Give thanks and praise to God, who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Read More
Hurricane Dorian has caused widespread power outages and flooding throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dorian is expected to strengthen into a category 4 storm by the time it makes landfall in the mainland U.S., threatening to cause significant damage in areas that are still recovering from recent storms.
Lutheran Disaster Response is closely monitoring the situation and in touch with our synods, affiliates and other partners throughout impacted areas. We are ready to respond and stand by our neighbors as they recover from this hurricane.
Read More
Get ready for a time for fellowship, relaxation, worship and learning in a pleasant desert setting: November 4-6, 2019, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona.
We are delighted that Fr. Greg Adolf, Rector of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista, AZ, has accepted our invitation to be the 2019 Presenter! Chaplain will again be the Rev. Steve Holm, a well-known retired parish pastor who continues to write a daily devotional for Spirit in the Desert’s website. We are also privileged that our new Bishop, the Rev. Deborah Hutterer, and synod staff member, the Rev. Mark Holman, will be with us! View this PDF for more info and to register.
Read More
In this video, Dr. Wanda Deifelt discusses the question: What experiences have shaped your work as a theologian and advocate for justice?
Read More
Remember in prayer students who are beginning or continuing their seminary education in response to God’s call to leadership and service. Pray that God will equip them to share their faith and wisdom, serve their neighbor, manage and guide the work of congregations for the sake of mission, and inspire others to bold witness in an ever-changing world.
Read More
We’re happy to share some more thoughts and photos from Grand Canyon Synod representatives to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Read More
Portico’s Board of Trustees has approved health plan and benefit changes for 2020, featuring new ways for ELCA-Primary members to save on out-of-pocket costs and strengthen their emotional well-being.
Read More
This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
You work every day to make your community a better place. Let us continue doing this work together in 2019! View the video and access resources to guide your congregation’s planning, promotion and more.
Read More
Note that this event has been postponed.
Read More
This August, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, AZ gathered for a study on Swimming with Jonah, developed and presented by Cyndy Warnier, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Each day approximately 65 members and friends enjoyed a coffee and craft hour followed by a presentation by community service organizations with a close with prayers and hymn sing.
Read More
ALOA has much to offer Lutheran congregations in the area of Older Adult Ministry. In addition to the resources on our website, ALOA offers their free September Webinar, Caring for Mind, Body and Spirit in Thanks to God, on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Find complete information and register at aloaserves.org/events/webinars/
Read More
As we enter the 2020 GCS grant process (applications open 9/2/19), we share stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page.
Covenant Lutheran, in Quartzsite, has established Carol’s Closet Ministry to distribute clothing to those in need at no cost to the client. This is done in conjunction with the Community Food Bank. Members of the congregation initiated the closet ministry, purchased clothing racks and other equipment, renovated the building, and staff Carol’s Closet.
Read More
We pray for Pastor Rick Lawrence and his wife Jill, as Pastor Rick begins treatments for cancer which will last through October. Pastor Rick serves Bethany Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, AZ.
Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered as we do. As we go through the trials of life, help us to realize that you are with us at all times and in all things; that we have no secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds us for eternity. In the security of your embrace we pray.
Read More
The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona is offering a holistic nonprofit management graduate/executive level certificate program: Best Skills Best Churches. Six classes cover volunteers, laws/legal, human relations, marketing, financial management, and fundraising.
Courses are one each month, beginning this November and ending in April, 2020. One track for priest and pastors runs on Thursdays, another track for deacons and lay leaders runs on Saturdays. The cost is $485 and includes lunch and all course materials.
Read More
These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church. Download a Word doc, or PDF for letter size printout or legal size printout, or view the ELCA resource page.
Read More
Pray for seasonal summer employees and staff across our nation who worry about finding new employment and housing in the months to come, and pray that our congregations will be communities of faith where people in transition are welcomed and supported.
Read More
Pastor Shari Bernau of Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, AZ, agreed to be our Synod Liaison for Youth Gathering 2021. Contact her (pastorshari@lwlcaz.org) if you have questions about how you can get to Minneapolis for Youth Gathering.
Read More
From Christianity Today, this article asks: “As digital reading habits rewire our brains, how will we process the Bible differently?”
Read More
We pray for the health and well-being of Pastor Tom Dunham. Pastor Dunham serves at Streams in the Desert Lutheran, Tucson. By your power, great God, our Lord Jesus healed the sick. Though we cannot command or possess your power, we pray for those who want to be healed.
Read More
As we have been organizing, rearranging, and streamlining the Synod office, we have a few pieces of office furniture, such as tables and chairs, for which we no longer have room. If you are interested, please contact the Synod office (office@gcsynod.org) for more information.
Read More