Explore this month’s highlighted worship resources from Augsburg Fortress, including reflections on the Three Days, Bonhoeffer’s take on the Psalms, and how baptism shapes congregational life. Plus, sign up for summer music clinics with top clinicians. Read the full monthly resource on ELCA.
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Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development for the Grand Canyon Synod, has been recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). This globally recognized credential affirms his ongoing commitment to ethical, effective fundraising in service to the church.
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April with AFN: Join interfaith leaders across Arizona for healing circles, justice work, tree planting, and community care. RSVP for Zoom gatherings, attend in-person events like the April 4 Health Fair and April 13 Healing Circle at the border, and apply for summer Heat Relief roles. Read the full newsletter and get involved: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
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Lutheran Quarterly is now fully open access—free to read online through Johns Hopkins University Press. This respected journal explores Lutheran theology, history, and public witness, offering valuable insight for pastors, lay leaders, and curious minds alike. Browse articles and deepen your understanding of our shared faith.
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Many ministry leaders today are experiencing profound exhaustion—and you’re not imagining it. In this March update from Thriving Leadership Formation, Director Desta Goehner invites us to reimagine ministry as an ecosystem that requires care, connection, and rest. Explore upcoming Enneagram workshops, join a crisis communications webinar, and discover how to build stronger ministry teams with real tools and real support. Read the full newsletter here.
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Leadership Lab 2025 is open for registration! From June 23–28, youth and adults from across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Augustana College in Illinois for a transformative week of worship, small group connection, and leadership development. In their annual report, learn how this ELCA-rooted ministry equips high schoolers and young adults to bring fresh faith and leadership home to their congregations—and how adults and rostered leaders can join too. Affordable rates and strong support make this an opportunity not to miss.
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In one of her final letters to the church, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on how God’s love is being made real across the ELCA and calls us to remain faithful in our mission as we prepare for new leadership in 2025. Her words inspire our ongoing Synod Assembly theme of transformation, service, and hope.
En su carta final a la iglesia, la Obispa Presidente Elizabeth Eaton reflexiona sobre cómo el amor de Dios se hace realidad en la ELCA y nos llama a permanecer fieles a nuestra misión mientras nos preparamos para nuevos liderazgos en 2025. Sus palabras inspiran nuestro tema de Asamblea Sinodal: transformación, servicio y esperanza.
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The Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting, and travels to congregations around the synod.
We also share photos from the Farewell and Godspeed for Pastor Tim Wright, Community of Grace.
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Portico Benefit Services supported over 52,000 ELCA members in 2024 with tools for health, wellness, and financial security. From nearly 3,000 virtual health visits to $199K in debt repaid, their ministry of care enables those who serve to do so with strength and confidence. In their 2025 annual report, read how their work impacts lives across our synod and the ELCA.
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The ELCA Foundation helped generate nearly $95 million in gifts and assets in 2024, including $13 million directly supporting ELCA congregations. Free gift planning services are available to individuals and ministries through our synod’s regional planner, Lisa Marie Higginbotham. In their 2025 annual report, learn how the Foundation empowers faithful generosity to sustain ministry and mission for generations to come.
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Mosaic and its Arizona-based subsidiary Soreo continue to provide life-changing support for individuals with disabilities and their families in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Kingman. View a video report for the Grand Canyon Synod here. In their 2025 annual report, learn how this ELCA-affiliated ministry is bringing renewed hope to families, empowering voices once silenced, and inviting congregations into inclusive worship and advocacy through Rejoicing Spirits and Mosaic Allied Voices.
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The ELCA invites public feedback on a new draft social message addressing child protection and maltreatment. Open through June 30, this document reflects Jesus’ call to welcome children and the church’s responsibility to safeguard their well-being. Read the draft and submit your comments at elca.org/childprotection.
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In Episode 2 of Here I Pod, ELCA Advocacy explores how Lutherans can take action on climate care and clean energy policy. Featuring ELCA leaders and theologians, this 24-minute episode offers practical ways congregations and individuals can advocate for environmental justice. Tune in for insight, inspiration, and tools for faithful action.
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Since 1953, the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) has served Rock Point, Arizona, offering food, education, worship, and clean water to residents of the Navajo Nation. Now under its first all-Navajo leadership, NELM continues to deepen its mission of community-rooted service through its food bank, school, House of Prayer, and café. As the recipient of this year’s Grand Canyon Synod Lenten Challenge, NELM’s work reflects Christ’s call to serve with compassion and humility. Click here to read the full article on the LAMA site, and support NELM through this year’s Lenten Challenge.
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The U.S. Department of State has issued a stop-work order cutting funding for refugee resettlement services, directly affecting thousands of resettled families. Global Refuge (formerly LIRS) continues its mission, calling on faith communities to respond. In their 2025 annual report, learn how you and your congregation can give, advocate, and welcome the stranger through Lutheran-rooted action.
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Arizona Faith Network is now hiring and recruiting volunteers for its 2025 Heat Respite and Relief Program, providing cooling centers for vulnerable neighbors in Glendale, Phoenix, and Tempe. Paid and volunteer roles—including Site Leads, Assistants, Safety Specialists, and volunteers—are open now and vital to the safety and dignity of those at risk during Arizona’s extreme summer heat. Apply or share today: www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/positions.
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Palestinian Christians living under military occupation in the Holy Land face immense challenges—separation from family, lack of work, and rising emigration. Through the Sumud initiative, the ELCA stands in steadfast accompaniment with our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), advocating for dignity, justice, and peace. Sumud means “steadfastness,” and this initiative invites us to listen, learn, and act in faithful support. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.
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How can congregations prepare for possible immigration raids? A new ELCA AMMPARO guide outlines practical steps—like hosting Know Your Rights sessions, connecting with local migrant organizations, and training ministry teams—to equip congregations for faithful response. Rooted in Lutheran theology and updated in response to recent policy changes, this guide offers a path forward rooted in justice, compassion, and love for neighbor. Read the full article at ELCA.org.
¿Cómo pueden prepararse las congregaciones para posibles redadas migratorias? Una nueva guía de AMMPARO ofrece pasos prácticos como organizar sesiones de Conozca Sus Derechos, conectar con organizaciones locales y capacitar a voluntarios para responder con justicia y compasión. Esta guía está arraigada en la fe luterana y actualizada frente a recientes cambios de política migratoria. Leer el artículo completo.
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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.