The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held July 28–August 2 in Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon Synod is seeking up to 100 volunteers to help welcome the church! From greeters and registration support to worship ushers, tech help, and a special Prayer Vigil Support role on July 30, there’s a meaningful way for everyone to serve. Sign up, watch the volunteer info session, and help us extend warm hospitality to our ELCA siblings. Learn more at gcsynod.org/cwa.
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 4/29/2025, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreRostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration opens May 1 and space is limited to 25 participants.
Read MoreWe offer our heartfelt prayers for the friends and family of Pastor Dan Olson and his beloved wife, Barbara Olson. May God’s comforting presence be with all who mourn their passing and celebrate their faithful lives.
Pastor Dan Olson passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death just a couple of months earlier, on December 30, 2024. Their lives of faith and service will be honored in a joint memorial service at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (15820 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise, AZ 85374) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Pastor Dan’s brother, Paul Olson, a retired ELCA pastor, will join in leading this service of remembrance and thanksgiving.
Read MoreJoin Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.
Read MoreEnjoy jazz and classical music while supporting families in need! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a three-part Music for Food series on April 13, April 27, and May 4, benefiting the Olive Branch Food Closet. These free concerts support a vital ministry feeding over 150 families each week. View a PDF flyer here.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers a pastoral message on the death of Pope Francis, giving thanks for his global witness to justice, peace, and unity in Christ. She reflects on his contributions to Catholic-Lutheran dialogue, his advocacy for the poor and the planet, and his powerful presence at the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. We join in mourning his loss and celebrating his life eternal in Christ. Click here to read the full message.
Read MoreHappy Easter from your friends at Lutheran Summer Music! Please enjoy this musical offering of Michael Boo’s Alleluia Tapestry, performed by the LSM 2024 Festival Band, conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler. Learn more about LSM @ LSMacademy.org.
Read MoreMay 5 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR) Day—a time of remembrance, advocacy, and action. Vicar Wanda Frenchman of Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix shares her personal story and invites us to raise awareness through worship, education, and public witness. Join the ELCA-wide effort by wearing red, naming the missing, and attending a candlelight vigil via Zoom.
Read MoreThe red dress has become a sacred symbol of remembrance and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). In this moving reflection, Prairie Rose Seminole, an ELCA leader and MHA Nation member, calls us to grieve together, learn the truth, and live out our Lutheran faith through advocacy, solidarity, and action. As we approach the National Day of Awareness on May 5, we are invited to wear red—not only as a sign of mourning, but as a promise to seek justice for those taken. Click here to read the full article at Boldcafé.
Read MoreGood Friday and Easter
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Young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate—but it doesn’t have to be this way. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Youth Advisory Team highlights TENx10, a national collaboration led by Fuller Youth Institute, offering free, research-based tools to help youth leaders, pastors, and congregations reimagine faith formation. Visit TENx10.org to access resources, take a 2-minute quiz, and join this movement to help faith matter more to the next generation.
Read MoreCongregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Pray Without Ceasing, a weekly prayer initiative launching May 1. Each community is encouraged to host a regular, welcoming prayer gathering and invite two others to do the same. Resources and optional Zoom gatherings will support participants throughout. View a PDF of FAQs here.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for Campformation 2025, happening June 30–July 4 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, AZ. Youth entering grades 6–10 are invited for a week of mountain hikes, ropes courses, and spiritual growth alongside peers from across the synod. Don’t miss this sacred summer tradition—register today at www.lutherancampformation.com.
Read MoreIn a powerful joint statement following a Holy Week solidarity visit, ELCA and ELCIC leaders affirm unwavering support for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. As the last hospital in Gaza was bombed on Palm Sunday and hope continues to dim for many Palestinians, the call for justice, accompaniment, and presence rings out louder than ever. “As long as the ELCJHL is here, we are all here.” Click here to read the full statement at ELCA.org.
Read MoreEaster might feel heavier or quieter for some people this year, and that’s OK. In fact, maybe that’s the whole point. As the great preacher Scott Hoezee points out, “Easter did not happen in a bright, airy, and decked-out-in-white church sanctuary.” The post In Anxious Times, Easter Provides Hope appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThis week’s AFN newsletter highlights powerful opportunities to meditate, march, and meet across Arizona—starting with Monday Meditations, the May Day March for justice, and a clergy gathering in North Scottsdale. Plus: details on Earth Day prayers, faith webinars, interfaith learning, and more. Read and subscribe to the full AFN newsletter.
Read MoreEmma Janzen will be ordained Saturday, 5/3/2025, 11:00 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church, (18265 North 89th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85382, livestream here), with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham Hughes preaching, and Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding. Emma will be installed Sunday, 8/20/2025, 10:45 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, livestream here), with Pastor Jacqui Pagel preaching and presiding..
Reception lunch to follow Ordination in the fellowship hall. Please RSVP to Emma Janzen, emmajanzenn@gmail.com, for food. Rostered ministers and candidates for rostered ministry are invited to process and wear their albs. Color of the day is red for the ordination, and green for the installation.
Read MoreJoin the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA for an online Bible study event with Gather magazine author Rev. Brooke Petersen on Saturday, May 17 from 9–11am MST/PDT. Learn to lead the Summer 2025 study, “Where Two or More Are Gathered: Flourishing in Relationships.” Open to all—register now at www.GrandCanyonWomen.org. View PDF flyer here.
Read MoreChrist is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
As Easter people, we live in the promise that life is stronger than death and love is stronger than fear. May this season of resurrection renew our hope and ground our work in the joy of the risen Christ.
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