Each year, workshops provide space for learning, equipping, and faithful imagination. Under this year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” we invite proposals that help rostered ministers and lay leaders deepen their grounding in Scripture, Lutheran theology, congregational leadership, justice, stewardship, spiritual care, innovation, and practical ministry tools. View our 2026 Synod Assembly Workshops page for more info.

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Beginning with a new fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle, the service moves through scripture, song, and sacrament, culminating in the first Eucharist of Easter, the affirmation of baptism, and the welcome of new members.

Held at 801 E Camelback Rd, this powerful and ancient liturgy proclaims the resurrection story in full, inviting all into the hope and promise of new life in Christ.

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to “The Way of the Cross: A Time of Meditation and Prayer”on Friday, April 3 (7 AM–6 PM, closed 12–1 PM). This self-guided experience features seven stations with artwork, Scripture, meditation, and prayer, inviting participants to walk alongside Jesus while reflecting on both Christ’s suffering and the realities of life today.

Open to all, this Holy Week opportunity offers space to pause, pray, and consider where we find ourselves in God’s story—bringing our burdens before Christ and encountering his presence along the way.

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry.

Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Find full information and registration links here.

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.

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry.

Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Find full information and registration links here.

The annual Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop is now open and due Monday, March 30, 2026. This report offers rostered ministers an opportunity to reflect on their ministry and connect directly with Bishop Deborah Hutterer as part of our shared life as a synod.

All active (including those on leave or disability) and retired rostered ministers are asked to complete the appropriate online form. Every report is read by the bishop, with care given to each response. Links to both forms are on the synod website.

Youth in grades 7–12 from ELCA congregations across the Valley are invited to a Youth Community Event on Sunday, March 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The evening will include games, food, and fellowship, bringing together youth from multiple congregations including Esperanza and Desert Cross.

Additional churches are welcome to join. Congregations interested in participating can contact Deacon Laura Book (lbook@gcsynod.org) for details.

LCM at ASU invites volunteers to a Palm Sunday Hygiene Kit Assembly on March 29 (11:30 AM–2 PM) in Tempe. Help assemble and distribute kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness while supporting student-led outreach grounded in faith and service. Registration is open.

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe will host Big Truck Day on Saturday, March 28 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.), featuring police, fire, and dump trucks, food trucks, games, and raffle tickets. This free, family-friendly event offers a hands-on way to explore community vehicles and connect with neighbors.

Open to all, Big Truck Day is a joyful opportunity to gather, build relationships, and experience community.

Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.

ELCA pastor and indie-pop songwriter Jonathan Rundman will visit Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, AZ, March 21–22, 2026. Rundman will provide music during worship on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., and will present a community concert at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, open to all with a freewill offering.

A Luther Seminary graduate and Pastor of Worship and Music at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Minnesota, Rundman blends thoughtful lyrics, indie-pop sounds, and Nordic folk influences. His visit offers a unique opportunity to experience music ministry that bridges worship, storytelling, and live performance.

LCM at ASU invites the synod to support their team in the Out of Darkness Campus Walk on March 21 at 11 AM, raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Join the walk or donate to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and stand with students witnessing to hope, healing, and Christ’s call to bear one another’s burdens.

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry.

Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Find full information and registration links here.

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry.

Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Find full information and registration links here.

Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Jazz Vespers on Sunday, March 8 from 5:30–6:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and William “Gooch” on saxophone and vocals. Admission is free, with a freewill offering supporting the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, which now helps over 250 families each week.

Part of the congregation’s Music for Food ministry, Jazz Vespers blends soulful jazz with prayer and service—an evening where music becomes a way to support neighbors in need and live out Christ’s call to feed the hungry.

Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a Three Organists Benefit Concert on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. featuring former organists Gary Rutherford, Jim Sage, and Craig Westendorf. Admission is free, with donations supporting the restoration of Faith’s historic pipe organ. The afternoon includes solos, duets, trios, guest musicians, and a reception. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.

The Wartburg College Castle Singers and Kammerstreicher will perform at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7 PM. Featuring a 28-voice choir and a 16-member chamber string ensemble, the concert highlights Wartburg’s renowned Lutheran musical tradition. Tickets are $20 and available through the church office or at the door.

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry.

Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Find full information and registration links here.

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry.

Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Find full information and registration links here.

Desert Cross Lutheran Church invites the community to “You Are Precious in His Sight,” a free hymn sing on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4:00–5:15 p.m. in Gilbert. Featuring choirs from both Desert Cross locations, instrumental music, congregational singing, and a short drama about hymn writer Fanny Crosby, the event offers an afternoon of hope and joy rooted in faith.

A free taco dinner will follow in the fellowship hall. All are welcome—invite a friend and come sing.

The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.

Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to begin Lent with a half-day Silent Prayer Retreat on Saturday, February 28, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rooted in monastic tradition, the retreat includes silent and communal prayer, worship, a shared meal, and service projects.

Space is limited. Contact the church office at 602-866-9191 or email Pastor Daniel Volkmann at dvolkmann@allsaintsphoenix.org to register or learn more.

For the evening gathering at St. Andrew Lutheran Church (6:30 pm), participants are invited to arrive anytime after 6:00 pm for light refreshments and informal fellowship prior to the conversation, as we will not have a post-gathering reception.

Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.

If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.

Join us this spring as the Grand Canyon Synod gathers across Arizona and southern Nevada under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. Each gathering offers a chance for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members to come together for learning, conversation, and community grounded in God’s Word. These events remind us that our lives and ministries are woven into God’s greater story of love, grace, and renewal. For full details, locations, and registration information, please visit our spring gatherings page. We look forward to seeing you there.