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Featured News
News
Bishop Hutterer has recorded a special invitation video encouraging participation in the 2025 Lenten Challenge! This friendly, faith-deepening challenge connects us in daily spiritual practices while supporting safe drinking water efforts at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Watch the video, share it with your congregation, and join the challenge today! Download options are available on our Vimeo page.
This year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge invites us to engage in daily spiritual practices while supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. More than half of Rock Point’s households lack access to safe drinking water, and NELM is working to install a potable water system. Join the challenge by committing to three Lenten practices—daily devotion, diligence, dedication, or donation—to help meet this urgent need. Let’s come together as a synod to deepen our faith and serve our neighbors. Sign up today! www.lentenchallenge.org
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls on Lutherans to take action following an executive order rolling back immigration protections in places of worship, schools, and hospitals. In a video message, she urges congregations to raise their voices and stand with the most vulnerable. While the ELCA cannot be a plaintiff in lawsuits challenging this policy, affected congregations may have legal standing. Watch the full message here and learn how we can respond as church together.
Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
Featured Events
Featured
Rev. Charles Newman will be installed at King of Glory Lutheran (2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282) on Sunday, 2/23/2025 at the 10:00 am worship service. Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on YouTube.
There will be a reception lunch to follow, which coincides with the 55th anniversary Celebration of King of Glory. Please RSVP. Rostered Ministers are invited but will not process or robe.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.
Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.
Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
Join us on March 5 at 12:00 p.m. MT for a special LDR Partner Spotlight featuring Solveig Muus as she shares how the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge supports the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Learn how Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger intersect to provide safe drinking water and vital resourcesfor our siblings in Christ. Register now to be part of the conversation! Sign up here.
Women of the Kino Conference are invited to the annual Spring Gathering on March 8, 2025, at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson around the theme “Women on the Move” (Ruth 1:16). The event features a special program from Teen Challenge of Arizona’s Springboard Home for Girls, a fashion show, and a pop-up boutique from Blessingdales Boutique. Attendees are encouraged to bring in-kind gifts for Sister Jose Women’s Center. Registration ($20) is due by February 28—no walk-ins. View this flyer to learn more and use this PDF to register.
Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.
Featured
Rev. Charles Newman will be installed at King of Glory Lutheran (2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282) on Sunday, 2/23/2025 at the 10:00 am worship service. Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on YouTube.
There will be a reception lunch to follow, which coincides with the 55th anniversary Celebration of King of Glory. Please RSVP. Rostered Ministers are invited but will not process or robe.
Calling 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! Click here to access the meeting, at 6pm on the last Tuesday of every month.
The Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM MST / 10:00 AM PST, exploring how churches can support substance use recovery. Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, an expert in addiction recovery, will present faith-based initiatives that help individuals and communities heal. Rev. George A. Wood will host the discussion, offering practical ways churches can be part of the solution. Register today to learn how your congregation can make a difference. Click here to sign up.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.
Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
Join us February 26, 2025, at the Fountain Hills Community Center for a family-friendly food packing event hosted by New Journey Lutheran. From 5:30–7:30 PM, volunteers will pack thousands of meals for those in need locally and globally. Registration is required—sign up today at njlc-fh.org/food-4-kidz. View a PDF flyer here. Be the church in action!
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.
Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
Join us on March 5 at 12:00 p.m. MT for a special LDR Partner Spotlight featuring Solveig Muus as she shares how the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge supports the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Learn how Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger intersect to provide safe drinking water and vital resourcesfor our siblings in Christ. Register now to be part of the conversation! Sign up here.
What’s love got to do with it? Everything. Join Creating Beloved Community: Healing Together on Wednesday, February 5, at 12:00 PM Mountain / 1:00 PM Central, hosted by ELCA Coaching. This monthly gathering welcomes all—rostered ministers, lay leaders, and those seeking deeper spiritual connection. Together, we will explore love, faith, and healing in community. Learn more and join us on Zoom: ELCA Coaching Website.
Women of the Kino Conference are invited to the annual Spring Gathering on March 8, 2025, at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson around the theme “Women on the Move” (Ruth 1:16). The event features a special program from Teen Challenge of Arizona’s Springboard Home for Girls, a fashion show, and a pop-up boutique from Blessingdales Boutique. Attendees are encouraged to bring in-kind gifts for Sister Jose Women’s Center. Registration ($20) is due by February 28—no walk-ins. View this flyer to learn more and use this PDF to register.
Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.
Church & Society
Featured
A recent funding freeze has halted U.S. foreign aid programs critical to global health, refugee resettlement, and disaster relief—programs already approved by Congress. As Lutherans, we are called to serve our neighbors in need. Contact your congressional representatives today to urge them to restore this lifesaving aid. Take action now: Click here.
Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress could significantly impact low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—many of whom are served by Lutheran ministries. As people of faith, we are called to protect healthcare access for the most vulnerable. The ELCA is mobilizing action through advocacy alerts, a webinar on March 6, and direct outreach to legislators. Now is the time to act—contact your representatives, sign coalition letters, and learn how your congregation can engage. Click here to read more and take action.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls on Lutherans to take action following an executive order rolling back immigration protections in places of worship, schools, and hospitals. In a video message, she urges congregations to raise their voices and stand with the most vulnerable. While the ELCA cannot be a plaintiff in lawsuits challenging this policy, affected congregations may have legal standing. Watch the full message here and learn how we can respond as church together.
Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress threaten millions of low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities—including many served by Lutheran ministries. As Lutherans, our faith calls us to protect the vulnerable and advocate for just policies. Learn about the proposed changes, why they matter, and how you can take action through advocacy alerts, upcoming webinars, and direct engagement with lawmakers. Read more and find ways to get involved at ELCA.org.
Is your congregation prepared for a crisis? A Seattle church recently experienced a disruption during worship, underscoring the importance of having a crisis communications plan in place before it’s needed. The ELCA Strategic Communications team has released best practices and planning guides to help congregations prepare for emergencies, ensure clear communication, and work with local partners. Read more and download the full crisis planning resources to protect your congregation.
Faith leaders and immigration attorneys gathered last week for a critical Know Your Rights and Congregational Safety training to address urgent challenges posed by new federal policies. The event emphasized legal protections for houses of worship, emergency response planning, and resources for congregations. We’ve attached key materials, including an Emergency Phone Tree for Houses of Worship and training slides, to help congregations prepare. A second training is being planned—stay tuned for details.
Líderes religiosos y abogados de inmigración se reunieron la semana pasada en la capacitación Conozca sus Derechos y Seguridad Congregacional, abordando desafíos urgentes ante nuevas políticas federales. El evento destacó protecciones legales para iglesias, planificación de respuesta de emergencia y recursos para congregaciones. Hemos adjuntado materiales clave, incluido un Árbol de Teléfonos de Emergencia para Lugares de Culto y diapositivas de capacitación. Se está planificando una segunda capacitación—manténgase informado para más detalles.
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) is facing a severe funding crisis following President Trump’s executive order halting refugee resettlement aid. The abrupt loss of federal funds has forced LSS-SW to lay off staff and scale back critical services for newly arrived refugees in Arizona. Despite the challenges, LSS-SW remains committed to supporting displaced families through private donations and community support. Read more about the impact and how you can help at lamaz.org.
On February 10, 200 Lutherans from 29 districts gathered at the Arizona State Capitol for a day of advocacy, meeting with over 40 lawmakers and speaking out on key issues. Guided by faith, participants attended legislative meetings, engaged in training, and shared in prayer and fellowship. Read the full recap on the LAMA site and see photos from this inspiring day of action.
The recent halt on refugee resettlement and a stop-work order have left hundreds of refugee families in Arizona without critical support. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is responding to this crisis, but we need your help. Contact your representatives, educate your community, volunteer, or give to ensure that newly arrived refugees receive the support they need. Now is the time to stand together in faith and action. Read more to learn how you can make a difference, and visit LSS-SW’s Refugee Crisis page to act today.
The foreign assistance funding freeze has halted critical global health, refugee, and disaster relief programs—including Lutheran-supported efforts like PEPFAR and Augusta Victoria Hospital. These disruptions put millions of lives at risk by suspending already-approved aid for refugees, famine prevention, and lifesaving medical care. Urge Congress to lift the freeze today. Learn more and take action here: ELCA Action Center.
Religious freedom is under threat. House Resolution 59 seeks to condemn a sermon given by Bishop Mariann Budde, setting a dangerous precedent for government interference in matters of faith. As Lutherans, we believe the church must remain free to speak truth to power. Take action today by urging your representative to oppose H.R. 59 and defend the right to preach without political retribution.
A Grand Canyon Synod congregation was featured on Tucson’s KGUN 9 News as new ICE policies create fear among worshippers. San Juan Bautista Lutheran Church in Tucson has seen attendance drop sharply as concerns grow over the possibility of deportations inside churches. Read or watch the full news story and learn how congregations are responding to these unsettling developments.
Latest News
Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.
Are you or a young adult you know looking for a meaningful way to serve and grow in faith? Urban Servant Corps (USC) in Denver offers a full-time service year in an intentional faith-based community. Volunteers receive housing, food, a stipend, and student loan assistance while serving with nonprofit partners. The priority deadline to apply is March 1, and a virtual info session is available on February 26 at 12 PM (MT). Learn more and apply at www.urbanservantcorps.org.
New ELCA World Hunger resources for Lent offer ways to deepen faith and take action against hunger through study, prayer, and service. Living Lutheran returns to print with a quarterly edition, and Nuestro Casa para Todos in Puerto Rico opens its doors as a ministry of welcome. Bishop Eaton responds to misinformation, reaffirming the ELCA’s mission. In honor of Black History Month, we highlight the contributions of Black Lutherans in shaping our church. Read more about these stories and more in the latest Seeds Monthly.
