King of Glory Preschool in Tempe is hiring an Assistant Teacher for its Pre-K classroom. The preschool is seeking a compassionate individual with experience working with young children who is passionate about helping them learn and grow in a caring Christian environment. Interested applicants can contact preschool@kogaz.org for more information. View PDF job description here.

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Scott Hove, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 31 years on June 25.

• Rev. Dennis Hagstrom, who celebrates 49 years on June 25.

• Rev. Stephen J. Nelson, who celebrates 48 years on June 25.

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! Tuesday, 7/28/2026, 6-7pm MST.

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church invites you to Jazz Vespers on July 12 at 5:30 PM, featuring Beth Lederman and guest musicians. As the congregation continues serving nearly 300 families weekly, this “Music for Food” ministry remains a vital response to rising food insecurity.

Join for worship, music, and fellowship—and be part of sustaining this ongoing ministry of compassion.

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites Lutherans to hold both gratitude and humility. In the latest installment of his All Together in One Place series, Curry reflects on the nation’s aspirations, its failures to live fully into those ideals, and the Christian call to repentance, justice, and service rooted in Christ’s resurrection.

Drawing on Scripture and the ELCA’s social teaching, Curry encourages the church to remember its baptismal unity, name sin honestly, and work for the common good while trusting in God’s ever-unfolding grace. Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s full reflection.

Focus groups for the ELCA’s Rooted + Rising storytelling initiative begin June 26, and organizers are seeking participants now. The project is especially interested in hearing from people who are not currently connected to a church but are willing to share their experiences of faith, spirituality, belonging, or Christianity. Selected participants will receive a $100 stipend for a two-hour virtual conversation.

The Grand Canyon Synod staff continues its ministry across the synod this week, with Bishop Hutterer participating in Diakonia graduation and new bishop formation, while staff members engage in leadership development, congregational visits, stewardship conversations, event planning, and ongoing support for congregations and ministry partners. Two staff members are also on sabbatical as the work of the synod continues through collaboration and shared leadership.

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale is seeking a half-time Outreach Coordinator (20 hours/week) to develop new outreach strategies, equip leaders, and build relationships with people beyond the congregation—especially young adults and those without a faith tradition. Compensation ranges from $18,000–$26,000 annually.

View the job description as PDF here. Interested candidates should send resumes and inquiries to pastor@stjchurchaz.org.

The ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.

The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.

Mission Investment Fund is offering updated online and mobile tools that help congregations and individuals manage savings while supporting ministry across the ELCA. Demand Investments currently earn up to 2.50% APY, while Fixed-Rate Term Investments offer returns up to 4.10% APY. Learn how your financial stewardship can help fund ministry-focused loans throughout the church.

The presentations shared by Rev. Tim Brown at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now available to view and download. Explore his keynote on generosity and discipleship, Bible study on stewardship in Scripture, and ELCA churchwide report highlighting the impact of our connected ministry together.

Download PDF and PowerPoint versions, revisit key insights, and share these resources with your congregation.

The Grand Canyon Synod raised $3,702.84 during the 2026 Synod Assembly to support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Now, following an urgent appeal from Bishop Imad Haddad, the need is even greater as the church faces a serious financial crisis affecting schools, congregations, and core ministries.

Learn how your congregation or household can continue supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land through prayer, solidarity, and financial gifts.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is launching a new Certificate in Church Leadership in Fall 2026 for lay leaders, those pursuing SAM status, and current SAMs. Flexible 8-week online courses allow participants to enroll in individual classes or complete a 3-course or 6-course certificate focused on practical ministry leadership and Lutheran foundations.

PLTS is continuing its Racial Justice and Faith Certificate this fall with two six-week online courses: Artistic Practice for Leaders (September–October) and Intersectionality & Social Justice (November–December). Open to clergy, lay leaders, and all interested learners, the program explores faithful responses to racial injustice through an accessible online format.

The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Pastor John E. Groh, who died on May 17, 2026. Please keep Nancy Groh and their family in your prayers as they mourn and celebrate a life of faithful service to Christ and the church.

The Southwest California Synod is launching Aging With Grace, a free three-part webinar series for seniors, families, and caregivers. The first session, Understanding the Aging Journey, will be held on June 29 at 4:00 p.m. PT via Zoomand will offer faith-based encouragement, practical resources, and support for navigating aging with confidence and purpose.

Open to participants across the ELCA, the series is led by Deacon Dr. Cecelia Travick-Jackson and explores how faith communities can support older adults and caregivers through every stage of life. Register online and share with your congregation.