Featured News
Navajo Lutheran Mission continues supporting families affected by devastating flooding in Rock Point, Arizona. Financial donations remain the greatest need, and a new Givelink wishlist offers another way to provide essential supplies. See the latest photos from November 3 and learn how you or your congregation can help.
Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
The Grand Canyon Synod welcomes Keila and Kelian Reyes from Guadalajara, Mexico, December 7–15, 2026, strengthening our partnership with the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana. Congregations, especially in the Phoenix area, are invited to host or include these young Lutheran visitors in upcoming events. Contact Pastor Shari Bernau at pastorshari@lwlcaz.org.
Rev. Amalia Vagts of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson has been named the new Kino Conference Dean, effective immediately. Bishop Hutterer invites the conference to welcome Pastor Vagts as she begins this leadership role, strengthening connections among congregations, rostered ministers, and the Office of the Bishop.
Featured Events
Celebrate Pastor Ruby’s fifth anniversary of ordination on Sunday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 9424 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Join Bishop Hutterer and the Grand Canyon Synod in giving thanks for her ministry.
Join SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and December 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.
Join SYAT Collective on Zoom, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders.
Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Save the date! The 2027 Bishop’s Fall Gathering is October 18–20 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, with First Call gathering continuing October 21. Set aside time for worship, learning and connection with synod colleagues. Registration and program details will follow.
Explore upcoming Arizona Faith Network events focused on interfaith understanding, peacebuilding, and community service. November and December highlights include Sikhism 201, interfaith chaplaincy, Walk4Unity, and a conversation about the Psalms. Read the full AFN newsletter for event details and registration.
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley on Thursday, December 24, with five worship services at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. Choose from traditional, children's, contemporary, and outdoor worship, with Holy Communion and candlelight at every service. All are welcome!
LAMA's November 10 newsletter highlights opportunities to connect with Arizona legislators, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Election Day reflections, and resources for Advent and GivingTuesday. Learn how to put faith into action, support neighbors in need, and share your voice on important issues. Read the full LAMA newsletter for details and ways to participate.
Two Grand Canyon Synod congregations are featured in Living Lutheran’s fall Churchscan! Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale collected books for families across the Phoenix area, while Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix partnered with First United Church of Christ to provide summer heat relief, water, and hospitality to vulnerable neighbors. Their ministries join inspiring stories of service from ELCA congregations nationwide. Read the full Churchscan feature in Living Lutheran
A new free ELCA resource, Reproductive Loss: Seeking Peace in Faith Practices, offers compassionate support for those experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, infertility, and other forms of reproductive grief. Through guided reflection and journaling, the resource helps individuals, loved ones, and faith leaders navigate loss while finding space for God's grace and presence. Read the full story in Living Lutheran
ELCA Worship’s November roundup features resources and events for congregational worship leaders and musicians, including Lutheran Summer Music’s Advent calendar (Nov. 29–Dec. 24), upcoming webinars, and 2027 conferences on liturgy and church music. Explore registration deadlines, scholarships, and opportunities to strengthen worship ministry. Read the full ELCA Worship roundup.
In this week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection for November 15, Pastor Lindsay Batesmith explores Matthew 25:14–30 and Jesus’ parable of the talents. How can we move beyond fear and use our God-given gifts to serve others? Discover a message of faithful stewardship, courage, and grace, along with discussion questions and activities for group reflection.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary plans to move to Berkeley’s Holy Hill in June 2027, strengthening theological partnerships and redirecting resources toward academic programs. Learn more at the virtual State of the Seminary gathering on December 2 at 5 p.m. Arizona time.
Celebrate Pastor Ruby’s fifth anniversary of ordination on Sunday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 9424 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Join Bishop Hutterer and the Grand Canyon Synod in giving thanks for her ministry.
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is collecting new towel sets for older adults and new, unwrapped toys, games, sporting equipment, arts and crafts, and gift cards for children across Arizona. Gifts must be received by 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2026.
Shop the online wish list, give financially, volunteer, or organize a collection drive with your congregation through LSS-SW’s Christmas Wishes campaign.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Ruby Myers, who celebrates 5 years on November 13.
Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 50 years on November 14.
Navajo Lutheran Mission continues supporting families affected by devastating flooding in Rock Point, Arizona. Financial donations remain the greatest need, and a new Givelink wishlist offers another way to provide essential supplies. See the latest photos from November 3 and learn how you or your congregation can help.
