Summer ministry season is beginning across the Grand Canyon Synod, and SYAT is helping congregations prepare for safe, meaningful faith formation. From VBS and mission trips to Campformation, Leadership Lab, and the Western States Youth Gathering, young people will soon be growing in faith and community. Learn about Safe Gatherings screenings, SYAT’s monthly learning opportunities, and updated 2026 VBS resources.
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 MoreA beloved carrot cake recipe first shared in 1963 became a decades-long family tradition. Carol Lee McElwain now shares it so its story can continue with others.
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 MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking a part-time Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator to nurture faith formation from nursery through fifth grade. This flexible, 15-hour-per-week position focuses on relationship-building, volunteer coordination, and family-centered ministry. Resumes should be sent to info@kogaz.org. View job description in PDF.
Read MoreLove of Christ Lutheran Church in East Mesa is hiring a part-time Children and Youth Director (10–15 hours/week) to lead relational, Christ-centered faith formation for children and youth. Responsibilities include Sunday and Wednesday programming, monthly gatherings, and coordination with families and volunteers.
Read MoreRev. Jeff Hackler will be installed Sunday, 7/12/2026, during the 9am worship service at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (918 S Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ. 85338). Rev. Cherlyne Beck, Grand Canyon Synod Transition Coach will preside and install. Pastor Lisa Hackler, Pastor Jeff’s wife, will preach.
All are welcome and will be seated as part of the congregation. No procession or robes required for clergy. Reception immediately following the service, no RSVP required.
The installation service is available at either the church YouTube channel or christgoodyear.org.
Read MoreNanette Christofferson shares a family hot fudge sauce recipe tied to memories of South Dakota farm life, shared desserts, and meaningful conversations around the table.
Read MoreThe ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, inviting clergy and lay leaders to research and confront Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools. This growing effort focuses on uncovering historical records, educating the church, and supporting truth-telling and healing for Native communities impacted by this legacy.
Participants can contribute through research, education, and quarterly gatherings. All are welcome to get involved. Learn more and sign up at tstti.org.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.
Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the NAES/ELEA Biennial Conference 2026, happening November 18–20 in Los Angeles. Centered on Psalm 46:10, this national gathering offers keynote speaker Dr. Lisa Miller, worship with Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe, 60+ workshops, and service opportunities—all designed to renew and equip faith-based education leaders.
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 MoreRev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.
Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.
Read MoreFaith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a rare Vigil of Pentecost worship service on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. Featuring scripture, global Pentecost music, candle lighting, and prayerful reflection, the service invites worshipers to prepare for Pentecost in hope and anticipation of the Holy Spirit.
The liturgy will take place at 801 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix and is open to all.
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, 5/26/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. We give thanks for lives of service and pray for peace and comfort for all who grieve.
Read MoreJoin Trinity Cathedral in downtown Phoenix on Friday, June 12, for a free Pride Month screening of the documentary Sanctuary, exploring LGBTQIA+ experiences within faith communities. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., the film starts at 6:45 p.m., and a Q&A follows.
Hosted during Pride Month, this free event invites people of faith into conversation about belonging, welcome, and hope. RSVP encouraged.
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation’s latest Good Green News includes new climate justice resources, a Faith + Climate Film Series, advocacy around a proposed Decade of Climate Justice resolution, and upcoming events including Coffee with Christine and a renewables ethics conversation. Learn how your congregation can engage faithful care for creation and explore the full newsletter for links, dates, and action opportunities.
Read MoreThe latest newsletter from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty includes Congressional testimony by Executive Director Amanda Tyler on religious freedom and anti-Muslim rhetoric, updates on local organizing efforts, a new youth curriculum focused on neighbor love and empathy, and opportunities to engage in advocacy. Read highlights and explore the full newsletter for resources at the intersection of faith, freedom, and public life. Read the full BJC newsletter here: Faith Freedom Dispatch – May 2026.
Read MoreLutheran Summer Music returns to St. Olaf College for its 2026 season, June 21–July 19, featuring more than 40 free concerts, recitals, worship services, and special events free and open to the public.
Highlights include the inaugural LSM Choral Gathering, guest performance by Cantus, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, the Bach Cantata Eucharist, and Festival Week concerts featuring LSM’s Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra. Most events will also be available online via Live from LSM. View the season brochure, explore events, and reserve free tickets at LSMacademy.org/2026season.
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