Each January, congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod gather in multiple locations to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through worship, Gospel music, community prayer, and acts of service, we lift up Dr. King’s vision of justice, peace, and beloved community. Our MLK events—in the Phoenix area, Tucson, and the Colorado River/Las Vegas region—reflect the rich diversity of our synod and the shared Lutheran call to stand with our neighbors in hope and solidarity.
This page is your central home for MLK event details, choir schedules, signup links, and invitations to deepen your commitment to justice as people of faith.
2026 MLK Events
PHOENIX AREA
MLK Celebration Worship
Sunday, January 18, 2026 • 3:00–4:30 p.m.
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe
2085 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282
Choir members arrive at 2:00 p.m.
Join the Grand Canyon Synod for a spirited MLK Celebration worship service led by a synod-wide choir lifting songs of hope and justice. Together we remember Dr. King’s legacy through Word, music, and a shared commitment to building beloved community. Learn more about joining the choir here.
TUCSON AREA & KINO CONFERENCE
Prayer Gathering & Community Service Day
Monday, January 19, 2026
More details forthcoming.
ELCA congregations in Tucson will gather for a time of prayer and a day of service in the community. For information or to get involved, contact Mr. Kenneth Goode at Kgoode53@gmail.com.
COLORADO RIVER CONFERENCE
Second Annual MLK Celebration
Sunday, January 18, 2026 • 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time
New Song Church, Henderson, NV
1291 Cornet Ave, Henderson, NV 89052
The Colorado River Conference invites you to a festive MLK celebration featuring guest preacher Rev. Dr. James Thomas, author of A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism (purchase at Amazon or Fortress Press). Learn more about Dr. Thomas here. Worship is followed by a reception.
The Rev. Jacqui Pagel, Assistant to the Bishop, will be present representing the Grand Canyon Synod.
For more information, contact Pastor Paul Block at pastorpaul@newsonganthem.org.
About Offerings
Offerings received at all MLK celebrations support the Grand Canyon Synod’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and justice.
All gifts collected across our MLK events are received by the Grand Canyon Synod to:
Promote future Celebrations of Diversity, including MLK worship services and related community gatherings; and
Support the development of a Grand Canyon Synod Diversity & Social Justice Team, expanding our shared work toward beloved community.
Your generosity strengthens the synod’s mission and helps sustain the work of justice, healing, and hope across our churches and communities.
Latest blog posts…
Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas—pastor, scholar, and author of A Rumor of Black Lutherans—will preach at the Colorado River Conference’s MLK Celebration on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at New Song Church in Henderson, NV. Dr. Thomas’ remarkable journey from Seminex to global ministry in Ghana offers powerful insight into Black leadership in Lutheran history. Read more about his story, explore his new book, and join us as we honor Dr. King’s legacy across our synod.