Budget season is a time to reflect not only on pledges to our congregations but also on how our personal finances reflect our faith and values. From reducing household costs to choosing greener financial institutions, each decision shapes how we steward God’s creation. Explore practical steps to “green” your money and align it with your commitment to creation care. Read the full article at Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreDrawing from her journey from corporate consultant to ministry executive, Nicole Massie Martin reveals how most leadership models ignore the very heart of Christian faith and why pastors are burning out trying to lead like the world instead of following Jesus.
Read MoreResurrection Lutheran Church hosts its Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 11, from 9am–2pm in Oro Valley. With 50+ vendors, food supporting the youth group, Art by Heart, and a diaper drive for local food banks, it’s a joyful day to shop local, support ministry, and share in community. Free admission and parking.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens reminds us that even the smallest measure of faith is enough for the work God calls us to do. In Luke 17, Jesus uses exaggerated, even humorous, images—uprooting trees, masters serving servants—to teach that faith is already present within us and sufficient for the tasks ahead. Habakkuk, Paul, and Jesus all echo the same truth: though the work of discipleship can be difficult and even seem impossible, God equips us with the gift of faith to endure, serve, and trust in God’s promises.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Arizona Faith Network’s 2025 Annual Gathering, themed United We Rise. Join faith leaders from across Arizona on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale, or participate online. This bilingual (Spanish & English) event will feature keynote speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma, a Buddhist nun and teacher known for her warmth and practical wisdom. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Learn more and register—click here.
Read MoreSeptember at Spirit in the Desert brought meaningful gatherings, including the Bishop’s staff retreat, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona, local church retreats, and the first-ever national meeting of the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network. Looking ahead, October will welcome both familiar groups and first-time guests, while special events such as Healing of Memories workshops, the Thanksliving Music Fest, and spring retreats are open for registration. Read the full update and upcoming opportunities from Spirit in the Desert—click here.
Read MoreJoin the Stephen Ministers at Desert Hills Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 22, at 1:30 PM for a dementia and Alzheimer’s presentation by Rev. Jerry Haas of United Methodist Church of Green Valley. Learn, share, and support one another in faith. Dessert and coffee will be provided.
Read MoreMaricopa Lutheran Church is hiring a Church Musician (pianist/keyboardist) and a Choir Director to serve a growing, song-loving congregation that worships at Desert Wind Middle School. Pay is per service/rehearsal with mileage reimbursement (IRS guidelines) for those outside Maricopa; roles are independent contractor (1099).
Read MoreFor an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Grand Blanc, MI and Dallas, TX…
For rescue and recovery efforts following an earthquake in the Philippines…
For rescue and recovery efforts follow a school collapse in Indonesia…
For safety amidst protest in Morocco and Madagascar…
For all migrants and global travelers…
For access to affordable and reliable health care, clean water, and sufficient food…
For those who serve in the military…
For the health and flourishing of creation…
In thanksgiving for the ministries of Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Bishop Yehiel Curry…
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of
Rev. Nanette Christofferson, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 6 years on October 5.
Rev. Kim Sterner, Christ Evangelical, Goodyear, who celebrates 39 years on October 5.
Bishop Hutterer traveled to Minneapolis for the Installation of Rev. Yehiel Curry as ELCA Presiding Bishop as well as the Conference of Bishops. We also share photos from our 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
Read MoreMark your calendars for the Grand Canyon Synod Spring Gatherings 2026, where we come together under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Gatherings will be held in Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas from February through April. These events offer opportunities for connection, reflection, and renewal across our synod.
Read MoreSeptember 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This annual observance honors Indigenous children taken from their families and placed in U.S. and Canadian boarding schools, where many suffered abuse and cultural erasure. The day is named for Phyllis Webstad’s story of surrendering her orange shirt on her first day at a residential school.
The ELCA invites us to join the Truth and Healing Movement, a commitment to confronting this painful history and standing with Indigenous siblings in Christ. Learn more at Living Lutheran: Orange Shirt Day article.
Read MoreApply now for Grand Canyon Synod grants—up to $15,000 per project; ≈ $175,000 total available this fall.Applications open Sept. 8 and are due Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight). Projects aligned with the GCS Strategic Plan and collaborating with another ELCA ministry receive priority. Funding begins Feb. 2026.
Read MoreAdvocacy is a grateful response to God’s grace and a way of living out our baptismal call. In the Southeastern Synod, congregations across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee engage, equip, and empower communities to stand with vulnerable neighbors. From disaster preparedness to immigrant support, advocacy reflects Christ’s love in action. Read more ›
Read MoreWe give thanks for Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and the twelve years she spent leading the ELCA. Take a look back on these fun and meaningful moments from her ministry. Download at https://bit.ly/47JSnaw or watch on YouTube.
Read MoreThe Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central (12 p.m. MST) at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Curry, the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA, was elected during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The service is open to the public, with livestream access available here: ELCA Installation of the Presiding Bishop.
Read MoreJoin over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.
Read MoreYour ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!
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