Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 52 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 56 years on June 15.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 61 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, who celebrates 27 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 44 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 61 years on June 14.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Harold Aasland, who celebrates 71 years on June 13.
Read More
In observance of the 10th anniversary of the tragic shooting of nine martyrs at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Bishop Eaton calls on us to “lament the wounds of the sin of racism that sow seeds of fear, division, and hatred. Remembering the nine murders in Charleston is a commitment that our church must never forget. As the ELCA, our story is forever bound to the story, people, and community of Mother Emanuel AME. They are us, and we are them.” Watch the video here, download: https://bit.ly/4dXdmrx
Read More
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a strong statement condemning the recent attack on Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, a facility closely linked to the Lutheran World Federation through its partnership with Augusta Victoria Hospital. The ELCA joins its ecumenical partners in calling for accountability, an immediate ceasefire, and protection for all medical facilities under international law. We stand in prayerful solidarity with the injured, the grieving, and all who serve in places of healing. Click here to read the full statement.
Read More
Join BJC, Bread for the World, and NETWORK for a live webinar on Monday, June 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET to learn how the “Big Beautiful Bill” could harm education, health care, and food assistance—and how you can take faithful action. This 45-minute event includes expert speakers, Q&A, and practical steps for advocacy. Register now to receive your Zoom link.
Read More
A full week of interfaith learning and service lies ahead, with online and in-person opportunities from Arizona Faith Network. Highlights include a Bolivian youth-led climate presentation, an Islamic perspective on science and faith, election protection volunteer training, heat relief packing events, and more. Read the full AFN newsletter and RSVP for events at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read More
World-class organists will perform across the Phoenix area June 16–19 in a series of free recitals presented by the American Guild of Organists. Several Lutheran churches are among the venues. No tickets required; freewill offerings encouraged. Full schedule at phxago2025.org. View PDF here.
Read More
Celebrate the 2025 Diakonia graduates (view grads in this PDF) with us on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM MST at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson, or online via YouTube. This joyful service and luncheon, featuring a message from Bishop Hutterer, honors those completing one or two years of faith formation through the Diakonia program. RSVP by June 15 to tinag963@yahoo.com or watch the livestream.
Read More
The 2024–2025 Impact Report highlights how your support empowers ministry across our synod. From guiding congregations in transition to nurturing new leaders, advocating for justice, and forming faith in young people, your generosity fuels a church that walks together. Discover how we Communicate Jesus, Connect People, and Create Possibilities.
Read More
The Office of the Bishop celebrates our synod at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, takes a bit of time off, and gets right back to it in the coming days. We also share photos from the Ordination and Installation of Jarrod Iversen at Central Lutheran in Arizona City.
Read More
Bishop Eaton shares her message for our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.
Read More
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on June 12.
Rev. Bernard Carl, who celebrates 48 years on June 12.
Rev. Lois Shuart, who celebrates 32 years on June 12.
Rev. Neal Snider, who celebrates 65 years on June 12.
Rev. Scott Klimke, American, Sun City, who celebrates 21 years on June 12.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carl Jensen, who celebrates 53 years on June 11.
Rev. James Slater, who celebrates 47 years on June 11.
Rev. Karl Guhn, Trinity, Phoenix, who celebrates 43 years on June 11.
The Rev. Kevin L. Strickland has been reelected to a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, receiving 224 votes on the first ballot during the synod assembly in Columbus, Georgia. Strickland, a former ELCA executive for worship, continues to serve a region spanning Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. To learn more about Bishop Strickland’s reelection and background, click here.
Read More
The Rev. William “Bill” Tesch has been reelected to a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA’s Northwestern Minnesota Synod. The vote took place May 31 during the synod assembly at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., with Tesch receiving 263 votes on the first ballot—meeting the 75% threshold. Tesch has served as bishop since 2019 and brings decades of ministry and mission experience. To read more about his reelection and service history, click here.
Read More
The Rev. Yehiel Curry has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod. The vote took place May 30 at the synod assembly in St. Charles, Illinois, where Curry was elected on the third ballot with 265 votes. A graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Curry brings years of pastoral and mission experience to this continued role of leadership. To read the full ELCA news release, click here.
Read More
Our final Jesus, Church, and Me gallery features expressive, moving art by teens ages 13–18. Their work, part of our lead-up to the 2025 Synod Assembly, reveals a depth of faith and insight that inspires us all.
Read More
Children ages 9–12 offer creative and thoughtful reflections on Jesus, church, and community in this third installment of our synod-wide Jesus, Church, and Me art project. Their work will be shared at Synod Assembly and as commemorative postcards.
Read More
Explore how children ages 6 to 8 across the Grand Canyon Synod depict Jesus, church, and community in bold, faith-filled art. Part of our Jesus, Church, and Me series leading up to the 2025 Synod Assembly. View the full gallery and be inspired.
Read More