This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Heriberto Prudencio, who celebrates 35 years on March 25.
The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt, Church of Our Saviour, Lakeside, who celebrates 42 years on March 25.
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, 3/25/2025, 6-7pm MST.
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How can your congregation collaborate with local organizations to make a lasting impact? Neighbors Together: Partners for Innovation is a free, two-part workshop designed to guide churches through the process of forming community partnerships. Learn how to identify potential partners, start meaningful conversations, and launch a neighborhood project that benefits all. Sessions are on March 25 and April 1, 2025 (choose 10 AM or 4 PM Pacific Time). Register today at www.livingtheresurrection.com.
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The Women of the Cactus Conference Spring Gathering, scheduled for March 22 at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church in Yuma, AZ, has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will not be gathering this year, we are grateful for the work of event organizers and encourage continued support for Hunter’s Army, the intended outreach recipient. Please reach out to conference leadership with any questions.
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Faith calls us to care for creation—join the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 on March 27 to learn, connect, and take action. Attend in person at a host site near you or online from anywhere. Find a location, consider hosting a group, or join the live stream. Register today and be part of the movement to lead on climate action with hope and faith! Sign up now.
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Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa is offering woven liturgical banners created by renowned textile artist Theo Moorman (1907–1990) to congregations in need. Moorman, known for her sacred commissions and influential weaving techniques, left a legacy of beauty and faith through her work. If your church would like to receive one of these banners, contact darlene@loclc.org.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Douglas Moffat and the people of Faith Lutheran Church in Yuma, part of the Cactus Conference.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Paul Block, Rev. Lourdes Olson and the people of New Song Lutheran Church in Henderson, part of the Colorado River Conference.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, Rev. Dr. Christian Selvaratnam shares insights on church planting, leading from the middle, and fostering a 'mixed ecology' of new and legacy churches.
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This March, take action on immigration justice, democracy, public lands, and Indigenous rights through upcoming events hosted by the Arizona Faith Network. Attend a Know Your Rights training (March 12), learn about religious nationalism’s impact on democracy (March 26), stand up for public lands (March 27), and participate in a truth-telling exercise on Native history (March 29). Learn more and register in the latest AFN Newsletter.
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The Office of the Bishop Staff manages ongoing operations and attends the Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa, Mar 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
We share photos from the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas.
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How can church leaders effectively engage the next generation and navigate adaptive change? The latest edition of The Crucible, the Church Leadership Institute’s newsletter, explores these pressing questions. Featuring insights from Future Focused Church, a book by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Ray Chang, this issue highlights research-driven strategies for leading change in diverse church communities. Plus, don’t miss discussions on cultivating transparency in leadership and practical training for managing the business of ministry. Read more and explore these resources—click here.
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Millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table, yet the average benefit of just $6 per day is often not enough to maintain a healthy diet. The SNAP Challenge, happening March 18–20, invites participants to experience firsthand the difficult choices faced by those living on limited food budgets. This challenge raises awareness about hunger, highlights the need for increased SNAP benefits, and encourages congressional action. Learn how you and your congregation can get involved—click here.
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Feeling overwhelmed by the many needs in our communities? Our partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) share practical ways to stay engaged without exhaustion. Whether you have five minutes to make a call, ten minutes to write a letter, or a few hours to host an event, there are simple, effective ways to take action. By setting boundaries, leaning on trusted sources, and building community, we can respond with focus and faith. Click here to read more.
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This Lent, the five synods of Region 2 invite you to join the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, inspired by Isaiah 58:11, to reflect on the intersection of hunger and water. Through prayer, action, and learning, we explore Lutheran Disaster Response efforts, the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, and the 70-year ministry of Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Click here to explore water-themed activity ideas and learn how you can participate.
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The Grand Canyon Synod has awarded over $100,000 in grants to ministries throughout our synod, supporting faith-based initiatives in leadership development, worship expansion, advocacy, and community outreach. These grants—made possible through bequests, congregational gifts, and unrestricted synod funds—empower congregations to expand their reach and deepen their service. Read more to see how your generosity is fueling transformative ministry in our synod.
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The Grand Canyon Synod has once again received Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest recognition for nonprofit accountability. This award highlights our commitment to clear communication, responsible financial stewardship, and mission-driven impact.
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We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Jack Raymond Neimi, who passed peacefully at home on January 15, 2025. The primary memorial service for Pastor Niemi will be held in California, with a smaller local service at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West on March 20, 2025, at 11 am.
Pastor Niemi was born in Two Harbors MN, and lived in Surprise, Arizona. He was a member of Lord of Life in Sun City West. He served many churches in the Grand Canyon Synod.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Peter Lai, who celebrates 40 years on March 16.
Rev. Martin Overson, who celebrates 46 years on March 18.
Rev. Daniel Potaznick, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 2 years on March 18.
The Grand Canyon Synod is collecting stories of ministry and faith in preparation for the 2025 Synod Assembly. We invite mission and ministry partners to share stories—whether in writing, photos, audio, or video—by May 9, 2025. All stories will be featured on our blog, social media, and a special assembly page. This year’s theme, “Build Up the Body,” reflects Ephesians 4:12-13, calling us to equip and uplift one another in Christ. Submit your story to bflatgard@gcsynod.org, and visit gcsynod.org/video for storytelling tips!
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