Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers a pastoral message on the death of Pope Francis, giving thanks for his global witness to justice, peace, and unity in Christ. She reflects on his contributions to Catholic-Lutheran dialogue, his advocacy for the poor and the planet, and his powerful presence at the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. We join in mourning his loss and celebrating his life eternal in Christ. Click here to read the full message.
Read MoreHappy Easter from your friends at Lutheran Summer Music! Please enjoy this musical offering of Michael Boo’s Alleluia Tapestry, performed by the LSM 2024 Festival Band, conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler. Learn more about LSM @ LSMacademy.org.
Read MoreMay 5 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR) Day—a time of remembrance, advocacy, and action. Vicar Wanda Frenchman of Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix shares her personal story and invites us to raise awareness through worship, education, and public witness. Join the ELCA-wide effort by wearing red, naming the missing, and attending a candlelight vigil via Zoom.
Read MoreThe red dress has become a sacred symbol of remembrance and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). In this moving reflection, Prairie Rose Seminole, an ELCA leader and MHA Nation member, calls us to grieve together, learn the truth, and live out our Lutheran faith through advocacy, solidarity, and action. As we approach the National Day of Awareness on May 5, we are invited to wear red—not only as a sign of mourning, but as a promise to seek justice for those taken. Click here to read the full article at Boldcafé.
Read MoreGood Friday and Easter
News
Christians called to work for unity as they celebrate Easter together
Christian leaders unite in call for economies that nurture life
Guatemala to host first Latin American Peace Messengers training
Abound in Hope: Responsible theology takes center stage for Asian leaders
Climate change: Addressing non-economic impacts for justice and human rights
Young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate—but it doesn’t have to be this way. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Youth Advisory Team highlights TENx10, a national collaboration led by Fuller Youth Institute, offering free, research-based tools to help youth leaders, pastors, and congregations reimagine faith formation. Visit TENx10.org to access resources, take a 2-minute quiz, and join this movement to help faith matter more to the next generation.
Read MoreCongregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Pray Without Ceasing, a weekly prayer initiative launching May 1. Each community is encouraged to host a regular, welcoming prayer gathering and invite two others to do the same. Resources and optional Zoom gatherings will support participants throughout. View a PDF of FAQs here.
Read MoreRegistration 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, 8/10/2025, 10:45 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, livestream here), with Pastor Jacqui Pagel preaching and presiding.
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 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 More
