This week’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter features an urgent Farm Bill action alert, opportunities to advocate around hunger and immigration, updates on extreme heat relief and Oak Flat, and upcoming events focused on justice, creation care, and faithful civic engagement.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop is preparing for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly while continuing ministry across the synod, including the Installation of Rev. Patsy Koeneke at Epiphany of Christ in Apache Junction (June 7, 2026, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM), congregational leadership, faith formation, and ongoing support for congregations and ministry partners.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Joseph Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 27 years on June 4.
Rev. Floyd Anderson, who celebrates 65 years on June 4.
Rev. Keith Hardy, who celebrates 47 years on June 4.
Rev. Maria Valenzuela, who celebrates 37 years on June 4.
The timeline and full agenda for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa) are now available. Highlights include opening worship with Bishop Hutterer, keynote leadership from Rev. Tim Brown, workshops, assembly business, and a Friday evening variety show.
Participants are encouraged to review the full schedule in advance and plan for key moments including voting, workshops, and worship. View the complete agenda and begin preparing for our time together as a synod rooted in God’s story.
Read MoreWorkshops 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.
Read MoreJoin the 2026 Synod Assembly service project on Thursday, June 11 (2:00–5:00 pm) as we pack 800 pounds of rice and 800 pounds of beans for the West Valley Community Food Pantry and First Place Community Center Food Bank. This hands-on project invites all participants to serve together, with the food blessed during closing worship.
You can also support the effort financially—$5 provides food for 5 families. Give online via Tithe.ly, by Zelle, or by check. Together, we share daily bread and live out our call to serve our neighbors.
Read MoreLutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson is seeking a Part-Time Music Ministry Leader to support worship, choir leadership, and congregational music ministry. The flexible position is envisioned at approximately 20 hours per week, with compensation around $30,000 annually, and applicants with strengths in organ, piano, or choir direction are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.
Read MoreWe share a video of 2026 Assembly Greetings from Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, Pastor President of the Mexican Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Mexicana, ILM).
Read MoreAs we gather for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, be sure to visit the exhibitor area and connect with ministry partners serving across the church and world. From camps and seminaries to advocacy, mission, youth, and congregational ministries, our exhibitors help strengthen and build up the body of Christ in countless ways.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Congregations in Transition Team reports both challenge and hope as congregations across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation continue discerning new leadership. Even amid a shortage of rostered ministers, the synod celebrates newly called leaders, active call processes, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in congregations moving boldly into the future. Read the report here.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest shares Ramon Miranda’s story, who feels LSS-SW is part of his family as they provide home care for him and his wife. Watch the story here.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 47 years on June 3.
Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 19 years on June 3.
Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 53 years on June 3.
Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 64 years on June 3.
Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 47 years on June 3.
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. View the Proposed Mission Plan for 2027–2028 here as a PDF. 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.
Read MoreBette Bieber shares a classic cherry cheesecake recipe with a homemade cookie crust and creamy cherry topping—a simple dessert tradition worth passing along.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 26 years on June 2.
Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.
Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 52 years on June 2.
Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 63 years on June 2.
Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 26 years on June 2.
Bette Bieber shares a pumpkin bread recipe so beloved it was “worn out” from repeated use. A comforting favorite made for sharing with family and friends.
Read MoreBrian Flatgard, Director of Communications, will take a sabbatical from June 27–August 9, 2026, spending most of the time in Japan with family, friends, and periods of exploration and renewal. Weekly newsletters, blog posts, and Facebook updates will continue during this time, though at a lighter pace.
Please submit any news, events, or announcements for summer communications by June 15 whenever possible. The synod has continuity and crisis communication plans in place, and regular communication with rostered leaders through the Office of the Bishop will continue as needed.
Read MoreRev. Jacqueline Pagel, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation, will take a sabbatical from June 14–September 14, 2026, for a season of travel, family time, and renewal. The Office of the Bishop has plans, designated staff, and clear processes in place to ensure candidacy, leadership development, and faith formation ministries continue smoothly during her absence.
As a synod, we give thanks for the gift of sabbath and for leaders who return refreshed for ministry. We look forward to welcoming Pastor Jacqui back this fall, renewed and ready to continue building up leaders for the church.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 18 years on June 1.
Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Chandler, who celebrates 18 years on June 1.
Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 42 years on June 1.
Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 68 years on June 1.
Deacon Ellen Schnack, who celebrates 35 years on June 1.
Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church on June 14 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman, Diana Lee, and Steven Powell. As the congregation serves nearly 300 families weekly through its food closet, this “Music for Food” ministry continues to respond to growing hunger across Arizona.
Come for worship, live jazz, and fellowship—and support neighbors in need through this ongoing ministry.
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