The Grand Canyon Synod welcomes Deacon Laura Book as the Project Manager of the Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT). With a rich history in youth and young adult ministry, Deacon Laura will support the synod office, build youth ministry connections, and enhance faith formation initiatives. Learn more about her inspiring journey and vision for the future of youth ministry.
Read MoreThe administration has issued an executive order temporarily pausing U.S. foreign aid, including vital nutrition programs that support millions globally. Domestic food programs such as SNAP and WIC may also be impacted, putting 48 million people at risk. Bread for the World urges immediate action—contact your members of Congress today to call for an end to this pause and to protect life-saving food assistance. Read more on the LAMAZ.org site about this action alert from our coalition partners at Bread for the World.
Read MoreRecent cuts to humanitarian parole and the suspension of refugee resettlement threaten the safety and future of countless families. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger and stand firm in our commitment to hope and hospitality. Refugees who have already arrived need our continued support—through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.
Learn how you can make a difference today and help keep the flame of hope alive in Arizona in this article from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, reprinted on the LAMAZ.org site.
Read MoreThe Medicaid program, crucial for millions, is at risk of deep cuts by new Congressional leadership. Lutheran Services in America invites Lutherans to advocate for Medicaid’s protection. Learn how your voice can make a difference in preserving this vital program serving children, families, and seniors.
Read MoreRev. Charles Newman will be installed at King of Glory Lutheran (2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282) on Sunday, 2/23/2025 at the 10:00 am worship service. Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on YouTube.
There will be a reception lunch to follow, which coincides with the 55th anniversary Celebration of King of Glory. Please RSVP. Rostered Ministers are invited but will not process or robe.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement expressing deep concern over recent immigration executive orders, highlighting their impact on families, faith communities, and service organizations. The ELCA reaffirms its long-standing commitment to welcoming immigrants and calls for prayer, learning, personal witness, and public advocacy. Resources, including a webinar on January 30, are available to equip Lutherans to respond faithfully. Read more on how the Grand Canyon Synod can stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees in these critical times.
Read MoreWe pray for the family and friends of Rev. Doris Nolan, who passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at her home in Simi Valley, California. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
Memorial gifts in Pastor Doris’s honor may be directed to ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, Global Refuge, or Lutheran World Relief. We will share details of memorial services as they become available.
Read MoreWe pray for the family and friends of Deacon Lorraine S. Brugh, who died Saturday, January 25, 2025. A memorial service will be held Saturday, 2/22/2025 at 10:30 am at Pinnacle Presbyterian (25150 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85255).
Deacon Brugh was the Frederick J. Kruse Endowed Chair in Church Music at Valparaiso University. She helped lead the development of the ELCA’s Evangelical Lutheran Worship and was co-author of The Sunday Assembly, published in 2008 to help church leaders incorporate the hymnal’s materials into worship services. She was involved in the development of Lutheran music and worship practices for many years and is a past-president of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. At our 2024 assembly, along with Deacon Kate Adelman, she organized Wild Life: A Hymn Festival.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be Lutheran? J. Paul Rajashekar’s new book, On Being Lutheran, explores this question by examining Lutheran theology, history, worship, and governance. Written for emerging leaders in the ELCA, the book offers a concise introduction to Lutheran identity while emphasizing the global impact of the Lutheran tradition. Learn more about this vital resource and how it’s shaping ministries across cultures and continents. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreRev. Mike Girlinghouse’s installation will be at Neely Chapel (319 S. San Francisco, Flagstaff) on Sunday, 2/9/2025. A chili dinner will be at 6pm, followed by worship at 7pm. Bishop Hutterer and Bishop Jennifer Reddall will be leading the reflection time.
Please send an email to lcmcanterbury@gmail.org with your name and number attending so there will be enough chili.
