The ELCA Churchwide Organization is hosting a series of online listening sessions for queer Lutherans June 15–18 to help shape future opportunities for fellowship, affirmation, and leadership development. Six sessions will be offered throughout the week, beginning Monday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time. Registration is now open.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features Election Protection volunteer opportunities, extreme heat advocacy, interfaith dialogue events, meditation gatherings, and summer service opportunities. Explore the full newsletter for upcoming events, trainings, and practical ways to live out faith in public life.
Read MoreThis week’s LAMA newsletter includes voter registration reminders ahead of Arizona’s July primary, hunger and immigration advocacy opportunities, poll chaplain training, and new ways Lutherans can engage faithful public witness. Read the full newsletter for upcoming events, action alerts, and resources for advocacy across the synod.
Read MorePastor Lester Hoffmann will celebrate 70 years of ordained ministry on Saturday, June 13 at 1 p.m. with a special presentation and worship service, “70 Years of Ministry: Called and Sent!”, at the Vi at Silverstone in North Scottsdale. Following reflections on seven decades of ministry and mission, attendees are invited to a reception with light refreshments.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carl Jensen, who celebrates 54 years on June 11.
Rev. James Slater, who celebrates 48 years on June 11.
Rev. Karl Guhn, Trinity, Phoenix, who celebrates 44 years on June 11.
Last week’s SYAT Collective gathering with Pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller offered practical, hope-filled ideas for supporting young families in faith. From blessings for expectant parents and meal trains to mentor pairings, family service projects, and devotional resources, participants explored how congregations can help faith take root through presence, creativity, and community. Read more and revisit the Zoom recording.
Read MoreIt’s a week of reflection, follow-up, and faithful momentum at the Office of the Bishop as staff attend and then wrap up the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, continue preaching, ministry support, and administrative work, and begin preparing for the months ahead. From donor and ministry follow-up to communications planning, financial reporting, and regional gatherings, the synod staff continues walking alongside congregations and leaders across our territory.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luther Tolo, who celebrates 64 years on June 10.
Rev. Lester Hoffmann, who celebrates 70 years on June 10.
Rev. Ronald Rude, who celebrates 47 years on June 10.
Rev. Thomas Rogers, who celebrates 47 years on June 10.
Rev. John Elverum, who celebrates 64 years on June 10.
In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard John Mauthe, beloved pastor, teacher, and longtime Diakonia instructor, who died May 14 at age 77. Known to many in our synod for teaching Old and New Testament courses, Rev. Mauthe faithfully formed leaders and shared a lifelong love of scripture and Lutheran theology.
A memorial service will be held June 14 at 11 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, with a second service July 11 in Pennsylvania.
Read MoreJoin 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 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 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 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 MoreThe FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Don Lorfing, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 30 years on June 9.
Rev. John Serkland, who celebrates 63 years on June 9.
Rev. Philip Gustafson, who celebrates 47 years on June 9.
Rev. John Hackler, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 41 years on June 9.
Rev. Lisa Hackler, American, Sun City, who celebrates 41 years on June 9.
Please note that the Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, June 15, 2026, following Synod Assembly to allow staff time for rest after the gathering. The office will also be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Read MoreVolunteers are needed to help prepare and reset spaces for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Opportunities include a Decorating Team on Wednesday, June 10 (11:00 AM–1:00 PM) and a Tear Down Team on Saturday, June 13 (12:00–1:00 PM). To volunteer, contact Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org.
Read MoreThe 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly offering will support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), a small but resilient Lutheran church serving congregations and schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and beyond. Congregations across the synod are invited to participate by collecting designated gifts before Assembly or contributing through the synod office.
The ELCJHL continues its witness of faith, education, and reconciliation in the region where Christianity began. Through this year’s Assembly offering, our synod will stand in solidarity with our global Lutheran partners, supporting ministries rooted in hope and steadfast faith in the Holy Land.
Read MoreJoin the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly online! Tune in live on June 12, 2026, via the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. This livestreaming opportunity ensures all our members, from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, can partake in our assembly’s key moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay connected and involved in our community’s important decisions and celebrations. Watch here.
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