Featured News
It is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need,
so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality.
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.”
—2 Corinthians 8:13b-15
The Grand Canyon Synod Council encourages all congregations to faithfully allocate mission support as an intentional commitment to our shared mission as church together. We encourage congregations to be generous and proportionate in their mission support, in accordance with the witness of scripture and the saints who came before us.
Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. The final discussion is October 22: Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture with Dr. Richard Perry, emeritus faculty at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Grand Canyon Synod lifts up Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix and the Navajo Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ. Both ministries serve as powerful examples of faith and service, providing spiritual and material support to Native American communities. We honor their efforts and the Indigenous people whose land we now inhabit.
How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.
Bishop’s Fall Gathering
From Monday, October 21 to Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the Grand Canyon Synod invites you to join Bishop Deborah Hutterer at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, located at 7415 E Elbow Bend Road, Carefree, AZ, for a spiritually enriching Fall Gathering under the theme “Embody the Word.” View the full info here.
Join faith leaders and community members at the 6th Annual Addiction & Faith Conference, a virtual event from October 17-19, 2024. Explore crucial topics like the role of trauma in addiction and effective community healing strategies through faith. Featuring over 35 expert speakers, the conference offers up to 15 CEUs and a platform for spiritual and professional growth. Register early by August 1st for a reduced fee. Learn more and register here.
Support Lutheran World Relief’s 2024 Fall Ingathering by donating quilts and kits at the Tucson collection on September 13-14 or the Phoenix/Glendale collection on October 18-19. Learn more about how to participate and what to donate on the LWR website, lwr.org/pack.
Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.
Hesitant to preach? Diakonia graduates are invited to a four-week Zoom course titled “Preaching Good News to a World in Shambles,” starting October 19. Led by Reverend Carl Zimmermann, this class will help participants craft and deliver heart-engaging sermons, drawing on resources from Dr. Tom Long and Pastor Barbara Brown Taylor. Register now on Diakonia’s website.
Support Lutheran World Relief’s 2024 Fall Ingathering by donating quilts and kits at the Tucson collection on September 13-14 or the Phoenix/Glendale collection on October 18-19. Learn more about how to participate and what to donate on the LWR website, lwr.org/pack.
Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer from October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. This event promises a blend of worship, fellowship, and insightful discussions under the theme “Embody the Word.” Registration is open until September 13, 2024, with options for both overnight and commuter participation. Featured speakers include Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow ministers. For registration details, visit our event page or contact the synod office.
Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.
How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.
Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Synod Spotlight
This section is dedicated to celebrating and lifting up the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners at various levels—from local to global. Join us in gratitude and prayer for these people and organizations. View all our spotlight posts here.
Church & Society
In the latest Crucible newsletter from the Church Leadership Institute, you can find a collection of episodes from their Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast that dig deep into the challenges of faith and politics:
Political Power and American Evangelicalism, with Tim Alberta
Tackling Toxic Polarization in Your Church, with Allen Hilton and Andrew Hanauer
Leading Your Church Through Political Division, with Allen Hilton
How Your Church Can Respond to Immigration, with Karen Gonzalez
If you’re looking for some quicker insights, they also have shorter episodes from our “Quick Conversations for the Long Haul of Leadership” series with Tod Bolsinger:
Answer the call to support free and fair elections in Arizona! Election Protection Arizona is seeking nonpartisan poll monitors to assist voters during the 2024 General Election. Help ensure every vote counts by guiding voters through potential challenges on Election Day. Sign up for training at allvoting.org/afn2024, and be part of this crucial effort.
Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. The final discussion is October 22: Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture with Dr. Richard Perry, emeritus faculty at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.
Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on 10/22/2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
Stand Against Christian Nationalism: Register for the Forgotten Luther IV Conference on October 25-26, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. This event will feature key Lutheran leaders and thinkers addressing the threats to democracy. Register now at www.fliv.us. View a PDF ad and poster as well.
Early voting for the 2024 General Election is here! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.
Find out key early voting dates and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!
As early voting begins in Arizona, and with early voting also beginning soon in Utah and Nevada, I want to reflect on the sacred responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith. Our participation in the democratic process is not only a privilege but a duty—one that reflects our commitment to justice, peace, and the flourishing of all people.
Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.
Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!
Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The remaining vigils will be held on October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 4th at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation. View a PDF flyer here.
View a free screening of the powerful documentary Leap of Faith this Friday, October 4th, at 7:00 pm at Harkins Theatres Shea 14 in Scottsdale. The film, which explores Christian leaders coming together across divides, will be followed by a Q&A with Father Perry Pauley. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Reserve your spot now!
We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.
We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.
Featured Events
Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer from October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. This event promises a blend of worship, fellowship, and insightful discussions under the theme “Embody the Word.” Registration is open until September 13, 2024, with options for both overnight and commuter participation. Featured speakers include Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow ministers. For registration details, visit our event page or contact the synod office.
Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat from October 28-30 at the Spirit in the Desert Retteat Center in Carefree, AZ. This year’s theme, “Signs of Hope in Turbulent Times,” features sessions with Rev. Mark Hanson. The retreat offers a rich program of fellowship, worship, and reflection. Secure your spot now and find renewal in the company of peers. View this PDF for registration and scholarship information, or contact Jan Fosen at (602-758-0875) or via email at fosen1215@gmail.com with questions.
Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.
Rev. Lisa Hackler will be installed Thursday, 11/7/2024, at 3 pm, at American Lutheran Church, (17200 N Del Web Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85373). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A reception will follow.
RSVP to d.bautista@alcsuncity.org if one is a rostered minister planning to process, otherwise no RSVP needed. Visit www.alcsuncity.org for streaming information.
We gather to connect people and do business at our annual synod assembly. We are pleased to be back at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. The exact dates and time are subject to change.
The 2025 Churchwide Assembly will be held in Phoenix, Arizona. Mark your calendars! Times and dates may shift for this event. More info will be updated at ELCA.org.
In the latest Crucible newsletter from the Church Leadership Institute, you can find a collection of episodes from their Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast that dig deep into the challenges of faith and politics:
Political Power and American Evangelicalism, with Tim Alberta
Tackling Toxic Polarization in Your Church, with Allen Hilton and Andrew Hanauer
Leading Your Church Through Political Division, with Allen Hilton
How Your Church Can Respond to Immigration, with Karen Gonzalez
If you’re looking for some quicker insights, they also have shorter episodes from our “Quick Conversations for the Long Haul of Leadership” series with Tod Bolsinger:
The Office of the Bishop hosts the 2024 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Oct 21– -23, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Daniel Volkmann at All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix, Oct 13, 2024, and the Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Tucson on October 14, 2024.
Hope for a warming world begins with us. In Tanzania, Beth Elness-Hanson’s work shows how the church can lead in creation care through a gospel-centered approach. By combining biblical teachings, traditional knowledge, and climate science, congregations can make small changes that, together, will transform our communities and care for God’s creation. Discover how faith in action can inspire hope in the face of climate change. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Girl Scouts Gold Award recipient Eleanor Jerbi is breaking barriers in disability justice and inclusion within the church. Through her project, she developed tools and trainings to make youth groups and congregations more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. Discover how this Seattle Maritime Academy student is using her Lutheran faith to create inclusive spaces, both on land and at sea in this article in Living Lutheran.
Discover how Lutheran summer camps like Rainbow Trail foster leadership and lasting faith in campers, connecting them to family and congregational life. Research from the Rhythms of Faith Project shows that camps play a vital role in influencing spiritual practices at home, offering innovative strategies to help parents and churches continue faith development long after the camp week ends. Explore the impactful partnerships between camps, families, and congregations in shaping the next generation’s faith. Read more at Living Lutheran.
Faith-based advocacy for climate justice is more important than ever. Join ELCA Advocacy’s Christine Moffett on October 29 for a conversation on Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of COP29. Consider becoming a Creation Care Ambassador by attending the virtual Christian Climate Training on November 16, or advocate for worker safety by supporting OSHA’s proposed heat protection rule. Find out more and register for these events here.
This October, the Arizona Faith Network invites you to engage in faith-driven action. Help voters as a poll monitor for the upcoming election, attend important discussions on peaceful political engagement, or join reentry support and climate justice events in your community. Learn more about these opportunities to live out your faith at Arizona Faith Network’s newsletter.
