This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Adele Resmer, who celebrates 38 years on April 5.
Rev. Lowell Nelson, who celebrates 14 years on April 10.
The Rev. Christine Stoxen, pastor of Holy Trinity in Chandler, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Bedenbaugh Award by Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. She will be honored during Alumni Day at LTSS on May 1. Pastor Stoxen, a 2000 LTSS graduate, will offer remarks via video during a forum with Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
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Join PLTS on Wednesday, April 9 at 10 AM (Pacific) for the 2025 Luther Lecture featuring Dr. Marcela K. Perett. Her lecture, “Teaching Certainty,” offers a fresh perspective on Martin Luther’s early catechisms and how they helped believers move from despair to confidence in God’s forgiveness. Available via Zoom or in person. Register here.
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For the 10th year, St. John Lutheran Church in Victor, NY, is celebrating Lint for Lent, a tradition of collecting discarded household items—like dryer lint and candle stubs—to create fire bricks used to light Easter worship. This creative ritual reminds us how God transforms what we cast aside into warmth, light, and purpose.
Read the full story of this fiery and faithful practice—click here to explore the article in Living Lutheran.
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From picture books that walk children through Holy Week to sharp theological insights on race, care, and church life, these seven new titles offer something for every ministry context. Featuring ELCA voices like Bishop Brenda Bos, Pastor Angela Denker, and Pastor Yolanda Denson-Byers, this spring’s must-reads can deepen discipleship, enrich congregational conversations, and offer rest to the weary.
Explore all the recommended titles and how they might shape your ministry—click here for the full article in Living Lutheran.
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Hannah Limbong, a public health major and lifelong Lutheran, shares how her faith journey—from youth leadership in the ELCA to climate advocacy and nonprofit mentorship—shapes every aspect of her life. A member of Christ Lutheran in Jeffersontown, KY, Hannah lives out her call through music, policymaking, and care for creation.
Read how this emerging leader combines service, justice, and joy in her walk with Christ—click here for the full article in Living Lutheran.
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Thanks to the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, congregations can now register one youth or young adult voting member for free for the 2025 Synod Assembly, June 12–13 in Las Vegas. Just use the code YOUTH2025 at checkout to waive the fee for one confirmed youth (up to age 17) or young adult (age 18–30). One free registration per congregation. Let’s raise up the next generation of leaders in our synod!
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ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message for Transgender Day of Visibility. In the video, Eaton speaks out against the inhumane actions by legislatures and executive orders while also speaking directly to the transgender and nonbinary community.
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Why battle the noise and crowds of the Vegas Strip when you can experience a professionally produced, high-energy concert right at Synod Assembly? On Thursday, June 12 at 7 PM, our host congregation, Community Lutheran in Las Vegas, is delivering a stunning musical performance that promises to inspire and uplift. Make plans now to stay on-site—this is one show you don’t want to miss!
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Central Lutheran in Arizona City is seeking 100 used cranberry ELW hymnals and is willing to purchase them. Winter visitor Bob Gross is coordinating the request. If your congregation has extra copies, this is a great chance to share resources within our synod. Contact Bob at 435-640-9316 or by email to assist.
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Mountain View Lutheran Church is celebrating 50 years of ministry with a special anniversary weekend on April 5-6! Join the Anniversary Dinner and Worship Service on Saturday (tickets available through this weekend), followed by a special 9:00 AM worship service on Sunday, presided over by Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer. After worship, enjoy Sunday Funday with bounce houses, food trucks, games, and more! Visit www.mvlutheran.org/mvlc50th for full details.
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Join Mountain View Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bear Creek Golf Course in Chandler for a 50th Anniversary Golf Fundraiser supporting MVLC’s Mission & Outreach! Registration is $145 per player and includes golf, a banquet, contests, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. View a PDF flyer here. Sign up today at MVLC’s event page!
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On Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!
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Lent isn’t just about giving up sweets — it’s a season of reflection, service, and drawing closer to God through meaningful action. This year, consider expanding your Lenten practice to include caring for creation. From reducing waste and plastic use to joining Earth Day clean-up events and advocating for environmental policies, your faithful service can help renew not only your spirit, but also the world around you. Let these final weeks of Lent reflect Christ’s love for all creation. Click here to read the full article from Blessed Tomorrow.
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Medicaid is the lifeline for thousands supported by Mosaic, a Lutheran-affiliated organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this inaugural Q&A of their “Medicaid Matters” series, Vice President Cheryl Wicks outlines why advocacy is urgent, what’s at stake, and how you can take action—starting with sharing your story and contacting legislators.
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Register now for the 2025 Synod Assembly, happening June 12–13. Early bird rates for voting members are available through April 7. The assembly is a time for worship, discernment, and connection across our synod. Visitors and exhibitors are also welcome. Learn more and register at gcsynod.org/assembly.
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Help us celebrate how God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod! As we prepare for the 2025 Synod Assembly, we’re collecting stories from congregations and ministries that reflect this year’s theme: Build Up the Body (Ephesians 4:12–13). Submit your story—written, photo, video, or audio—by May 9, 2025 to be featured during the assembly and in synod communications. Full details at gcsynod.org/assembly.
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Children and youth across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to submit original artwork for the 2025 Synod Assembly! This year’s theme is “Build Up the Body” (Ephesians 4:12–13), and selected artwork will be displayed at the Assembly, featured online, and printed as postcards. All submissions are due by Friday, May 9, 2025, and every participant will be entered into a drawing for art supplies. Visit gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/art to learn more and upload artwork.
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The 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly invites ELCA-affiliated ministries, task forces, and partners to reserve a Ministry Partner Table by Monday, May 19. Hosted at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, these interactive displays offer a meaningful way to share your mission with assembly participants. Learn more and register today at gcsynod.org/assembly.
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