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Every congregation has that one dish—the recipe that shows up at every potluck, from Jell-O salads to funeral potatoes and church basement favorites. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share the recipe that defines your community.

Submit your potluck classic by May 1, 2026. All recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in the Synod Assembly cookbook.

Early bird registration for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa, AZ) ends April 13, with voting member rates increasing from $140 to $160 afterward. Congregations are encouraged to select voting members now, including two additional voices—a youth or young adult and a person from a diverse cultural or linguistic background.

Through the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, one young leader per congregation can attend for free using code YOUTH2026. Now is the time to expand participation and ensure your congregation is represented as we gather, rooted in God’s story, to shape the future of our synod.

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) is launching The SYAT Collective, a new monthly Zoom gathering for those serving in next generation ministry. Open to staff and volunteers working with children, youth, and young adults, the Collective offers practical training, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection.

Meeting monthly on Thursdays at alternating times, each session will focus on real ministry topics like camp preparation, event planning, and supporting young people through life’s challenges. Join this new space to learn, ask questions, and connect—because we are better when we lead together.

Pastor Bill Dowling died March 31, 2026. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held Friday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow and a livestream available.

Those wishing to send condolences may contact the synod office for details. Please keep Pastor Dowling’s family and all who mourn in your prayers, trusting in the promise of resurrection in Christ.

More than 400 participants across ELCA Region 2 joined this year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, reflecting on Matthew 25 and responding through prayer, devotion, and generosity. The online giving portal for ELCA World Hunger remains open through May 31, offering continued opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate.

Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. Donate online or give by check using Appeal Code R2LENT2026 as this shared Lenten witness continues beyond the season.

Carly Chamberlain will be ordained to Word and Service at Faith-La Fe Lutheran Church (801 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014), Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 am. She will be installed at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church at a later date. Rostered ministers are invited to robe and process, color of the day is red. Pastor Jonathan Linman will preach, Bishop Hutterer will preside.

A reception will follow immediately in the parish hall. The service will be live streamed on the Faith Lutheran Facebook page.

The final 2026 Spring Gathering will be held Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. All are invited—rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members—from across the synod. No registration is required.

Centered on the theme Rooted in God’s Story, this gathering offers a chance to reconnect, reflect, and be renewed in our shared calling. If you haven’t yet participated this season, this is your opportunity to join the synod in person.

The Grand Canyon Synod is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2026 Synod Assembly. Workshops are one-hour sessions designed to equip rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical tools, theological insights, and ministry resources aligned with this year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story.”

Proposals must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2026, with presenters notified by mid-April. Submit your workshop title, description, audience, presenter information, and technology needs through the synod’s online proposal form.

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.

A simple walk-through of your building and grounds is one of the easiest and most effective steps a congregation can take toward safety and preparedness. By paying attention to lighting, entrances, exits, and visibility, congregations can identify small changes that make a big difference.

This article offers practical guidance for conducting a 30–45 minute walk-through and invites congregations to take this next step as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security and preparedness series.

In his Easter message (download: bit.ly/4c9zxv4) , Presiding Bishop Curry says that even though we consider ourselves to be an Easter church, we must remember that we are also a Lenten church, a time when we live in uncertainty, waiting and hoping for renewal. Curry reminds us that in the midst of that uncertainty, comes God’s promise of reassurance and hope. Death does not have the final word.

“Yes, we are Easter people. Even when the ground below us is shaking, we will not grow weary. We know that Jesus is our foundation. Christ is risen, and that truth strengthens us. It gives us courage to live, to hope, and to proclaim joy. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!”

We come to Easter this year in a world that feels, in many ways, unsettled—marked by uncertainty, division, and deep longing. And yet, this is not new territory for God’s people.

Jesus lived, spoke, and moved among communities facing turmoil, oppression, and fear. Into that very reality, he proclaimed good news. Into that very reality, he brought healing, hope, and ultimately resurrection.

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, April 3, for Good Friday. We pause to remember Christ’s sacrifice and pray for hearts open to the hope of resurrection.

Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.