Living Lutheran features a video interview with Amy Beitelschees-Albers, pastor of come2goministries in Fort Wayne, Ind., discussing her food truck ministry with So Much More Ministries. Each week, Beitelschees-Albers and her team of volunteers make and distribute free meals for members of the Fort Wayne community, building relationships and offering hospitality and prayer.
Join us on Saturday, November 9th, at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church for “Intersections of Grace,” an event exploring the shared history of Methodist and Lutheran traditions. Led by Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, this event offers both a 9:30 a.m. brunch and a 1:00 p.m. tea. Engage in meaningful conversations about our common roots and distinctive gifts. Registration is open now! View a PDF flyer here.
Answer the call to support free and fair elections in Arizona! Election Protection Arizona is seeking nonpartisan poll monitors to assist voters during the 2024 General Election. Help ensure every vote counts by guiding voters through potential challenges on Election Day. Sign up for training at allvoting.org/afn2024, and be part of this crucial effort.
As election season nears, this week’s Faith Lens calls us to consider how Jesus’ model of servant leadership should influence the way we choose our leaders. Mark 10:45 reminds us that Christ came “not to be served, but to serve,” challenging us to prioritize the public good over personal gain. As we prepare to vote, let’s hold our leaders to this higher standard, asking why they lead and whom they serve.
For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…
For renewed commitments to de-escalation and diplomacy between nations…
For the work of the COP19 biodiversity summit and for increased global commitment to halt and reverse nature loss…
For Nobel Peace Prize awardee Nihon Hidankyo and for the organization’s activism against nuclear weapons, and for all survivors of the atomic bomb…
For continued relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton…
For safe and easy access to early voting locations, and for safety for all election workers…
For all physicians, medical personnel, and health care professionals…
La ELCA está expandiendo su alcance a las comunidades hispanas y latinas con un nuevo recurso: Vidaluterana.org. Creado por líderes latinos para la comunidad latina, este sitio web ofrece contenido basado en la fe en español e inglés, conectando a los luteranos latinos con recursos espirituales y eventos de la ELCA. Visita Vidaluterana.org para aprender más y apoyar este importante ministerio.
The ELCA is expanding its outreach to Spanish-speaking communities with a new resource: Vidaluterana.org. Created by Latino leaders for the Latino community, this website offers faith-based content in Spanish and English, connecting Latino Lutherans to spiritual resources and ELCA events. Visit Vidaluterana.org to learn more and support this important ministry.
Learn how to inspire generosity and simplify giving in your congregation with the “Inspired to Give” webinar, hosted by Vanco and the ELCA on October 24, 2024 at 10 am PDT/MST, 11 am MDT. You’ll gain insights into storytelling, best practices for giving, and exclusive tips on utilizing Vanco’s tools. Sign up today to join or receive the recording!
The deadline for the Grand Canyon Synod’s $175,000 grant opportunity is fast approaching—applications are due by midnight on October 18, 2024. Funding will support projects aligned with the Synod’s Strategic Plan, with priority given to those collaborating with other ELCA ministries. Make sure to watch the recorded Grants Webinar and review application guidelines before submitting.
It is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need,
so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality.
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.”
—2 Corinthians 8:13b-15
The Grand Canyon Synod Council encourages all congregations to faithfully allocate mission support as an intentional commitment to our shared mission as church together. We encourage congregations to be generous and proportionate in their mission support, in accordance with the witness of scripture and the saints who came before us.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of the various regions of our synod. The Grand Canyon Synod is spread across lands in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, which are currently home to over two dozen tribal nations.
We acknowledge and honor these communities, their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. We give thanks to our Indigenous siblings who have cared and continue to care for this place — this land — and call it their home.
Learn more about ELCA Indigenous Ministries, land acknowledgments, and Native American and Indigenous education resources.
The deadline for the Grand Canyon Synod’s $175,000 grant opportunity is fast approaching—applications are due by midnight on October 18, 2024. Funding will support projects aligned with the Synod’s Strategic Plan, with priority given to those collaborating with other ELCA ministries. Make sure to watch the recorded Grants Webinar and review application guidelines before submitting.