Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is launching a new Certificate in Church Leadership in Fall 2026 for lay leaders, those pursuing SAM status, and current SAMs. Flexible 8-week online courses allow participants to enroll in individual classes or complete a 3-course or 6-course certificate focused on practical ministry leadership and Lutheran foundations.
Read MorePLTS 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 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 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 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.
Read MoreTheologian Norman Wirzba reflects on how writer and farmer Wendell Berry reshaped his understanding of faith, Creation, and humanity’s relationship to the land. Drawing on Scripture, Berry’s agrarian vision reminds Christians that caring for people is inseparable from caring for soil, water, food, and the communities that sustain life.
This thoughtful reflection explores a deeply Lutheran understanding of God’s presence in Creation and Christ’s work of reconciliation for all things. Read the original essay from Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreWater is at the center of the July Blessed Tomorrow newsletter, which features a new film series on protecting waterways, an upcoming ecumenical clergy retreat, resources from Lutherans Restoring Creation, and stories of faith-based climate action. Explore practical tools and opportunities to connect creation care with your congregation’s ministry.
Read MoreThe latest Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation includes an upcoming webinar on renewable energy and Lutheran ethics, an update on climate justice resolutions across ELCA synods, a new Faith + Climate Film Series, advocacy opportunities, and upcoming educational events. Read the full newsletter for registration links, resources, and ways your congregation can engage in faithful creation care and climate justice ministry.
Read MoreJoin us online through Live from LSM and enjoy more than 30 free concerts, recitals, and worship services streamed live from Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College.
Highlights include a special guest performance by Cantus, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, the Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, and joyful performances by the Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra. View the full schedule and watch live at LSMacademy.org/calendar
Read MoreWe created Promise Magazine to share the human stories of our organization, and the summer 2026 issue does just that. Read about our history and the incredible ways people have persevered through tough times. You’ll also meet an individual served by Mosaic for 50 years; learn how a mother is navigating her son’s transition of care and find advice from a parent whose child has autism. We also highlight a milestone anniversary for Mosaic President and CEO Linda Timmons.
The post Promise Magazine: Stories of Growth, Connection, Grit appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreDaily baths are more than just a routine for Mindy; they are a source of comfort. But when it became difficult to get in and out of the tub, delight turned to fear. Thanks to donor gifts, Mindy is enjoying her daily baths again, and her Home Provider Arlene is honoring the memory of her husband, Jon.
The post Donor Gifts Help Mindy Enjoy Bath Time Again appeared first on Mosaic.
Read More
