The May 2026 issue of Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders navigating today’s challenges, including property insurance questions, faithful investing through the ELCA, nonprofit financial controls, and strategies to prevent online donation scams. The issue also includes a reflection on financial well-being and stewardship from Portico Benefit Services.
Whether you serve on council, manage finances, or support congregational administration, these timely resources can help strengthen ministry and reduce risk. Read the full May issue of Administration Matters.
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As the church marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the ELCA invites reflection on identity, belonging, faith, and bold witness. In a moving essay, Pastor Jill Rode—a Korean American adoptee and lifelong Lutheran—shares her journey of navigating culture, adoption, and faith, reminding us that there is room for all of us at God’s table. Additional resources highlight the 50th anniversary of Hmong refugee arrivals in the United States, worship ideas, storytelling opportunities, and upcoming events for congregations.
This Heritage Month offers an invitation to listen deeply, honor stories across generations, and reflect on how God is present in our own journeys. Read the original reflection and explore AANHPI Heritage Month resources.
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Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to growing global humanitarian emergencies fueled by conflict, climate disasters, hunger, and displacement. A new article highlights the urgent needs facing communities worldwide and how Lutherans are accompanying neighbors through relief, recovery, and resilience efforts. Read the full story and learn how you can support this work.
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The 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.
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Arizona 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.
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This 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.”
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This 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.
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A 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.
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ELCA 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.
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Nearly 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.
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The 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.
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Applications 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.
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Rev. 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.
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In 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.
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This 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.
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Congregations 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.
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Registration 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.
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This zucchini and carrot casserole comes from a decades-old church cookbook—carrying memories of care, community, and the enduring impact of shared meals.
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