Gather magazine is collecting stories of ELCA women, congregations, and ministries who create and sell handmade goods—like soap, candles, clothing, or cards—as a way to support ministry or express faith. Know someone in our synod who fits this description? Send their name, contact info, and a short description to gather@elca.org by Friday, April 11.
Read MoreYouth from the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Leadership Lab 2025, a weeklong Lutheran leadership experience for grades 8 through age 24, held June 23-28 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Rooted in faith and friendship, Leadership Lab helps young people grow as disciples and leaders. Register now at leadershiplab.net.
Read MoreStill need to submit your 2024 ELCA Congregation Report? The deadline is April 11. This year’s new reporting platform has caused challenges for many, but help is available through FAQs and temporary workarounds. Learn more and access the system before it closes.
Read MoreCamp ALOMA in Prescott is hiring three young men for summer staff. This is a unique opportunity to grow in faith, lead youth, and spend the summer outdoors. If you know someone ready for a Christ-centered adventure, invite them to apply today: https://forms.gle/Pu6vL5PzGesvsGUF6. Contact office@campaloma.com or 928-778-1690 for details.
Read MoreRegistration for Camp ALOMA’s 2025 summer sessions is now open! Seven weeks of faith-filled fun await youth in grades 1–12. Enjoy archery, canoeing, worship, and Bible study in the pines of Prescott. Bus transportation is available from Phoenix. Early bird pricing ends April 15 — register today at campdoc.com/register/aloma.
Read MoreThe School for Lay Ministry begins May 17, 2025, offering a yearlong journey to equip lay leaders for faithful service in preaching, care, worship, and leadership. This online program includes live cohort meetings, flexible learning, and practical resources grounded in Lutheran theology. Tuition is $600, with scholarships and payment plans available. Learn more and register.
Read MoreDr. Jennifer Wojciechowski joins the Pivot Podcast to explore how ancient traditions speak to contemporary spiritual needs.
Read MoreExplore 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.
Read MoreRev. 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.
Read MoreApril 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
Read MoreLutheran 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.
Read MoreMany 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.
Read MoreLeadership 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MorePortico 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreMosaic 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read More
