Engage with youth, cool off in the pines, and explore stewardship this summer! Campformation at Camp Pinerock, June 30–July 4, 2025, invites three rostered leaders to join for free as Resident Theologians. Travel, room, and board are covered. Apply by March 15, 2025. Contact Pr. Tim Perlick at tim.perlick@gmail.com.
Read MoreWant to lead worship with a guitar around the campfire? Join Camp ALOMA in Prescott, April 25–27, for a weekend retreat focused on learning how to lead and support campfire worship. Designed for guitar players with basic chord skills, the $110 weekend includes lodging, meals, and musical leadership training grounded in Lutheran faith. Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.
Read MoreReconnect with fellow missioners at the Mexico Mission Reunion Celebration on Saturday, May 4 at 5:30 PM at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy a taco bar from Los Taquitos, hear a special message from Pastor Don Liles, and reflect on the impact of our shared work in Mexico. Register now at bit.ly/mvlcmexicomissionreunion. Kids eat free!
Read MoreMountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to a self-guided Good Friday experience, “The Way of the Cross,” on April 18 from 7 am to 6 pm. Seven prayer stations with artwork, Scripture, and meditation will guide participants through Christ’s journey to the cross and connect His suffering to the realities of our world today. All are welcome. View a PDF flyer here.
Read MoreJoin Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. for the Easter Vigil, beginning at sunset with the blessing of the new fire and Paschal candle. The service includes readings of salvation history, renewal of baptismal vows, the welcoming of new members, and the first Eucharist of Easter. All are welcome—especially those without a Vigil service at their own church.
Read MoreChrist the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree, AZ, is hiring a full-time Administrative Manager to support its ministry and operations as it enters a new chapter of leadership. This 40-hour/week role pays $22–25/hour and includes potential for benefits and remote flexibility. Applications are open until the position is filled. Learn more and apply at ctlcarefree.org or email Pastor Anna Rieke at pastor@ctlcarefree.org. View the PDF job description here.
Read MoreThe ELCA Church Council met April 3–6 in Chicago to shape the agenda for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, coming to Phoenix this July. The council received the final report from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church and recommended major actions related to diversity, governance, finances, and the proposed social statement Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All.
To learn what actions may shape the future of the ELCA and how they impact congregations and synods like ours, click here.
Read MoreEarly-bird registration is now open for the Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy, held August 13–15 in Minneapolis, with the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing.” But that’s just one of many opportunities this season for worship leaders and musicians. Upcoming events also include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy in Indiana, a Music That Makes Community retreat in New Mexico, the ALCM Conference in North Carolina, and new catechumenate resources from Journey to Baptismal Living. Explore the full list of partner offerings on the ELCA worship blog.
Read MoreBurundi: Since childhood, I have known nothing but war By Pascal, Recorded by Diogène Rukundo
COP30: Faith-based leaders call for climate action by governments
Baptismal unity: Anglican and Lutheran leaders commit to unity and common mission
German youth bring hope to terminally ill children in Romania
We uplift and pray for Rev. Richard Sherrill and the people of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Northeast Valley Conference.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Mateo Chavez and the people of San Juan Bautista Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
Read MoreA 10-minute guided meditation from Thriving Leadership Formation offers church leaders a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with God during Holy Week. Designed to support those carrying much in this sacred season, this reflection is an invitation to rest and lead from a place of grace. Listen now.
Read MoreIn this 6-minute reflection from the Pivot podcast, Luther Seminary’s Terri Elton invites listeners to slow down and fully experience Holy Week—from Palm Sunday to Easter—highlighting how embracing its solemn moments deepens our faith and appreciation of Christ’s resurrection.
Read MoreEnjoy jazz and classical music while supporting families in need! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a three-part Music for Food series on April 13, April 27, and May 4, benefiting the Olive Branch Food Closet. These free concerts support a vital ministry feeding over 150 families each week. View a PDF flyer here.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop Staff prepares for our synod assembly and continues preparation for hosting the churchwide assembly. We also share photos from the Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) retreat.
Read MoreApril 9 marks 80 years since the martyrdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran pastor and theologian executed for resisting the Nazi regime. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) has curated a powerful set of resources—including a congregational curriculum, prayer liturgy, podcast, and event recordings—to help us reflect on Bonhoeffer’s enduring question: Who is Christ for us today? Explore how Bonhoeffer’s life and theology continue to shape Lutheran faith, civic responsibility, and resistance to Christian nationalism.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen…
For rescue and recovery work in Myanmar and Thailand, and for all who mourn…
For victims of the nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic…
For those affected by flooding and storms…
For aid workers in dangerous areas, and those who mourn aid workers killed in Gaza…
For all victims of gun violence, especially near Fredericksburg, Virginia…
For those whose livelihoods depend upon finance and trade, and for those who are most vulnerable amidst market downturns…
For all who raise their voice for justice in their communities…
For pastors, deacons, musicians, and lay leaders as they prepare worship for Holy Week…
The Arizona Faith Network invites participation in several meaningful events this week, including a Healing Circle at the U.S./Mexico border (April 13), a community Tree Planting in Glendale (April 14), weekly Monday meditations, and applications for summer heat relief staff and volunteers. Learn more and explore the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreResolutions for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are due by the close of business on Monday, April 28, 2025. All submissions must follow synod and ELCA guidelines and be sent as editable files to Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org. The Reference and Counsel Committee will review all resolutions for procedural compliance and publish its report—including submitted resolutions and recommendations—by May 23. Visit gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/resolutions for full instructions.
Read MoreJoin the Phoenix Holocaust Association and the Phoenix Symphony for the 2025 Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Commemoration on Sunday, April 27 at Phoenix Symphony Hall. This year’s program marks 80 years since the end of WWII and features a 5:00 PM memorial program with survivor testimonies, music, and prayers. Prior to the commemoration, a Phoenix Symphony concert begins at 2:00 PM. The memorial is free but requires registration at PHXHA.com/remembrance. View PDF flyer here.
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