Michelle Reaban shares oatmeal craisin cookies first made by Grandma Thedens—cookies that became treasured reminders of encouragement and care during college years.
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VBS may be just around the corner, but how can congregations support young families throughout the year? Join the SYAT Collective on Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. Arizona MST for a Zoom conversation with pastor and author Kimberly Knowle-Zeller exploring practical, faith-filled ways to nurture young families beyond summer programming. Registration is now open.
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Summer ministry season is beginning across the Grand Canyon Synod, and SYAT is helping congregations prepare for safe, meaningful faith formation. From VBS and mission trips to Campformation, Leadership Lab, and the Western States Youth Gathering, young people will soon be growing in faith and community. Learn about Safe Gatherings screenings, SYAT’s monthly learning opportunities, and updated 2026 VBS resources.
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Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.
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In a year marked by uncertainty and growing need, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) continued equipping Lutherans across Arizona for faithful public witness rooted in justice, mercy, and neighbor love. From hunger advocacy and health care access to civic engagement, immigration, public schools, and Lutheran Day at the Legislature, LAMA partnered with congregations and advocates throughout the Grand Canyon Synod to bring faith into the public square in meaningful ways.
Read highlights from LAMA’s 2025–26 ministry year, including updates on the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network, congregational advocacy, legislative engagement, and new opportunities for faithful action. Read the full ministry report.
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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.
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For 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.
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The 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.
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Since 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.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 62 years on May 26.
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When 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.
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Kathye Hamm shares a waffle recipe connected to birthdays, holidays, and joyful family memories. Sweet or savory, waffles became a lasting symbol of togetherness.
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Join ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.
Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.
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ELCA congregations and ministries may already qualify for free or deeply discounted technology through platforms like Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits, and TechSoup. Learn how to access tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, email marketing discounts, and even grant opportunities—while stretching your ministry budget and strengthening communication.
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The Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team invites you to “Mastering Money: Budgeting, Planning, and Living Generously” on July 15, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM (AZ/NV). Presenter Duane Gilson of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church, Mesa, will share practical and faith-centered insights on budgeting, planning, and generous living. Register today for this free webinar.
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The FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 57 years on May 25.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 63 years on May 24.
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ELCA 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.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 71 years on May 23.
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