Registration is now open for Leadership in Difficult Times, a guided certificate cohort from Faith+Lead running April 28–July 28, 2026. This live, four-session experience equips leaders with practical skills and spiritual grounding to lead faithfully amid division and uncertainty. Open to rostered and lay leaders alike, the cohort meets monthly on Zoom and offers scholarships. Learn more and enroll at faithlead.org.
Read MoreLiving 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.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA are offering four scholarships to attend the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering, July 16–19, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Each scholarship covers registration plus $500 toward travel and lodging.
Applications are due April 1, 2026, with notifications sent by April 15. Congregations are encouraged to share this opportunity widely. Learn more about the Gathering and how to apply today.
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 4/28/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreInsurance 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 MoreReady 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.
Read MoreThe ELCA Foundation helps individuals and congregations turn generosity into lasting ministry through gift planning, endowments, and faithful stewardship. In 2025 alone, the Foundation helped generate over $205 million in gifts and investment assets while supporting congregations and ministries across the ELCA.
As the 2026 Synod Assembly approaches, explore how this work—guided locally by Lisa Marie Higginbotham—is building a culture of generosity that sustains the church now and into the future.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreJulie 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MorePr. 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.
Read MoreFaith+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.
Read MoreInspired 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.
Read MoreNorth 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.
Read MoreNext 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.
Read MoreJoin the 2026 Synod Assembly service project on Thursday, June 11 (2:00–5:00 pm) as we pack 800 pounds of rice and 800 pounds of beans for the West Valley Community Food Pantry and First Place Community Center Food Bank. This hands-on project invites all participants to serve together, with the food blessed during closing worship.
You can also support the effort financially—$5 provides food for 5 families. Give online via Tithe.ly, by Zelle, or by check. Together, we share daily bread and live out our call to serve our neighbors.
Read MoreRecipes 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreIn 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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