Papua New Guinea: bringing the good news to the remotest places
LWF congratulates Pope Leo XIV, expresses hope for building “bridges of peace”
Global Lutheran Songbook features in concert and workshop at the Kirchentag
Education at the service of gender equality by Rev. Mimii Kwerakwiza Brown Rubindamayugi Mziray
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a pastoral letter marking the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born and first Augustinian pope. She calls on Lutherans to join in prayer and continued dialogue, embracing our shared theological roots and our mutual calling to be bridge-builders in a world longing for peace and unity. Click here to read the full pastoral letter.
Read MoreYouth artwork for the 2025 Synod Assembly is due by Friday, May 9! Children and youth across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to submit drawings, paintings, or digital art inspired by the theme “Build Up the Body.” All submissions will be displayed at the Assembly and featured online, with 25 pieces printed as postcards. Every participant will be entered into a drawing for art supplies. Submit at gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/art.
Read MoreHow does our Lutheran faith inform our understanding of work, justice, and human dignity? From the Haymarket strikes to today’s threats to workplace protections, Christians have long stood with laborers seeking fair treatment. Lutheran theology, rooted in Martin Luther’s expansive view of vocation, calls us to honor all forms of work and support the rights of workers—then and now. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog.
Read MoreRev. Tina Mills will be installed Sunday, 5/18/2025, at 3pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus (612 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, AZ 85208). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside.
The color of the day is white. There will be a reception following, and the service will be live-streamed on the church’s website and social media.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly and attends meetings with various ministries of our synod. We also share photos from the Ordination of Deacon Emma Janzen and Bishop Hutterer’s visit to St. Raphael in the Valley in Benson.
Read MoreWhen Jesus declared his identity as the Messiah, some still refused to believe—not because he hadn’t made it clear, but because they couldn’t accept what that meant. This week’s Faith Lens reflects on mistaken identity, from the return of the dire wolf to the confrontation in John 10, and asks: when the truth is right in front of us, are we ready to see and hear it? Read more and reflect on how your own self-understanding is shaped by faith.
Read MoreBuild confidence and clarity in your children’s and youth ministry teams with a new online course from Faith+Lead. “Leading Faith Formation for Children and Youth” offers practical tools and theological grounding for volunteers, parents, and ministry leaders—just in time for summer planning. Enroll now for lifetime access and community support.
Read MoreBetween May 2024 and May 2025, fifteen congregations in the Grand Canyon Synod welcomed new rostered leaders, even as many more remain in transition. Our Transition Team—coordinated by Rev. John Maroni and guided by Bishop Deborah Hutterer—continues to use the Transition Coach model to accompany congregations in discerning faithful next steps. With deep gratitude for interim leaders, Synodically Authorized Ministers, and all who support this work, we trust that God continues to raise up leaders for the church today and tomorrow. See the full list of congregations in transition and learn more about the evolving call process in our synod in the PDF report here.
Read MoreChildcare will be provided at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University. This initiative helps make the assembly more accessible for families and reflects our shared Lutheran commitment to hospitality and inclusion.
Read MoreClergy Financial Resources is a proud sponsor of the 2025 Synod Assembly, helping offset the cost of electronic voting. As part of their sponsorship, they’re offering a free download of their 2025 Clergy Housing Guide using coupon code GCS2025. Learn more about their tax, payroll, and bookkeeping services for churches and clergy in this PDF or at clergyfinancial.com.
Read MoreNominate a leader by June 2 for the ELCA’s inaugural Building Resilient Leadership cohort—a 12-month program supporting justice-centered community projects. Participants receive seed funding, monthly training, and mentoring to grow their leadership and deepen their impact.
Read MoreJoin White Lutherans for Racial Justice and ELCA Racial Justice Ministries for a national online gathering on Thursday, May 15, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. Arizona / Pacific Time, to honor the Emanuel Nine through learning, reflection, and action. This 90-minute event offers inspiration and practical tools for deepening your congregation’s commitment to racial justice. Register here.
Read MoreChrist Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, AZ shares a video for their Outreach Food Pantry program. The CELC Outreach food pantry has been in existence since 2003 and continues to grow and serve the Goodyear (and surrounding) communities. We are a formal partner agency of St. Mary's Food Bank that provides food to over 65 households weekly.
Read MoreFrom in-depth resources on the Revised Common Lectionary and church calendar to practical guides for worship planning, ELCA Worship highlights this month’s offerings from Augsburg Fortress. Explore new titles like A Three-Year Banquet, Using Evangelical Lutheran Worship Vol. 3: Keeping Time, and preorder the new Lutheran Study Bible(NRSVue). Plus, get ready for Sundays and Seasons: Year A and sign up for summer music clinics in five U.S. cities. To read the full list of resources and explore how they support worship leaders, planners, and musicians across the ELCA, click here.
Read MoreFaith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix is hiring a part-time Bilingual Office Administrator. This key ministry role supports office operations, communication, and hospitality in a welcoming, multicultural congregation. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to pastoradelafe@faithalive.com.
Read MoreExplore this month’s free offerings from ELCA Coaching—vigils, trainings, and healing spaces centered on justice and faith. Events include a vigil for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, a gospel concert marking the 5th Angelversary of George Floyd, and the next round of Moving Toward Right Relations training. All are welcome.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, discover effective approaches to Gen Z spiritual formation in this insightful Pivot Podcast episode featuring Eric Huseth.
Read MoreHalf of all nursing home residents in the U.S. have no visitors. Pathways in Compassion is a nursing home ministry started by St. John Lutheran Church in Michigan to bring care and connection to those who have been forgotten. Learn how your congregation can get involved or start your own team using their free guide and support.
Read MoreHonoring longtime mentor Jim Hanson, Spirit in the Desert is just $3,000 away from creating a new contemplative garden. Also in the works: the ThanksLiving Music Fest (Nov 28–Dec 1), building upgrades, and community events like book clubs, devotions, and the return of Community of the Wild Goose. Read the full newsletter.
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