Arizona Faith Network invites clergy and lay leaders to engage in the Prophetic Witness Campaign (Phoenix training Feb. 19), Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb. 11), and a wide range of interfaith and advocacy events throughout February and March. From immigration justice to climate action to spiritual grounding, AFN offers meaningful ways to live out our faith in the public square. Read the full AFN newsletter for RSVP links and details.
Read MoreIn this week’s ELCA Advocacy devotional, Zachary Olson reflects on Lutherans who gathered in Washington, D.C., during a federal shutdown to advocate for disaster response reform — embodying Jesus’ call to be “salt and light.” Grounded in Matthew 5, this reflection invites us across the Grand Canyon Synod to consider how our faith shapes our public witness, compassion, and advocacy today.
Read MoreDive into the 2027 Gathering’s theme, Imagine More! Based on Ephesians 3:20 (Inclusive), the Gathering will be a space for young people to Imagine More - love, welcome, joy, courage, and grace. To learn more about the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble, or the Young Adult Gathering, please visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreArtist activist and author Joe Davis sat down with Living Lutheran to share how the work he does as an artist shows up in healing spaces. Watch for part two of “Art as a conduit of collective liberation,” coming Feb. 23 on LivingLutheran.org.
Read MoreThe Transfiguration may be one of the strangest stories in the Gospels—mountaintop glory, Moses and Elijah, and a voice from heaven. Yet at its heart is a simple truth: when the journey is hard, “it is good for us to be here.” In a world marked by war, discouragement, and disconnection, Christ gathers us into community and kindles hope like a small flame that refuses to go out.
This week’s Faith Lens reflection invites us to consider where we experience renewed hope, how church becomes a mountaintop moment, and how God sustains us together—even as we descend back into a world that still needs healing.
Read MoreFor an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For protection, compassion, and dignity for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For strained diplomatic relations between nations in the United States, Canada, and Cuba…
For those grieving the death of Hallie Tobler, daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson…
For all victims of domestic violence and abuse, and all victims of sexual abuse and exploitation…
For those affected by severe cold weather, especially those without access to adequate heat and other resources…
For the continued safety of athletes, reporters, and others participating in the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy…
For the conclusion of the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace, ending in Washington DC this Tuesday…
For affirmation, dignity, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
For pastors, deacons, church administrators, and musicians preparing for Lent…
ELCA Worship has highlighted several upcoming 2026 opportunities from trusted Lutheran and ecumenical partners, including The Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22, Princeton, NJ), the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (application deadline March 1), the Institute of Liturgical Studies (April 13–15, Valparaiso, IN), and the ALCM Conference (Early Bird deadline March 17). Student awards in liturgical art and church music composition are also open, with $1,000 prizes and spring deadlines.
These gatherings and resources nurture congregational song, liturgical renewal, and theological depth in worship. Read more and access registration details at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA resource Protecting Employees – Security Procedures in the Workplace offers congregations a clear, church-specific starting point for thinking about safety and preparedness. Grounded in care rather than fear, it encourages proactive planning that reduces risk and supports staff, volunteers, and worshipers.
This article highlights the document’s key guidance for leadership, volunteers, and building safety as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s year-long series on congregational security and preparedness.
Read MoreLent and Easter 2026 resources are now live on our site, featuring reflections, worship tools, and opportunities for faithful action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Highlights include the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger, upcoming Lenten events, and new worship resources for the season.
Congregations and leaders are invited to explore, participate, and share their own stories and events at gcsynod.org/share as we journey together from ashes to resurrection hope.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Spring Gatherings begin in the Phoenix area this February and continue across the synod in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas. Under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members are invited to gather for connection, reflection, and shared learning.
All are welcome to attend any gathering. Mark your calendar now as we launch this spring season together.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.
If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.
Read MoreThe Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.
Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.
Read MoreMission Support Statements of Intent for 2026–2027 are due March 1, 2026. Congregations are asked to submit their completed form to office@gcsynod.org to support faithful planning and shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, the wider ELCA, and the world.
Rooted in the 2026 synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, Mission Support is a theological practice grounded in abundance, partnership, and hope. Resources—including the Mission Support Letter, fillable form, and Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video—are available now.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Wendi Van Beek, U of A LCM, Tucson, who celebrates 1 year on February 19.
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 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 MoreLent is soon upon us (Ash Wednesday February 18). Once again, we are invited into a holy season of prayer, repentance, and renewed love of neighbor. If you’ve participated in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge before, you already know how powerfully God can work through simple, daily steps: a Scripture-based reflection, a faithful action, a moment of courage, a practice of compassion. This year’s challenge is ready for you at lentenchallenge.org—and your place in it matters.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.
Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.
Read MoreGod is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.
Read MoreCelebrate Fat Tuesday with food, music, and generosity at Music for Meals on Tuesday, February 17, at Hope Hall at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy New Orleans–style cuisine and live music from the Connections band, with the meal beginning at 6:00 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m.
This free event supports the Pitchfork Pantry, serving ASU Downtown students facing food insecurity. Bring canned goods, and know that all monetary donations will help purchase fresh, healthy food for the pantry. Join us for one last joyful gathering before the season of Lent begins.
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