St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale is seeking a half-time Outreach Coordinator (20 hours/week) to develop new outreach strategies, equip leaders, and build relationships with people beyond the congregation—especially young adults and those without a faith tradition. Compensation ranges from $18,000–$26,000 annually.
View the job description as PDF here. Interested candidates should send resumes and inquiries to pastor@stjchurchaz.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.
The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.
Read MoreMission Investment Fund is offering updated online and mobile tools that help congregations and individuals manage savings while supporting ministry across the ELCA. Demand Investments currently earn up to 2.50% APY, while Fixed-Rate Term Investments offer returns up to 4.10% APY. Learn how your financial stewardship can help fund ministry-focused loans throughout the church.
Read MoreThe presentations shared by Rev. Tim Brown at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now available to view and download. Explore his keynote on generosity and discipleship, Bible study on stewardship in Scripture, and ELCA churchwide report highlighting the impact of our connected ministry together.
Download PDF and PowerPoint versions, revisit key insights, and share these resources with your congregation.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod raised $3,702.84 during the 2026 Synod Assembly to support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Now, following an urgent appeal from Bishop Imad Haddad, the need is even greater as the church faces a serious financial crisis affecting schools, congregations, and core ministries.
Learn how your congregation or household can continue supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land through prayer, solidarity, and financial gifts.
Read MorePacific 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 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.
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