PLTS is continuing its Racial Justice and Faith Certificate this fall with two six-week online courses: Artistic Practice for Leaders (September–October) and Intersectionality & Social Justice (November–December). Open to clergy, lay leaders, and all interested learners, the program explores faithful responses to racial injustice through an accessible online format.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Pastor John E. Groh, who died on May 17, 2026. Please keep Nancy Groh and their family in your prayers as they mourn and celebrate a life of faithful service to Christ and the church.
Read MoreThe Southwest California Synod is launching Aging With Grace, a free three-part webinar series for seniors, families, and caregivers. The first session, Understanding the Aging Journey, will be held on June 29 at 4:00 p.m. PT via Zoomand will offer faith-based encouragement, practical resources, and support for navigating aging with confidence and purpose.
Open to participants across the ELCA, the series is led by Deacon Dr. Cecelia Travick-Jackson and explores how faith communities can support older adults and caregivers through every stage of life. Register online and share with your congregation.
Read MoreA new book by Lutheran author and technology leader Bill Kalaf offers practical guidance for congregations seeking to strengthen discipleship, outreach, communication, and stewardship through thoughtful use of technology. Beyond Our Church Walls is written for pastors, church leaders, and members—not technology experts—and emphasizes mission-focused, sustainable ministry practices.
Kalaf is also offering his experience and consultation free of charge to Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod. Learn more about the book and how your congregation can connect with him for support.
Read MoreThe SYAT Collective continues its free continuing education series for youth ministry leaders with three upcoming Zoom events: annual ministry planning (July 23), intergenerational ministry (August 20), and creative fundraising strategies (September 17). Congregational leaders, volunteers, and ministry staff are invited to learn practical tools for strengthening ministry with children, youth, and young adults.
Read MoreRev. Jen Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719).
Please check the calendar listing or lutherantucson.org for this event for up-to-date info and details.
Read MoreRev. Jose Valenzuela, called to serve University Lutheran and ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 9/20/2026, during 10 am worship at University Lutheran Church (340 E. 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281).
Please check the calendar listing or ulctempe.org for this event for up-to-date info and details.
Read MoreSave the date for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s Rooted in God’s Story gathering will feature Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, theologian and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain, alongside worship, synod conversations, ministry stories, and time for renewal and connection.
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 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 MoreRev. Annemarie Burke will be installed Sunday, 8/16/2029 at the 9 am service at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (7570 North Thornydale Road, Tucson, AZ 85741).
Please check the calendar listing or beautifulsavior.net for this event for up-to-date info and details.
Read MoreJoin ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.
Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.
Read MoreELCA congregations and ministries may already qualify for free or deeply discounted technology through platforms like Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits, and TechSoup. Learn how to access tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, email marketing discounts, and even grant opportunities—while stretching your ministry budget and strengthening communication.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team invites you to “Mastering Money: Budgeting, Planning, and Living Generously” on July 15, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM (AZ/NV). Presenter Duane Gilson of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church, Mesa, will share practical and faith-centered insights on budgeting, planning, and generous living. Register today for this free webinar.
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, 6/30/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Sarah Upham-Birdsall, who celebrates 24 years on June 22.
Rev. Matthew Dobyns, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 18 years on June 22.
Rev. Gary Hess, who celebrates 49 years on June 22.
Rev. Duane Peterson, who celebrates 68 years on June 22.
Rev. Andrew Schlecht, Maricopa, Maricopa, who celebrates 18 years on June 22.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Roger Thompson, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.
Rev. Joseph Carucci, who celebrates 65 years on June 21.
Rev. Terry Pletkovich, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.
Rev. John Sersland, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.
Rev. Nancy Milleville, who celebrates 46 years on June 21.
Rev. Michael Girlinghouse, LCM Canterbury, Flagstaff, who celebrates 39 years on June 21.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 55 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 44 years on June 20.
World Refugee Day: A promise to make ‘safety the reality for all’
Protecting the rights and dignity of forcibly displaced people
New horizons for Strasbourg’s Institute for Ecumenical Research
Council concludes with endorsement of road to Augsburg Assembly
LWF’s ecumenical partners affirm shared faith and witness for unity
The ELCA’s advocacy team is encouraging Lutherans to begin planning now for August Recess, when members of Congress return home to meet with constituents. Congregational visits, town halls, and personal conversations can help elevate faith-based concerns and strengthen long-term relationships with elected leaders. Learn how to schedule meetings, prepare your message, and make your voice heard through ELCA advocacy resources.
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