As we gather for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, be sure to visit the exhibitor area and connect with ministry partners serving across the church and world. From camps and seminaries to advocacy, mission, youth, and congregational ministries, our exhibitors help strengthen and build up the body of Christ in countless ways.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Congregations in Transition Team reports both challenge and hope as congregations across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation continue discerning new leadership. Even amid a shortage of rostered ministers, the synod celebrates newly called leaders, active call processes, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in congregations moving boldly into the future. Read the report here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact Report highlights a year of faithful ministry across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. From ordinations and ministry grants to hunger work, refugee support, congregational accompaniment, and leadership development, the report shows how mission support helps us communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities together.
Explore the numbers, stories, and shared impact of ministry across the synod as we continue living rooted in God’s story.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest shares Ramon Miranda’s story, who feels LSS-SW is part of his family as they provide home care for him and his wife. Watch the story here.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 47 years on June 3.
Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 19 years on June 3.
Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 53 years on June 3.
Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 64 years on June 3.
Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 47 years on June 3.
In a deeply personal reflection reposted by Blessed Tomorrow, scholar Claire B. Crawford names the grief many feel amid climate anxiety, violence, division, and uncertainty while offering a prayerful call toward resilience, responsibility, and hope. Grounded in lament yet refusing despair, the piece invites readers to grieve what is broken without surrendering the possibility of healing and collective action. Read the original reflection from Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreRahel Mwitula Williams has been appointed executive director for the ELCA’s Innovation unit after serving in interim leadership and innovation roles since 2025. She begins July 8 and emphasizes helping the church reimagine how it shares God’s love, connection, and hope in a changing world. Read the full announcement.
Read MoreNew worship resources from Augsburg Fortress are now available, including a justice-focused song collection by Bret Hesla, worship planning tools for Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings, Lutheran welcome booklets, and devotional materials for festivals and commemorations. Plus, registration is open for free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics this summer. Read more from ELCA Worship.
Read MoreThe ELCA has received a $1.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment to strengthen the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, particularly in emotional and spiritual care and long-term recovery. The funding will support regionally based care teams and deepen accompaniment of communities long after disasters occur. Read the full ELCA story.
Read MoreIn a new monthly series titled All Together in One Place, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry reflects on faith, division, justice, and Christian unity in a complex time. Rooted in Pentecost and Lutheran theology, the series aims to offer a pastoral word grounded in Scripture, deep listening, and shared life in Christ. Read Bishop Curry’s message.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod will present its Proposed 2027–2028 Mission Plan in two Zoom sessions on May 30 (9 AM) and June 2 (5 PM, Arizona/Nevada time). Participants will receive an early overview, ask questions, and help shape the future direction of synod ministry. View the Proposed Mission Plan for 2027–2028 here as a PDF. A recording will be provided for those unable to attend live.
Voting members will also have the opportunity to practice voting ahead of assembly. All are encouraged to participate and engage in this shared work of discernment.
Read MoreThe ELCA Coaching Ministry has released its first-ever 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a record-setting year of accompaniment, discernment, and leadership support across the church. With 6,889 coaching hours and more than 1,500 coaching relationships in 2025, the report shares how coaching is helping leaders, congregations, and communities grow in clarity, courage, and connection through faithful listening and Spirit-led discernment.
Read MoreBette Bieber shares a classic cherry cheesecake recipe with a homemade cookie crust and creamy cherry topping—a simple dessert tradition worth passing along.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 26 years on June 2.
Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.
Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 52 years on June 2.
Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 63 years on June 2.
Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 26 years on June 2.
Bette Bieber shares a pumpkin bread recipe so beloved it was “worn out” from repeated use. A comforting favorite made for sharing with family and friends.
Read MoreBrian Flatgard, Director of Communications, will take a sabbatical from June 27–August 9, 2026, spending most of the time in Japan with family, friends, and periods of exploration and renewal. Weekly newsletters, blog posts, and Facebook updates will continue during this time, though at a lighter pace.
Please submit any news, events, or announcements for summer communications by June 15 whenever possible. The synod has continuity and crisis communication plans in place, and regular communication with rostered leaders through the Office of the Bishop will continue as needed.
Read MoreRev. Jacqueline Pagel, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation, will take a sabbatical from June 14–September 14, 2026, for a season of travel, family time, and renewal. The Office of the Bishop has plans, designated staff, and clear processes in place to ensure candidacy, leadership development, and faith formation ministries continue smoothly during her absence.
As a synod, we give thanks for the gift of sabbath and for leaders who return refreshed for ministry. We look forward to welcoming Pastor Jacqui back this fall, renewed and ready to continue building up leaders for the church.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 18 years on June 1.
Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Chandler, who celebrates 18 years on June 1.
Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 42 years on June 1.
Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 68 years on June 1.
Deacon Ellen Schnack, who celebrates 35 years on June 1.
Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church on June 14 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman, Diana Lee, and Steven Powell. As the congregation serves nearly 300 families weekly through its food closet, this “Music for Food” ministry continues to respond to growing hunger across Arizona.
Come for worship, live jazz, and fellowship—and support neighbors in need through this ongoing ministry.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church and First United Church of Christ are partnering once again to provide Heat Relief ministry from June 1–August 24, offering cooling space, water, snacks, and hospitality for vulnerable neighbors during the hottest months of the year. Congregations are invited to support the effort through donations of water, snacks, pet food, cooling supplies, and frozen burritos. Read a letter from Pastor David Sivecz here.
Read More
