Immigration, Faith, and the Gospel’s Invitation to Welcome

In light of recent immigration executive orders, Deacon Erin Brown reflects on John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood”—and what it means to welcome the stranger as a neighbor. Drawing on her border immersion trip with ELCA young adults, she calls the church to live out God’s incarnational love with humility, compassion, and action. Read more about how AMMPARO invites us to accompany our immigrant siblings with dignity and hope. Click here for more at ELCA.org.

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A Roadmap for ELCA Congregations: Understanding Bylaws & Continuing Resolutions

Navigating 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.

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Pray Without Ceasing: A Movement Rooted in Hope and Resilience

Join 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.

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From Curiosity to Commitment: Meet Our Diakonia Grads

Celebrate 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.

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Ordination celebrations: June 22, 2025

Today 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.

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Ordination celebrations: June 21, 2025

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.

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Apply Now: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Delegation at the 2025 ELCA Hunger Gathering

Registration 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.

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