The Grand Canyon Synod Constitution has been updated to reflect the new continuing resolution S12.01.A.25, approved by the Synod Council on January 18, 2025. This replaces the previous S12.01.B22 and includes updated conference listings for our 82 congregations and SAWCs across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. View the latest version at gcsynod.org/constitution.
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The ELCA has joined faith leaders in signing The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge, reaffirming our commitment to welcoming immigrants and refugees. Rooted in Scripture and our call to love our neighbors, this declaration challenges harmful policies and advocates for justice. Now, individuals and congregations across the country are invited to add their voices by signing the declaration throughout Lent. Click here to read more and sign the declaration.
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How do Lutherans make a difference through advocacy? Solveig Muus, director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), explores how intentional intersectionality strengthens our collective impact, from bipartisan legislation to Lutheran Disaster Response and interfaith collaboration. Read about the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, new legislative efforts inspired by Lutheran advocacy in New Jersey, and how faith communities are working together to create change. Click here to read more: SPPO Spotlight: Inspired by Intersectionality.
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Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) continues to make an impact, setting a new record by distributing 53,434 pounds of food in February to individuals facing food insecurity. Meet LSSN’s new financial leadership team, learn about their Corporate Day of Giving initiative, and celebrate the incredible staff and volunteers who make this ministry possible. Discover how LSSN’s faith-driven work serves veterans, seniors, and families in need—and how you can be part of the mission.
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Engage your faith through action! This March, join Arizona Faith Network for important discussions on immigration rights, environmental justice, and Native reconciliation. Learn from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest on supporting refugees, participate in voting rights advocacy, and attend the Know Your Rights immigration training on March 12. Don’t miss the Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change event on March 29, exploring faith-based reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
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The Office of the Bishop Staff travels the synod to visit congregations and leaders, and attends the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas, Mar 9, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. We also share a photo from our recent in-person staff meeting.
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University Lutheran Church’s Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU is hiring a part-time Campus Ministry Associate to help lead student ministry at the Tempe campus. This flexible role includes worship leadership, Bible study facilitation, and student outreach. The position starts August 13, 2025 (start date flexible) and offers a salary and reduced tuition. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Pastor Arhiana Shek Dill at info@ulctempe.org.
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The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, July 28 – August 2, and we need 100 volunteers to help make it happen! Whether you assist with registration, hospitality, worship, or tech support, your time and talents will make a difference. If you missed our Volunteer Information Meetings, you can now watch the recording and learn how to get involved. Sign up today and help us welcome the ELCA to Phoenix! Watch the recording and sign up here.
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ELCA Racial Justice share this devotional, created in response to the call of the 2019 Churchwide Assembly to condemn white supremacy and racist rhetoric. As you journey through Lent, this resource will challenge you and bring you closer to the radical neighbor-love that Christ demands in the Gospels.
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Join the 2025 Lenten Challenge and support the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ, where many households lack access to clean water. This friendly competition among ELCA Region 2 synods challenges participants to commit to three Lenten practices while raising awareness and funds for Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and its water projects at NELM. The synod with the most sign-ups wins—so let’s make Grand Canyon Synod proud! Sign up today:lentenchallenge.org.
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To honor and celebrate the contributions of Black Lutherans, Nicolette Peñaranda, ELCA program director for African Descent Ministries, created a quiz that highlights key figures, congregations and milestones in ELCA history. This interactive challenge is an opportunity to test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the rich legacy of Black Lutherans in the ELCA. How well do you know this history? Take the quiz and find out!
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John Larson, chief operating officer of Niron Magnetics and longtime member of Bethel Lutheran in Northfield, Minn., shares how his faith shapes both his personal life and professional vocation. From leading high-tech sustainability efforts to nurturing a church community that raised his children, Larson reflects on the deep connection between his Lutheran identity and his work in building culture, innovation, and care for God’s creation. Read more at Living Lutheran.
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As we enter the solemn season of Lent, Reverend Deacon Mary Sanders reflects on the connection between the ashes of Ash Wednesday and the mud left behind after a flood. In both, we are reminded of our mortality—and of God’s presence in the physical world. The Kingdom of God is found not only in Heaven but in acts of service, in neighbor helping neighbor, in the messiness of disaster response. Click here to read her full reflection on how we become truly human when we step into the work of love, service, and community.
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What does innovation look like in the ELCA? It’s not about rebranding Jesus but about reimagining how we share the unchanging Gospel in a rapidly evolving world. From worship in coffee shops to community-driven ministries, the ELCA Innovation Lab explores new ways to make God’s love tangible and relevant. Read more at the ELCA Innovation Lab blog.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Talmage, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 40 years on March 10.
Rev. Patsy Koeneke, who celebrates 18 years on March 11.
Rev. Bruce Ayers, who celebrates 63 years on March 11.
Rev. Steven Crittenden, Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction, who celebrates 16 years on March 12.
Rev. Beth Gallen, New Journey, Fountain Hills, who celebrates 4 years on March 13.
Give your child a weekend to remember at Camp ALOMA’s Elementary Retreat in Prescott, Arizona. Designed for grades 1 through 6, this faith-filled weekend includes Bible study, archery, campfires, and outdoor exploration. Happening March 14–16 for $100, it’s the perfect blend of fun and faith! Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.
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Discover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!
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Women of the Kino Conference are invited to the annual Spring Gathering on March 8, 2025, at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson around the theme “Women on the Move” (Ruth 1:16). The event features a special program from Teen Challenge of Arizona’s Springboard Home for Girls, a fashion show, and a pop-up boutique from Blessingdales Boutique. Attendees are encouraged to bring in-kind gifts for Sister Jose Women’s Center. Registration ($20) is due by February 28—no walk-ins. View this flyer to learn more and use this PDF to register.
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During March 16-20, 2025, experience the perfect blend of faith and baseball at the Desert Sojourn Retreat in Carefree, Arizona. Join Pastor Dave Ellingson for five days of fellowship, worship, and Cactus League Spring Training games. Limited spaces available—reserve your spot today!
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