Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Friday, December 19 at 10:00 AM for a joyful Big Band Christmas Concert featuring festive music, vocalists, and a time of fellowship with holiday treats. All are welcome to gather in the Social Hall for a warm and spirited start to the Christmas season.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s December Monthly Roundup features new courses—including Family Systems: Tools for Ministry and a new Spanish-language theology course—along with boundary-training for Christian leaders, an updated certificate catalog, and details on the School for Lay Ministry launching in January. Free resources include a new ebook on Spirit-led discernment, a “Bible in a Year” podcast preview, and Working Preacher newsletter subscriptions. Read the full update and explore training opportunities for you and your congregation.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Katie Adelman, who celebrates 40 years on December 15.
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 41 years on December 16.
The new LivingLutheran.org has launched, offering a free digital membership for readers across the Grand Canyon Synod. To create your free account, visit the direct sign-up link at https://www.livinglutheran.org/create-account the page is currently hard to find from the main subscribe screen.
A free account provides a personalized dashboard, members-only content, article-saving features, and customizable e-news options. Learn more about digital access and print subscriptions at livinglutheran.org/subscribe and stay connected to stories that strengthen us as one ELCA church.
Read MoreJoin Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (2:00 pm PST) for a conversation with author Peter Faur about his new novel, The Heretic Hunters: A Parable for Our Time. The book traces a denomination in crisis as authoritarianism, doctrinal purity campaigns, and personal courage collide—raising timely questions about faith, integrity, and the endurance of love.
The discussion will be facilitated by Sheri Brown, and registration is open. Learn more about the book, read early reviews, and sign up to join the conversation here: Read more & register →
Read MoreRev. Dr. James R. Thomas—pastor, scholar, and author of A Rumor of Black Lutherans—will preach at the Colorado River Conference’s MLK Celebration on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at New Song Church in Henderson, NV. Dr. Thomas’ remarkable journey from Seminex to global ministry in Ghana offers powerful insight into Black leadership in Lutheran history. Read more about his story, explore his new book, and join us as we honor Dr. King’s legacy across our synod.
Read MoreJoin Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 PM for a candlelit service of Advent Vespers with Lessons and Carols. This cherished annual tradition weaves Scripture, choir anthems, congregational singing, and organ music into a beautiful proclamation of Advent hope. A Dessert Festival follows the service. All are welcome as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry shares a Christmas children’s sermon inviting us to listen for God’s gentle whispers of love, hope, and peace. The video is available for congregational use, along with downloadable English and Spanish PDFs. This Christmas, Bishop Curry reminds us that “the heavens are still whispering: Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”
El Obispo Presidente Yehiel Curry comparte un sermón infantil navideño que nos invita a escuchar los susurros de amor, esperanza y paz de Dios. El video está disponible para uso en congregaciones, junto con los PDFs en inglés y español. Este mensaje nos recuerda que “los cielos todavía susurran: Jesús está aquí. Dios te ama. Comparte ese amor con el mundo.”
Read MoreDesert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert invites you to The Winter Rose: Songs of Worship and Wonder on Sunday, December 14, from 4:00–5:00 p.m. This free Advent cantata weaves scripture, prayer, and music into a beautiful reflection on Emmanuel—God with Us. Featuring choirs, guest musicians, and a Christmas cookie reception, the event is offered as a gift of love to the community. All are welcome.
Read MoreMountain View Lutheran Church hosts “I, Joseph,” a free one-man Christmas presentation by Tom Owen, on Friday, December 12, 6–7 pm. Walk with Joseph through the Nativity story in a powerful dramatic experience. Refreshments provided; all are welcome. View the event flyer here.
Read MoreJoin Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on Sunday, December 14, 2025, for a German-Language Christmas Service, beginning with caroling at 4:10 p.m. and worship at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy fellowship afterward with coffee, tea, and Christmas cookies (donations welcome). The service will also be livestreamed at bit.ly/weihnachtsgottesdienst2025inphoenix. Learn more at weihnachtsgottesdienstphoenix.com.
Read MoreNew Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson once again hosts Arizona’s exclusive production of Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity on December 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 5 p.m. This joyful retelling of the Nativity—written by Anne Phillips and inspired by “The Jazz Pastor” John Garcia Gensel—blends the Christmas story with the expressive beauty of jazz. Tickets and details at jazznativity.org/tucson.
Read MoreLSS-SW is seeking volunteers for Christmas gift-wrapping, delivery, Shopping Guide roles, and card-making in both Tucson and the Phoenix area. All gifts and Christmas cards are due December 15, with deliveries taking place December 18–21. More than 1,500 gifts will be distributed this year, and volunteers can also support ongoing needs such as Refugee Youth Mentors, English tutoring, and homework helpers.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod joins the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana in mourning the death of Rev. Daniel Trejo, father of ILM Pastor President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, who died on December 1. A wake and devotional were held on December 2, and the funeral took place on December 3. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Read MoreThe Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.
El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.
Read MoreGet the latest updates from BJC in their December Faith Freedom Dispatch, including the replay of last week’s Respecting Religion LIVE episode, open applications for the 2026 BJC Fellows Program, staff news, and Amanda Tyler’s op-ed on protecting congregations from partisan pressure. Read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreNearly sixty congregations and ministries applied for ELCA Disability Ministries grants this year, reflecting deep commitment to belonging throughout the church. Six ministries were selected for 2025 funding, each undertaking creative accessibility projects in their communities. More details will follow in a future update. Read the announcement on ELCA Disability Ministries.
Read MoreELCA Disability Ministries recently gathered 168 leaders for a webinar on affordable, practical steps toward accessible worship and congregational life. The session explored “holy creativity,” resources for Blind and Deaf community members, and ways to support people with invisible and cognitive disabilities. A full recording is now available. Watch the webinar on ELCA Disability Ministries or in this blog post.
Read MoreWriter Nola Smith reflects on her travels with Women of the ELCA’s Global Education program and the powerful faith and resilience of young women in Tanzania. She highlights the impact of scholarships, mentorship, and international accompaniment—and invites us to pray for and support this transformative ministry. Read more on Boldcafé,
Read MoreRev. Sara Olson-Smith reflects on why truth-telling by survivors remains essential for healing, justice, and Christian community. Drawing on Scripture and the #MeToo movement, she reminds us of the simple, powerful response Christians are called to offer: “I believe you. It’s not your fault. You are not alone.” Read more on Boldcafé.
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