Read MoreAfter a synod council vote to affirm her call with Lutheran Campus Ministry, Wendi Van Beek will be ordained and installed Wednesday, 2/19/2025, at 6 pm, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, (1200 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719). Pastor Amalia Vagts will preach. Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preside.
Ordained and consecrated ministers of all affiliations, current seminary students and those awaiting first call, and former and current Lutheran Campus Ministry students are invited to process. The color of the day is red. A reception will follow. Email wendi.lcmuofa@gmail.com to RSVP.
Read MoreIn his new book Ministry Matters: Pastors, Their Life and Work Today, author and scholar Michael Plekon explores the evolving role of pastors in shifting congregational landscapes. Drawing on over 40 years of ministry and contributions from renowned leaders like Pope Francis, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Rowan Williams, Plekon highlights the call to prayer, discernment, and reconciliation in ministry. Read more about Plekon’s insights in Living Lutheran: What is the role of the pastor today?
Read MoreHow can the church lead in a time of “gracious uncertainty”? In his latest Ministry in a Digital Age newsletter, Ryan Panzer explores how faith communities can navigate a year of radical change and emerging technology. Drawing from Oswald Chambers’ words, Panzer emphasizes the church’s role in fostering hope and connection amid uncertainty, with digital ministry as a key opportunity. Read more for practical insights and inspiring examples of faith in action.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Katie Langston, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 3 years on February 4.
Rev. Shari Bernau, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 20 years on February 5.
Rev. Pam A. Reynolds, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 4 years on February 6.
La Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA ha respondido a recientes órdenes ejecutivas que amenazan a comunidades inmigrantes y espacios sagrados. Basada en fe y justicia, su declaración llama a la unidad, acción y abogacía, ofreciendo recursos esenciales para poblaciones vulnerables. Lea más aquí.
The ELCA Latino Ministries Association has responded to recent executive orders threatening immigrant communities and sacred spaces. Rooted in faith and justice, their statement calls for unity, action, and advocacy while providing essential resources for vulnerable populations. Read more here.
Read MoreGood Trouble Church in Baltimore, Maryland, embodies the call of Micah 6:8, creating “A Way Out of No Way” for those navigating systemic oppression, poverty, and housing insecurity. Led by Rev. Elazar Zavaletta, this ELCA congregation is a beacon of resilience and community care, offering initiatives like a Farm to Stoop Free Market, harm-reduction housing, and leadership workshops. Rooted in Afro-Indigenous wisdom and a “theology of the block,” Good Trouble Church demonstrates how faith can drive grassroots justice and liberation.
Read MoreIn her pastoral message, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the recent executive orders and their impact on communities, emphasizing prayer, advocacy, and action grounded in faith. Highlighting Martin Luther’s teachings on daily bread and leadership, she calls on the ELCA to advocate for policies that uphold justice and protect the dignity of all people. Resources like the social message on “Government and Civic Engagement” and AMMPARO are commended as tools for action in these uncertain times. Read the full message to explore how our church can respond faithfully to these challenges.
Read MoreJoin the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for Living Our Faith, a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. MST. Discover how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions navigate mourning rituals and customs, with insights from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Pastor Judith Rainforth, and Imam Shahir Safi. Register now at www.isb-az.org/trifaith to participate in this inspiring evening of interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Read MoreAmid heightened uncertainty, knowing your rights is vital for immigrants and their advocates. ELCA’s AMMPARO initiative and the Archdiocese of Dubuque offer multilingual tools like Red Cards, family safety plans, and legal support directories to help communities stay prepared. View these pages for a comprehensive list of resources and how to share them in your congregation.
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club this February to discuss Steven Charleston’s We Survived the End of the World, a compelling exploration of Native American resilience amid apocalyptic challenges. Learn from Indigenous prophets and sacred stories as we delve into strategies for courage and hope in times of crisis. Discussions are on February 6 and 20, from 3:00–4:00 PM AZ (MST). Register today to be part of this engaging conversation on faith, community, and survival.
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