This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Christopher Heller, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on February 28.
Rev. Jeremy Nausin, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas, who celebrates 11 years on March 1.
Rev. Elaine Watskey, who celebrates 23 years on March 1.
Rev. Timothy Wright, who celebrates 42 years on March 4.
Rev. Jonathan Linman, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 37 years on March 4.
Bishop Deborah Hutterer invites you to join the 2026 ELCA Region 2 Lenten Challenge, beginning February 22. Rooted in Matthew 25:37–40, this six-week journey focuses on spiritual practices that strengthen our learning, care, and advocacy on behalf of neighbors who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, imprisoned, or in need of clothing. Each week centers on one portion of the Gospel text and calls us to reflect on how serving others is serving Christ.
Watch Bishop Hutterer’s invitation video and consider registering today. Let’s make this year’s Lenten Challenge the most impactful yet as we grow together as a church for the sake of the world.
Read MoreOn Ash Wednesday, LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt issued a powerful Lenten letter urging Lutheran churches worldwide not to remain indifferent when human dignity is ignored or ranked by status, ethnicity, or gender. Grounded in Scripture and Luther’s teaching on the Eighth Commandment, she calls the church to bear gentle yet firm witness to the God-given dignity of every person and to preach the liberating gospel in opposition to fear-based and prosperity-driven theologies.
Burghardt invites churches to use Lent as a season of prayer, discernment, and courageous action—supporting justice, truth, and global cooperation while embodying Christ’s love across dividing lines. Read her full Lenten message as PDF here and read more about the letter on the LWF site.
Read MoreA federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking ICE from conducting enforcement actions at or around houses of worship for five ELCA synods and their ecumenical partners. Region 2 synods — Sierra Pacific and Southwest California — were among the plaintiffs. The ruling restores long-standing protections for sensitive locations and affirms religious freedom under the Constitution. Read more about this significant step forward for sacred spaces and immigrant communities.
Read MoreOn February 12, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would rescind the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The ELCA, which previously testified in support of upholding the finding, has expressed profound concern and disappointment, calling this a “Kairos moment” for urgent climate action grounded in faith and science.
In its official statement, the ELCA affirms that caring for creation is a sacred responsibility and urges the EPA to restore protections that safeguard public health and future generations. Read the full ELCA statement and learn more about the church’s advocacy response here.
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 MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to begin Lent with a half-day Silent Prayer Retreat on Saturday, February 28, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rooted in monastic tradition, the retreat includes silent and communal prayer, worship, a shared meal, and service projects.
Space is limited. Contact the church office at 602-866-9191 or email Pastor Daniel Volkmann at dvolkmann@allsaintsphoenix.org to register or learn more.
Read MoreDesert Cross Lutheran Church invites the community to “You Are Precious in His Sight,” a free hymn sing on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4:00–5:15 p.m. in Gilbert. Featuring choirs from both Desert Cross locations, instrumental music, congregational singing, and a short drama about hymn writer Fanny Crosby, the event offers an afternoon of hope and joy rooted in faith.
A free taco dinner will follow in the fellowship hall. All are welcome—invite a friend and come sing.
Read MoreThe Wartburg College Castle Singers and Kammerstreicher will perform at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7 PM. Featuring a 28-voice choir and a 16-member chamber string ensemble, the concert highlights Wartburg’s renowned Lutheran musical tradition. Tickets are $20 and available through the church office or at the door.
Read MoreOur Saviour’s Lutheran Church (ELCA), 1200 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, is seeking a part-time Collaborative Musician (keyboardist) to help lead joyful, meaningful worship. Responsibilities include Sunday worship leadership, choir accompaniment, and collaboration on liturgy. Applications are due March 31, with a flexible start date (no later than June 1). Learn more at lutherantucson.org or apply at Oslc@lutherantucson.org.
Read MoreFor too long, Direct Support Professionals have shared a Standard Occupational Classification with roles that have some of the same responsibilities, but are different. With the re-introduction of the “Recognizing the Role of a Direct Support Professional Act,” there’s an opportunity to change that.
The post Why the Re-Introduction of the Recognizing the Role of a DSP Act Matters appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreBlessed Tomorrow’s March 2026 newsletter highlights major climate leadership opportunities for congregations, including hosting the National Faith + Climate Forum on April 25 (with up to $500 support), a new Faith + Climate Film Series launching in April, Earth Day leadership resources, and national recognition for Lutherans Restoring Creation.
From local hosting to film discussions and interfaith partnerships, the newsletter offers practical, faith-rooted tools for congregations ready to lead boldly in climate action. Read the full newsletter for registration links and resources.
Read MoreELCA Coaching is offering Taking Flight with DISC, a four-hour online leadership training designed to strengthen self-awareness, social awareness, and style flexibility. Led by Nathan Swenson-Reinhold, MCC, this practical masterclass equips church leaders to communicate effectively, navigate change, and lead teams with greater insight. Cost is $350 (includes DISC assessment and materials). Space is limited; email guide@summitcbc.com to register.
Read MoreThe ELCA’s Witness in Society team has shared an updated overview (Feb. 18, 2026) of sign-on letters—a timely advocacy tool that functions like a petition to members of Congress or other decision makers, often tied to an immediate issue or impending vote. These letters help educate leaders, name shared faith-rooted values, and urge specific action—often alongside ecumenical and interfaith partners.
The update also explains how the ELCA decides to sign on: careful analysis rooted in ELCA social teaching and policy priorities, attention to accuracy and tone (avoiding hyper-partisan language), and discernment about impact. The post includes a running list of recent ELCA-supported sign-on letters (last updated Feb. 12, 2026) with links to read each statement in full. Read more on the ELCA Advocacy blog.
Read MoreGathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar. To learn more about upcoming webinars, visit the Gathering site. View the first webinar here.
Read MoreOn a bright January day in Jerusalem’s Old City, the Rev. Imad Haddad was consecrated as the fifth bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), succeeding Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar. Surrounded by global Lutheran leaders—including ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry—and ecumenical partners, Haddad called the church to steadfast witness, peace and reconciliation amid ongoing tensions and hardship.
Rooted in the Palestinian Christian community, Bishop Haddad spoke of sumud—steadfast endurance—and of the church’s baptismal calling to proclaim salvation and reconciliation in a land marked by suffering. Read the full story from Living Lutheran to learn more about this historic moment and its significance for our global Lutheran communion.
Read MoreFaith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a Three Organists Benefit Concert on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. featuring former organists Gary Rutherford, Jim Sage, and Craig Westendorf. Admission is free, with donations supporting the restoration of Faith’s historic pipe organ. The afternoon includes solos, duets, trios, guest musicians, and a reception. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.
Read MoreIn celebration of Black History Month, we share “Black Joy” from Voices of Faith, written by ELCA Secretary Lucille “CeCee” Mills. Through personal memories of her mother’s strength and generosity, Mills reflects on Black joy as God-breathed resilience—an enduring, hope-filled force that sustains communities through hardship and amplifies celebration in times of blessing.
As part of our commitment to be Rooted in God’s Story, this powerful reflection invites us to see Black joy as a living testimony of faith, courage, and the Spirit at work. Read the full article from Living Lutheran to experience the depth and witness of this story.
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