Mercy is more than a word—it’s a call to action. This Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38) challenges us to love our enemies, give freely, and embody God’s mercy in a divided world. As Lutheran social ministries face funding challenges, we are reminded that mercy is at the core of our faith, not an optional extra. How will we answer Jesus’ call to mercy today?
Bishop Hutterer has recorded a special invitation video encouraging participation in the 2025 Lenten Challenge! This friendly, faith-deepening challenge connects us in daily spiritual practices while supporting safe drinking water efforts at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Watch the video, share it with your congregation, and join the challenge today! Download options are available on our Vimeo page.
The Office of the Bishop Staff attends to daily operations and attends the Installation of Rev. Charles Newman at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe, Feb 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We also share photos from Shane Claiborne at New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson: Addressing Poverty Through Faith and the Ordination and Installation of Wendi Van Beek at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Tucson.
How can your congregation collaborate with local organizations to make a lasting impact? Neighbors Together: Partners for Innovation is a free, two-part workshop designed to guide churches through the process of forming community partnerships. Learn how to identify potential partners, start meaningful conversations, and launch a neighborhood project that benefits all. Sessions are on March 25 and April 1, 2025 (choose 10 AM or 4 PM Pacific Time). Register today at www.livingtheresurrection.com.
Spring brings new opportunities to engage in faith-based climate action! Register for the National Faith + Climate Forum (March 27) to gain practical tools for leading creation care in your congregation. Get free Earth Day resources for your church, and celebrate inspiring leaders during ecoAmerica’s Climate Leadership Awards (April 16). Plus, learn how Lutherans across the country are making a difference in their communities. Read the full Blessed Tomorrow newsletter to take action today.
Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter is packed with ways to engage! From key legislative advocacy actions (supporting affordable housing & opposing harmful immigration laws) to interfaith events and spiritual practices, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature event or the Chi’chil Bi dagoteel Oak Flat March/Run. Read more & subscribe here: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
New ELCA Worship resources are now available, including liturgies for wildfires and hurricanes, newly released Arabic-language worship resources, and guidance on ethical music choices. Plus, explore upcoming Music That Makes Community events, new Lenten devotionals, and a worship planning handbook. Stay informed with the latest worship updates and resources—read the full newsletter here.
In a world where the “common good” feels more elusive than ever, how do we navigate the tension between legality and morality, division and unity? Courtney Hall of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California reflects on faith as a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty, especially for those working in advocacy. Instead of placing blame in times of struggle, she encourages us to lean on each other and keep our eyes on the shared values of love, grace, and compassion. Click here to read more in this devotional from the New Year Devotional Series.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, or political instability, especially Ukraine, Gaza, and Bangladesh…
For safety for all travelers, especially air travel…
For health care workers, researchers, environmental workers, educators, and all professions affected by political changes…
For those who rely on medication for health and well-being…
For Pope Francis, during his hospitalization and treatment…
For flooding in Kansas and West Virginia…
For winter weather and those who live without home or shelter…
A recent funding freeze has halted U.S. foreign aid programs critical to global health, refugee resettlement, and disaster relief—programs already approved by Congress. As Lutherans, we are called to serve our neighbors in need. Contact your congressional representatives today to urge them to restore this lifesaving aid. Take action now: Click here.
Looking for affordable choir robes? Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas is selling 103 purple choir robes with grey trim for just $2,000 (or best offer). This is a great opportunity for any congregation looking to outfit its choir. Contact Dennis Allen at dennis@communitylv.org or 702-458-2241, ext. 103 for details.
This year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge invites us to engage in daily spiritual practices while supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. More than half of Rock Point’s households lack access to safe drinking water, and NELM is working to install a potable water system. Join the challenge by committing to three Lenten practices—daily devotion, diligence, dedication, or donation—to help meet this urgent need. Let’s come together as a synod to deepen our faith and serve our neighbors. Sign up today! www.lentenchallenge.org
How do we provide faithful and ethical care for those at life’s end? The Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS)invites you to the 2025 Mohrenweiser Lecture: “Ethics and Spiritual Care at the End of Life” on Thursday, March 20, at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). Join experts in chaplaincy, medicine, and interfaith ministry as they explore how faith leaders and caregivers accompany the dying with dignity and grace. Attend in person in Berkeley, CA, or via Zoom. Register here.
Synod Spotlight
This section is dedicated to celebrating and lifting up the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners at various levels—from local to global. Join us in gratitude and prayer for these people and organizations. View all our spotlight posts here.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of the various regions of our synod. The Grand Canyon Synod is spread across lands in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, which are currently home to over two dozen tribal nations.
We acknowledge and honor these communities, their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. We give thanks to our Indigenous siblings who have cared and continue to care for this place — this land — and call it their home.
Learn more about ELCA Indigenous Ministries, land acknowledgments, and Native American and Indigenous education resources.
Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.