The ELCA invites public feedback on a new draft social message addressing child protection and maltreatment. Open through June 30, this document reflects Jesus’ call to welcome children and the church’s responsibility to safeguard their well-being. Read the draft and submit your comments at elca.org/childprotection.
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Join 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.
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Join thousands of pastors and leaders May 12–15 for the Festival of Homiletics—online or in Atlanta—as we worship, learn, and preach to heal the divide. Experience inspiring sermons, theological lectures, and uplifting worship grounded in Lutheran theology. Register today at festivalofhomiletics.com.
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Ministry is hard—and full of questions without easy answers. On May 22, join the Rev. Dr. Michael Binder for Faithful Adaptation: Leading Change with Hope, an online workshop that offers tools to move beyond shallow fixes and into deeper, Spirit-led transformation. This 90-minute session is free with a Faith+Lead membership. Learn more and register here: https://lab.faithlead.org/event/faithful-adaptation-leading-change-with-hope/
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The School for Lay Ministry begins May 17, 2025, offering a yearlong journey to equip lay leaders for faithful service in preaching, care, worship, and leadership. This online program includes live cohort meetings, flexible learning, and practical resources grounded in Lutheran theology. Tuition is $600, with scholarships and payment plans available. Learn more and register.
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Youth from the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Leadership Lab 2025, a weeklong Lutheran leadership experience for grades 8 through age 24, held June 23-28 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Rooted in faith and friendship, Leadership Lab helps young people grow as disciples and leaders. Register now at leadershiplab.net.
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On Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!
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The Office of the Bishop gathers for the Ordination of Deacon Emma Janzen at Prince of Peace in Peoria, May 3, 2025, 11:00 AM, and preaches at and celebrates with churches around the synod.
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Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer’s 2025 Annual Report celebrates a year of Spirit-led ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, including six ordinations, expanded lay leadership initiatives, and deepening global partnerships with companion synods. From over 45 congregation visits to the launch of a new Lay Leadership Program, the report highlights the collaborative strength of our synod. With gratitude for dedicated staff, ministry partners, and faithful communities, Bishop Hutterer shares her plans for a first sabbatical and invites us to continue discerning how to be church in a changing world. Read the full report in this PDF.
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What happens when a faithful few decide they’ve had enough of throwing away plastic foam? At University Lutheran Church in Norman, Oklahoma, an environmental ministry sparked by Sunday morning trash bags has grown into a unique and impactful recycling operation—complete with a “densifier” machine, student volunteers, and community partnerships. This one-of-a-kind program has now sold over 20,000 pounds of compressed foam logs for reuse, showing what’s possible when a congregation puts their faith into earth-friendly action. Click here to read the full story in Living Lutheran.
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A small Lutheran congregation in Indiana transformed an abandoned church into the Apple Tree Center, a vibrant ministry offering affordable childcare, community meals, and hope for families like Rachel Gallo’s. Guided by prayer and partnerships, this ministry lives out Christ’s call to serve. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.
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Rev. Jacqui Pagel shares a powerful year in the life of the Grand Canyon Synod, highlighting key milestones from June 2024–May 2025. Nineteen people are currently in candidacy, we celebrated our first deacon ordination in 14 years, and launched our first cohort of Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs). First Call Accompaniment regional retreats are now underway, and new efforts in faith formation are thriving through youth leadership, vibrant campus ministries, and fresh expressions of ministry.
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A new study guide on The Common Statement on the Filioque is now available, helping Lutherans reflect on Trinitarian theology and deepen dialogue with Orthodox siblings. Authored by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Linman of Faith Lutheran in Phoenix, the guide marks a major ecumenical milestone on the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. To learn more and access the study guide, click here.
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Rachel’s Day, observed the first Sunday in May, invites congregations to mourn the loss of children to violence and to renew our commitment to hope and action. New resources for Rachel’s Day 2025 are available to help your congregation pray, mourn, and act against the forces of fear and violence in our communities. Join us in lifting up the promise of Jeremiah 31:15–17: there is hope for your future.
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Join Women of the ELCA on Sunday, May 5, at 5:00 p.m. Arizona time for a Candlelight Vigil honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Day. Register to attend via Zoom, download the vigil liturgy, and learn how to get involved in raising awareness and seeking justice.
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Join Mountain View Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bear Creek Golf Course in Chandler for a 50th Anniversary Golf Fundraiser supporting MVLC’s Mission & Outreach! Registration is $145 per player and includes golf, a banquet, contests, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. View a PDF flyer here. Sign up today at MVLC’s event page!
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Registration 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.
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Join 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.
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