As the 2024 Farm Bill is debated on Capitol Hill, the ELCA encourages advocacy for a bill that supports feeding the hungry, sustainable farming, and inclusive community development. The blog provides updates on the legislative process, highlights action alerts, and offers resources to engage ELCA members in advocacy for a just and effective Farm Bill.
Read MoreIn her heartfelt letter to youth leaders, Bobbi Cyr acknowledges the daunting yet rewarding journey of leading a youth group to the ELCA Gathering in New Orleans. She offers encouragement, practical advice on leadership, flexibility, and self-care, emphasizing the profound impact these leaders have on young lives through their dedication and bravery.
Read MoreSecure your spot for an unforgettable faith-filled adventure at Campformation 2024 in Prescott, AZ. With the registration deadline on May 31, 2024, don’t miss out on this opportunity for spiritual growth and fun in nature. Ideal for 6th to 9th graders, with programs for older GAP campers and counselors too. For more details, view this PDF or visit Lutheran Campformation.
Read MoreAll members of the Grand Canyon Synod—and especially assembly voting members—are invited to participate in a Q-&-A Zoom presentation of the 2025-2026 Mission Plan, hosted by Erik Rehms, our Synod Treasurer, and Barbara Carl, our Synod Vice-President. Each session is the same, with two dates to choose from.
Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30pm MST/PDT, 6:30pm MDT. Click here to register.
Saturday, June 1 at 9am MST/PDT, 10am MDT. Click here to register.
The assembly received one resolution before our deadline on April 22, 2024, which has since been withdrawn. The Reference and Counsel Committee has honored this request. View the resolutions and memorials page here.
Read MoreThe Healing of Memories workshop is for clergy and religious leaders who have experienced emotional, psychological and spiritual distress – in their personal or professional lives. This workshop provides a safe, confidential environment, the ideal setting to help participants take the necessary steps toward healing.
As religious leaders, your unique role is to minister to other people’s pain, yet you often lack a safe space to address your own. You experience secondary trauma without a place to address and heal it. A faith community gives life and strength but is also an institution where one often experiences pain; we offer a safe place to address these wounds, recognizing the invaluable contribution you make to the healing of others.
Sponsored by the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM) and Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, the workshop is Monday – Thursday, June 3-6, 2024 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Click to learn more and register. View a PDF with info here.
Read MoreJoin experts and community leaders at "The Trouble with Water" symposium by the Creation Care Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona on June 1st in Mesa. Discuss critical issues surrounding water scarcity and distribution in Arizona, hear from top field experts, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Registration is free and includes lunch. RSVP today.
Read MoreJoin us for “Wild Life,” a Hymn Festival on June 13, 2024, at 7:30 pm, and be part of a unique celebration that weaves together hymns from various eras and cultures. Experience the unity and diversity of our global church community through song, reflection, and prayer. This event promises an enriching experience that aligns our hearts with the divine creativity of our Creator. Don’t miss this opportunity to blend your voice with the eternal chorus of faith at this distinctively Lutheran event.
Read MoreThank you for your support and your prayers for the work that you have entrusted to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Grand Canyon Synod as its Vice President.
Read MoreThank you for this opportunity to serve you throughout this past year as your Interim Director for Evangelical Mission. In this role, I have been honored to walk alongside an amazing collection of gifted leaders and a whole array of diverse programs being lived-out in and through their ministries. I have marveled at the heartfelt and transformative care being poured out into their surrounding neighborhoods and beyond in Jesus’ Name.
A couple months ago, our Synod Council asked for a listing of the various congregations and ministries which I accompany in my work as your Interim DEM. I believe this list may be of interest also to this Synod Assembly. Read the list in this post or in this PDF.
Read MoreJoin us in thanking and visiting our exhibitors at the 2024 Synod Assembly! Each exhibitor, from universities and retreat centers to financial and ministry support organizations, plays a vital role in our community. Don’t miss the chance to learn more and engage with them in the sanctuary, where you can also enjoy some refreshments.
Read MoreAs I reflect on the past year, I am both humbled and inspired by the ways we have communicated, connected, and created possibilities within our synod. Our news system, encompassing our blog, calendar, Facebook posts, and weekly newsletter, has been a vital part of our community. Here are some key highlights and reflections from the past year.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens explores the profound implications of the Holy Trinity on personal relationships, especially in the context of today’s social challenges. Dave Delaney discusses the increasing isolation among teenagers and the essential nature of meaningful relationships that reflect the interconnectedness of the Holy Trinity. The session emphasizes the transformative power of relationships modeled after the divine fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Read MoreThe Spring 2024 ION Newsletter highlights key initiatives, including the impactful work of ION interns, the Reentry Congregation Initiative, and the progress of deploying the ION platform on inmate tablets. Learn about Fred Nelson’s six guiding words and the success of our “Color Me Yellow” campaign. Read more about our efforts to support returning citizens and foster community connections. Read the full newsletter as PDF here or online here.
Read MoreJoin the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free webinar titled “Let Your Light Shine: Providing Successful Pastoral Care to Individuals and Families Hurt by Any Kind of Addiction” with Rev. Otto Schultz on May 29, 2024, from 10-11 AM PDT/MST. Learn key strategies for addressing addiction within your congregation and supporting affected families. Register here.
Read MoreUniversity Lutheran Church in Tempe, AZ, is hiring a part-time Church Secretary. The role involves managing communications, coordinating church activities, and supporting worship services. If interested, contact info@ulctempe.org or call 480-967-3543. View this PDF for more details.
Read MoreChrist the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree, AZ, is seeking a part-time Multimedia Specialist to manage live streams, social media, and promotional materials. This role requires experience with PTZ camera systems, audio mixers, and website management.
Read MoreGathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For all countries whose national life is marked by destabilizing events, especially Slovakia and Iran…
For areas of Texas and the Midwest in the midst of severe storms…
For safety for all who serve in our nation’s armed forces, and for families who remember loved ones this Memorial Day…
For all who live with mental illness, that they receive the support they need…
For gardeners, landscapers, farmers and farm laborers, and all who tend our land…
