Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler urges us to act on behalf of hungry neighbors across Arizona in the context of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. With food insecurity rising—especially among children, seniors, and rural residents—Stoxen calls on Christians to advocate for SNAP benefits and support local food pantries. Faith without action is dead, she reminds us. Click here to read her full op-ed published in The Chandler Arizonan.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop prepares for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering. We also share photos from the Diakonia Graduation and Campformation.
Read MoreThe annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.
Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 59 years on July 10.
Read MoreJoin us for a candlelight prayer vigil on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 pm at Peace Park in Phoenix, following the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This 30-minute gathering will include music, prayer, and reflections from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other leaders, with a focus on preserving the human dignity of migrants, asylees, and refugees. Open to the public—all are welcome.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is making a final push to fill open volunteer roles for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to assist with tech, hospitality, support, and more. Learn how you can help welcome the wider church and be part of this historic event. Sign up today and join the team that makes it all happen.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of Nevada has launched She Cares, a new initiative providing purses filled with essential hygiene items to women in need, along with ongoing monthly refills through a dignity-centered care model. Supported by local congregations and generous business partners, She Cares offers more than supplies — it offers restored confidence, peer support, and compassion. Learn how congregations like Holy Spirit, New Song, and Good Samaritan are involved, and join us in celebrating this meaningful ministry in our synod.
Read MoreThe 2025 Campformation recap video is now available! Experience the joy, worship, and community shared by Lutheran youth from across our synod through this inspiring new highlight reel.
Read MoreFrom heat relief efforts to interfaith meditation, Arizona Faith Network is calling on communities to serve and grow together this July. Pack Bags of Hope, join clergy gatherings, learn about the Bahá’í faith, or participate in a prophetic book study. Learn more and find ways to get involved at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreFaith communities across the U.S.—including 47 supported by Blessed Tomorrow—are launching new climate initiatives through small grants aimed at youth education, community gardens, Indigenous land restoration, and advocacy. These projects build relationships across congregations and expand on the momentum of 2024’s efforts. Save the date: the next National Faith + Climate Forum is April 26, 2026. Click here to read more about these inspiring projects and how your congregation can get involved.
Read MoreLa Asamblea de toda la Iglesia de la ELCA 2025 se llevará a cabo en Phoenix del 28 de julio al 2 de agosto. La Obispa Hutterer invita a nuestro sínodo a orar, aprender y ofrecerse como voluntarios mientras damos la bienvenida a casi 1,000 personas de toda la ELCA. Lea sobre qué esperar, cómo participar y por qué este momento es importante para la vida del mundo.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Joshua Auchenbach, Tanque Verde, Tucson, who celebrates 19 years on July 9.
Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on July 9.
Rev. Daniel Hodgson, who celebrates 58 years on July 9.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place in Phoenix from July 28 to August 2. Bishop Hutterer invites our synod to pray, learn, and volunteer as we welcome nearly 1,000 people from across the ELCA. Read about what to expect, how to get involved, and why this moment matters for the life of the world.
Read MoreIn Living Lutheran, ELCA deacon and campus chaplain Mindy Holland invites us to rediscover the power and possibility of prayer—not only in our worship spaces but in every moment of our lives. Reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 5:17, she urges us to “pray without ceasing,” letting prayer become as natural as breathing. From formal liturgy to whispered blessings, barefoot gratitude to courageous intercession, Holland reminds us that prayer transforms not only the world but ourselves. As the ELCA prepares for key elections, she encourages intentional prayer for our leaders and discernment for the future. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe North Carolina Synod has elected its first woman bishop, the Rev. Emily Hartner, who brings a bold vision of abundance and creative collaboration to her new role. With experience across a variety of ministry contexts and a deep love for her home synod, Hartner encourages congregations and leaders to share their gifts freely to meet one another’s needs.
She begins her term August 1 and will be installed on November 15. To learn more about her leadership perspective and hope-filled vision for the future of the church, click here to read the full interview from Living Lutheran.
Read MorePhilip Hirsch, newly elected bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, shares a bold and hopeful vision for the future of the ELCA—one that both honors our Lutheran roots and embraces Spirit-led innovation. Drawing from a lifetime of leadership across the church and a passion for justice and inclusion, Hirsch lifts up the urgent need to reach new generations, name systemic barriers, and return to the heart of the gospel. His leadership begins this fall, and his insights reflect key themes identified by over 11,000 ELCA members nationwide. Click here to read the full Living Lutheran interview.
Read MoreYour generosity during the 2025 Synod Assembly raised $3,365.80, now supporting wildfire recovery in Southern California and essential services in Las Vegas through Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Nevada. It’s not too late to give—join us in building up the body of Christ and making a lasting impact in our region and beyond.
Read MoreHelp 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.
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