Next week, the Office of the Bishop will support ministry candidates and congregational vitality, connect with ministry partners and donors, and advance Mission Support planning, grant preparation, communications and daily operations. Bishop Hutterer will be on vacation as staff continue serving congregations and leaders across the synod.
Read MoreFlood damage now affects most buildings at Navajo Lutheran Mission/House of Prayer, where staff continue providing meals, supplies and essential transportation to Rock Point neighbors. Financial gifts are needed most; Amazon deliveries are the best way to send requested supplies while receiving visitors remains difficult. See additional photos, review immediate needs and give through the Mission’s website.
Read MorePreparation is faithful stewardship. LAMA’s new eight-page guide helps congregations plan for election-related disruption through trusted communication, care for neighbors and clear response roles. Begin with a 20-minute readiness checklist or gather leaders for a fuller discussion grounded in Lutheran faith. Read more and download the guide.
Read MoreLAMA’s latest newsletter offers timely Arizona ballot-return guidance, a bilingual voter guide, upcoming interfaith gatherings and resources for congregations preparing for election-related disruption. You’ll also find Advent and giving resources, advocacy opportunities and an invitation to offer feedback on the ELCA’s homelessness social message by November 30. Read the full newsletter and find ways to put faith into action.
Read MoreCelebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Grand Canyon Synod January 17, 2027, at 3 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe. Singers can sign up now for the celebration choir, with rehearsals beginning January 7 and Gospel music coaching from LaRiche Lamar. Offerings will support four ministries of justice and neighbor-love. Learn more and sign up to sing.
Read MoreSave the date! The 2027 Bishop’s Fall Gathering is October 18–20 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, with First Call gathering continuing October 21. Set aside time for worship, learning and connection with synod colleagues. Registration and program details will follow.
Read MoreFor the Common Good: Prayers and Resources for Congregations in Public Life offers Lutheran theological grounding, worship materials and practical ideas for faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement during the fall 2026 election season.
Pastors, deacons, worship planners, councils and advocacy teams are invited to download the resource and adapt its hymns, intercessions, prayer services and other tools for communities across the Grand Canyon Synod. Help your congregation respond to anxiety and division with prayer, truthful discernment, humility and love of neighbor.
Read MoreNevada early voting ends October 30; Election Day is November 3. Explore LEAN’s October 23 newsletter for Nevada and Utah voter guides, explanations of local races, and resources connecting faith and civic life. Some reminders are dated—check current official guidance as you finalize your voting plan.
Read MoreWhat holds the church together amid deep disagreement? This 23-minute Learn and Discern episode explores the roots of differing convictions and our shared grounding in Christ’s Gospel, offering encouragement for honest conversation about the ELCA’s sexuality social statement.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Verónica Alvarez, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 4 years on October 30.
Rev. Brian Ward, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 16 years on October 31.
Deacon Katherine Kline, who celebrates 6 years on October 31.
Rev. Thaddeus Book, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 17 years on November 1.
Deacon Anada Guse, who celebrates 36 years on November 4.
Rev. Conrad Braaten, Spirit of Joy, Clarkdale, who celebrates 54 years on November 5.
As we remember the saints who shaped our lives, consider a gift that honors their influence. Explore ways to celebrate a loved one or mentor while supporting your congregation, the Grand Canyon Synod, or another cherished ELCA ministry.
Read MoreGod is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.
Read MoreA new Rostered Minister Profile portal is scheduled to launch January 11. Pastors and deacons should download their existing RMPs by January 10; profiles will not transfer to the new system. Training is planned for November, with recordings and supporting resources to follow.
Read MoreLilly Endowment’s Serving Neighbors initiative offers planning grants up to $50,000 and, by invitation, implementation grants up to $5 million to strengthen congregation–community partnerships. Concept papers are due January 19, 2027, with virtual information sessions November 2 and 3. Eligible organizations supporting groups of congregations may apply; individual congregations seeking funds for their own programs are not eligible. Explore the opportunity and registration details.
Read MoreElection Day is Tuesday, November 3. Nevada early voting and Navajo Nation in-person absentee voting end October 30. Arizona voters should use an official ballot drop-off location after October 27; Arizona and Utah ballots must arrive by their Election Day deadlines. Read our final nonpartisan guide, confirm your voting plan, and make your voice heard.
Read MoreMake Your Mark! Students in grades 8–12 are invited to the CRC Fall Retreat November 13–15, 2026, at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Explore faith through the stories of Esther, Moses, and David and Goliath, with games, service, worship, and friendship. Cost: $50 plus transportation. Register and pay by October 26.
Read MoreAll God’s critters are welcome! Join Deacon Emma for a Blessing of the Pets on Saturday, October 31, at 9 a.m. in Memorial Plaza at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N. 1st Ave., Oro Valley. Celebrate God’s creation with a special blessing for animals and their human families.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Pastor Edrin Williams on discipleship in a black-led, multi-ethnic church in North Minneapolis, and the people still forming him as a pastor.
Read MoreIn the coming week, the Office of the Bishop staff will connect with congregations and ministry leaders, support faith formation and youth ministry, and advance generosity and mission support efforts. The team will also maintain synod communications and complete financial work, while Theresa Thornburgh is on vacation.
We also share a photo from our First Call event after the Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
Read MoreLAMA’s October 20 newsletter highlights census comments due November 2, a sacred lands sign-on letter due October 22, and Daily Bread Grant applications closing October 21. Find Arizona voting resources, election protection training, interfaith celebrations, and hunger ministry connections. Read the full newsletter for details and ways to participate.
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