Lutheran Church of the Foothills (LCF) is seeking a talented and passionate Part Time Music Ministry Leader to guide and inspire our music ministries. This key role helps shape the musical life of our worship, engaging the congregation through a variety of musical styles, and works closely with clergy and music leaders.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate musical excellence, creativity, and a strong understanding of Evangelical Lutheran worship liturgy and hymnody. They will also have the ability to lead and collaborate with a team of volunteer musicians who offer their gifts in worship through singing and instrumental accompaniment. Those interested can reach out to pastor@lcftucson.org for the full job description (here as PDF as well) and information for how to apply.
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We’re excited to debut the first entries from our synod-wide children’s art project, Jesus, Church, and Me! Beginning with the joyful art of our youngest children (ages 3–5), we’ll be sharing new batches leading up to the 2025 Synod Assembly. These creative expressions will also be featured as postcards and slideshow displays during the assembly in Las Vegas.
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For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India and Pakistan…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Durban, South Africa; Mexico City, Mexico…
For victims of the bombing of the Palm Springs, CA fertility clinic…
For relief and recovery efforts following severe storms in the midwestern and eastern United States…
For all who grieve a loved one on Memorial Day, and for those who serve in the armed forces…
For graduating students and for all whose academic years are drawing to a close…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies…
Full agenda now posted for our 2025 Synod Assembly, June 12–13 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. From worship to key reports, plenary sessions, and special guest David Scherer, the schedule reflects our call to gather as one body. Visit our site for details and updates.
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The Office of the Bishop presents the Grand Canyon Synod Proposed Mission Plan, available now online, at two upcoming webinars: May 28, 2025, 6:30 PM, and May 31, 2025, 10 AM. We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to Native American Urban Ministry.
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The Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. We invite you to join us in honoring those who gave their lives in military service and in praying for peace and healing across our world.
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Antisemitic and hate incidents are on the rise across Arizona and the nation. In an interview with KJZZ’s The Show, Rev. Katie Sexton of the Arizona Faith Network and Rabbi Andy Green of Congregation Or Tzion discuss how faith communities are responding. From defining hate and confronting conspiracy theories to organizing rapid response networks and naming hope in struggle, this candid conversation highlights both the danger of rising intolerance and the strength found in shared action. Click here to read the full article and listen to the interview.
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The latest Here I Pod episode from ELCA Advocacy addresses the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), featuring a powerful conversation with ELCA Indigenous Ministries leaders. Vance Blackfox, Justice Nichols, and Brenda Blackhawk reflect on the church’s call to justice, truth, and healing. Timed with MMIW Awareness Day on May 5, this episode explores the intersections of advocacy, climate justice, media representation, and the ELCA’s ongoing Truth & Healing Movement. Click here to listen or learn more.
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Triple-digit temperatures have returned—and Arizona Faith Network is leading the charge to protect our most vulnerable neighbors through cooling stations, interfaith bag-packing events, and summer service opportunities. Learn how you can help, register for upcoming Zoom events, and explore opportunities to live out your faith in action this season. Read the full AFN newsletter here.
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Join Lutheran pastors, deacons, musicians, and scholars August 13–15 in Minneapolis for the inaugural Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy. Centered on the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing,” the event features top liturgical voices and musicians across the ELCA. Registration is now open at www.seminarliturgy.org.
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The Grand Canyon Synod’s FY 2024-2025 Annual Report highlights a year of remarkable generosity and strategic development. The Mission and Ministry Fund grew nearly 8%, enabling us to double the number of ministries we support—from 8 to 16—particularly in underserved communities. From congregational triumphs like Crossroads’ debt-free Easter to the creation of two new endowments and a new donor CRM system launching this summer, this year’s progress reflects a Spirit-led commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and expanding Christ’s mission across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.
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What does it mean to truly flourish? A global study from Baylor University finds that regular participation in a faith community—not wealth or age—is a key factor in living a good life. Scripture agrees. In John 14, Jesus promises we are never alone, and the Spirit remains with us so we may live abundantly. This week’s Faith Lens explores how our call to community and presence—both divine and human—helps us flourish together, not apart.
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The May 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA is all about the resiliency of a small-town ministry. Immanuel Lutheran Church, in rural central Texas, faced a variety of challenges, a vacancy in pastoral leadership and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Yet, they saw opportunity when they called Katie Rode under a special program that allowed her to serve part-time while attending seminary full-time.
Explore the memo to find out how you can participate in the September Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference in New Orleans and learn about the 2024 Mission Support outcomes.
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The Global Engagement Team of the Grand Canyon Synod actively supports international ministry through companion relationships with churches in Mexico and Senegal, participation in ELCA Global Mission programs like Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), and new initiatives like Sembrando en los márgenes, a Holy Innovation borderlands project. Recent covenant renewals and visits to congregations and development centers in both companion synods highlight our shared work in Christ’s name. Read more in their annual report.
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Dr. John A. Nunes has been named the ninth president of California Lutheran University, officially stepping into the role on June 1, 2025. A respected Lutheran scholar, former nonprofit CEO, and interim president since 2024, Nunes brings visionary leadership rooted in faith to guide Cal Lutheran in a challenging time for higher education.
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Two things are essential for a blessed tomorrow: cutting emissions and restoring biodiversity. This spring and summer, congregations are invited to be part of healing creation—starting by shrinking the lawn and planting native. Native plants support pollinators, conserve water, sequester carbon, and tell the story of where we live. Whether planting a pot on a balcony or transforming church grounds, every step counts. Click here to read the full article on the Blessed Tomorrow blog.
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Lutheran Volunteer Corps is accepting applications for the 2025–2026 program year through June 30. Fellows serve full-time at justice-centered nonprofits in DC, the Twin Cities, Wilmington, and a new site in Pittsburgh, while living in intentional community. Learn more or apply at lutheranvolunteercorps.org.
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The Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) has ordained women as pastors for the first time, following a landmark decision last fall to allow the ordination of women. Maria Rudolph and Sue Westhorp were ordained this spring to serve congregations in Perth and Box Hill, respectively. This historic move affirms the LCANZ’s commitment to recognizing the gifts of all whom God calls, regardless of gender, and aligns with broader movements within the Lutheran World Federation. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.
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The May 2025 issue of Administration Matters is now live. Find key updates on online Bible studies for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, mental health resources for leaders, health benefit changes coming in 2026, and practical financial and safety tools for congregations. Don’t miss this valuable resource for leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. Read the full issue.
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