and a call to action.
Designed to equip pastors for faithful leadership in a critical moment, the gathering will explore responses to immigration enforcement, support for mixed-status families, and ways to lead with clarity and courage. Register now and share with fellow leaders.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Lowell Nelson, who celebrates 15 years on April 10.
Rev. Charles Newman, King of Glory, Tempe, who celebrates 21 years on April 15.
Registration is now open for Leadership Lab 2026, a week-long youth and leadership formation experience taking place June 22–27 at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Participants explore leadership for church and community through hands-on learning, worship, and shared faith experiences grounded in the promise of Joel 2:28: “your young shall see visions.”
The registration cost is $420 per person, with lodging, meals, and a T-shirt included. Discounts are available for returning participants, first-time congregations, and groups bringing multiple students. Registration increases by $50 after April 15, so congregations are encouraged to register early.
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The Grand Canyon Synod has begun introducing a question at the 2026 Spring Gatherings: whether to enter a process to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Synod. This is not a vote, but the beginning of a listening and discernment process that could lead to a year of education and conversation ahead of a potential 2027 Assembly vote.
All are invited to share questions, concerns, and hopes to help shape this process. Learn more and participate at gcsynod.org/ric.
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Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis will lead Belonging: Five Keys to Unlocking Your Potential as a Disciple on Saturday, April 11 (1:00–4:00 PM) at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Centered on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4), this free event invites participants to explore discipleship “from wonder to witness.” Registration is required by April 6 at lwlcaz.org/nevcevent/. Reception to follow. Watch a welcoming video from Karoline Lewis here.
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Campformation 2026 will take place June 29–July 3 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, Arizona, welcoming youth entering grades 6–10 for a week of faith formation, outdoor adventure, and community. Congregations from across our synod gather each summer for this long-standing Lutheran outdoor ministry tradition.
With more than 60 years of history, Campformation combines worship, small-group faith exploration, and activities like zip lining, hiking, swimming, and ropes courses. Learn more and register at lutherancampformation.com.
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