In his first year as Vice President of the Grand Canyon Synod, synod leadership focused on four priorities: congregational vitality, Reconciling in Christ discernment, storytelling, and increasing youth participation in synod life. The report reflects on progress made, partnerships strengthened, and the shared ministry shaping the future of the synod while honoring leaders whose faithful service is deeply missed.
Read MoreFor nearly a decade in the Grand Canyon Synod, the Growing in Faith: Diakonia Program has equipped lay leaders through theological education, spiritual formation, and vocational discernment. With registration now open for the 2026–2027 course year, upcoming retreats, graduate celebrations, and expanded opportunities for Synodically Authorized Ministers, the ministry continues to nurture disciples for service in Christ’s church.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team continues to strengthen relationships across borders through companion synod partnerships in Senegal and Mexico, support for the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, and global ministries rooted in accompaniment. From funding school supplies and water access to walking alongside migrant ministries and young adults in service, discover how our synod participates in God’s work around the world. View this report as a PDF.
Read MoreSince selling its church property in 2021, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church has embraced creative new ways of sharing the gospel. Through Mobile Ministry, Mission Coffee & Tea, and the newly launched Southeast Valley Children’s Choir, the congregation is building relationships, serving neighbors, and creating welcoming spaces rooted in hospitality, connection, and Christ’s love. View this report as a PDF or in our blog post.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 62 years on May 26.
Read MoreWhen a longtime rummage sale ended during the pandemic, members of Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson reimagined what ministry could look like. Today, Household Blessings collects and redistributes donated household goods, clothing, linens, furniture, and children’s items to 56 local agencies serving veterans, refugees, families in crisis, unhoused neighbors, and more. Discover how one congregation is turning everyday essentials into tangible expressions of Christ’s love.
Read MoreKathye Hamm shares a waffle recipe connected to birthdays, holidays, and joyful family memories. Sweet or savory, waffles became a lasting symbol of togetherness.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 57 years on May 25.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 63 years on May 24.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy’s spring state update includes Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, a ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod, highlighting work around food insecurity, voting, health care, housing, immigration and public witness at the Arizona Capitol. Read the full advocacy roundup.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 71 years on May 23.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest has named Bobby Ghisolfo as its new President and CEO, beginning July 13. Ghisolfo brings more than 25 years of nonprofit and executive leadership experience and will overlap with outgoing CEO Connie Phillips through July as part of a thoughtful transition after her 11 years of faithful service.
In his introduction, Ghisolfo emphasized Christ-centered leadership, compassion, and collaboration as central to LSS-SW’s mission. A celebration honoring the transition is being planned, with details to come.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Lois Malcolm argues that the miracle of Pentecost is not primarily about what the disciples felt. It's about where they went.
Read MoreYoung people who transition to adult services at 21 and their family members often come to Mosaic with many questions. While helping guide them, a critical question Mosaic asks drives the next steps. Learn what that question is here.
Read MoreLiving Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale is collecting new and gently used books from April 6 through June 30, 2026. Donations for readers of all ages—including children’s books, early readers, youth and adult books, cookbooks, and recipe magazines—may be dropped off at 9201 E. Happy Valley Road, Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The drive aims to expand access to reading materials across the Phoenix area and help place books into homes where they are needed most. Donations must be in good condition, with no rips, tears, or markings.
Read MoreRev. Patsy Koeneke will be installed Sunday, 6/7/2025, at 9:30 am at Epiphany of Christ Lutheran (1050 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ 85120). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook and on YouTube. Everyone is welcome to stay for fellowship after the service.
Read MoreThis week’s LAMA newsletter includes an Arizona election action alert, anti-hunger and immigration-related events, cooling center resources, advocacy updates, and opportunities for congregations to engage faithfully in public life. Explore highlights from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona and read the full newsletter for ways to stay informed and advocate for neighbors across our communities.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter includes updates on cooling center funding, interfaith dialogue, democracy and voting efforts, community safety, healing practices, creation care, and opportunities to support vulnerable neighbors during Arizona’s extreme heat season. Explore this week’s highlights and read the full newsletter to learn how faith communities are engaging the common good across Arizona.
Read MoreNext week, the Office of the Bishop will continue preparations for Synod Assembly through planning, meetings, and behind-the-scenes coordination, while also supporting candidacy, mission planning, worship partnerships, communications, finance, and upcoming synod events. Bishop Deborah Hutterer and staff will remain engaged in conversations, presentations, and administrative work to support congregations and ministries across the synod.
Read MoreSolveig Muus shares her famous chicken fajitas recipe—a meal deeply connected to hospitality, friendship, and the joy of gathering people around the table.
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