Help us welcome the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to Phoenix in 2025! Volunteers are invited to an informational Zoom meeting on Wednesday, July 16 at 4:30 PM Arizona time to learn about available shifts, roles, and expectations. Can’t attend live? The session will be recorded. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at gcsynod.org/cwa.
Read MoreIn response to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton issues a call to faithful action. The sweeping legislation threatens healthcare access, food assistance, immigrant families, and climate protections—policies that stand in opposition to Lutheran commitments to care for the vulnerable and support the common good. Bishop Eaton invites us to pray, partner, and act together as church to stand with our neighbors in need. Click here to read the full statement and watch the accompanying video on YouTube.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025 audited financial statements are now available. The audit affirms the synod’s strong financial position and faithful stewardship of funds. With over $7.1 million in net assets and $285,500 distributed to ministry partners, the report reflects our shared commitment to transparency, generosity, and mission. Read the full audit at gcsynod.org/financial-overview.
Read MoreJoin Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen and Rev. Dr. Helen Chukka of Wartburg Seminary for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1 in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, invites rostered ministers to explore how Christian community can respond faithfully to division and despair. Registration is open through September 5.
Read MoreThrough Thrivent Choice, you can contribute to organizations and causes you care about – and influence how Thrivent distributes some of its charitable funding.
Considering the Grand Canyon Synod for your Thrivent Choice Dollars? Visit the GCS page to give through Thrivent Choice.
Read MoreJoin the Hymn Society for four powerful and free livestreamed hymn festivals from July 13–16. Each evening at 4:30 p.m. Arizona time, experience the joy and healing of communal song as leaders explore themes of faith, proclamation, and peace. Watch live on YouTube and share widely with your congregation!
Read MoreJoin Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for their final free summer jazz concerts—July 13 with Beth Lederman & Dennis Rowland. Held at 5:30 PM, these Music for Food events support the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Come for the music, stay for the mission.
Read MoreNow accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Arlyn Norris, who celebrates 50 years on July 6.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Bernice Johnson, who celebrates 66 years on July 5.
Read MorePeter Strickland, general manager of BMG Music Group in Nashville and a longtime member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, Tennessee, reflects on his faith, family, and vocation in the high-paced music industry. From launching Blake Shelton’s career to producing Jimmy Fallon’s Grammy-winning album, Strickland shares how his Lutheran values—grace, integrity, and community—guide both his leadership and life. Click here to read the full feature in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreOn July 1, Augsburg Fortress released The Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition, a fully updated resource featuring the NRSVue translation, revised articles, and insights from over 50 ELCA pastors and scholars. With fresh perspectives on Jewish-Christian relations, updated notes on biblical figures, and new study tools like “Together by Grace: Bible Conversations,” this edition invites readers into a deeper, more inclusive engagement with Scripture. Click here to read the full interview with co-editor Laurie J. Hanson in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Shannon Kiser explore how churches can grow vibrant fresh expressions to reach changing neighborhoods.
Read MoreThis month’s Faith Freedom Dispatch from BJC offers urgent updates on a national school voucher proposal buried in the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” major Supreme Court rulings on religious liberty, and grassroots faith responses in Texas. Learn how pastors are organizing against ICE activity at schools, courts are defending student rights, and advocates are standing up against Christian nationalism. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreNow in its sixth year, the annual One Mosaic Day celebration acknowledges the anniversary of Mosaic (July 1, 2003) and the common mission shared across the network: Mosaic is called to love and serve. The post One Mosaic Day Celebrates Unified Mission appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThanks to your advocacy, Arizona’s new budget includes $3.8 million for reduced-price school meals and $2 million for Double Up Food Bucks—key programs to fight food insecurity. These one-time wins came after strong bipartisan support and faithful engagement by hunger advocates like you. Learn more and celebrate the good news—click here.
Read MoreStay connected with Arizona Faith Network this July! From interfaith meditations and voter advocacy to Bags of Hope packing events and heat relief support, AFN offers many ways to engage your faith in action. Explore gatherings, trainings, and service opportunities across the state—and invite others to get involved. Read the full update and sign up for the AFN newsletter.
Read MoreFor an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For the victims of the most recent attack on a waterfront cafe in Gaza City, and for a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Chicago, Illinois…
For the victims of a fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Southern India…
For those grieving the loss of life after the crash of Air India flight AI171…
For the safety of those traveling, gathering with family and friends, and celebrating this holiday weekend…
For veterans of war and all who suffer from PTSD…
For those with limited or threatened access to healthcare…
For an end to racism, poverty, and hatred…
Letters of inquiry are now open through July 7 for ELCA World Hunger’s 2026 Domestic Hunger Grants. These grants support ministries and organizations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico working toward a just world where all are fed. Learn more about eligibility, grant priorities, and how to apply.
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