Grants Webinar—Sept. 17, 4:30 pm. Learn how to apply for up to $15,000 in Grand Canyon Synod grants; about $175,000 is available this fall. Priority goes to collaborative projects aligned with our Strategic Plan. Application window: Sept. 8–Oct. 31, 2025. Register for the webinar: Zoom registration. Full details and application at the Grants page.
Read MoreKylee Bestenlehner will be ordained at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2 S Pecos Rd, Henderson, NV 89074) on Saturday, 9/13/2025, at 2pm. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will preach.
Clergy and seminarians are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Click here to RSVP. The service will be streamed over Zoom, link will be shared after you RSVP.
Read MoreAll rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.
Read MoreThe 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.
Read MoreDr. Philip Farah, Palestinian-American economist and founding member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, will speak at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farah will share his personal story and insights on how Americans can support a just peace in Palestine and Israel. RSVP required. Refreshments served.
Read MoreJoin us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.
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 is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.
Read MoreEnjoy Jazz Vespers on Sept. 14 at 5:30 PM at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum. A freewill offering will benefit the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, feeding more than 150 families weekly.
Read MoreExperience the American premiere of Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles in the interfaith concert Foxes, Wine & Wheat. Join us September 12 at Paradise Valley UMC or September 13 at Holy Trinity Lutheran, Chandler. Admission is free (donations welcome). Featuring soprano Lariche Lamar and conductor Charles Zoll, with livestream available on YouTube.
Read MoreSanta Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant (22 hrs/week, $15/hr) with flexible hours and partial remote work. Duties include worship bulletins, newsletters, communications, and office support. Training available in September. Contact Carol Radler at 520-294-8721 and send resumes to clrchoirlady@aol.com and tucson.az.sclc@outlook.com.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is hiring a part-time Facility Manager to support evening and weekend operations. This 10–16 hour/week contract position offers flexible hours and the chance to serve in a welcoming Christian community. Learn more and apply at AllSaintsPhoenix.org/job-openings.
Read MoreDr. Philip Farah, Palestinian-American economist and founding member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, will speak at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farah will share his personal story and insights on how Americans can support a just peace in Palestine and Israel. RSVP required. Refreshments served.
Read MoreCongress is considering the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act—a comprehensive response to America’s housing crisis supported by ELCA advocates nationwide. This bill simplifies rental assistance, expands affordable housing, and strengthens disaster relief and rural housing. As people of faith called to care for the most vulnerable, we are urged to contact lawmakers and support this moral legislation grounded in Lutheran social teaching Click here to read the full action alert and contact your elected officials.
Read MoreSeptember is Hunger Action Month—a time to raise awareness and take meaningful action as food insecurity continues to rise across Arizona. Over 650,000 Arizonans rely on food banks monthly, while our state remains a leading producer of fruits and vegetables. This contradiction calls for advocacy and generosity. Learn five simple ways to take part: wear orange on Friday, Sept. 5, support AzFBN’s work, explore donation opportunities, and share the Arizona Hunger Action Month calendar. Click here to read the full article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.
Read MoreThis week’s AFN newsletter features new opportunities to grow in faith and action—book studies, poll monitor training, voter registration events, climate justice workshops, and more. Discover how you can join interfaith efforts to protect sacred lands, deepen your spiritual life, and engage in justice work across Arizona. Click here to read the full newsletter and subscribe.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends an in-person staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert and plans for the upcoming year.
Read MoreBJC shares a major court victory blocking a Texas law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public classrooms, warns against new IRS guidance weakening the Johnson Amendment, and opens applications for a new Director of Development. Save the date for the Shurden Lectures this October and explore more updates in BJC’s Faith Freedom Dispatch. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreLutheran Men in Mission just released its Summer 2025 Ambassador-Gram with exciting updates: a new website, the “LMM iS” strategic plan, a call for personal stories in the Foundations newsletter, and details about fall retreats and weekly Bible studies. Explore ways to deepen your men’s ministry and faith journey. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreNative American Urban Ministry in Phoenix is creating sacred space through weekly Talking Circles that honor Indigenous traditions within a Christian setting. Supported by Grand Canyon Synod grants, these gatherings offer healing, community, worship, and hospitality to about 50 people each week. Read how this ministry embodies the love of Christ and why your congregation might consider applying for a synod grant to support innovative ministry in your community.
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