Looking for affordable choir robes? Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas is selling 103 purple choir robes with grey trim for just $2,000 (or best offer). This is a great opportunity for any congregation looking to outfit its choir. Contact Dennis Allen at dennis@communitylv.org or 702-458-2241, ext. 103 for details.
Read MoreThis year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge invites us to engage in daily spiritual practices while supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. More than half of Rock Point’s households lack access to safe drinking water, and NELM is working to install a potable water system. Join the challenge by committing to three Lenten practices—daily devotion, diligence, dedication, or donation—to help meet this urgent need. Let’s come together as a synod to deepen our faith and serve our neighbors. Sign up today! www.lentenchallenge.org
Read MoreHow do we provide faithful and ethical care for those at life’s end? The Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS)invites you to the 2025 Mohrenweiser Lecture: “Ethics and Spiritual Care at the End of Life” on Thursday, March 20, at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). Join experts in chaplaincy, medicine, and interfaith ministry as they explore how faith leaders and caregivers accompany the dying with dignity and grace. Attend in person in Berkeley, CA, or via Zoom. Register here.
Read MoreLast Call for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music, the nation’s premier faith-based music academy, is nearly full—but there’s still time to apply or nominate a student. Held at Valparaiso University from June 22 to July 20, LSM provides high school musicians with world-class training, worship opportunities, and a joyful summer of music-making. Don’t miss out—enrollment is over 80% full! Apply now at LSMacademy.org/program.
Read MoreLooking for ways to strengthen your ministry leadership this spring? Thriving Leadership Formation is offering interactive workshops, a team-building Enneagram series, and weekly Lectio Divina sessions to help ministry leaders deepen trust, improve communication, and sustain their mission. With no-cost and low-cost options, these programs are ideal for church teams, councils, and synod staff. Pre-registration is required—sign up today! bit.ly/EventsTLF
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, who celebrates 16 years on February 22.
Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 28 years on February 23.
Rev. Kaila Armbruster, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 11 years on February 23.
Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 24 years on February 24.
Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill, University, Tempe, ASU LCM, Tempe, who celebrates 13 years on February 25.
Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 30 years on February 26.
Rev. Christopher Heller, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on February 28.
Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
Read MoreThe Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM MST / 10:00 AM PST, exploring how churches can support substance use recovery. Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, an expert in addiction recovery, will present faith-based initiatives that help individuals and communities heal. Rev. George A. Wood will host the discussion, offering practical ways churches can be part of the solution. Register today to learn how your congregation can make a difference. Click here to sign up.
Read MoreJoin us February 26, 2025, at the Fountain Hills Community Center for a family-friendly food packing event hosted by New Journey Lutheran. From 5:30–7:30 PM, volunteers will pack thousands of meals for those in need locally and globally. Registration is required—sign up today at njlc-fh.org/food-4-kidz. View a PDF flyer here. Be the church in action!
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 2/25/2025, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreDiscover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls
Read MoreEngage with youth, cool off in the pines, and explore stewardship this summer! Campformation at Camp Pinerock, June 30–July 4, 2025, invites three rostered leaders to join for free as Resident Theologians. Travel, room, and board are covered. Apply by March 15, 2025. Contact Pr. Tim Perlick at tim.perlick@gmail.com.
Read MoreYour ministry story matters! The Grand Canyon Synod invites congregations to submit news, events, and job openings for our news blog, events calendar, and weekly newsletter—helping strengthen and connect our synod community. Visit gcsynod.org/share to submit your updates today!
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Judi Tyler and the people of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Craig Corbin and the people of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City, part of the Colorado River Conference.
Read MoreJoin Lutherans Restoring Creation for an upcoming climate discussion on February 18, focused on Active Hope and Agents of Change. Prepare for Earth Day 2025 with resources, including a special sermon by Dr. Barbara Rossing and opportunities to host a faith-based climate forum. Don’t miss the EcoFaith Summit on April 5 or the Lenten Connections Call on March 18. LRC is also a semi-finalist in the American Climate Leadership Awards! Learn more and get involved here: Lutherans Restoring Creation.
Read MoreLutheran 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.
Read MoreThe 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.
Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
The U.S. refugee resettlement program is at a standstill, leaving thousands stranded and vital services in limbo. As Lutherans, we are called to act. The ELCA, in partnership with the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, has drafted a faith-based letter urging the administration to reinstate refugee resettlement. Faith leaders and organizations can sign on today to stand in solidarity with those seeking safety. Read the letter and add your name today.
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