Portico Benefit Services supported over 52,000 ELCA members in 2024 with tools for health, wellness, and financial security. From nearly 3,000 virtual health visits to $199K in debt repaid, their ministry of care enables those who serve to do so with strength and confidence. In their 2025 annual report, read how their work impacts lives across our synod and the ELCA.
Read MoreThe ELCA Foundation helped generate nearly $95 million in gifts and assets in 2024, including $13 million directly supporting ELCA congregations. Free gift planning services are available to individuals and ministries through our synod’s regional planner, Lisa Marie Higginbotham. In their 2025 annual report, learn how the Foundation empowers faithful generosity to sustain ministry and mission for generations to come.
Read MoreMosaic and its Arizona-based subsidiary Soreo continue to provide life-changing support for individuals with disabilities and their families in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Kingman. In their 2025 annual report, learn how this ELCA-affiliated ministry is bringing renewed hope to families, empowering voices once silenced, and inviting congregations into inclusive worship and advocacy through Rejoicing Spirits and Mosaic Allied Voices.
Read MoreSince 1953, the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) has served Rock Point, Arizona, offering food, education, worship, and clean water to residents of the Navajo Nation. Now under its first all-Navajo leadership, NELM continues to deepen its mission of community-rooted service through its food bank, school, House of Prayer, and café. As the recipient of this year’s Grand Canyon Synod Lenten Challenge, NELM’s work reflects Christ’s call to serve with compassion and humility. Click here to read the full article on the LAMA site, and support NELM through this year’s Lenten Challenge.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of State has issued a stop-work order cutting funding for refugee resettlement services, directly affecting thousands of resettled families. Global Refuge (formerly LIRS) continues its mission, calling on faith communities to respond. In their 2025 annual report, learn how you and your congregation can give, advocate, and welcome the stranger through Lutheran-rooted action.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network is now hiring and recruiting volunteers for its 2025 Heat Respite and Relief Program, providing cooling centers for vulnerable neighbors in Glendale, Phoenix, and Tempe. Paid and volunteer roles—including Site Leads, Assistants, Safety Specialists, and volunteers—are open now and vital to the safety and dignity of those at risk during Arizona’s extreme summer heat. Apply or share today: www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/positions.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Adele Resmer, who celebrates 38 years on April 5.
Rev. Lowell Nelson, who celebrates 14 years on April 10.
The Rev. Christine Stoxen, pastor of Holy Trinity in Chandler, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Bedenbaugh Award by Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. She will be honored during Alumni Day at LTSS on May 1. Pastor Stoxen, a 2000 LTSS graduate, will offer remarks via video during a forum with Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
Read MoreThanks to the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, congregations can now register one youth or young adult voting member for free for the 2025 Synod Assembly, June 12–13 in Las Vegas. Just use the code YOUTH2025 at checkout to waive the fee for one confirmed youth (up to age 17) or young adult (age 18–30). One free registration per congregation. Let’s raise up the next generation of leaders in our synod!
Read MoreYouth from the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Leadership Lab 2025, a weeklong Lutheran leadership experience for grades 8 through age 24, held June 23-28 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Rooted in faith and friendship, Leadership Lab helps young people grow as disciples and leaders. Register now at leadershiplab.net.
Read MoreWhy battle the noise and crowds of the Vegas Strip when you can experience a professionally produced, high-energy concert right at Synod Assembly? On Thursday, June 12 at 7 PM, our host congregation, Community Lutheran in Las Vegas, is delivering a stunning musical performance that promises to inspire and uplift. Make plans now to stay on-site—this is one show you don’t want to miss!
Read MoreCentral Lutheran in Arizona City is seeking 100 used red ELW hymnals and is willing to purchase them. Winter visitor Bob Gross is coordinating the request. If your congregation has extra copies, this is a great chance to share resources within our synod. Contact Bob at 435-640-9316 or by email to assist.
Read MoreMountain View Lutheran Church is celebrating 50 years of ministry with a special anniversary weekend on April 5-6! Join the Anniversary Dinner and Worship Service on Saturday (tickets available through this weekend), followed by a special 9:00 AM worship service on Sunday, presided over by Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer. After worship, enjoy Sunday Funday with bounce houses, food trucks, games, and more! Visit www.mvlutheran.org/mvlc50th for full details.
Read MoreJoin Mountain View Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bear Creek Golf Course in Chandler for a 50th Anniversary Golf Fundraiser supporting MVLC’s Mission & Outreach! Registration is $145 per player and includes golf, a banquet, contests, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. View a PDF flyer here. Sign up today at MVLC’s event page!
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Andrew Schlecht and the people of Maricopa Lutheran Church in Maricopa, part of the Fiesta Conference.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. John Biggs and the people of Saved By Grace Lutheran Church in Pahrump, part of the Colorado River Conference.
Read MoreIs your church prepared to communicate faithfully in a crisis? Join a free live webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00–2:30pm, as part of the Thriving Leadership Formation series. Learn how to build a crisis communications team, develop a ministry-specific strategy, and gain sample statements to guide your response. Pre-registration is required: bit.ly/EventsTLF.
Read MoreLent isn’t just about giving up sweets — it’s a season of reflection, service, and drawing closer to God through meaningful action. This year, consider expanding your Lenten practice to include caring for creation. From reducing waste and plastic use to joining Earth Day clean-up events and advocating for environmental policies, your faithful service can help renew not only your spirit, but also the world around you. Let these final weeks of Lent reflect Christ’s love for all creation. Click here to read the full article from Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreMedicaid is the lifeline for thousands supported by Mosaic, a Lutheran-affiliated organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this inaugural Q&A of their “Medicaid Matters” series, Vice President Cheryl Wicks outlines why advocacy is urgent, what’s at stake, and how you can take action—starting with sharing your story and contacting legislators.
Read MoreRegister now for the 2025 Synod Assembly, happening June 12–13. Early bird rates for voting members are available through April 7. The assembly is a time for worship, discernment, and connection across our synod. Visitors and exhibitors are also welcome. Learn more and register at gcsynod.org/assembly.
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