Explore a full month of free online events from ELCA Coaching, including sessions on beloved community, truth and healing, accessibility, decolonization, and the annual Vine Deloria, Jr. Theological Symposium. Several upcoming low-cost trainings begin in early 2026. View full details and registration links at elcacoaching.org/events.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) is temporarily closed during the federal government shutdown due to suspended grant funding that supports food and senior meal programs. LSSN is an independent organization, separate from Grand Canyon Synod leadership.
In a letter in this post, Rev. Dr. Marta Poling Schmitt outlines the shutdown’s impact, long-term plans for a federally qualified health clinic on the Boulder Pines campus, and a year-end fundraising effort leading into LSSN’s 40th anniversary. Congregations are invited to learn more, host an update this fall, and pray for this important ministry.
Read MoreMaricopa Lutheran Church is hiring a Church Musician (pianist/keyboardist) and a Choir Director to serve a growing, song-loving congregation that worships at Desert Wind Middle School. Pay is per service/rehearsal with mileage reimbursement (IRS guidelines) for those outside Maricopa; roles are independent contractor (1099).
Read MoreNew Promise Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. George, Utah is hiring a part-time Church Musician (12–15 hrs/week) to provide organ/piano leadership for Sunday worship, plan with pastors and the music team, and support congregational song through the seasons of the church year. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes continuing education funds and paid vacation. Send a résumé, brief statement of interest, and (if available) a recording to newpromisemusicsearch@gmail.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Download the full job description PDF inside.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is currently seeking a part-time Property Manager to help support its mission of service and hospitality. Learn more and apply at AllSaintsPhoenix.org/job-openings.
Read MoreApply now for Grand Canyon Synod grants—up to $15,000 per project; ≈ $175,000 total available this fall. Applications open Sept. 8 and are due Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight). Projects aligned with the GCS Strategic Plan and collaborating with another ELCA ministry receive priority. Funding begins Feb. 2026.
Read MoreJoin Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, January 16–19, 2026, for Living Into a New Story. Led by Pastor Ron Rude and hymnist Sharon Reinbott, this retreat explores how science, Scripture, and earth wisdom can renew our faith and reshape our relationship with creation. Scholarships are available.
Read MoreRenew your leadership and spirit at Leading Well: A Learning Retreat, January 6–9, 2026, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Designed for all who serve in faith-based ministry, this ecumenical event blends sabbath rest, collegial support, and practical learning. Participants will leave refreshed, connected, and equipped with a tailored Leadership Formation Plan. Learn more and register: surfacetosoul.org/2026-lwr
Read MoreJoin pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »
Read MoreYour ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!
Read MoreThrivent members can make a big difference through Thrivent Choice Dollars and Thrivent Action Teams—two benefits that support ministry at no extra cost. Direct your 2025 Choice Dollars by March 31, 2026 to your congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, and apply anytime for a $250 Action Team grant to fund a service or outreach project. Learn more at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice and Thrivent.com/actionteam.
Read MoreJoin us Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix for Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations, a free interactive workshop led by Fred Nelson of the Inside Out Network. Explore a biblical foundation for reentry ministry, learn from new research, and discover eight practical models to help your congregation welcome and walk with returning citizens. Register today at the link provided—free parking and refreshments included.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club welcomes transformational life coach and author Sarah Payne Naylor on Thursday, November 20 at 3 p.m. (MST) for a discussion of her inspiring new book, You’re Not Done Becoming: Reclaim Personal Power and Purpose to Transform Your Life at Any Age.
Naylor—long connected with Lutheran ministries in Arizona—offers a heartfelt reminder that growth and faith never end. Learn more or register at Spirit in the Desert.
Read MorePastor Joy McDonald Coltvet invites readers to use their voices for justice, guided by faith and the Holy Spirit’s advocacy. Drawing inspiration from Scripture and even from A Bug’s Life, she challenges us to speak truth in love, seek community across differences, and remember that our freedom is meant to set others free. Explore this reflection on using our faith-filled voices at Boldcafé.
Read MoreBishop Emily K. Hartner of the North Carolina Synod reflects on what it means to live out faith through conviction and courage. Drawing on the examples of Jesus, Martin Luther, and countless faithful ancestors, she reminds us that our baptismal promises call us to serve, proclaim, and strive for justice—even when it’s risky. Read the full reflection on how faith becomes action and conviction becomes love at Boldcafé.
Read MoreThe November newsletter features stories of Climate Ambassadors leading creation care efforts, opportunities to host trainings, apply for ecoAmerica’s 2026 Climate Leadership Awards, and spark Thanksgiving climate conversations. Explore the new Faith + Climate video project, read the 2025 Impact Report, and join Rev. Carol Devine in a month of gratitude. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Kevin Vandiver’s sermon from the October 4 installation of ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis is now available to watch online. In his message, Dr. Vandiver offers a Spirit-filled call for courage and hope as the ELCA embraces this new chapter of leadership.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Scott and Timothy share how the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA is helping churches move from fixing institutional decline to discerning God's movement in their neighborhoods.
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens reflection on Luke 18:9–14, Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector challenges our assumptions about worthiness before God. While the Pharisee boasts of righteousness, the tax collector prays simply for mercy—and is the one made right with God. We are reminded that true prayer begins with humility and gratitude, not self-assurance. God exalts those who come honestly, knowing that all we have and are comes from divine grace alone.
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