Registration is now open for Campformation 2025, happening June 30–July 4 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, AZ. Youth entering grades 6–10 are invited for a week of mountain hikes, ropes courses, and spiritual growth alongside peers from across the synod. Don’t miss this sacred summer tradition—register today at www.lutherancampformation.com.
Read MoreIn a powerful joint statement following a Holy Week solidarity visit, ELCA and ELCIC leaders affirm unwavering support for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. As the last hospital in Gaza was bombed on Palm Sunday and hope continues to dim for many Palestinians, the call for justice, accompaniment, and presence rings out louder than ever. “As long as the ELCJHL is here, we are all here.” Click here to read the full statement at ELCA.org.
Read MoreEaster might feel heavier or quieter for some people this year, and that’s OK. In fact, maybe that’s the whole point. As the great preacher Scott Hoezee points out, “Easter did not happen in a bright, airy, and decked-out-in-white church sanctuary.” The post In Anxious Times, Easter Provides Hope appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThis week’s AFN newsletter highlights powerful opportunities to meditate, march, and meet across Arizona—starting with Monday Meditations, the May Day March for justice, and a clergy gathering in North Scottsdale. Plus: details on Earth Day prayers, faith webinars, interfaith learning, and more. Read and subscribe to the full AFN newsletter.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for the people of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
Read MoreEmma Janzen will be ordained Saturday, 5/3/2025, 11:00 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church, (18265 North 89th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85382, livestream here), with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham Hughes preaching, and Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding. Emma will be installed Sunday, 8/20/2025, 10:45 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, livestream here), with Pastor Jacqui Pagel preaching and presiding..
Reception lunch to follow Ordination in the fellowship hall. Please RSVP to Emma Janzen, emmajanzenn@gmail.com, for food. Rostered ministers and candidates for rostered ministry are invited to process and wear their albs. Color of the day is red for the ordination, and green for the installation.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Peter Perry, Rev. Daniel Potaznick and the people of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale, part of the Cactus Conference.
Read MoreJoin the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA for an online Bible study event with Gather magazine author Rev. Brooke Petersen on Saturday, May 17 from 9–11am MST/PDT. Learn to lead the Summer 2025 study, “Where Two or More Are Gathered: Flourishing in Relationships.” Open to all—register now at www.GrandCanyonWomen.org. View PDF flyer here.
Read MoreChrist is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
As Easter people, we live in the promise that life is stronger than death and love is stronger than fear. May this season of resurrection renew our hope and ground our work in the joy of the risen Christ.
Read MoreWhat do distant planets and the resurrection of Christ have in common? Both challenge us to believe based on signs we cannot yet touch. This week’s Faith Lens reflection draws parallels between new NASA discoveries and the Easter story—reminding us that grace, like life, often reveals itself in ways that stretch our imagination and strengthen our faith.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen…
For all victims of gun violence, in Dallas, TX…
For victims of the bombing of Anglical Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza…
For farmers, gardeners, and all who tend creation during the shift in seasons…
For safety for all refugees, migrants, and those seeking a homeland…
For the story of Jesus’s Passion and for his solidarity with all who are unjustly detained or denied due process…
For those who are preparing for baptism and those who accompany them…
For all Christians across the globe during this Holy Week and Easter…
For Jewish siblings observing Passover, and for the dignity and safety of people of all religious traditions…
We pray for the family and friends of Pastor Frank Nausin, who died April 15, 2025.
Tanque Verde Lutheran Church shares: “Pastor Frank faithfully served as Lead Pastor of TVLC from 1982-2002, and again as Interim Pastor in 2016. We will forever be grateful for the leadership, inspiration, and love that Pastor Frank poured into our congregation over the years.
Please keep Linda, Tim, Jeremy, and their whole family in your prayers during this time. We ask that you help them maintain their privacy and peace while they spend this holy time with their family. As Linda is currently transitioning apartments, they ask that all cards be directed to the TVLC office. Details on a memorial service will be forthcoming.”
Read MoreThis resurrection we celebrate as Easter people is not a retreat from the world, but an uprising of love within it. It is God’s way of saying that goodness is stronger than evil and that love is stronger than death. Every time we welcome the stranger, tend to the broken, or speak truth in love—we bear witness to resurrection.
Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.
Read MoreIn her Easter message, Bishop Eaton recalls the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with a powerful, pungent substance used to offset the stench of death. But the substance also signified royalty. Eaton says we discover the promise of Easter in Mary’s act. “Instead of removing the stench of death, the substance anointed a royal king. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the usual cycle of life and death has been disrupted forever. Jesus' death and resurrection promises new life and brings us new life.”
Read MoreFor nearly a century, St. Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church has served as a spiritual and community anchor in the Ville, a historically Black neighborhood in St. Louis. Through vibrant partnerships, public prayer, and outreach programs like Grill to Glory and Trunks Up, the congregation meets both the practical and spiritual needs of its neighbors—offering food, clothing, hygiene kits, and connection. Pastor Richard E. Ashley describes their ministry as grounded in community heritage and shaped by a commitment to meet people where they are. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWe’re a faith-based organization deeply rooted in our mission of serving those who serve. Watch our story to learn more: Benefits That Align with Church Values.
Read MoreExplore the intersection of neuroscience, faith, and addiction recovery in a free webinar on April 30 featuring Dr. Jeffrey Leighton and Jeff Jensen. Discover how prayer, neurofeedback, and hospitality-driven care can help regulate brain activity, relieve anxiety, reduce cravings, and restore hope. Open to clergy, counselors, and all affected by addiction.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Mike and Danny Housholder share how Lutheran Church of Hope focuses on following God's lead rather than their own plans.
Read MoreCelebrate Earth Day and explore new ways to engage in creation care with Lutherans Restoring Creation Join an Earth Day sermon watch party on April 22, encourage young adults to attend the April 21 kickoff of the Young Adult Climate Alliance, register for conversations on climate justice, and explore synod advocacy opportunities. Learn more and read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreWhile nearly 90% of Christian religious leaders believe climate change is real and human-caused, most rarely discuss it with their congregations. A new study shows this silence has consequences—many church members underestimate their pastor’s views, and conversations about climate action stall. Yet we are uniquely called and positioned to lead. This piece from Blessed Tomorrow urges clergy and lay leaders alike to speak out, teach, and preach on creation care. Support and training are available for those ready to start. Click here to read the full article on Blessed Tomorrow.
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