It’s National Volunteer Week, a week-long celebration that recognizes and thanks volunteers for their contributions that positively impact their communities. Three Mosaic volunteers, Joyce Finnell, Pastor Rachel Thorson Mithelman and Tonya Bagwell, describe their experiences giving back. The post Three Mosaic Volunteers Exemplify the Meaning of National Volunteer Appreciation Week appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreELCA’s April 2025 Mission Support Memo reflects on the Northwest Intermountain Synod Council Retreat at beautiful Lutherhaven Camp. Throughout the time together, council members and synod leaders meditated on our stories and sought to embody the stories that God has entrusted to each of one to hear, empower, and share. Explore the memo to find out ways we can connect with councils, leaders, and congregations. Also, learn about how you and others can join on May 8th in a online session to wonder about "Why People Give: Love Letters to Our Church”.
Read MoreDavid Scherer of JUSTmove will join us at the 2025 Synod Assembly to lead daily intercultural development sessions and shape our worship experience. With a creative, embodied, and invitational approach grounded in Lutheran values, Scherer brings years of experience in helping communities grow in cultural humility.
Read MoreMay 5 is National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) Awareness Day—a time to honor the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and relatives who have gone missing or been murdered at alarmingly high rates. In line with the ELCA’s Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People, congregations are invited to wear red, host prayer vigils, include MMIWGR in worship, and build relationships with local Indigenous leaders and musicians. Click here to learn more and access resources from the ELCA.
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, especially at Florida State University and in Kashmir, India…
For our planet and the life it supports, for sustainability, and against earth’s exploitation…
For the memory and witness of Pope Francis, and for the Roman Catholic Church in this time of mourning and discernment…
For those fighting wildfires in New Jersey and for all threatened homes and habitats…
For those navigating earthquake aftermath in Istanbul…
For migrants, travelers, and those who are deported or detained…
For Christian unity in this Easter season…
For diversity of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities, and for the gifts of neurodivergence…
The Rules of Procedure for the 2025 Synod Assembly, held June 12–13 in Las Vegas, are now available. These rules cover quorum, voting procedures, speaking guidelines, and submission deadlines. Review them in advance to participate fully and faithfully. Read now: gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/rules
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries and author of "The Big Relief," joins Pivot Podcast hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton to discuss grace-centered ministry in an exhausted world.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels for special events at congregations around the synod, and maintains daily and weekly operations. We also share photos from the First Call Accompaniment Region 2 Retreat, at Spirit in the Desert.
Read MoreJoin Arizona Faith Network in honoring Pope Francis’s legacy through faithful action. This week’s newsletter highlights urgent needs for heat relief volunteers, the upcoming May Day March for justice, interfaith events on science and spirituality, and a powerful community moment of tree planting and service. Explore the full calendar and get involved at www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreCarolyn Perkins, Choir Director at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert, AZ, has been selected as a music assistant for the 2025 Hearts, Hands and Voices summer camp in Michigan. Sponsored by Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the SE Michigan Synod, this acclaimed ELCA music ministry program nurtures children’s spiritual and musical growth. Perkins plans to bring what she learns back to enrich Desert Cross and its surrounding community.
Read MoreIn the wake of violence and despair, Jesus’ first words to his disciples after the resurrection were words of peace—spoken not once, but three times. This week’s reflection from Faith Lens invites us to shift our gaze from Doubting Thomas to the mission Jesus gives: to be sent, empowered by the Spirit, and grounded in a peace that brings life abundant. As global conflict continues and hope feels scarce, the resurrection reminds us that peace is not only possible—it is purposeful. Discover how Christ’s peace sends us into a broken world as agents of hope.
Read MoreIn a moving reflection, Rev. Carol Devine recounts her encounters with Pope Francis—from the White House lawn to Pentecost Mass in Rome—and his profound impact as a global moral leader on creation care. Though not Catholic, Devine highlights how Pope Francis, through the spirit of St. Francis, inspired interfaith climate action and compassion for the Earth and its most vulnerable. We’re invited to honor his legacy through prayer and renewed action to care for our common home. Click here to read the full tribute and call to action.
Read MoreIn a special episode of the Respecting Religion podcast, faith leaders speak out on the urgent and unfolding case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador. The conversation, featuring Melissa Rogers, highlights profound concerns about due process, justice, and the rule of law—issues that deeply affect all who call this country home. Click here to listen and learn more about this critical moment for people of faith.
Read MoreDiakonia shares their annual report for 2025, view here as a PDF.
Read MoreHelp us celebrate how God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod! As we prepare for the 2025 Synod Assembly, we’re collecting stories from congregations and ministries that reflect this year’s theme: Build Up the Body (Ephesians 4:12–13). Submit your story—written, photo, video, or audio—by May 9, 2025 to be featured during the assembly and in synod communications. Full details at gcsynod.org/assembly.
Read MoreDirector of Communications Brian Flatgard reflects on a year of connecting, sharing, and strengthening the synod through digital ministry. With over 84,000 website visits, nearly 1,700 newsletter subscribers, and 1,600+ blog posts in 2024, our communications ministry continues to support congregations and amplify the work of the wider church. Read the full report to learn about new initiatives for 2025 and how we’re building up the Body together.
Read MoreAfter the fullness of Holy Week and Easter, church leaders are invited into a time of renewal. Resurrection Rest is a free 16-minute guided meditation for pastors, deacons, and ministry leaders, offering space to breathe, reflect, and receive. Listen and let resurrection rest settle in: thrivingleadershipformation.org.
Read MoreMinistry can be exhausting—but you don’t have to go it alone. ReNEW is a free four-week email series offering spiritual practices, podcast episodes, and practical tools to help leaders move from burnout to joy. Sign up today and take the first grace-filled step toward sustainable, life-giving ministry.
Read MoreWant to lead worship with a guitar around the campfire? Join Camp ALOMA in Prescott, April 25–27, for a weekend retreat focused on learning how to lead and support campfire worship. Designed for guitar players with basic chord skills, the $110 weekend includes lodging, meals, and musical leadership training grounded in Lutheran faith. Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.
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.
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