In the past year, 1517 Media has continued to enrich spiritual life across our Synod with diverse offerings. Their “All Creation Sings” initiative provides a broad array of worship and prayer resources tailored for all age groups, enhancing congregational activities and personal devotion. View their full annual report in this PDF.
Read MoreIt’s June, and the Office of the Bishop focuses on synod assembly preparation. We also share a photo from the latest meeting of the candidacy committee.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 16 years on June 1.
Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Gilbert, who celebrates 16 years on June 1.
Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 40 years on June 1.
Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 66 years on June 1.
Rev. Douglas Moffat, Faith, Yuma, who celebrates 50 years on June 1.
Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 24 years on June 2.
Rev. Ronald Pechauer, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 58 years on June 2.
Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.
Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 50 years on June 2.
Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.
Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Ernie Larsen, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 24 years on June 2.
Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 45 years on June 3.
Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 17 years on June 3.
Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 51 years on June 3.
Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 62 years on June 3.
Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 45 years on June 3.
Rev. Joseph Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 25 years on June 4.
Rev. Floyd Anderson, who celebrates 63 years on June 4.
Rev. Keith Hardy, who celebrates 45 years on June 4.
Rev. Maria Valenzuela, who celebrates 35 years on June 4.
Rev. Stephen Beyer, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 43 years on June 5.
Rev. Jason Adams, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 10 years on June 5.
Rev. Arlyn Saathoff, who celebrates 59 years on June 6.
Rev. Vern Barlow, who celebrates 59 years on June 6.
Rev. Daniel Carlson, who celebrates 42 years on June 6.
The Diakonia Program is a 40+ year old ministry within the ELCA committed to fostering learning environments for followers of Jesus to grow in faith. The program has recently added new course curriculum and more flexibility with a Foundation Year and optional subsequent Practical Year tracks. View their full annual report in this PDF.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod Transition Team, led by Bishop Deborah Hutterer and key leaders, continues to guide congregations during a period of significant change in the call process. View their full annual report in this PDF.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church in Phoenix seeks a committed administrative assistant to support our church’s vibrant community. Interested individuals should contact Pastor David M. Sivecz at pastordavid@graceinthecity.com or visit us at 1124 N. 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. More details are available on our website, Grace in the City. Join us in making a difference in our community!
Read MoreGlobal Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, continues its longstanding mission of providing sanctuary and support to refugees and immigrants. In 2023, through the dedication of partners and Lutheran communities, Global Refuge successfully reunited over 17,000 children with their families or placed them in loving foster homes, welcomed 11,200+ refugees from diverse global regions, and assisted 11,700+ individuals seeking safety from Central America and beyond. View their full annual report here and their synod letter here.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s online workshop series from June to October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
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 mourning the loss of life, home, livelihood, or property after mudslides in Papua New Guinea…
For all mourning the loss of life, home, livelihood, or property after tornadoes, heavy storms, flash flooding, and the loss of power across the United States…
For the integrity of public institutions, for all public servants, and for good governance in our national, state, and local governments…
For teachers and educators, students and their families in these waning days of the school year…
As we approach our 2024 Synod Assembly, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for the time we will share together. Our theme, “Embody the Word,” reminds us to reflect on how we live out our faith as a collective body of Christ, not only at assembly but in our daily lives as well.
Read MoreMemorial Day, often seen as just the start of summer, carries a deeper and solemn history that is frequently overlooked. Originally established to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War, the day was marked by community parades and remembrance ceremonies. However, today it is more commonly associated with leisure activities. This article from Living Lutheran invites us to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day—reflecting on the sacrifices made in wars and the personal losses that many families endure. The church stands as a sanctuary where the grief and pain of such losses can still be openly acknowledged and mourned, urging us to hold true to the day’s original purpose of solemn remembrance.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreMay’s update from the ELCA Advocacy office details the latest on the Farm Bill, introduces new federal environmental rules, and addresses national security supplemental funding and the response to conditions in Haiti. Advocacy efforts focus on ensuring food security, environmental protection, and international humanitarian assistance align with the ELCA’s mission for a just world.
Read MoreAs 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.
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