Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jon Clutz, who celebrates 62 years on May 27.
The Rev. Donald Bebber, St. Raphael, Benson, who celebrates 3 years on May 27.
Rev. George Karres, who celebrates 47 years on May 27.
Michelle Reaban shares oatmeal craisin cookies first made by Grandma Thedens—cookies that became treasured reminders of encouragement and care during college years.
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VBS may be just around the corner, but how can congregations support young families throughout the year? Join the SYAT Collective on Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. Arizona MST for a Zoom conversation with pastor and author Kimberly Knowle-Zeller exploring practical, faith-filled ways to nurture young families beyond summer programming. Registration is now open.
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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.
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Ready 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.
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In a year marked by uncertainty and growing need, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) continued equipping Lutherans across Arizona for faithful public witness rooted in justice, mercy, and neighbor love. From hunger advocacy and health care access to civic engagement, immigration, public schools, and Lutheran Day at the Legislature, LAMA partnered with congregations and advocates throughout the Grand Canyon Synod to bring faith into the public square in meaningful ways.
Read highlights from LAMA’s 2025–26 ministry year, including updates on the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network, congregational advocacy, legislative engagement, and new opportunities for faithful action. Read the full ministry report.
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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.
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For 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.
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The 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.
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Since 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.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 62 years on May 26.
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When 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.
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Kathye Hamm shares a waffle recipe connected to birthdays, holidays, and joyful family memories. Sweet or savory, waffles became a lasting symbol of togetherness.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 57 years on May 25.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 63 years on May 24.
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The 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.
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In 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.
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Our 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.
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Lutheran 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.
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Through 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.
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