In his first year as Vice President of the Grand Canyon Synod, synod leadership focused on four priorities: congregational vitality, Reconciling in Christ discernment, storytelling, and increasing youth participation in synod life. The report reflects on progress made, partnerships strengthened, and the shared ministry shaping the future of the synod while honoring leaders whose faithful service is deeply missed.
Read MoreFor nearly a decade in the Grand Canyon Synod, the Growing in Faith: Diakonia Program has equipped lay leaders through theological education, spiritual formation, and vocational discernment. With registration now open for the 2026–2027 course year, upcoming retreats, graduate celebrations, and expanded opportunities for Synodically Authorized Ministers, the ministry continues to nurture disciples for service in Christ’s church.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team continues to strengthen relationships across borders through companion synod partnerships in Senegal and Mexico, support for the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, and global ministries rooted in accompaniment. From funding school supplies and water access to walking alongside migrant ministries and young adults in service, discover how our synod participates in God’s work around the world. View this report as a PDF.
Read MoreSince selling its church property in 2021, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church has embraced creative new ways of sharing the gospel. Through Mobile Ministry, Mission Coffee & Tea, and the newly launched Southeast Valley Children’s Choir, the congregation is building relationships, serving neighbors, and creating welcoming spaces rooted in hospitality, connection, and Christ’s love. View this report as a PDF or in our blog post.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 62 years on May 26.
Read MoreWhen a longtime rummage sale ended during the pandemic, members of Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson reimagined what ministry could look like. Today, Household Blessings collects and redistributes donated household goods, clothing, linens, furniture, and children’s items to 56 local agencies serving veterans, refugees, families in crisis, unhoused neighbors, and more. Discover how one congregation is turning everyday essentials into tangible expressions of Christ’s love.
Read MoreKathye Hamm shares a waffle recipe connected to birthdays, holidays, and joyful family memories. Sweet or savory, waffles became a lasting symbol of togetherness.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 57 years on May 25.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 63 years on May 24.
Read MoreThe Rev. Emily Heitzman reflects on the pressures youth and adults face from negative messages about worth and belonging. Drawing on Scripture, she reminds readers that we are beloved children of God—fearfully and wonderfully made, worthy of love. Read the reflection.
Read MoreIn this Bold Café reflection, the Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson writes about harsh feedback, shame and the baptismal promise that our worth is not achieved but given by God. Her reflection offers encouragement for leaders and communities seeking to build one another up in love. Read the reflection.
Read MoreOur May 2026 Mission Support memo immerses us in the story of Concordia Lutheran Church in Worcester, Mass. Founded to serve the needs of non-English-speaking immigrant families, the church has come full circle today, once again serving a diverse neighborhood of immigrants and refugees. This congregation is deeply committed to remaining an inner-city ministry that accompanies the community as it changes. Read the memo to learn about their journey and discover their incredible ministry for kids and teens.
You will also find registration information for the Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference, taking place September 21–23 in Baltimore, MD. Download the memo as a pdf here.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response, Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma and local partners have completed recovery work for households affected by severe storms and flooding in May 2022. The project is a reminder that long-term disaster response restores not only homes, but dignity, stability and hope. Read the full story.
Read MoreThrough ELCA World Hunger support, Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization is helping an agricultural cooperative in western Cambodia create jobs, strengthen local markets and support women’s entrepreneurship. Rom Chan Oun’s work driving the cooperative tuktuk has helped improve her family’s income and expand her role in the community. Read the World Hunger story.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy and ELCA AMMPARO have released a new resource, “You Shall Also Love the Stranger,” offering history, Bible study, reflection questions and action steps related to for-profit immigration detention. A related webinar will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 1-1:30 p.m. Eastern, with optional Q&A. Read more and find the resource.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy’s spring state update includes Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, a ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod, highlighting work around food insecurity, voting, health care, housing, immigration and public witness at the Arizona Capitol. Read the full advocacy roundup.
Read MoreThe Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe was reelected May 16 to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. Her ministry includes more than 30 years of pastoral and synod leadership. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreThe Rev. Justin Grimm was elected May 16 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod. He will be installed Sept. 13 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreThe Rev. Amy Current was reelected May 15 to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod, receiving 240 votes on the first ballot. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 71 years on May 23.
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