Lutheran Adventurer & National Parks Expert Brings Inspiring Film to Arizona

Lutheran guest preacher and National Parks record-setter Mikah Meyer is bringing his short film Canyon Chorus to Tempe on March 14 as part of the Banff World Tour. Meyer, who shared his story and music at Emmanuel Lutheran in Prescott Valley, visited 113 ELCA congregations while completing his 400+ National Park journey. Don’t miss the chance to see his inspiring film and meet him in person at Pollack Tempe Cinemas at 7 PM. Can’t attend? Watch Canyon Chorus for free on YouTube! Get tickets here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 10, 2025Emmanuel Prescott Valley, High Country ConferenceComment

Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa

Rev. Luis Ochoa will be installed at First Evangelical Lutheran (142 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201) on Saturday, 3/15/2025 at 2pm. Pastor Chris Stoxen will preach, with Bishop Hutterer presiding. Rostered ministers are invited to attend; no robes. Color of the day is purple. Livestream on YouTube here.

After the service, we will celebrate! To assist us in planning food, please RSVP by calling (480-969-7221) or emailing the office: felc@firstevlutheran.com with the number of people in your group.

Prayers for Our Savior’s of East Mesa Lutheran Church in Mesa and Gold Canyon

We uplift and pray for Rev. Tina Mills and the people of Our Savior’s of East Mesa Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardMarch 10, 2025Our Savior's Mesa, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

Prayers for Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson

We uplift and pray for Rev. Amalia Vagts, Rev. Glenn Schrader and the people of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardMarch 9, 2025Our Saviour's Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment

Seeking a Worship Leader at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson

Tanque Verde Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time worship leader to guide music for its modern worship service at 10:30 AM on Sundays. This role involves leading congregational singing, recruiting and training volunteer musicians, and planning music in collaboration with the pastoral team. If you are a musician with a passion for worship leadership, apply today! Visit the Indeed job posting for details.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 7, 2025Help Wanted, Tanque Verde Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment

The True Meaning of Lent: A Reality Check for Pastors

In this Pivot Podcast, Blair Pogue shares a Lenten reflection for church leaders.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 7, 2025Pivot Podcast, faith+lead, Luther Seminary, 2025 LentComment

Belonging Matters: National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month

Belonging Matters: Mosaic empowers people to fully participate in their communities and live their lives in a way that reflects their personal goals and aspirations. The post Belonging Matters: National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 7, 2025Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 7, 2025Lutheran World FederationComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, and violence, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Myanmar, and South Sudan…
For those in the path of Cyclone Alfred in Australia…
For those who are unemployed, underemployed, or facing uncertainty regarding employment…
For areas of the United States facing significant winter weather…
For Pope Francis, during his continued hospitalization…
For Muslim neighbors observing Ramadan…
For Jewish neighbors celebrating Purim…
For those preparing for baptism during the holy season of Lent…
For the dignity, autonomy, and safety of women, and in thanksgiving for their gifts and contributions in the world…
For all whose civil rights are threatened or erased, especially our transgender neighbors…
For safety and protection for migrants, and for justice for those who have been deported or forcibly relocated…
For those who use God’s gifts of science and medicine to explore cures, preventions, and vaccines…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 6, 2025ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Updated Conference Listings & Key Changes in GCS Constitution

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 6, 2025Synod CouncilComment

ELCA Signs Ecumenical Declaration Defending Refuge—Now It’s Your Turn

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.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 6, 2025Immigration and Refugees, 2025 Lent, Church and SocietyComment

From Arizona to New Jersey: Lutheran Advocacy at Work

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.

Breaking Records and Building Community: LSSN’s Latest Milestones

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.

Upcoming Faith Events, Immigration Training & Community Action from Arizona Faith Network

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.

Office of the Bishop Updates

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.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 6, 2025Office of the BishopComment

University Lutheran Church Seeks Campus Ministry Associate at ASU

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.

Make a Difference: Be Part of the Churchwide Assembly Volunteer Team

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 5, 2025Help Wanted, 2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment

Dismantle: An Anti-White Supremacy Lenten Devotional

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.

Bishop Hutterer: Becoming Easter People

We are called not only to personal reflection but also to communal action—to live as people of grace, serving our neighbors and embodying Christ’s love. This Lent, let us consider how our thoughts, words, and deeds shape the world around us. In a time when political and social divisions run deep, may we be mindful of how we use our voices—not to cut each other down, but to build up, to witness to the hope we share in Christ.

Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.

Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge: Strengthen Faith, Support Clean Water

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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