In this latest Pivot podcast, what do the growing numbers of religious nones reveal about the Americans sitting just outside your church doors?
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Campformation 2026 will take place June 29–July 3 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, Arizona, welcoming youth entering grades 6–10 for a week of faith formation, outdoor adventure, and community. Congregations from across our synod gather each summer for this long-standing Lutheran outdoor ministry tradition.
With more than 60 years of history, Campformation combines worship, small-group faith exploration, and activities like zip lining, hiking, swimming, and ropes courses. Learn more and register at lutherancampformation.com.
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Registration is now open for Leadership Lab 2026, a week-long youth and leadership formation experience taking place June 22–27 at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Participants explore leadership for church and community through hands-on learning, worship, and shared faith experiences grounded in the promise of Joel 2:28: “your young shall see visions.”
The registration cost is $420 per person, with lodging, meals, and a T-shirt included. Discounts are available for returning participants, first-time congregations, and groups bringing multiple students. Registration increases by $50 after April 15, so congregations are encouraged to register early.
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Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.
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Youth in grades 7–12 from ELCA congregations across the Valley are invited to a Youth Community Event on Sunday, March 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The evening will include games, food, and fellowship, bringing together youth from multiple congregations including Esperanza and Desert Cross.
Additional churches are welcome to join. Congregations interested in participating can contact Deacon Laura Book (lbook@gcsynod.org) for details.
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The Grand Canyon Synod is inviting congregations and individuals to contribute recipes for Rooted at the Table, a shared recipe project connected with the 2026 Synod Assembly. Recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in a printed cookbook.
Submit a favorite dish from your congregation, family, or culture by May 1, 2026, and help celebrate the many traditions that shape life across our synod.
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The 2026 Lenten Challenge invites individuals and congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod to join four other ELCA Region 2 synods in raising $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger during Lent. Participants commit to three of four spiritual practices—devotions, learning, action, and donation—using a Matthew 25–centered toolkit.
Everyone is welcome to participate, with a shared goal of engaging at least one person from 50 congregations per synod. Sign up, invite others, and live out Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” this Lent.
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert supporting a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, along with upcoming advocacy opportunities including the LAMA Liaison Roundtable (March 16) and Interfaith Day at the Capitol (March 25).
The update also includes legislative resources, hunger advocacy opportunities, and ELCA statements on peace and justice. Read the full LAMA newsletter to learn more and take action.
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Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for interfaith learning, dialogue, and advocacy across Arizona—including a four-week Interfaith Book Group beginning March 11, Interfaith Day at the Capitol on March 25, sacred site visits, and ongoing meditation gatherings.
These events invite people of faith to deepen relationships across traditions and engage in public witness for the common good. Read the full AFN newsletter for complete details and registration links.
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The Office of the Bishop staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing key synod work, including participation in the High Country Conference Spring Gathering in Flagstaff, preaching and congregational visits, and meetings focused on congregational vitality and faith formation. Staff will also advance preparations for Synod Assembly, manage communications and upcoming events, and support the synod’s annual audit and financial close.
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This week’s Faith Lens reflection for Lent explores how Scripture challenges our assumptions about what we think we see. Drawing on 1 Samuel 16 and John 9, the study reminds us that while people often judge by outward appearances, God looks at the heart. Through discussion questions, activities, and reflection, participants are invited to consider where spiritual blindness may shape our views of others and how Christ can reshape our vision.
The reflection also invites readers to think about how we remember public figures—such as the late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.—and how easily complex lives are reduced to headlines or quick judgments. Faith Lens encourages individuals and groups to seek deeper understanding, seeing others and themselves through the grace and mercy of God.
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A Phoenix congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod is gaining local attention as Faith Lutheran Church launches a campaign to restore its historic M. P. Möller pipe organ. The more-than-3,000-pipe instrument—built in 1962 and installed at the church in 2005—now requires $150,000 in restoration after years of wear and Arizona’s harsh climate.
The effort recently made local news on ABC15, which visited the church to share the story and highlight a kickoff concert featuring former music directors. Watch the news segment to see how this congregation is working to ensure its organ—and its voice in worship—can sing again.
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The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.
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Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale is collecting new and gently used books from April 6 through June 30, 2026. Donations for readers of all ages—including children’s books, early readers, youth and adult books, cookbooks, and recipe magazines—may be dropped off at 9201 E. Happy Valley Road, Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The drive aims to expand access to reading materials across the Phoenix area and help place books into homes where they are needed most. Donations must be in good condition, with no rips, tears, or markings.
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Camp ALOMA is hosting its Elementary Retreat for children in grades 1–6 from Friday, March 20 (5:30 p.m.) to Sunday, March 22 (2:00 p.m.). The $100 weekend retreat offers a preview of summer camp with games, food, Bible study, and fellowship in a welcoming Christian camp community.
Families are encouraged to invite friends and register today at campaloma.com.
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Camp ALOMA in Prescott is hiring Summer 2026 counselors (18+) for May 20–July 20, with flexible scheduling options. Training begins May 20, with camp running seven weeks starting May 31.
Staff receive pay, meals, and lodging while gaining leadership experience, growing in faith, and building lasting relationships. Learn more at campaloma.com or contact Leah, Camp Director, at office@campaloma.com or 928-778-1690.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Peter Lai, who celebrates 41 years on March 16.
Rev. Martin Overson, who celebrates 47 years on March 18.
Rev. Daniel Potaznick, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 3 years on March 18.
Small and rural congregations are invited to apply for the Faith Forward program, a grant-funded initiative that equips parents, grandparents, and faith mentors to nurture faith in children through everyday practices. The program begins with a two-day training at Grand View University in May, followed by a year of learning and experimentation with practical faith formation tools.
Thanks to funding from the Lilly Endowment, transportation, housing, meals, and a small congregational implementation grant are covered. Congregations located in towns under 10,000 or worshiping fewer than 100 people are especially encouraged to apply. Learn more at grandview.edu/faith-forward.
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Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is inviting the wider church to a “State of the Seminary: Faithful, Hopeful, Justice-Seeking” online event on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. Pacific. Participants will hear about new partnerships, innovative programming, and the future of theological education. A recording will be sent to all who register.
The March PLTS newsletter also highlights reflections on artificial intelligence and faith, a global climate justice project led by a PLTS certificate student in Nigeria, a strong admissions cycle, and upcoming events—including the Student Colloquium on Climate Justice and Faith on April 29. Read the newsletter for the full story and event details.
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Faith+Lead’s latest Monthly Roundup highlights new learning opportunities for church leaders, including on-demand courses on church history and vocation, a spring cohort for lay ministry formation, and a certificate program focused on leadership in difficult times. Free resources—such as Enter the Bible courses, the Preacher to Preacher series, and a new Bible in a Year podcast—are also available.
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