Diakonia’s new 2025-2026 Foundation Year courses begin on August 25, 2025. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreYour ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.
Read MorePending a congregational vote on August 3, Solomon Kuch will be ordained and installed at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301) on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1 pm. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. The color of the day is red.
The service will be live-streamed on the Emannuel Sudanese Facebook page.
Read MoreKevin Anderson will be ordained Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1:30 pm. The service will be in the Sanctuary at Love of Christ Lutheran Church (1525 N. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205). Pastor Steve Talmage will be serving as Assisting Minister. Pastor Nanette Christofferson will be preaching. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will be presiding. The service will be live-streamed at on the church website, on Facebook and YouTube.
Rostered Ministers are invited to process, robes are encouraged. The color of the day is red. A light reception will be offered after the service in Love of Christ’s Center of Compassion. If clergy would RSVP, that would be helpful so we can know how many seats to reserve.
Read MoreDeacon Emma Janzen will be installed Sunday, 8/10/2025, 10:45 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, livestream here), with Pastor Jacqui Pagel preaching and presiding.
Rostered ministers and candidates for rostered ministry are invited to process and wear their albs. Color of the day is green.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Tony Scheer, Beautiful Savior, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on July 30.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Matthew Wiswall, who celebrates 35 years on July 29.
Rev. J Matthew Mateo Chavez, San Juan Bautista, Tucson, who celebrates 7 years on July 29.
Rev. Susan Schubert, who celebrates 35 years on July 29.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Gary McCluskey, who celebrates 45 years on July 27.
Rev. David Pavesic, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 23 years on July 27.
Rev. Denise Edwards, who celebrates 23 years on July 27.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Marta Poling Schmitt, who celebrates 38 years on July 26.
Read MoreThe July Bible study series exploring For the Life of the World through the lenses of climate justice, gender justice, and reconciliation is now available online. Watch the videos and download study guides to explore how Scripture and faith speak into the world’s most urgent challenges. Perfect for personal reflection or group study.
Read MoreAlthough she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder.
The post Illinois Couple Becomes Strong Voice for Preserving Medicaid, Say Funding is ‘Vital’ for Son’s Future appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jeffery Gallen, who celebrates 43 years on July 25.
Rev. Matthew Metevelis, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Las Vegas, who celebrates 15 years on July 25.
Rev. David Tiede, who celebrates 54 years on July 25.
Rev. Louis Liss, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 1 years on July 25.
The ELCA urges action to ensure safe and neutral humanitarian aid access in Gaza. Current aid delivery mechanisms, backed by U.S. and Israeli authorities, force Palestinians to risk their lives for food and fail to provide access to medical and hygiene supplies. As people of faith, we are called to advocate for peace and human dignity. Learn how you can contact your lawmakers and make your voice heard. Click here for more.
Read MoreThe second season of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy launches with a compelling episode on faith, advocacy, and community in the face of political violence. Host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Lutheran leaders in Minnesota and across the church, including the Rev. Amy Reumann and the Rev. Angela Denker, about how we can respond theologically and practically to violence in our public life. To explore how our faith informs action in this moment, click here.
Read MoreJoin a free, one-hour webinar on Wednesday, July 30 at noon Central hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. This interactive forum is a chance to share your congregation’s experiences with addiction and mental health ministry, hear from others, and discover what’s working across the church. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate network for healing. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to a recent IRS ruling that may reinterpret the Johnson Amendment to permit partisan activity by religious organizations. Emphasizing the church’s theological commitment to remain nonpartisan, Eaton urges vigilance while affirming our gospel call to advocate for justice. Watch the video and read the ELCA’s full statement online.
Read MoreIn response to a recent IRS court filing, the ELCA reaffirms its support of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. The church warns that loosening these protections could compromise gospel clarity and introduce partisanship into congregational life. The ELCA encourages faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement rooted in Lutheran theology.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop welcomes the ELCA to Phoenix for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. Join us as a volunteer!
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Robert Jones, Santa Cruz, Tucson, who celebrates 42 years on July 24.
Rev. Craig Larson, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 37 years on July 24.
