Reconnect with fellow missioners at the Mexico Mission Reunion Celebration on Saturday, May 4 at 5:30 PM at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy a taco bar from Los Taquitos, hear a special message from Pastor Don Liles, and reflect on the impact of our shared work in Mexico. Register now at bit.ly/mvlcmexicomissionreunion. Kids eat free!
Read MoreMountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to a self-guided Good Friday experience, “The Way of the Cross,” on April 18 from 7 am to 6 pm. Seven prayer stations with artwork, Scripture, and meditation will guide participants through Christ’s journey to the cross and connect His suffering to the realities of our world today. All are welcome. View a PDF flyer here.
Read MoreJoin Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. for the Easter Vigil, beginning at sunset with the blessing of the new fire and Paschal candle. The service includes readings of salvation history, renewal of baptismal vows, the welcoming of new members, and the first Eucharist of Easter. All are welcome—especially those without a Vigil service at their own church.
Read MoreChrist the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree, AZ, is hiring a full-time Administrative Manager to support its ministry and operations as it enters a new chapter of leadership. This 40-hour/week role pays $22–25/hour and includes potential for benefits and remote flexibility. Applications are open until the position is filled. Learn more and apply at ctlcarefree.org or email Pastor Anna Rieke at pastor@ctlcarefree.org. View the PDF job description here.
Read MoreThe ELCA Church Council met April 3–6 in Chicago to shape the agenda for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, coming to Phoenix this July. The council received the final report from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church and recommended major actions related to diversity, governance, finances, and the proposed social statement Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All.
To learn what actions may shape the future of the ELCA and how they impact congregations and synods like ours, click here.
Read MoreEarly-bird registration is now open for the Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy, held August 13–15 in Minneapolis, with the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing.” But that’s just one of many opportunities this season for worship leaders and musicians. Upcoming events also include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy in Indiana, a Music That Makes Community retreat in New Mexico, the ALCM Conference in North Carolina, and new catechumenate resources from Journey to Baptismal Living. Explore the full list of partner offerings on the ELCA worship blog.
Read MoreBurundi: Since childhood, I have known nothing but war By Pascal, Recorded by Diogène Rukundo
COP30: Faith-based leaders call for climate action by governments
Baptismal unity: Anglican and Lutheran leaders commit to unity and common mission
German youth bring hope to terminally ill children in Romania
A 10-minute guided meditation from Thriving Leadership Formation offers church leaders a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with God during Holy Week. Designed to support those carrying much in this sacred season, this reflection is an invitation to rest and lead from a place of grace. Listen now.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop Staff prepares for our synod assembly and continues preparation for hosting the churchwide assembly. We also share photos from the Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) retreat.
Read MoreApril 9 marks 80 years since the martyrdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran pastor and theologian executed for resisting the Nazi regime. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) has curated a powerful set of resources—including a congregational curriculum, prayer liturgy, podcast, and event recordings—to help us reflect on Bonhoeffer’s enduring question: Who is Christ for us today? Explore how Bonhoeffer’s life and theology continue to shape Lutheran faith, civic responsibility, and resistance to Christian nationalism.
Read MoreThe Arizona Faith Network invites participation in several meaningful events this week, including a Healing Circle at the U.S./Mexico border (April 13), a community Tree Planting in Glendale (April 14), weekly Monday meditations, and applications for summer heat relief staff and volunteers. Learn more and explore the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreHow we read John’s Passion on Good Friday matters. We encourage congregations to consider the historical misuse of the phrase “the Jews” in this gospel and to include a contextual note provided by the Consultation on Common Texts. ELCA worship resources are available to guide preachers and worship planners in proclaiming the gospel with care, respect, and theological integrity.
Read MoreIn this video, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande addresses recent letter from the Department of Homeland Security insinuating the diocese's involvement in illegal activities, including human trafficking.
Bishop Hunn outlines the diocese's longstanding ministry efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border, including the operation of a shelter for legal asylum seekers in partnership with Homeland Security's Border Patrol and ICE. He underscores the legality and moral grounding of their work, rooted in Christian teachings and constitutional rights. Despite the scrutiny and funding withdrawal from FEMA, he reaffirms their commitment to borderland ministry and invites support through prayers and donations.
Read MoreNew updates on misconduct reporting and resources: The Grand Canyon Synod and the ELCA have updated their official contact information and resources for reporting clergy sexual misconduct. Learn how to report, review our misconduct policy, and access support at gcsynod.org/misconduct. Together, we are called to be a safe place.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is hiring a new Rector to lead its Berkeley-based seminary community. ELCA rostered ministers with at least seven years of leadership experience are encouraged to apply by April 24, 2025, for this full-time role beginning June 1. The Rector will guide theological education and public witness in the ELCA, steward seminary partnerships, and serve as a key representative of PLTS and California Lutheran University. Apply now.
Read More107 rostered ministers have already submitted their annual Report to the Bishop—thank you! If you haven’t submitted yours yet, there’s still time. Bishop Hutterer personally reads and responds to each report, offering a chance to share your journey, joys, and challenges in ministry. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report to get started.
Read MoreLent is often marked by solemnity and sacrifice, but Minister of Word and Service Mindy Holland invites us to approach the season differently—by choosing joy. Whether through dancing, handwritten notes, or praying the Psalms in multiple languages, her Lenten practices highlight joy as a spiritual discipline and a witness to the goodness of God, even in a world of pain. This reflection reminds us that joy is not frivolous—it’s faithful. Find inspiration for your own joyous Lenten intention. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) is now offering free weekly medical care—including doctor consultations, prescriptions, and lab work—every Wednesday for all clients, regardless of insurance. March brought record-breaking achievements in meals served and families supported. Plus, mark your calendar for the Spring Easter Fest on April 18and check out this week’s featured recipes.
Read MoreThriving Leadership Formation shares their annual report for 2025, view here as a PDF.
Read MoreSt. Olaf College, in Northfield, Minnesota, shares their annual report for 2025.
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