The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.
Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Christine Stoxen and the people of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler, part of the Fiesta Conference.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Greg Hartman and the people of New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
Read MoreIn this Pivot Podcast, discover a fresh approach to church community building through the concept of "rewilding" with Steve Aisthorpe, author of "Rewilding the Church."
Read MorePeter is building a future for himself by mastering his many interests. The post Peter’s Building a Future for Himself appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreJoin us on March 5 at 12:00 p.m. MT for a special LDR Partner Spotlight featuring Solveig Muus as she shares how the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge supports the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Learn how Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger intersect to provide safe drinking water and vital resourcesfor our siblings in Christ. Register now to be part of the conversation! Sign up here.
Read MoreAre you or a young adult you know looking for a meaningful way to serve and grow in faith? Urban Servant Corps (USC) in Denver offers a full-time service year in an intentional faith-based community. Volunteers receive housing, food, a stipend, and student loan assistance while serving with nonprofit partners. The priority deadline to apply is March 1, and a virtual info session is available on February 26 at 12 PM (MT). Learn more and apply at www.urbanservantcorps.org.
Read MoreBishop Hutterer has recorded a special invitation video encouraging participation in the 2025 Lenten Challenge! This friendly, faith-deepening challenge connects us in daily spiritual practices while supporting safe drinking water efforts at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Watch the video, share it with your congregation, and join the challenge today! Download options are available on our Vimeo page.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop Staff attends to daily operations and attends the Installation of Rev. Charles Newman at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe, Feb 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We also share photos from Shane Claiborne at New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson: Addressing Poverty Through Faith and the Ordination and Installation of Wendi Van Beek at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Tucson.
Read MoreSpring brings new opportunities to engage in faith-based climate action! Register for the National Faith + Climate Forum (March 27) to gain practical tools for leading creation care in your congregation. Get free Earth Day resources for your church, and celebrate inspiring leaders during ecoAmerica’s Climate Leadership Awards (April 16). Plus, learn how Lutherans across the country are making a difference in their communities. Read the full Blessed Tomorrow newsletter to take action today.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter is packed with ways to engage! From key legislative advocacy actions (supporting affordable housing & opposing harmful immigration laws) to interfaith events and spiritual practices, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature event or the Chi’chil Bi dagoteel Oak Flat March/Run. Read more & subscribe here: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
Read MoreLooking for affordable choir robes? Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas is selling 103 purple choir robes with grey trim for just $2,000 (or best offer). This is a great opportunity for any congregation looking to outfit its choir. Contact Dennis Allen at dennis@communitylv.org or 702-458-2241, ext. 103 for details.
Read MoreThis year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge invites us to engage in daily spiritual practices while supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. More than half of Rock Point’s households lack access to safe drinking water, and NELM is working to install a potable water system. Join the challenge by committing to three Lenten practices—daily devotion, diligence, dedication, or donation—to help meet this urgent need. Let’s come together as a synod to deepen our faith and serve our neighbors. Sign up today! www.lentenchallenge.org
Read MoreLast Call for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music, the nation’s premier faith-based music academy, is nearly full—but there’s still time to apply or nominate a student. Held at Valparaiso University from June 22 to July 20, LSM provides high school musicians with world-class training, worship opportunities, and a joyful summer of music-making. Don’t miss out—enrollment is over 80% full! Apply now at LSMacademy.org/program.
Read MoreLooking for ways to strengthen your ministry leadership this spring? Thriving Leadership Formation is offering interactive workshops, a team-building Enneagram series, and weekly Lectio Divina sessions to help ministry leaders deepen trust, improve communication, and sustain their mission. With no-cost and low-cost options, these programs are ideal for church teams, councils, and synod staff. Pre-registration is required—sign up today! bit.ly/EventsTLF
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, who celebrates 16 years on February 22.
Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 28 years on February 23.
Rev. Kaila Armbruster, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 11 years on February 23.
Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 24 years on February 24.
Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill, University, Tempe, ASU LCM, Tempe, who celebrates 13 years on February 25.
Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 30 years on February 26.
Rev. Christopher Heller, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on February 28.
Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
Read MoreThe Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM MST / 10:00 AM PST, exploring how churches can support substance use recovery. Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, an expert in addiction recovery, will present faith-based initiatives that help individuals and communities heal. Rev. George A. Wood will host the discussion, offering practical ways churches can be part of the solution. Register today to learn how your congregation can make a difference. Click here to sign up.
Read More
