It’s Autism Acceptance Month, and Denise McMillen, mother of a son with autism, shares insights she has learned over the years.
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After witnessing a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace led by Buddhist monks, the Rev. Kristen Glass Perez reflects on how peace is not passive—but practiced. Connecting interfaith experience with Christian traditions like the Sharing of the Peace and the Emmaus story, this article calls readers to live out peace intentionally in a divided and fast-moving world. Continue reading at Bold Café.
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In this Bold Café reflection, Karris Golden explores what it means to choose happiness even in life’s most difficult seasons. Drawing on personal experience, Scripture, and daily practices of gratitude, she reframes happiness not as a destination, but as a way of living rooted in faith. With thoughtful questions and a closing prayer, this piece invites readers to reflect deeply on joy, resilience, and God’s abiding peace. Read more at Bold Café.
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Arizona Faith Network’s latest update includes upcoming interfaith events, advocacy opportunities, and community initiatives—from sacred space visits and media training to heat relief efforts and immigration advocacy. These gatherings offer meaningful ways to connect faith with action across Arizona.
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LAMA’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent Farm Bill vote that could significantly impact SNAP and hunger programs, along with action alerts and advocacy resources from the ELCA. The update also includes upcoming events, grant opportunities, and Bishop Hutterer’s recent op-ed on food access in Arizona.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Melissa Harr, who celebrates 15 years on May 1.
Deacon Don Burgess, who celebrates 21 years on May 1.
Deacon Emma Janzen, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 1 year on May 3.
Next week, the Office of the Bishop staff will be engaged in a wide range of ministry—from international visits and leadership development to storytelling for Synod Assembly, administrative support, and ongoing communications. Alongside this work, the team continues preparations for upcoming events, financial reporting, and key synod initiatives while also taking time for renewal and rest.
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Mosaic continues to empower individuals with disabilities to live full, independent lives across the Grand Canyon Synod. Through direct support, advocacy, and inclusive worship initiatives, Mosaic’s work multiplies good across families, congregations, and communities. Read their 2026 Assembly report.
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May 7 at 10:00am (Zoom): The SYAT Collective invites youth ministry leaders to a practical session on preparing for summer trips. Learn how to set behavior expectations, manage group dynamics, and connect with others across the synod. Register here.
Open to both new and experienced leaders, this gathering offers tools, shared wisdom, and encouragement for guiding young people in meaningful, faith-filled summer experiences. Register now to join.
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Workshops for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now set. On Friday, June 12, participants can choose from two sessions featuring topics like AI in ministry, youth voices, congregational safety, conflict resolution, and more—led by presenters from across the synod.
Review the full workshop lineup, including presenters and room locations, and plan your afternoon of learning at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.
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The Grand Canyon Synod will present its Proposed 2027–2028 Mission Plan in two Zoom sessions on May 30 (9 AM) and June 2 (5 PM, Arizona/Nevada time). Participants will receive an early overview, ask questions, and help shape the future direction of synod ministry. A PDF will be available soon, and a recording will be provided for those unable to attend live.
Voting members will also have the opportunity to practice voting ahead of assembly. All are encouraged to participate and engage in this shared work of discernment.
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A limited number of discounted rooms are still available for the 2026 Synod Assembly at Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort in Mesa, with rates starting at $83/night. Reservations must be made by May 8, 2026, using the group code, and rooms are expected to fill quickly.
Additional nearby hotels in Mesa and Gilbert offer convenient options for attendees. Book early to secure your preferred lodging as we prepare to gather for worship, discernment, and shared ministry.
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As the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly approaches, congregations and ministries across the synod are invited to share stories of how God is at work in their communities. Submissions—including written reflections, photos, short videos, or audio—should be sent to Brian Flatgard by Friday, May 8, 2026. Learn how to share your story here.
Gathering under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story” (Psalm 78:4), the synod will highlight around 50 ministry stories through the assembly, blog, newsletter, and social media. This is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways God is working across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.
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The deadline for the Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table recipe project is almost here. All recipes will be shared online, with a curated selection included in the printed Synod Assembly cookbook.
Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 and be part of a collection that reflects the shared life, faith, and community of our synod.
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Young adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.
Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.
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Nominations are open for leadership roles to be elected at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, including Synod Secretary, council members, and committee positions. Any member in good standing may nominate themselves or others, with all forms due by May 4, 2026.
This is an invitation to prayerfully discern how God may be calling leaders to serve in the life of the synod. Learn more about open positions and submit nominations today. Learn more and submit a nomination.
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The Church Property Resource Hub is a new ELCA initiative offering tools, training, and shared wisdom to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully. Designed in response to real needs across the church, CPRH equips leaders to reimagine property as a resource for mission. Learn more about CPRH.
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With SNAP participation in Arizona dropping by nearly half in the past year, Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer calls attention to the real human impact behind the numbers and urges leaders to ensure access to food assistance as budget decisions are made.
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Camp ALOMA in Prescott is hiring Summer 2026 counselors (18+) for May 20–July 20, with flexible scheduling options. Training begins May 20, with camp running seven weeks starting May 31.
Staff receive pay, meals, and lodging while gaining leadership experience, growing in faith, and building lasting relationships. Learn more at campaloma.com or contact Leah, Camp Director, at office@campaloma.com or 928-778-1690.
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LEAN continues to mobilize Lutherans across Nevada for advocacy rooted in faith and justice. From legislative engagement to grassroots organizing, this ministry invites congregations to live out their faith publicly and boldly in service of their neighbors.
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