Retired Pastor Naomi Barcanic is offering a Yamaha DGX-230 / YPG-235 keyboard package and a Wurlitzer upright piano as gifts for congregations or ministries that may benefit from them. The instruments are available as she prepares to move to a smaller home.
Congregations, ministry partners, and music ministries interested in receiving either instrument are encouraged to contact Pastor Naomi directly via email for more information.
Read MoreThe latest LAMA newsletter features advocacy alerts on hunger funding, immigration, voting rights, and nonprofit security, along with upcoming events and opportunities for faithful public engagement across Arizona. Read the full newsletter to stay connected with LAMA’s ongoing work for justice and advocacy.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features voting rights advocacy, interfaith dialogue, healing practices, security training, and community events across Arizona. Read the full update to learn about upcoming opportunities for engagement, reflection, and faithful public life.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens reflection explores Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and invites readers to reconsider what “eternal life” really means. Rather than focusing only on heaven after death, the study highlights Jesus’ call to know God deeply, live in unity, and participate in God’s work in the world right now.
Through scripture, reflection questions, and prayer, “Look Up” encourages disciples to lift their eyes beyond fear and isolation toward a life shaped by Christ — “the kind of life that death can’t destroy.”
Read MoreThis week, Office of the Bishop staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing work related to candidacy, congregational support, Synod Assembly preparations, communications, mission planning, finance, and ongoing ministry across the synod. Bishop Hutterer will also participate in Synod Council, candidacy interviews, and ministry at New Journey Lutheran Church.
Read MoreA beloved meatball recipe passed down through generations continues to bring family together more than 70 years later. Submitted by Bette Bieber, this dish is filled with memory, laughter, and tradition.
Read MoreELCA Worship is highlighting summer opportunities and resources from Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations that support worship leaders, church musicians and congregational song. Featured events include the Lutheran Summer Music Choral Gathering, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference at St. Olaf College, Music that Makes Community workshops focused on justice and Indigenous partnerships, and The Hymn Society’s 2026 Annual Conference in Princeton, N.J.
These gatherings offer opportunities for spiritual renewal, professional growth, skill-building and community among those who lead the church’s worship life. Registration deadlines and event details are now available. Read the full article from ELCA Worship.
Read MoreNearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated large portions of Georgia, the Southeastern Synod’s Disaster Ministry Team and partners continue the long work of rebuilding homes, restoring stability and walking alongside survivors. From Augusta to Georgia’s coastal communities, congregations, volunteers and organizations including Lutheran Disaster Response, UMCOR and Family Promise are helping families navigate recovery and rebuild hope.
The article highlights the growing recovery work centered at Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta, ongoing challenges in coastal communities, and the personal story of a survivor hoping simply for “a place to call home again.” Read the full article from Lutheran Disaster Response.
Read MoreThe Racial Justice Advocacy Network invites you to a Fourth Thursday conversation on May 28 at 5 PM (AZ/Pacific), featuring the documentary “We Ride for Her” and discussion on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR).
With over 5,500 Indigenous women and girls reported missing or murdered—and murder a leading cause of death—this gathering offers space for learning, reflection, and faithful action. Register now and join the conversation.
Read MoreApplications are now open for a limited number of ELCA Digital Ministry Assessments, with 25 slots available through August 2026. Conducted by Evoke Engagement Experts, these assessments provide congregations and ministry organizations with a comprehensive review of their website, social media, and online presence—along with actionable recommendations and a consultation call.
Eligible ELCA congregations and affiliated ministries are encouraged to apply soon, as demand may exceed availability. Additional digital ministry grants—including $3,000 and $30,000 awards—are expected later in 2026, offering further opportunities to strengthen how we share God’s story in a digital world.
Read MoreRev. David Pavesic shares his grandmother’s sugar cookie recipe alongside memories of a farm kitchen, a beloved Bible, and the faith that shaped his life. A touching reminder that recipes often carry stories far beyond the table.
Read MoreIn her 2025–2026 Annual Report, Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer reflects on a year marked by transition, resilience, grief, creativity, and hope across the Grand Canyon Synod. Grounded in Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear for I am with you” — the report highlights the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, a record number of ordinations, emerging models of ministry, and the faithful work of congregations navigating change with courage and trust in God’s leading.
The report also names difficult realities facing the church and wider community, while celebrating the dedication of synod staff, council leaders, rostered ministers, and lay leaders throughout Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. Bishop Hutterer invites the synod to continue proclaiming the gospel, supporting one another, and trusting that we are part of God’s unfolding story together.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jonathan Heilner, who celebrates 51 years on May 18.
Rev. Greg Hartman, New Spirit, Tucson, who celebrates 7 years on May 18.
Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 25 years on May 19.
Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 63 years on May 20.
Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 59 years on May 21.
Deacon Laura Book, who celebrates 16 years on May 21.
Rev. Roy Olson, who celebrates 58 years on August 22.
The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 Annual External Audit is now available online as part of the synod’s ongoing commitment to transparency and faithful stewardship. The audit highlights more than $1.75 million in congregational and designated giving, support for ministries across the synod and ELCA, and an independent auditor’s clean opinion on the Synod’s financial statements.
The synod gives thanks for the generosity and trust of congregations and donors whose gifts support ministry throughout Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. Monthly financial statements are also available upon request.
Read MoreCongregations are now preparing voting members for the 2026 Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa). In addition to standard representation, each congregation may elect two additional members: one youth or young adult and one person of color or primary language other than English, helping reflect the diversity of God’s people.
Thanks to the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, congregations can also send one youth or young adult for free using code YOUTH2026. Now is the time to identify leaders, broaden participation, and ensure your congregation’s voice is part of the synod’s shared work.
Read MoreRegistration is open for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa, AZ), with a firm deadline of May 18—no late registrations will be accepted. Voting member registration is now $160. Congregations are encouraged to send full delegations, including youth, young adults, and diverse voices.
Through the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, one young voting member per congregation may attend free using code YOUTH2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” invites the whole church into shared discernment and leadership.
Read MoreThis zucchini and carrot casserole comes from a decades-old church cookbook—carrying memories of care, community, and the enduring impact of shared meals.
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free Zoom webinar, “How to Love Someone in Recovery,” on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT featuring author and recovery advocate Caroline Beidler. The conversation will explore practical ways to support loved ones navigating addiction recovery with compassion and hope.
Participants will hear insights from Beidler’s new book, When You Love Someone in Recovery, and learn from her experience as a speaker, writer, and managing editor at Recovery.com. Registration is free and the webinar will be recorded for later viewing.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for this summer’s online Diakonia continuing education courses, with offerings on baptismal living, First Testament prophets, the Gospel of John and introductory New Testament Greek. Open to current students, graduates, instructors and anyone interested in deeper theological learning, the courses will meet online in five-week formats.
Organizational meetings begin in June, with final schedules determined collaboratively after registration. Learn more and register at Diakonia Education.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s latest Monthly Roundup highlights summer ministry resources including courses on communication skills, faith formation, compensation negotiation, lay ministry training, and supervision. Free theology journals, ministry articles, and downloadable leadership resources are also included to support congregations and leaders navigating a changing ministry landscape.
Read More
