Download Kingsfold, a new set of theme-and-variations for solo instrument and keyboard by Anne Krentz Organ. The third offering in the LSM Hymn Tune Project, Kingsfold is based on the beloved English folk tune associated with a wide range of hymn texts. Available for a variety of solo instruments and keyboard, the work may be performed in its entirety or as individual movements.
Preview and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress.
Read MoreAs the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Living Lutheran explores President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms”—freedom of speech and worship, and freedom from want and fear—through a distinctly Lutheran lens.
Leah Taber connects these enduring ideals with unity in Christ, reconciliation, community, grace and faith, asking what it would mean for Lutherans to embody these commitments in our congregations, communities and civic life. Read the full reflection in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWhat comes after deconstructing your faith? The Rev. Katie Langston of New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George hosts Faith After Faith, a new podcast and YouTube channel from the synod-supported Promise Studio ministry. Through honest conversations, theological reflection, and storytelling, it offers a grace-centered space for former Latter-day Saints, deconstructors, reconstructors, doubters, and spiritual seekers exploring what faith might look like on the other side of doubt.
Read MoreA congregation averaging just over 70 people in worship collected 1,440 jars of peanut butter for Interfaith Community Services—earning New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson recognition as the drive’s top per-capita donor and third-highest donor overall. Fellow Tucson congregation Tanque Verde Lutheran was also among the top five donors, contributing 1,187 pounds.
Pastor Greg Hartman shares how a simple food drive became a story of moving from scarcity to abundance—and discovering that with the Holy Spirit, a small congregation can make a very big impact.
Read MoreResources are now available from our August 18 conversation with Kendra Stea, ELCA Director, Misconduct Prevention, on safeguarding worshiping communities. Explore or download Kendra’s presentation covering mandatory reporting, Safe Church policies, misconduct, sex offender covenants, behavior agreements, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Congregational leaders are encouraged to use and share these materials—and to contact the synod when questions or concerns arise.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 33 years on August 21.
Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 16 years on August 21.
Rev. Cherlyne Beck, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 43 years on August 21.
Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 55 years on August 22.
Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 44 years on August 22.
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 62 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 29 years on August 24.
Rev. Julie Gerrish, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 2 years on August 24.
Rev. Solomon Kuch, Emmanuel Sudanese, Glendale, who celebrates 1 year on August 24.
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 41 years on August 25.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 21 years on August 27.
Considering a 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant? Start with the Grant Application Webinar and Q&A on Tuesday, August 25, at 4:30 p.m. Arizona/Pacific time. Approximately $175,000 is available this grant cycle, with eligible projects able to request up to $15,000. Visit gcsynod.org/grants for more info.
The application window opens August 24 and closes September 25. Congregations and ministries with ideas to Communicate Jesus, Connect People or Create Possibilities are encouraged to review the new grant information and register for next week’s 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, 8/25/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.
Read MoreGod is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.
Read MoreGuy Ilunga will be ordained and installed Saturday, 8/29/2026, 10 am, at Trinity Lutheran (9424 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Color of the day is red. Rostered ministers are invited to process, robes are optional.
Read MoreRev. Jenn 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). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. Color of the day is green. There will be a reception and meal to follow.
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).
Bishop Hutterer will preside through Communion. Reception will be an Einstein Bagels bar with coffee and orange juice. No RSVPs are necessary, color of the day is rainbow. Live-stream and post-video link will be on the front page ulctempe.org.
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 MoreLutherans Restoring Creation’s August Good Green News features upcoming opportunities for worship, learning and action, including Nature, Spirituality & Church in the Wild on August 25, Season of Creation resources, the 2026–27 EcoPreacher cohort, an environmental spirituality summit with Bill McKibben, and an ELCA creation-care film series beginning September 2.
Explore these events, new resources and more ways for individuals and congregations to connect Lutheran faith with care for God’s creation.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s August roundup offers new opportunities for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregations to learn and grow, including courses on purpose and money, a new Christian communities incubator, Susan Beaumont’s supervision training beginning August 18, and the fall School for Lay Ministry cohort.
The roundup also includes free resources for The Bible in a Year and the Narrative Lectionary’s upcoming Year of Matthew. Read the August 2026 Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup.
Read MoreIn this episode, Johnny Sertin and Meg Fry talk with hosts Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm about what it takes to build trust in a neighborhood before ever bringing up faith.
Read MoreWhen a child sees someone with a disability, they are naturally curious and may have questions. With students heading back to school this fall, we connected with Author and Speaker Tasha Schuh to discuss how parents can talk to their children about interacting with people with disabilities.
The post Back-to-School: 3 Tips for Talking to Children about People with Disabilities appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThe recording and resources from the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team’s “Mastering Money: Budgeting, Planning, and Living Generously” webinar are now available. Watch Duane Gilson explore budgeting, financial planning, and generosity as practices of faithful stewardship, and find recommended tools for managing money, receiving financial guidance, and growing generosity.
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