Join SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and (NEW DATE) December 3 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at ThanksLiving Music Fest, beginning November 27 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Enjoy live music, meals, and fellowship while supporting its ministry of renewal and healing. Choose an on-site stay or individual concert-and-meal tickets. Explore options and register.
Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Facing a ministry crossroads? Reflective Leadership Grants offer up to $20,000 to support structured reflection for established lay and clergy leaders serving eligible Christian organizations. Apply by December 7, 2026; applicant Q&A sessions are October 21 and November 18. Explore eligibility and application details.
Church & Society
Explore upcoming Arizona Faith Network events focused on interfaith understanding, peacebuilding, and community service. November and December highlights include Sikhism 201, interfaith chaplaincy, Walk4Unity, and a conversation about the Psalms. Read the full AFN newsletter for event details and registration.
LAMA's November 10 newsletter highlights opportunities to connect with Arizona legislators, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Election Day reflections, and resources for Advent and GivingTuesday. Learn how to put faith into action, support neighbors in need, and share your voice on important issues. Read the full LAMA newsletter for details and ways to participate.
BJC's November newsletter explores religious freedom following the midterm elections, federal school voucher advocacy, and new opportunities for faith communities. Highlights include a free congregational study on faith and political power, a December 15 deadline for the Immigrant and Refugee Storytelling Fellowship, and a November 12 online clergy gathering. Read the full BJC newsletter.
Arizona Faith Network's latest newsletter features interfaith celebrations, peacebuilding events, election reflections, a free veterans' healing retreat, and opportunities for community service throughout November and December. Explore upcoming events, registration details, and ways to connect with neighbors of diverse faith traditions.
Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer joins Arizona faith leaders in calling for a peaceful 2026 election grounded in human dignity and care for neighbors. Read the shared statement and watch the accompanying video for practical ways to encourage informed participation, protect voters and election workers, counter misinformation and practice peacemaking—before and after Election Day.
Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features Vote Is Sacred gatherings in Tucson October 29 and Flagstaff November 3, plus opportunities for interfaith learning, peacebuilding and supporting seniors experiencing homelessness. Explore Diwali celebrations, a Psalms conversation and more. Read the full newsletter for dates, details and registration links.
Preparation is faithful stewardship. LAMA’s new eight-page guide helps congregations plan for election-related disruption through trusted communication, care for neighbors and clear response roles. Begin with a 20-minute readiness checklist or gather leaders for a fuller discussion grounded in Lutheran faith. Read more and download the guide.
LAMA’s latest newsletter offers timely Arizona ballot-return guidance, a bilingual voter guide, upcoming interfaith gatherings and resources for congregations preparing for election-related disruption. You’ll also find Advent and giving resources, advocacy opportunities and an invitation to offer feedback on the ELCA’s homelessness social message by November 30. Read the full newsletter and find ways to put faith into action.
As Election Day approaches, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites Lutherans to practice healthy patriotism through prayer, civic participation and service to the common good. Drawing on Fannie Lou Hamer’s voting rights witness and Martin Luther’s reflections on Mary’s Magnificat, he calls us to hold leaders accountable and help every voice be heard—with our hope grounded in God’s steadfast love.
Read Bishop Curry’s full message on faithful citizenship and healthy patriotism.
For the Common Good: Prayers and Resources for Congregations in Public Life offers Lutheran theological grounding, worship materials and practical ideas for faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement during the fall 2026 election season.
Pastors, deacons, worship planners, councils and advocacy teams are invited to download the resource and adapt its hymns, intercessions, prayer services and other tools for communities across the Grand Canyon Synod. Help your congregation respond to anxiety and division with prayer, truthful discernment, humility and love of neighbor.
Nevada early voting ends October 30; Election Day is November 3. Explore LEAN’s October 23 newsletter for Nevada and Utah voter guides, explanations of local races, and resources connecting faith and civic life. Some reminders are dated—check current official guidance as you finalize your voting plan.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Nevada early voting and Navajo Nation in-person absentee voting end October 30. Arizona voters should use an official ballot drop-off location after October 27; Arizona and Utah ballots must arrive by their Election Day deadlines. Read our final nonpartisan guide, confirm your voting plan, and make your voice heard.
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.
Celebrate Pastor Ruby’s fifth anniversary of ordination on Sunday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 9424 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Join Bishop Hutterer and the Grand Canyon Synod in giving thanks for her ministry.