Faith calls us to care for creation—join the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 on March 27 to learn, connect, and take action. Attend in person at a host site near you or online from anywhere. Find a location, consider hosting a group, or join the live stream. Register today and be part of the movement to lead on climate action with hope and faith! Sign up now.
Read MoreLove of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa is offering woven liturgical banners created by renowned textile artist Theo Moorman (1907–1990) to congregations in need. Moorman, known for her sacred commissions and influential weaving techniques, left a legacy of beauty and faith through her work. If your church would like to receive one of these banners, contact darlene@loclc.org.
Read MoreLent reminds us that even in the valley, God walks with us into new life. On March 18, join March Good Green News for reflection, resources, and encouragement for faithful creation care. Have a story about your church using Clean Energy Tax Credits? ELCA Advocacy needs your input to help protect these vital incentives. Plus, don’t miss the National Faith + Climate Forum (March 27), the EcoFaith Summit (April 5), and our Earth Day Connections Call (April 22).Finally, March 31 is the last day to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Lutherans Restoring Creation—don’t miss this opportunity to support environmental faith initiatives! Read more here.
Read MoreThis March, take action on immigration justice, democracy, public lands, and Indigenous rights through upcoming events hosted by the Arizona Faith Network. Attend a Know Your Rights training (March 12), learn about religious nationalism’s impact on democracy (March 26), stand up for public lands (March 27), and participate in a truth-telling exercise on Native history (March 29). Learn more and register in the latest AFN Newsletter.
Read MoreLooking for ways to deepen your worship ministry? This month’s ELCA Worship partner updates include music and worship events across the country, from Lutheran Summer Music for young musicians to Music That Makes Community training workshops. The Institute of Liturgical Studies, ALCM Conference, and Augsburg Fortress music clinics offer further opportunities for learning and inspiration. Find registration details and new worship resources in our latest blog post. Read more in the ELCA Worship blog post.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop Staff manages ongoing operations and attends the Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa, Mar 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
We share photos from the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas.
Read MoreHow can church leaders effectively engage the next generation and navigate adaptive change? The latest edition of The Crucible, the Church Leadership Institute’s newsletter, explores these pressing questions. Featuring insights from Future Focused Church, a book by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Ray Chang, this issue highlights research-driven strategies for leading change in diverse church communities. Plus, don’t miss discussions on cultivating transparency in leadership and practical training for managing the business of ministry. Read more and explore these resources—click here.
Read MoreIs God calling you to lead? The ELCA, in partnership with its seminaries, is offering Online Discernment Groups—a three-session opportunity to explore church leadership and seminary. Whether you’re considering ministry or just curious, these groups provide a space for reflection and connection. Sign up at elcaseminaries.org or email recruitment@elca.org. Rostered ministers interested in leading a group can email Rick.Summy@elca.org.
Read MoreMillions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table, yet the average benefit of just $6 per day is often not enough to maintain a healthy diet. The SNAP Challenge, happening March 18–20, invites participants to experience firsthand the difficult choices faced by those living on limited food budgets. This challenge raises awareness about hunger, highlights the need for increased SNAP benefits, and encourages congressional action. Learn how you and your congregation can get involved—click here.
Read MoreFeeling overwhelmed by the many needs in our communities? Our partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) share practical ways to stay engaged without exhaustion. Whether you have five minutes to make a call, ten minutes to write a letter, or a few hours to host an event, there are simple, effective ways to take action. By setting boundaries, leaning on trusted sources, and building community, we can respond with focus and faith. Click here to read more.
Read MoreThis Lent, the five synods of Region 2 invite you to join the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, inspired by Isaiah 58:11, to reflect on the intersection of hunger and water. Through prayer, action, and learning, we explore Lutheran Disaster Response efforts, the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, and the 70-year ministry of Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Click here to explore water-themed activity ideas and learn how you can participate.
Read MoreProposed Medicaid cuts could leave millions without essential healthcare, impacting our congregations, ministries, and the most vulnerable in our communities. A recent ELCA Advocacy and Lutheran Services in America webinar explores the implications of these changes and how Lutherans can take action. Watch the webinar recording and find key resources to help advocate for protecting Medicaid. Click here to learn more.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod has awarded over $100,000 in grants to ministries throughout our synod, supporting faith-based initiatives in leadership development, worship expansion, advocacy, and community outreach. These grants—made possible through bequests, congregational gifts, and unrestricted synod funds—empower congregations to expand their reach and deepen their service. Read more to see how your generosity is fueling transformative ministry in our synod.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod has once again received Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest recognition for nonprofit accountability. This award highlights our commitment to clear communication, responsible financial stewardship, and mission-driven impact.
Read MoreWe pray for the family and friends of Rev. Jack Raymond Neimi, who passed peacefully at home on January 15, 2025. The primary memorial service for Pastor Niemi will be held in California, with a smaller local service at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West on March 20, 2025, at 11 am.
Pastor Niemi was born in Two Harbors MN, and lived in Surprise, Arizona. He was a member of Lord of Life in Sun City West. He served many churches in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Peter Lai, who celebrates 40 years on March 16.
Rev. Martin Overson, who celebrates 46 years on March 18.
Rev. Daniel Potaznick, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 2 years on March 18.
Martin E. Marty, one of the most influential interpreters of American religion, passed away on Feb. 25 at the age of 97. A scholar, historian, and theologian, Marty coined the term public theology, emphasizing the role of faith in the common good. His work in academia, public discourse, and church life left a lasting impact on American Protestantism and Lutheranism. A memorial service will be held on March 29 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, with a livestream available. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is collecting stories of ministry and faith in preparation for the 2025 Synod Assembly. We invite mission and ministry partners to share stories—whether in writing, photos, audio, or video—by May 9, 2025. All stories will be featured on our blog, social media, and a special assembly page. This year’s theme, “Build Up the Body,” reflects Ephesians 4:12-13, calling us to equip and uplift one another in Christ. Submit your story to bflatgard@gcsynod.org, and visit gcsynod.org/video for storytelling tips!
Read MoreCalling all young artists! Children and youth across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to participate in a special art project for the 2025 Synod Assembly, themed “Build Up the Body” (Ephesians 4:12-13). Submissions will be displayed at the event, featured online, and 25 selected pieces will be printed as postcards! The deadline to submit artwork is May 9, 2025. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to purchase art supplies. Encourage the young people in your congregation to share their vision of Jesus, Church, and Me through art! Learn more and submit artwork at gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/art.
Read More
