The Grand Canyon Synod welcomes Dorothy Anderson, a 2024 graduate of the Sustainable Faith Spiritual Direction program, to our list of spiritual directors. Drawing from decades of experience in ministry and counseling, Dorothy offers Spirit-led guidance and practices like contemplative prayer and Lectio Divina. Contact Dorothy to explore how she might support your spiritual journey or learn more about spiritual direction on our website.
Read MoreDiscover how God’s love is at work in the ELCA through the 2024 Annual Report Cover and Pages, available in two PDFs (download version 1, download version 2). Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton highlights stories of transformation and the impact of Mission Support in advancing ministry.
Read MoreFaith communities across the U.S. are embracing solar power to care for God’s creation and reduce energy costs. Federated Community Church in Flagstaff has cut its energy bills by 96%, while Lutheran congregations nationwide are becoming leaders in climate justice through solar adoption. Supported by incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act, congregations are proving that collective faith can inspire real change. Explore how solar energy helps churches live out stewardship and care for future generations.
Read MoreAlicia Granholm, Dwight Zscheile, and Terri Elton address listener-submitted questions about navigating resistance, fostering trust, and discerning God's will in church leadership today. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast from faith+lead here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod Executive Committee has recommended a 2.5% increase in compensation for rostered ministers in 2025. Congregation councils are encouraged to use the synod’s compensation guidelines, now updated for 2025, and consult inflation benchmarks. Access resources, worksheets, and more at gcsynod.org/compensation.
Read MoreThe ELCA is introducing several updates to the Annual Congregation Report process for 2024. Starting in mid-January, congregations will receive a letter with their ID and password but no printed resources; all instructions and materials will be posted online. A new reporting platform will also launch, offering streamlined tools and embedded instructions. Congregations must file 2023 reports by December 20, as the system will shut down afterward.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, discover how Beer Church and Trail Church redefine spiritual community in everyday spaces with Bryan Wilkom of Jesus Fit.
Únase al Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino este diciembre para profundizar las habilidades de alcance cultural y comunitario de su ministerio. Este evento virtual de tres días, organizado por el CTLM del Seminario Teológico de Wartburg, ofrece a los líderes de la ELCA estrategias prácticas y modelos de ministerio inspiradores de expertos en ministerio latino. Las sesiones se llevarán a cabo del 12 al 14 de diciembre, con un enfoque en el fortalecimiento de comunidades de adoración multiétnicas y bilingües. La inscripción está abierta en wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, con opciones para individuos y congregaciones. Descargue o vea el PDF aquí.
Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop this December to deepen your ministry’s cultural and community outreach skills. This three-day virtual event, hosted by Wartburg Theological Seminary’s CTLM, offers ELCA leaders practical strategies and inspiring ministry models from experts in Latine ministry. Sessions will be held December 12-14, with a focus on strengthening multi-ethnic and bilingual worshipping communities. Registration is open at wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, with options for individuals and congregations. Download or view PDF here.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason shares how to simplify Advent with art, stillness, and meaningful spiritual practices.
Read MoreDiscover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!
Read MoreNew resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation in Advent 2024 and Lent 2025. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources for the important church seasons of Advent and Lent.
Read MoreFacing transitions and challenges in ministry? ELCA Coaching offers free individual coaching sessions and Supportive Spaces, a six-week support group for church leaders. These programs provide a safe space to reflect, process grief, and find renewal with the help of certified coaches. Next Supportive Spaces cohort begins December 5. Sign up today to invest in your well-being and leadership.
Read MoreDiscover how to move beyond quick fixes and embrace a deeper transformation in your church with Dr. Michael Goheen. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast from faith+lead here.
Read MoreThe latest Seeds Monthly is here, featuring: Advent resources from ELCA World Hunger; Living Lutheran School pickup prayers; Holiday shopping with ELCA Good Gifts; "Woven Together Post-Election Message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton; upcoming events; "God With Us" Advent Devotional; ELCA.org refresh; and bulletin blurbs.
Read MoreThis month’s ELCA Worship updates include exciting tools for Advent and Christmas, insights from the recent Pastoral Care survey, and new features like the NRSVue Bible on SundaysandSeasons.com. Discover Ordinary Blessings by Meta Herrick Carlson, join Lutheran Summer Music’s Advent Calendar, and dive into hymn stories with Living Lutheran. Read more for resources to support your ministry this season.
Read MoreRegistration for the 2025 Festival of Homiletics is open! Join us in Atlanta or online from May 12-15 for a journey of healing and unity through the power of preaching. This year’s theme, Preaching to Heal the Divide, responds to the pressing need for reconciliation in our polarized world. Early bird rates are available until November 30—don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation!
Read MoreThe November issue of Administration Matters offers essential resources for ELCA congregations, including guidance on church safety, cybersecurity, financial planning for 2025, and sustainable practices. Discover actionable steps to strengthen your church’s ministry and operations. Read more on the ELCA blog.
Read MoreELCA Disability Ministries is seeking 1–2 new advisory team members to help guide this vital work. If you have experience or knowledge of disabilities and a passion for ministry, apply by January 31, 2025. Visit this link to learn more and submit your application. New members will be announced by March 31, 2025! More info in this ELCA blog post.
Read MoreLearn how to foster deeper inclusion in your congregation with ELCA Disability Ministries’ workshops at the 2025 Extravaganza! Held January 23-26 in Louisville, these sessions explore accessible games for youth groups and baptismal theology from a disability perspective. Register today at elcaymnet.org/workshops.
Read MoreDiscover a powerful new Thanksgiving for Baptism resource from ELCA Disability Ministries, crafted to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and reflect on baptism through the lens of disability. First shared at the ELCA Youth Extravaganza, this inclusive liturgy is now available for congregational use, offering fresh ways to affirm the sacredness of every life.
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