Bishop Deborah Hutterer shares her go-to waffle recipe—simple, reliable, and widely shared. A reminder that even everyday meals can become moments of connection and joy.
Read More
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Mary Jayne Baker, who celebrates 14 years on April 22.
Read More
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.
Read More
The Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund is now in its fourth year, having awarded $16,000 to students across the synod since its launch in 2023. Open to ELCA members pursuing higher education or certification programs, the fund supports both academic goals and faith formation, with recipients highlighting its impact on belonging, purpose, and community connection.
Applications are open to eligible students, and contributions can be made through the Arizona Community Foundation. To learn more, apply, or support the fund, visit azfoundation.org or contact Grace Lutheran Church directly.
Read More
Insurance remains one of the most significant challenges facing congregations today. On April 29 at 2:00 p.m. CST (12:00 p.m. Arizona / Pacific Time), the Church Property Resource Hub will host a free Zoom webinar featuring Church Mutual Insurance to help leaders better understand the current landscape and available support.
Read More
Pastor Brian Weinberger of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa continues his recovery following recent surgeries, which overall have gone well. He shares gratitude for the prayers surrounding him and is healing with minimal pain as he returns home. The synod invites continued prayers for Pastor Brian, his family, and the Bethlehem community as his recovery continues in the hope of the Easter season.
Read More
A Sohmer console piano in excellent condition is available at no cost to a congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod. Located near 39th Ave. and Northern in Phoenix, the piano is ready for pickup and could support worship and music ministry.
Interested congregations should contact Richard Haaland directly at richahaa@yahoo.com or 602-300-4605.
Read More
God 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 More
Carly Chamberlain will be ordained to Word and Service at Faith-La Fe Lutheran Church (801 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014), Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 am. She will be installed at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church at a later date. Rostered ministers are invited to robe and process, color of the day is red. Pastor Jonathan Linman will preach, Bishop Hutterer will preside.
A reception will follow immediately in the parish hall. The service will be live streamed on the Faith Lutheran Facebook page.
Read More
Pastor 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 More
Portico Benefit Services shares its annual report highlighting the impact of the ELCA’s shared benefits ministry. Serving more than 52,000 members, Portico provides healthcare, retirement, and financial support that strengthens those called to serve across the church.
Explore the report and video to see how a connected community increases access to care, builds resilience, and supports the well-being of those carrying out God’s mission every day.
Read More
Ruth Senkbeil’s cottage cheese jello recipe is a multigenerational potluck favorite. Known as “green jello salad,” it carries memories of family, church, and belonging.
Read More
In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.
Read More
Theresa Thornburgh shares her mother’s tabbouli recipe—a dish rooted in love, cultural connection, and family memory. Passed down from a South Dakota Lutheran woman who learned Lebanese cooking, it remains a powerful reminder that the table is where stories and traditions live on.
Read More
Registration is now open for Ministry Partner Tables at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Exhibitor space ($80, includes non-voting visitor access) is available to ELCA-related and approved ministries, with registration due by May 18, 2026. Learn more and register today to share your ministry’s story with voting members and leaders from across our synod.
Read More
The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly offering will support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), a small but resilient Lutheran church serving congregations and schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and beyond. Congregations across the synod are invited to participate by collecting designated gifts before Assembly or contributing through the synod office.
The ELCJHL continues its witness of faith, education, and reconciliation in the region where Christianity began. Through this year’s Assembly offering, our synod will stand in solidarity with our global Lutheran partners, supporting ministries rooted in hope and steadfast faith in the Holy Land.
Read More
Nominations are now open—and the deadline extended—for the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association’s annual awards recognizing outstanding leaders in ELCA schools and early childhood ministries. Awards include the Distinguished Educational Leader of the Year and the Distinguished Rostered Leader of the Year.
Take time to lift up those who have shaped your ministry, supported your community, and inspired students and families. Submit nominations and learn more.
Read More
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has shared a recording of its recent refugee services webinar, highlighting how federal policy changes are affecting families in Arizona and outlining ongoing work to support those already here. While new arrivals have paused, efforts continue in housing stability, employment support, ESL programs, and youth services.
Watch the webinar and take action by advocating, volunteering, or giving. In a time of uncertainty, this is an opportunity for our synod’s congregations and leaders to live out our call to accompany our neighbors with compassion and hope.
Read More
In the latest Pivot podcast, why is Christian community so hard to cultivate right now? Dwight Zscheile continues his conversation with Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski.
Read More
With a special needs trust, you can remember your loved one with a disability in your estate to secure their financial future and protect their ability to continue receiving the Medicaid-funded services they rely on.
The post Plan for Your Child with a Disability’s Financial Security When You’re Gone appeared first on Mosaic.
Read More