This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Tina Mills, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 15 years on January 25.
Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 8 years on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 44 years on January 27.
In a joint statement released Jan. 16, 2026, national bishops from Lutheran churches in the United States, Canada, and Denmark voiced strong support for the Greenlandic people amid growing international pressure on Greenland’s future. The statement affirms Greenland’s right to self-determination, peace between nations, and respect for international law, echoing the words of Paneeraq Siegstad Munk: “We are people, not property. Greenland is not land to be bought.”
The bishops invite Lutherans to pray for Greenland and to contact elected leaders, urging them to respect the independence, dignity, and human rights of the Greenlandic people.
Read MoreIn this special episode of Here I Pod, Amy E. Reumann and Laurie Larson Caesar reflect on what faithful public witness looks like in today’s complex civic landscape. Their conversation explores how Lutheran theology shapes advocacy, accompaniment, and engagement in the public square.
This episode offers timely insight for rostered leaders and laypeople alike who are discerning how to live out their baptismal call beyond the walls of the church. Listen to the full episode via Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn this Epiphany reflection, Mindy Roll explores what it means to bear witness in a neighborhood where the language of faith is unfamiliar—but curiosity remains alive. Through chalk blessings, children’s questions, and the story of the magi, she invites readers to see Epiphany as openness to God’s light appearing in unexpected places.
This gentle, poetic reflection encourages congregations and households alike to see their thresholds as places of welcome, wonder, and quiet proclamation: Christ is here. Read the full reflection from Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn this I’m a Lutheran profile, Grace Carlic shares how her faith shapes her vocation as a workforce and public affairs specialist in the clean-energy sector. From creating inclusive pathways for people with disabilities to understanding grace as listening and finding common ground, Carlic reflects on what it means to live out love of neighbor in everyday work.
Her story is a powerful reminder that Lutheran faith is not confined to Sunday mornings—it is embodied through action, dignity, and hope in the world God loves. Read the full profile from Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.
The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.
Read MoreLutherans and friends from across Arizona are invited to gather at Wesley Bolin Plaza on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. The morning includes meeting legislators, connecting with LAMA leaders, hearing speakers, and praying for justice, with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch provided.
Held at the Arizona State Capitol in downtown Phoenix, this annual event equips us to live out our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace. Register today.
Read MoreCongregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to prepare their 2026–2027 Mission Support Plans and submit their Statement of Intent by March 1, 2026. Mission Support resources—including the letter from Bishop Hutterer and Vice President Mark Myers and the fillable intent form—are now available. A downloadable thank you video from Bishop Hutterer is also provided for use in worship, newsletters, and council meetings.
Rooted in our 2026 theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” congregations are encouraged to consider a 10% Mission Support commitment as we invest in leadership formation, local and global partnerships, justice advocacy, and ministries that transform lives across our synod and the wider church.
Read MoreOn Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 1/27/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreBeautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a skilled Music Accompanist to play piano or keyboard for Sunday worship and seasonal services, and to support choir rehearsals. This 12–15 hour/week position collaborates closely with the Music Director and Pastor and plays a key role in Lutheran worship life. Musicians with strong keyboard skills and a heart for worship are encouraged to inquire.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is now accepting applications, offering $50,000–$500,000 in grants plus expert support for congregations undertaking major historic preservation projects. An informational webinar will be held Thursday, January 22 at 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM AZ) to help congregations determine eligibility and learn more.
This program, led by Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports churches seeking to preserve their buildings while strengthening long-term ministry and community impact. Learn more and apply at fundforsacredplaces.org.
Read MoreThe January Faith Freedom Dispatch from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty highlights faith-rooted advocacy resisting Christian nationalism and defending religious freedom for all. Inside: organizing against state-mandated prayer in Texas schools, a January 20 info session for the BJC Fellows Program, powerful clergy witness at an ICE field office in North Texas, the new Winter issue of Report from the Capital, and an invitation to a January 29 faith-rooted clergy organizing call.
This issue offers both theological grounding and practical ways to engage. Read the full newsletter to learn more, access resources, and explore how people of faith are standing together for pluralism, democracy, and human dignity.
Read MoreClergy are invited to a timely online gathering, Confronting Christian Nationalism: Faith-Rooted Organizing for Clergy, on Thursday, January 29, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. MT / 9:30–11:00 a.m. PT via Zoom. Hosted by BJC, this Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint offers space for connection, shared learning, and concrete action as faith leaders navigate growing pressure in their communities.
The gathering will include honest conversation, practical breakout sessions, and tools to help clergy move from concern to faithful practice. Open to clergy only. Registration required.
Read MoreBecoming a friend with someone who has a disability starts with a simple, “Hello!” Here are a few things to remember about communications that are good for everyone, but especially true for people with disabilities.
The post Be A Friend to People with Disabilities: 7 Ways to Communicate Respectfully appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.
Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith invites faith leaders and caregivers to a free Zoom webinar, “When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation,” on January 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MT (10:00–11:00 AM PT).
Featuring addiction psychiatrist Michael Hsu, MD, the session will explore how gaming and digital technology can both support and undermine well-being—and offer practical, compassionate tools for recognizing unhealthy patterns and supporting individuals and families with faith-centered care. Registration is free and required.
Read MoreThe IRS has released the 2026 standard mileage rates, effective January 1, 2026. The business rate increases to 72.5 cents per mile, while the charitable rate remains 14 cents per mile. Medical and certain moving rates decrease slightly to 20.5 cents per mile.
These updates affect pastors, church staff, and volunteers who drive in service of ministry. Congregations and leaders should review reimbursement policies and budgets in light of the new rates for the coming year.
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