The FY2025–2026 Annual Report from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, highlights a year of storytelling, stewardship, donor engagement, and mission support across the Grand Canyon Synod. From celebrating seven ordinations and launching the synod’s first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign to granting $363,100 through the Mission & Ministry Fund, the report reflects how shared generosity continues to strengthen ministries across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

The report also highlights new storytelling initiatives, congregation visits, leadership coaching, and expanded tools for mission support engagement, all rooted in the synod’s shared calling to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities.

The FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.

Arizona Faith Network’s newest newsletter features interfaith dialogue opportunities, prophetic witness media training, immigration advocacy updates, security webinars, and recruitment for its 2026 Heat Relief Program. Upcoming events include visits to the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center, online justice trainings, and creation care gatherings across Arizona.

LAMA’s newest newsletter highlights the ELCA’s observance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Arizona budget updates, voting rights engagement, and new nonprofit security grant information.

The May 8 deadline is here for discounted lodging at Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly in Mesa. Limited rooms remain available at special group rates, and several nearby hotel options are also listed for attendees planning their stay.

Assembly participants are encouraged to book early as availability may become limited closer to the June 11–13 gathering.

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Spring 2026 Ambassador-Gram newsletter, featuring upcoming online studies, a new discipleship course, estate planning resources, ministry tools, retreats, and the June 2 annual meeting. The newsletter also introduces LMM’s new simplified web address, LMM.MEN, and highlights resources available for congregations and men’s ministry leaders.

Read the full newsletter for registration links, study opportunities, retreat information, and new ministry resources designed to help build men for Christ across the church.

This week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection explores John 14:15–21 and Jesus’ promise that God’s Spirit remains present through lives shaped by love. Rev. Rory Chambers reflects on how ordinary acts of care — sharing meals, helping friends, showing kindness, and loving neighbors — become signs of God’s presence in the world.

This Mother’s Day (beginning May 7, 2026), Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join a cross-border effort delivering yellow flowers to detention centers and migrant shelters as a sign of compassion and solidarity. Participants can donate flowers or serve as Volunteer Site Leaders, helping coordinate local actions that lift up the dignity of those separated from their families.

Organized by partners including International Friendship Park and Border Church, this campaign reflects our Lutheran call to love our neighbor and seek justice. Learn how your congregation can take part in this meaningful witness of hope and shared humanity. View a PDF flyer here.

A video reflection from ELCA bishops, ELCJHL Bishop Imad Haddad, and ELCA Sumud Ambassadors about the ELCA's work for justice in Palestine and Israel through Sumud. Watch on YouTube or download: bit.ly/4vu2KZp.

Creating or updating a simple emergency plan is a key step in congregational preparedness. This article outlines three essential elements—evacuation, shelter, and communication—and encourages congregations to develop a clear, usable plan that can guide response in a crisis.

Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers practical next steps to help congregations respond calmly and effectively when it matters most.

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 26 years on May 9.

• Rev. Timothy Perlick, Mount of Olives, Phoenix, who celebrates 3 years on May 13.

• Rev. Christine Stoxen, Holy Trinity, Chandler, who celebrates 26 years on May 14.

As Synod Assembly begins on Thursday, June 11, participants are invited to Thursday Afternoon Connections (2:00–5:00 PM)—an informal opportunity during registration to meet synod staff, ask questions, and connect around ministry, advocacy, communications, generosity, candidacy, and congregational vitality.

Members of the synod staff, including Rev. David Pavesic, Director for Evangelical Mission, will be available for conversation throughout the afternoon. Locations will be announced closer to Assembly.

Join the 2026 Synod Assembly service project on Thursday, June 11 (2:00–5:00 pm) as we pack 800 pounds of rice and 800 pounds of beans for the West Valley Community Food Pantry and First Place Community Center Food Bank. This hands-on project invites all participants to serve together, with the food blessed during closing worship.

You can also support the effort financially—$5 provides food for 5 families. Give online via Tithe.ly, by Zelle, or by check. Together, we share daily bread and live out our call to serve our neighbors.

Registration is now open for Ministry Partner Tables at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Exhibitor space ($80, includes non-voting visitor access) is available to ELCA-related and approved ministries, with registration due by May 18, 2026. Learn more and register today to share your ministry’s story with voting members and leaders from across our synod.

The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly offering will support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), a small but resilient Lutheran church serving congregations and schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and beyond. Congregations across the synod are invited to participate by collecting designated gifts before Assembly or contributing through the synod office.

The ELCJHL continues its witness of faith, education, and reconciliation in the region where Christianity began. Through this year’s Assembly offering, our synod will stand in solidarity with our global Lutheran partners, supporting ministries rooted in hope and steadfast faith in the Holy Land.