Grace Lutheran Church of Phoenix’s longtime member Betty turns 100 in September, and her congregation is inviting the Grand Canyon Synod to help celebrate with 100 cards for 100 years. Send a birthday card or note of encouragement by September 10 and help surround Betty with the joy and love of the wider church.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. We give thanks for the dignity of work and pray for rest and justice for all workers.
Read MoreNearly five years after more than 17,000 Afghans were evacuated to the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, a federal court has ruled that the federal government cannot use travel-ban restrictions to prevent the spouses and children of Afghan asylees from joining their families in the United States.
Global Refuge—which has accompanied Afghan neighbors since the 2021 evacuation—welcomed the July 30 ruling while emphasizing that many families remain separated. The organization is calling for swift implementation of the ruling and broader protections for at-risk Afghans who have already been vetted and approved for lawful entry. Read Global Refuge’s full statement.
Read MoreAs the 1951 Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary, Global Refuge reflects on the United States’ historic role in protecting people forced to flee—and warns that recent policy changes are weakening those commitments amid record global displacement.
For Lutherans, the anniversary invites both reflection and action rooted in our call to welcome the stranger and accompany our neighbors. Global Refuge outlines the history, the challenges facing refugee protection today, and ways advocates can urge Congress to recommit to a strong U.S. refugee resettlement system. Read the full reflection and take action.
Read MorePowered By Love will host The 831 Experience Nov. 13–14 in downtown Phoenix, bringing 75 unhoused Maricopa County neighbors together with 75 volunteer Navigators for two days of wellness care, meals, medical and mental health services, legal and veteran resources, and housing navigation.
The initiative pairs immediate care with a planned 12 months of continued advocacy and resource navigation, putting its message—“831: 8 letters, 3 words, 1 meaning: I Love You”—into action.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Aaron and Ayana Teter join Pivot to talk about the history of Eastminster Church in Pittsburgh, which spent decades becoming what its own members call a cross-cultural church.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Coaching for Wayfinding in the Commons on Wednesday, September 2, at 11 a.m. Pacific/noon Mountain. This 45-minute online gathering offers community, leadership learning, coach-facilitated conversation and space to discern where the Spirit may be leading—and to leave with an actionable next step.
Read MoreThe latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter includes opportunities for congregations and leaders to strengthen digital security, learn about preventing elder abuse, volunteer as nonpartisan Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers, and register for AFN’s October 20 Annual Gathering. Also inside: heat-relief needs in Tucson, upcoming community events and more ways to put faith into action across Arizona. Read the full AFN newsletter
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will gather for a staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert while continuing to support congregations and leaders across the synod. The week also includes the Ordination and Installation of Guy Ilunga at Trinity Lutheran in Phoenix (August 29, 2026, 10:00 AM), ministry at Central Lutheran in Arizona City, ongoing grants and communications work, and preparation for upcoming events and financial reporting.
We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s worship with Church of Our Saviour in Lakeside, Myrna Wells-Ulland’s birthday at Spirit in the Desert, the Office of the Bishop’s visit to West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store, and a visit by author Bill Kalaf and former Vice President Paul Gryniewicz (2017-2021).
Read MoreThe 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant webinar recording and presentation slides are now available at gcsynod.org/grants, along with the application and complete guidelines. Approximately $175,000 is available, with grants of up to $15,000 supporting eligible ministries and projects across the synod.
Watch the webinar, review the resources, and begin your application now. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, and late submissions will not be accepted.
Read MoreThe Phoenix VA Health Care System invites pastors, deacons, and other faith leaders to a Faith Leader Forum on Friday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix. Participants will learn how to help veterans in their congregations connect with VA health care services and benefits. RSVP by Sept. 1 to Chaplain Joel Larson at joel.larson2@va.gov.
Read MoreA new study from the Lutheran World Federation examines the human realities of climate-induced displacement in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, where droughts, floods, and other climate shocks are forcing families from their homes and livelihoods. Based on interviews and focus groups with displaced communities, the report highlights challenges including access to land, water, healthcare, education, and legal recognition—and the resilience and solidarity communities demonstrate in response.
Climate-Induced Displacement: A Human Journey calls for stronger early-warning systems, rights-based and inclusive policies, and meaningful participation by displaced people themselves. It also highlights the important role churches and faith-based organizations can play in fostering care, solidarity, resilience, and climate justice. Read the LWF report and explore its findings.
Read MoreThe latest LAMA newsletter invites congregations to add faithful advocacy to their September 13 “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday activities. Also inside: upcoming digital security, elder abuse, election engagement, hunger and creation-care events; new advocacy articles; and a reminder that Grand Canyon Synod Grant applications are due September 25. Read the full LAMA newsletter
Read MoreBlessed Tomorrow has released a new Worship + Sermon Kit designed to help faith communities connect worship, Scripture, and care for creation. The resource includes suggested Scripture passages, exegetical reflections, prayers, poems, images, children’s moment ideas, and materials that can be used individually or as part of a six-week series.
In Lead on Climate, Start with Worship, the Rev. Carol Devine explores why bringing creation and climate into worship matters—and how faith leaders can help communities see climate action as an expression of our calling to tend and care for God’s creation. Read the full article and explore the resources from Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 32 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 50 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 27 years on August 29.
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 34 years on August 30.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 38 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 54 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 54 years on September 3.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Register by Friday, September 18. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers are invited for three days of worship, learning, renewal, and connection, featuring theologian, pastor, and author Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD.
Rooted in God’s Story, this year’s gathering will explore faithful leadership, healing, identity, human flourishing, and emerging questions facing ministry today.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest has new opportunities to serve in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale and Tucson, including refugee youth mentoring, English tutoring, childcare, food distribution, and sewing and jewelry instruction. Metro Phoenix volunteers building relationships with refugee neighbors may also apply for new micro-grants to support shared activities and deepen connection.
Read MoreGrand Canyon Synod staff members Theresa Thornburgh and Amy Birchard are sharing their administrative and financial expertise with the Rocky Mountain Synod during a season of staff transition. The new partnership offers a tangible example of synods working together and sharing gifts in service to the wider church.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod has received new reports of fraudulent emails impersonating Bishop Deborah Hutterer, this time using a fake Gmail address. These messages are not from Bishop Hutterer. Learn how to recognize impersonation attempts, verify suspicious communications, and protect yourself and your congregation as AI makes online scams increasingly convincing.
Read More“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is Sept. 13, 2026. Watch ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry’s invitation and begin planning how your congregation can join Lutherans across the church in serving neighbors and putting our faith into action.
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