The ELCA has released a new video, Heart of the Community, featuring the ministry of Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM). The video highlights NELM’s deep relationships, community presence, and faithful witness on the Navajo Nation.

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table recipe project invites you to share a dish that reflects your culture, community, and context—from Arizona and southern Nevada to St. George and the Navajo Nation. All recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in a printed cookbook for the 2026 Synod Assembly.

Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 and help create a collection that reflects the full flavor and diversity of our synod.

The timeline and full agenda for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa) are now available. Highlights include opening worship with Bishop Hutterer, keynote leadership from Rev. Tim Brown, workshops, assembly business, and a Friday evening variety show.

Participants are encouraged to review the full schedule in advance and plan for key moments including voting, workshops, and worship. View the complete agenda and begin preparing for our time together as a synod rooted in God’s story.

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a Connections Taco Tuesday fundraiser for Hope Women’s Center on March 31 at 6:00 p.m. The evening will include free food, live music, and fellowship, with attendees invited to bring full-size body wash, shampoo, or conditioner donations to support women and teen girls served by the ministry.

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.

The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly will feature a Friday Night Variety Show on June 12, 2026, offering an evening of music, storytelling, humor, and creative performances from across the synod. Dinner will take place from 5:30–6:30 pm, followed by the show from 6:30–7:30 pm, hosted by Pastor Thaddeus Book of Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe.

The planning team is currently inviting 5–7 minute family-friendly acts from individuals, groups, congregations, and families. Interested performers are encouraged to submit a short description of their act using the online form, with selected performers contacted prior to Assembly. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.

Those wishing to submit a resolution for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly must do so by Monday, April 27, 2026, by sending an editable electronic file to Kathye Hamm (khamm@gcsynod.org). Resolutions must comply with the ELCA and Grand Canyon Synod governing documents, Robert’s Rules of Order, and the assembly’s rules and agenda. More info here.

The Reference and Counsel Committee will review submissions and publish a report—including recommendations—on the synod website by May 22, 2026. While all submitted resolutions will appear in the report, the assembly’s agenda and rules determine whether they are discussed or voted on during the gathering.

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, April 3, for Good Friday. We pause to remember Christ’s sacrifice and pray for hearts open to the hope of resurrection.

Carly Chamberlain will be ordained to Word and Service at Faith-La Fe Lutheran Church (801 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014), Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 am. She will be installed at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church at a later date. Rostered ministers are invited to robe and process, color of the day is red. Pastor Jonathan Linman will preach, Bishop Hutterer will preside.

A reception will follow immediately in the parish hall. The service will be live streamed on the Faith Lutheran Facebook page.

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, 3/31/2026, 6-7pm MST.

Meals are central to the life of faith—from Holy Communion to church potlucks and shared meals in times of joy and need. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to reflect on the meaning of the table and share a recipe that tells your story.

Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 to be part of this growing collection, with all recipes shared online and a selection included in the Synod Assembly cookbook.

Building relationships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS is one of the most important steps a congregation can take toward preparedness. When first responders already know your building and leadership, they can respond more quickly and effectively in an emergency.

This article offers simple, practical ways to begin those relationships and invites congregations to take a first step as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s ongoing 2026 security and preparedness series.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 11–13, 2026, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story.” Early bird voting member registration is $140 through April 13 ($160 through May 18). Visitors and exhibitors register for $80. Congregations may send one youth or young adult voting member free using code YOUTH2026. Visit gcsynod.org/assembly for full details and to register.

The Grand Canyon Synod is inviting congregations and individuals to contribute recipes for Rooted at the Table, a shared recipe project connected with the 2026 Synod Assembly. Recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in a printed cookbook.

Submit a favorite dish from your congregation, family, or culture by May 1, 2026, and help celebrate the many traditions that shape life across our synod.

The 2026 Lenten Challenge invites individuals and congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod to join four other ELCA Region 2 synods in raising $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger during Lent. Participants commit to three of four spiritual practices—devotions, learning, action, and donation—using a Matthew 25–centered toolkit.

Everyone is welcome to participate, with a shared goal of engaging at least one person from 50 congregations per synod. Sign up, invite others, and live out Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” this Lent.