Each ELCA congregation is invited to register one observer for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Observers receive access to all assembly materials and reserved seating but do not vote. Registration is $125 and closes May 31. Learn more about lodging, travel, and how to be part of this unique gathering of our wider church.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement on behalf of the ELCA expressing deep sorrow over the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C.—an act rooted in the deadly rise of anti-Semitism. The ELCA stands firmly against such hatred and calls for prayers for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and the people of Gaza. The statement affirms the ELCA’s commitment to peace, dialogue, humanitarian aid, and a just resolution in the Holy Land.
Read MoreThe Rev. Tracey Breashears Schultz has been elected bishop of the ELCA Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. Elected on the third ballot at the May 16–17 synod assembly in New Orleans, Schultz currently serves as the synod’s associate for leadership and brings experience from congregations in Houston and San Antonio. Her installation is scheduled for Sept. 7 at Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy, Texas. Bishop Michael Rinehart, who has served since 2007, will transition to a role with GSB Fundraising.
Read MoreFrom mental health to sacred land, this month’s Blessed Tomorrow newsletter calls us into faithful creation care and public witness. Learn how your congregation can join the One Home One Future campaign, support youth resilience in a changing climate, and stand in solidarity with Native leaders defending Oak Flat. Plus, don’t miss the June 2 Global Heat Action Day event featuring Rev. Katie Sexton. Click here to read the full newsletter.
Read MoreHaving a place you belong and a person you connect with makes all the difference in the world. Learn how it changed one person’s life. The post Despite Monumental Challenges, Eric Shows Grit appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreLutheran Church of the Foothills (LCF) is seeking a talented and passionate Part Time Music Ministry Leader to guide and inspire our music ministries. This key role helps shape the musical life of our worship, engaging the congregation through a variety of musical styles, and works closely with clergy and music leaders.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate musical excellence, creativity, and a strong understanding of Evangelical Lutheran worship liturgy and hymnody. They will also have the ability to lead and collaborate with a team of volunteer musicians who offer their gifts in worship through singing and instrumental accompaniment. Those interested can reach out to pastor@lcftucson.org for the full job description (here as PDF as well) and information for how to apply.
Read MoreWe’re excited to debut the first entries from our synod-wide children’s art project, Jesus, Church, and Me! Beginning with the joyful art of our youngest children (ages 3–5), we’ll be sharing new batches leading up to the 2025 Synod Assembly. These creative expressions will also be featured as postcards and slideshow displays during the assembly in Las Vegas.
Read MoreFull agenda now posted for our 2025 Synod Assembly, June 12–13 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. From worship to key reports, plenary sessions, and special guest David Scherer, the schedule reflects our call to gather as one body. Visit our site for details and updates.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop presents the Grand Canyon Synod Proposed Mission Plan, available now online, at two upcoming webinars: May 28, 2025, 6:30 PM, and May 31, 2025, 10 AM. We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to Native American Urban Ministry.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. We invite you to join us in honoring those who gave their lives in military service and in praying for peace and healing across our world.
Read MoreAntisemitic and hate incidents are on the rise across Arizona and the nation. In an interview with KJZZ’s The Show, Rev. Katie Sexton of the Arizona Faith Network and Rabbi Andy Green of Congregation Or Tzion discuss how faith communities are responding. From defining hate and confronting conspiracy theories to organizing rapid response networks and naming hope in struggle, this candid conversation highlights both the danger of rising intolerance and the strength found in shared action. Click here to read the full article and listen to the interview.
Read MoreThe latest Here I Pod episode from ELCA Advocacy addresses the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), featuring a powerful conversation with ELCA Indigenous Ministries leaders. Vance Blackfox, Justice Nichols, and Brenda Blackhawk reflect on the church’s call to justice, truth, and healing. Timed with MMIW Awareness Day on May 5, this episode explores the intersections of advocacy, climate justice, media representation, and the ELCA’s ongoing Truth & Healing Movement. Click here to listen or learn more.
Read MoreTriple-digit temperatures have returned—and Arizona Faith Network is leading the charge to protect our most vulnerable neighbors through cooling stations, interfaith bag-packing events, and summer service opportunities. Learn how you can help, register for upcoming Zoom events, and explore opportunities to live out your faith in action this season. Read the full AFN newsletter here.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran pastors, deacons, musicians, and scholars August 13–15 in Minneapolis for the inaugural Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy. Centered on the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing,” the event features top liturgical voices and musicians across the ELCA. Registration is now open at www.seminarliturgy.org.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s FY 2024-2025 Annual Report highlights a year of remarkable generosity and strategic development. The Mission and Ministry Fund grew nearly 8%, enabling us to double the number of ministries we support—from 8 to 16—particularly in underserved communities. From congregational triumphs like Crossroads’ debt-free Easter to the creation of two new endowments and a new donor CRM system launching this summer, this year’s progress reflects a Spirit-led commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and expanding Christ’s mission across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.
Read MoreThe May 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA is all about the resiliency of a small-town ministry. Immanuel Lutheran Church, in rural central Texas, faced a variety of challenges, a vacancy in pastoral leadership and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Yet, they saw opportunity when they called Katie Rode under a special program that allowed her to serve part-time while attending seminary full-time.
Explore the memo to find out how you can participate in the September Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference in New Orleans and learn about the 2024 Mission Support outcomes.
Read MoreThe Global Engagement Team of the Grand Canyon Synod actively supports international ministry through companion relationships with churches in Mexico and Senegal, participation in ELCA Global Mission programs like Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), and new initiatives like Sembrando en los márgenes, a Holy Innovation borderlands project. Recent covenant renewals and visits to congregations and development centers in both companion synods highlight our shared work in Christ’s name. Read more in their annual report.
Read MoreDr. John A. Nunes has been named the ninth president of California Lutheran University, officially stepping into the role on June 1, 2025. A respected Lutheran scholar, former nonprofit CEO, and interim president since 2024, Nunes brings visionary leadership rooted in faith to guide Cal Lutheran in a challenging time for higher education.
Read MoreTwo things are essential for a blessed tomorrow: cutting emissions and restoring biodiversity. This spring and summer, congregations are invited to be part of healing creation—starting by shrinking the lawn and planting native. Native plants support pollinators, conserve water, sequester carbon, and tell the story of where we live. Whether planting a pot on a balcony or transforming church grounds, every step counts. Click here to read the full article on the Blessed Tomorrow blog.
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