Posts in News
Ordination and Installation of Jarrod Iversen

Pending a congregational vote, Vicar Jarrod Iversen will be ordained and installed Saturday, 6/7/2025, at 1pm at Central Lutheran Church, (12921 S. Sunland Gin Road., Arizona City, AZ 85123). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preside. Service will be posted to YouTube afterwards.

Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Reception will follow, please RSVP to RSVP@centrallutheranaz.org.

Read More
From “I” to “We”: A New Vision for Church Leadership and Community

How can we lead the church when old models no longer fit? Join Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Rev. Blair Pogue on June 2 for a free Faith+Lead webinar exploring how congregations can blend tradition and innovation in partnership with their neighbors. Learn practical ways to reimagine leadership, find encouragement, and embrace the mixed ecology of church today. Replay available for all registrants.

Read More
Julie E. Schneider-Thomas Elected Bishop of the ELCA North/West Lower Michigan Synod

The Rev. Julie E. Schneider-Thomas has been elected bishop of the ELCA North/West Lower Michigan Synod during their synod assembly held May 18–20 in Mount Pleasant, Mich. She was elected on the fifth ballot and will begin her six-year term on September 1, succeeding Bishop Craig Satterlee. Schneider-Thomas currently serves as pastor of Zion Lutheran in Comstock Park and Hope Lutheran in Rockford, Mich. Installation details are forthcoming.

Read More
Help Us Welcome the ELCA to Phoenix: Volunteer for Churchwide Assembly 2025

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 More
Churchwide Assembly 2025: Congregation Observers Invited to Participate

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 More
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Fatal Shooting of Two Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington, D.C.

Presiding 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 More
Tracey Breashears Schultz Elected Bishop of the ELCA Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod

The 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 More
How Congregations Can Support a Healthy Creation This Summer

From 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 More
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
POSITION FILLED: Music Ministry Leader at Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson

Lutheran 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 More
Jesus, Church, and Me: Our Youngest Voices Speak Through Art

We’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 More
Facing Hate with Courage: Arizona Faith Leaders Speak Out

Antisemitic 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 More
“Here I Pod” Amplifies Voices on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The 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 More