Every congregation has that one dish—the recipe that shows up at every potluck, from Jell-O salads to funeral potatoes and church basement favorites. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share the recipe that defines your community.
Submit your potluck classic by May 1, 2026. All recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in the Synod Assembly cookbook.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network is offering a full slate of April opportunities—from poll chaplain training and immigration advocacy gatherings to interfaith dialogue and community health events. With both online and in-person options, these events equip faith communities to engage in justice, care, and public witness across Arizona.
Read MoreLAMA’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert opposing the SAVE America Act, along with upcoming events on immigration, voting rights, and public witness. Additional updates include legislative news, advocacy opportunities, and ways to stay engaged across Arizona.
Read MoreAs the 2026 Synod Assembly (June 11–13) approaches, congregations and ministry partners across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to participate in multiple ways—whether attending or not. Opportunities include submitting ministry stories (due May 8), contributing recipes for Rooted at the Table (due May 1), proposing Variety Show acts (due April 27), leading workshops (due April 6), and joining the synod-wide offering supporting the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.
Rooted in the theme “Rooted in God’s Story,” these opportunities invite the whole synod to share gifts, tell stories of faith, and participate in God’s work—locally and globally.
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens reflection on John 20:19–31, we encounter disciples paralyzed by fear and uncertainty—until the risen Christ appears with a simple but transformative message: “Peace be with you.” Though their circumstances do not immediately change, Jesus’ presence reshapes their fear into purpose, empowering them to move forward in faith.
As we pray for peace in a world marked by violence and division, this reflection reminds us that Christ’s peace is not passive—it sends us out. Grounded in hope and trust in God’s presence, we are called to embody that peace in our congregations, communities, and daily lives: “Let there be peace on earth—and let it begin with us.”
Read MoreJoin the first SYAT Collective gathering on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 PM to prepare for summer camp. This Zoom session will cover registration, what to expect, how to prepare students and families, and insights from leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod.
Whether you’re new or experienced, this practical session will help you feel confident heading into camp season. Register now and start the summer strong.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) is launching The SYAT Collective, a new monthly Zoom gathering for those serving in next generation ministry. Open to staff and volunteers working with children, youth, and young adults, the Collective offers practical training, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection.
Meeting monthly on Thursdays at alternating times, each session will focus on real ministry topics like camp preparation, event planning, and supporting young people through life’s challenges. Join this new space to learn, ask questions, and connect—because we are better when we lead together.
Read MoreA new Women of the ELCA resource, “Resurrection: a holy discipline,” invites reflection on what it means to live as “children of the resurrection” during the 50 days of Easter. The downloadable, multi-session study explores how resurrection shapes daily life here and now.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA is offering scholarships for Lutheran laywomen and those preparing for ordained ministry. Applications are due April 30, 2026. These awards support education and leadership across the church.
Read MorePastor Bill Dowling died March 31, 2026. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held Friday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow and a livestream available.
Those wishing to send condolences may contact the synod office for details. Please keep Pastor Dowling’s family and all who mourn in your prayers, trusting in the promise of resurrection in Christ.
Read MoreApplications are open for Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls Seed Grants, offering up to $2,000 for wellness-focused ministry projects. Women of the ELCA units are encouraged to apply by April 30, 2026, to support health initiatives in their communities.
Read MoreThe Spring 2026 Gather Bible study, “I AM: God’s holy name and promise,” continues with Session Two focusing on Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10. Participants can download materials and watch video supplements to explore God’s guidance and protection in daily life.
Read MoreMore than 400 participants across ELCA Region 2 joined this year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, reflecting on Matthew 25 and responding through prayer, devotion, and generosity. The online giving portal for ELCA World Hunger remains open through May 31, offering continued opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate.
Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. Donate online or give by check using Appeal Code R2LENT2026 as this shared Lenten witness continues beyond the season.
Read MoreSpring is a great time to get active, try something new, and build habits that support your well-being. Breathing fresh air, looking for signs of growth, and praying for our planet is a great way to give thanks for creation. Want to go the extra mile? ELCA-Primary health benefit members can explore Burnalong classes designed to help your wellness goals bloom. Check out the April calendar.
Read MoreStarting April 1, ELCA Health Plan members may notice a refreshed experience on the Quantum Health Care Coordinators website and app — including an enhanced provider search designed to make finding high-quality care easier. Contact a Care Coordinator forhelp navigating care, resolving claims and billing issues, and confirming your provider or clinic are in-network.
Read MoreTying up receipts and loose ends? ELCA Health Plan members have until April 30 to submit 2025 claims for reimbursement from your health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). Submit 2025 claims to Further (and 2026 claims to HealthEquity). Not sure what qualifies as an eligible health care expense? This guide can help.
Read MoreClergy and ministry leaders are invited to a timely online gathering on Tuesday, April 14 (11:00 AM–12:30 PM) hosted by BJC and Christians Against Christian Nationalism. This Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint will focus on urgent issues at the intersection of immigration and religious freedom, offering conversation, leadership insight, and a call to action.
Designed to equip pastors for faithful leadership in a critical moment, the gathering will explore responses to immigration enforcement, support for mixed-status families, and ways to lead with clarity and courage. Register now and share with fellow leaders.
Read MoreDuring Ramadan, Muslim leader Huda Alkaff reflects on the sacred role of water in faith and daily life, calling attention to a growing threat: the environmental impact of AI-driven data centers. Across Michigan and the Great Lakes region, communities and lawmakers are responding—proposing pauses on new data center construction while faith groups lead efforts to restore and protect local ecosystems.
This timely reflection invites people of all faiths to consider their relationship to water and to act in care for creation. As Lutherans rooted in God’s story, we are reminded that tending the earth is both a spiritual calling and a shared responsibility. Read more at Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Lowell Nelson, who celebrates 15 years on April 10.
Rev. Charles Newman, King of Glory, Tempe, who celebrates 21 years on April 15.
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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