Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to a free Jazz Night on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 PM, supporting ASU’s Pitchfork Pantry. With one in four ASU students facing food insecurity, this student-led ministry provides essential resources with dignity. Bring a nonperishable food item and enjoy live music, food, and fellowship while living out our call to serve our neighbors.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen J. Hammer, who celebrates 44 years on April 25.
Rev. Debra Slifer, who celebrates 39 years on April 25.
Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel, Christ the Servant, Henderson, who celebrates 39 years on April 26.
Rev. David Drach-Meinel, who celebrates 39 years on April 26.
Rev. Kevin Meyer, LSS-SW, Phoenix, Covenant, Quartzsite, who celebrates 31 years on April 30.
Deacon Sally Almen, who celebrates 39 years on April 30.
Camp ALOMA invites you to an Open House on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. in Prescott (300 S. Margaret Dr.). Tour the camp, enjoy refreshments and s’mores, and experience activities while exploring options for retreats or summer camp.
RSVP to office@campaloma.com or (928) 778-1690, and learn more at campaloma.com.
Read MoreIn an emergency, clarity saves time—and can save lives. This article highlights the importance of defining simple roles in advance: who calls 911, who meets first responders, and who communicates with the congregation.
Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers a practical step congregations can take to respond more calmly and effectively when it matters most.
Read MoreNominations are open for leadership roles to be elected at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, including Synod Secretary, council members, and committee positions. Any member in good standing may nominate themselves or others, with all forms due by May 4, 2026.
This is an invitation to prayerfully discern how God may be calling leaders to serve in the life of the synod. Learn more about open positions and submit nominations today. Learn more and submit a nomination.
Read MoreThose wishing to submit a resolution for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly must do so by Monday, April 27, 2026, by sending an editable electronic file to Kathye Hamm (khamm@gcsynod.org). Resolutions must comply with the ELCA and Grand Canyon Synod governing documents, Robert’s Rules of Order, and the assembly’s rules and agenda. More info here.
The Reference and Counsel Committee will review submissions and publish a report—including recommendations—on the synod website by May 22, 2026. While all submitted resolutions will appear in the report, the assembly’s agenda and rules determine whether they are discussed or voted on during the gathering.
Read MoreIn a pastoral message for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to protect children, support survivors, and confront the realities of abuse with honesty and faith. Grounded in resurrection hope, the message invites congregations to review policies, strengthen practices, and embody Christ’s care for the most vulnerable. Read the full message and explore how your congregation can respond.
Read MoreOur April 2026 Mission Support memo takes us back to Palm Sunday where this year many palm waving processions continued into the afternoon with journeys through downtown areas, around state buildings, in amphitheaters and in parking lots, as we and our denominational partners cried out for justice, peace and love, during the Palm Sunday Path. Our story focuses on activites in Wisconsin and specifically Northwest Synod of Wisconsin ~ learn about the day with dance, prayer, and calls to action. Also check out how to participate in the May 18 in the evening for a webinar on The Stewardship of AI: Benefits and Concerns.
Read MoreA global gathering in Santa Marta, Colombia (April 25–29) is bringing together governments, Indigenous leaders, and faith communities to accelerate a just transition away from fossil fuels. But participants are clear: shifting energy sources is not enough. True transformation must address deeper systems of inequality, consumption, and ecological harm.
Faith leaders are calling for a holistic response—one that centers justice, community, and the sacredness of creation. This moment invites communities of faith, including ours, to engage not only in climate action but in reimagining our relationship with the Earth and one another. Read more.
Read MoreYoung adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.
Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.
Read MoreAs preparations begin for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, a new webinar offers practical guidance on budgeting and planning for your group. Led by Gathering leadership, the session provides timely tools, key dates, and a Q&A to support congregations as they prepare for this important faith-forming experience.
Read MoreThe ELCA has been awarded a $1 million grant to continue Total Inclusion!: Widening the Welcome, supporting outdoor ministries in creating more inclusive spaces for youth of all backgrounds and abilities. The funding will expand scholarships, accessibility improvements, staff training, and programs that center youth of color, LGBTQIA+ youth, and youth with disabilities. Learn more about how this work is shaping the future of outdoor ministry.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, what does real church community cultivation actually require? For most churches, the honest answer is: more than we're currently doing.
Read MorePeople of faith across the country are invited to participate in the National Faith + Climate Forum 2026 on Saturday, April 25, 2026 (9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. PT / 12:00–5:30 p.m. ET). This free gathering will bring communities together to deepen understanding, inspire hope, and equip congregations with practical ways to respond to climate change as an expression of faith and care for creation.
Participants may attend a local host site, join virtually from anywhere, or organize a local gathering in their own community. Host congregations receive resources and potential funding support to help make local events possible. Learn more, explore the speaker lineup, and register today through the official event page. Read more and find registration details.
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation’s April “Good Green News” highlights upcoming opportunities to stay engaged in climate justice, including the April 28 “Afterglow” Connections Call, the April 25 National Faith + Climate Forum, and new resources for congregational action. With invitations to submit synod resolutions, apply for leadership programs, and celebrate Earth Day through giving, this month’s update offers practical ways to carry forward the church’s call to care for creation.
Read MoreRecipes are already coming in for the Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project, including dishes like tabbouli, chicken pot pie, oatmeal cookies, waffles, and bread pudding from congregations across the synod. Each submission reflects the stories, cultures, and communities that shape our shared life.
There’s still time to contribute—submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 to be part of the online collection and possible inclusion in the Synod Assembly cookbook.
Read MoreMany of the people we support experience challenges similar to those of anyone else. Staying organized is one of them. It can feel like a constant juggling act, but organization is not about perfection; it’s about finding simple ways to make staying on track easier. Nancy Potter, Mosaic’s Director of Clinical Mental Health & Behavioral Services, shares how our direct support professionals help with that and offers six tips anyone can apply today to stay organized.
The post It’s About Understanding, Not Perfection: Six Tips to Stay Organized appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreJoin a free one-hour webinar on April 29 (10:00–11:00 AM Arizona/Nevada time) exploring what sustains long-term recovery beyond sobriety. Featuring Barry Lehman—pastor, counselor, and author—this session focuses on how daily practice, faith, and intentional living support ongoing healing and growth.
Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, the webinar invites participants to reflect on recovery as a lifelong journey shaped by grace, meaning, and community. Register online to attend.
Read MoreThe fourth and final ELCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion learning module will take place Wednesday, April 29 via Zoom. Featuring Rev. Dr. Andrea L. Walker and Rev. Sonja Ware, this 90-minute session will integrate previous learning, explore bias in coaching, and include a live Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) demonstration. Advance registration is required.
This concluding session invites faith leaders to move from awareness to action, equipping them to embody DEI principles in ministry and coaching contexts. Recordings of previous modules are available for those who wish to prepare or review.
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