This bread pudding recipe honors a ministry of generosity at New Journey Lutheran Church. Using leftover bread to nourish community, it reflects faithful stewardship and care for neighbors.
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The Mission Investment Fund (MIF) continues to support congregations and ministries across the ELCA through loans, investments, and financial partnership. With more than $614 million in loans and over $10 million supporting ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod alone, MIF helps bring ministry visions to life.
Explore the report to see how faithful stewardship and shared investment are strengthening congregations, rebuilding communities, and supporting God’s work across the church.
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Julie Yates shares her Aunt Ginny’s oatmeal cookies—a simple recipe that continues a tradition of hospitality and generosity. A reminder that even small offerings can create meaningful connection.
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The ELCA Federal Credit Union provides banking, loans, and financial tools designed specifically for ELCA members and ministries. As a not-for-profit cooperative, it supports faithful stewardship while offering competitive and values-based financial services.
Programs like Resourceful Servants have helped more than 700 rostered leaders build over $1 million in savings, strengthening financial wellness across the church. Explore the report to learn more about how ELCA FCU supports individuals and ministries alike.
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Pr. Jacqui Pagel shares a chicken pot pie recipe that grew from a simple family meal into a ministry tool—feeding neighbors and supporting youth fundraising. A reminder that service often begins in the kitchen.
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Faith+Lead’s April roundup offers timely courses, leadership cohorts, and free resources to equip leaders for ministry in changing times. From the “God and” series on pastoral care to lay leadership training and a new certificate cohort, these opportunities support faithful, adaptive leadership across our congregations.
Explore the full roundup—including podcasts, an ebook, and preaching resources—and take your next faithful step in ministry.
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Inspired by a refugee family her own family hosted when she was just 11, Vicki Schmidt has dedicated decades to supporting those seeking safety. Watch her journey and discover how answering the call of welcome brings hope to refugees and immigrants, and meaning to those who choose to walk alongside them. Learn more in this video from Global Refuge.
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North Scottsdale United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Office Administrator in Scottsdale, AZ, with a starting salary of $55,000 plus benefits. Applications are being accepted through Indeed. The role oversees communications, office operations, database management, and administrative coordination that support the congregation’s ministry and daily life.
Ideal candidates will bring strong organizational and communication skills, experience with office and database systems, and a commitment to supporting the church’s mission—serving in a key behind-the-scenes role that helps connect people and sustain ministry.
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Next week, synod staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing key leadership, ministry, and administrative work across the synod. Highlights include Deborah K. Hutterer and staff participating in the Ordination of Carly Chamberlain at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix, Apr 18, 2026, 10:30 AM, advancing assembly and audit preparations, collaborating with churchwide and conference leaders, and supporting congregations through preaching, stewardship conversations, and ongoing communications. We also share photos from the Region 2 First Call Accompaniment gathering at Franciscan Renewal Center.
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Recipes carry more than ingredients—they carry stories of faith, family, and community. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share not only a recipe, but the story behind it.
Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026, and help build a collection that reflects the lived experiences and memories that shape our life together.
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In observance of Arab American Heritage Month, Dr. Ryan LaHurd reflects on the often-overlooked reality of anti-Arab prejudice in the United States and the importance of naming, recognizing, and confronting it. Drawing on personal experience and social research, he highlights how misunderstanding and distance can lead to dehumanization—and how even simple acts of connection can begin to change that. Read more in the full ELCA.org article.
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In the Grand Canyon Synod, where ministry takes many forms across diverse communities, ELEA’s work reminds us that faith formation is a shared calling. Whether through schools, early learning centers, or congregational life, we are all part of nurturing faith in the next generation.
As we gather for Synod Assembly, this report invites us to consider how we can continue to connect, develop, and inspire — rooted in God’s story and sent into the world.
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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.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Mary Jayne Baker, who celebrates 14 years on April 22.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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