Lutheran school leaders are invited to the ELEA Leadership Conference 2025, “Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith,” held November 5–7 in Cleveland, Ohio. This national gathering offers three days of professional development, spiritual renewal, and community for educators shaping the future of Lutheran schools. Register now and join the movement to nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.
Read MoreFeeling like your church doesn’t have enough? Join a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Central (4 p.m. AZ)to discover the hidden resources your congregation already holds. Learn from the Kaleidoscope Institute how currencies of relationship, truth, and more can help us move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. No registration required—just click to join.
Read MoreDo you know a young dancer? The ELCA is seeking Phoenix-area students and young adults to participate in the Opening Worship of Churchwide Assembly on Monday, July 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Dancers will rehearse and perform from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—a rare opportunity to offer movement as worship. Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at sbjornebo@yahoo.com or 303-257-3356 to share names or learn more.
Read MoreNavigating church governance can be complex, but a new resource from Pastor David Brandfass and Pastor Dan Potaznick clarifies the role of bylaws and continuing resolutions in ELCA congregations. This How-To Guide helps church leaders align their governing documents with ELCA best practices while maintaining flexibility for ministry needs. Available now at www.gcsynod.org/congregations, this resource is essential for congregational councils and leadership teams.
Read MoreA seven-week Zoom course—Renewal and Resilience: A Depth Psychology Approach for Clergy—offers active clergy a space to explore burnout, internalized pressure, and hidden congregational dynamics. Led by Rev. Richard Mallory, the program runs Tuesdays from Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Limited to 8 participants.
Read MoreJoin the Pray Without Ceasing movement—a Spirit-led call to prayer spreading across the ELCA. Weekly Zoom gatherings on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central connect prayer leaders and participants from around the country. Pray for peace, for renewal, and for your neighbors. Learn more and receive the Zoom link to join in: pray-without-ceasing.org
If you have created a group, or would like more information, please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission, Pr. David Pavesic at david.pavesic@elca.org.
Read MoreRostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.
Read MoreCelebrate the 2025 Diakonia graduates (view grads in this PDF) with us on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM MST at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson, or online via YouTube. This joyful service and luncheon, featuring a message from Bishop Hutterer, honors those completing one or two years of faith formation through the Diakonia program. RSVP by June 15 to tinag963@yahoo.com or watch the livestream.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Sarah Upham-Birdsall, who celebrates 23 years on June 22.
Rev. Matthew Dobyns, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 17 years on June 22.
Rev. Gary Hess, who celebrates 48 years on June 22.
Rev. Duane Peterson, who celebrates 67 years on June 22.
Rev. Andrew Schlecht, Maricopa, Maricopa, who celebrates 17 years on June 22.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Michael Johnson, who celebrates 38 years on June 21.
Rev. Roger Thompson, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.
Rev. Joseph Carucci, who celebrates 64 years on June 21.
Rev. Terry Pletkovich, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.
Rev. John Sersland, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.
Rev. Nancy Milleville, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.
Rev. Michael Girlinghouse, LCM Canterbury, Flagstaff, who celebrates 38 years on June 21.
In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Christian Smith explores why religion feels outdated in modern culture, citing shifts in family, institutions, and technology as key causes.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, taking place September 18–21 in Columbus, Ohio. Centered on Micah 6:8, the gathering will unite leaders to collaborate on ending hunger and its root causes. Thanks to a sponsorship from the Northeast Valley Consortium, the Grand Canyon Synod will fully sponsor three participants. If you’re interested in attending as a representative, do not register online—instead, contact Solveig at director@lamaz.org to be considered.
This is a key opportunity to reflect, connect, and act in our shared ministry for a world without hunger. Click here for full event details.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Summer Music for our 43rd season at Valparaiso University, June 22–July 20! Can’t attend in person? Experience over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services online through Live from LSM.
Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, the debut Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Explore the full schedule and tune in at LSMacademy.org/2025. All events are free and available to stream live or on demand. Don’t miss this transformative celebration of music, faith, and community!
Read MoreAlthough she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder. The post Advocacy Following Rare Diagnosis Helped Countless Others appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is honored to host the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix this July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to help make this event a success! Open shifts include airport greeters, registration, worship support, and more. Learn how you can serve and sign up at gcsynod.org/cwa.
Read MoreWhile reports vary on the scale and freshness of a recently publicized password leak, it’s always a good time to review your digital security. The Grand Canyon Synod is regularly targeted by phishing scams, making it essential for individuals and congregations to update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider using passkeys. Read on for practical tips to keep your digital life and ministry secure.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 54 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 43 years on June 20.
Rev. Charles Berdahl, who celebrates 60 years on June 20.
Arizona Faith Network is offering a wide range of opportunities this summer—from interfaith meditation sessions to heat relief service projects, public witness at the Eloy Detention Center, and training for Election Protection Arizona poll monitors. Events include the Bags of Hope packing days in Tucson and Tempe, a nuclear waste community conversation in Sahuarita, and a call to oppose a proposed public lands sell-off. Lutheran voices are needed to show up, speak out, and serve. Click here to read the full AFN newsletter and learn how you can get involved.
Read MoreLAMA Director Solveig Muus joined faith leaders from Arizona in Washington, D.C. for Bread for the World’s 50th Anniversary Advocacy Summit, urging legislators to support SNAP, WIC, and global nutrition programs. The Arizona delegation met with representatives across the political spectrum, combining public witness with prayer, partnership, and policy engagement. Click here to read the full story and reflections from Solveig’s five days in D.C.
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