In the latest Pivot podcast, Reformation historian Mark Tranvik joins Terri Elton and Dwight Zscheile to talk about what Luther’s Small Catechism was meant to do.
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Celebrate the beginning of Advent with Lord of Life Lutheran Church’s Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along on Sunday, November 29, at 3 p.m. in Sun City West. Join the choirs and orchestra for beloved selections from Messiah, including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Sing along or simply enjoy the music! Wednesday rehearsals are open to all, and a freewill offering will support the event.
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Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer joins Arizona faith leaders in calling for a peaceful 2026 election grounded in human dignity and care for neighbors. Read the shared statement and watch the accompanying video for practical ways to encourage informed participation, protect voters and election workers, counter misinformation and practice peacemaking—before and after Election Day.
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Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features Vote Is Sacred gatherings in Tucson October 29 and Flagstaff November 3, plus opportunities for interfaith learning, peacebuilding and supporting seniors experiencing homelessness. Explore Diwali celebrations, a Psalms conversation and more. Read the full newsletter for dates, details and registration links.
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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.
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Flood 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.
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Preparation 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.
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LAMA’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.
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Celebrate 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.
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Save 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.
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For 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.
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Nevada 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.
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What 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.
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This 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.
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God 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.
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A 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.
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Lilly 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.
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Veterans are invited to a free Healing of Memories retreat November 20–22 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, from Friday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 2 p.m. The weekend offers reflection, compassionate listening, and support. Space is limited: contact Mike Wold at 651-687-9767 or michael_w_wold@msn.com. Please share with veterans in your congregation and community.
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Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at ThanksLiving Music Fest, beginning November 27 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Enjoy live music, meals, and fellowship while supporting its ministry of renewal and healing. Choose an on-site stay or individual concert-and-meal tickets. Explore options and register.
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