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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Engage with youth, cool off in the pines, and explore stewardship this summer! Campformation at Camp Pinerock, June 30–July 4, 2025, invites three rostered leaders to join for free as Resident Theologians. Travel, room, and board are covered. Apply by March 15, 2025. Contact Pr. Tim Perlick at tim.perlick@gmail.com.
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Lent reminds us that even in the valley, God walks with us into new life. On March 18, join March Good Green News for reflection, resources, and encouragement for faithful creation care. Have a story about your church using Clean Energy Tax Credits? ELCA Advocacy needs your input to help protect these vital incentives. Plus, don’t miss the National Faith + Climate Forum (March 27), the EcoFaith Summit (April 5), and our Earth Day Connections Call (April 22).Finally, March 31 is the last day to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Lutherans Restoring Creation—don’t miss this opportunity to support environmental faith initiatives! Read more here.
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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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Join us at Synod Assembly 2025 in a special service project to assemble 200 hygiene kits for individuals in need! We’ve set up an Amazon Gift List where you can purchase needed items, which will be shipped directly to our host church, Community Lutheran. Help us reach our goal—donate by June 1, 2025, and join us on June 12 during check-in to pack the kits. Let’s build up the body of Christ together! Shop the Gift List here.
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Looking for ways to deepen your worship ministry? This month’s ELCA Worship partner updates include music and worship events across the country, from Lutheran Summer Music for young musicians to Music That Makes Community training workshops. The Institute of Liturgical Studies, ALCM Conference, and Augsburg Fortress music clinics offer further opportunities for learning and inspiration. Find registration details and new worship resources in our latest blog post. Read more in the ELCA Worship blog post.
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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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Is God calling you to lead? The ELCA, in partnership with its seminaries, is offering Online Discernment Groups—a three-session opportunity to explore church leadership and seminary. Whether you’re considering ministry or just curious, these groups provide a space for reflection and connection. Sign up at elcaseminaries.org or email recruitment@elca.org. Rostered ministers interested in leading a group can email Rick.Summy@elca.org.
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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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Proposed Medicaid cuts could leave millions without essential healthcare, impacting our congregations, ministries, and the most vulnerable in our communities. A recent ELCA Advocacy and Lutheran Services in America webinar explores the implications of these changes and how Lutherans can take action. Watch the webinar recording and find key resources to help advocate for protecting Medicaid. Click here to learn more.
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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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