Advent is here! Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this Monday, December 2, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on a world marked by isolation, comparison, and fear, as we pray for connection, compassion, and liberation. Begin the season with 30 minutes of song, prayer, and quiet reflection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreDiscover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 16 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 35 years on December 1.
Rev. Lars Hammar, Lord of Grace, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on December 5.
Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 3 years on December 5.
Experience the anticipation and hope of the Advent season with Lutheran Summer Music's fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar. From December 1-24, immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages and archived on our website at LSMacademy.org/acal.
To have these daily videos delivered straight to your inbox, sign up here.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on November 28 and 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving and the following day. We give thanks for the faithful work of our congregations and ministries. Regular office hours resume December 2. May this season of gratitude bring peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Ward, Rev. Benjamin Bergren and the people of Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has awarded its first scholarships through the Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund, established in 2023 to help ELCA members pursue higher education and professional growth. This fund honors Martin Luther’s legacy of learning, providing financial aid and community support. With matching funds available at many faith-based institutions, a single gift can make a significant impact. To learn about eligibility or contribute to the fund, contact Arizona Community Foundation at azfoundation.org or Grace Lutheran’s team at Treasurer@graceinthecity.com.
Read MoreDiscover how to move beyond quick fixes and embrace a deeper transformation in your church with Dr. Michael Goheen. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast from faith+lead here.
Read MoreThis Advent, join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer, a free online program led by Sheri Brown. Every Monday in December, spend 30 minutes in song, guided meditation, and communal prayer as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Sessions are at 12:00 PM AZ/MST. Register now at Spirit in the Desert’s website.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop begins 2025 synod assembly planning, visits global companion synods, does year-end preparations, balances books, and gives thanks.
We also share photos from the recent LAMA retreat, First Call Theological Accompaniment, and the Installation of Rev. Anna Rieke at Christ the Lord in Carefree.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center for a morning of connection and inspiration, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho. Don’t miss weekly guided meditations, an urgent call to protect the sacred Great Bend of the Gila, and the 6th Annual Turkish Festival on December 7-8 in Chandler. Plus, support Arizona Jews for Justice’s Winter Clothing Drive to aid the unsheltered community. Explore these events and more in the full AFN Newsletter.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) Policy Council convened November 17–18 to discern priorities for the coming year. Their 2025 focus includes food insecurity, civic engagement, public schools, immigration, housing, and informed Christian engagement. Guided by Lutheran teachings, LAMA is committed to addressing critical issues affecting Arizona communities. Interested in joining the Policy Council? Read the full post on the LAMA site for more info.
Read MoreReflecting on the election, Blessed Tomorrow’s December newsletter highlights faith-driven climate action, from sustainable holiday practices to sparking meaningful family conversations with the “Climate at the Dinner Table” Skit Kit. Learn about opportunities like the 2025 American Climate Leadership Awards and the National Council of Churches’ renewed call for environmental justice. Read more.
Read MoreRegistration for the 2025 Festival of Homiletics is open! Join us in Atlanta or online from May 12-15 for a journey of healing and unity through the power of preaching. This year’s theme, Preaching to Heal the Divide, responds to the pressing need for reconciliation in our polarized world. Early bird rates are available until November 30—don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation!
Read MoreEquip yourself with faith-based tools to navigate mental health challenges in our communities. God and Mental Health Challenges, a free Faith+Lead course available through November 28, explores how faith shapes our response to mental health struggles, offers practical caregiving strategies, and helps break down stigmas. Learn more and register today: faithlead.org/course-lp/god-and-mental-health-challenges.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Leonard Hoffmann, who celebrates 49 years on November 23.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 28 years on November 23.
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff seeks a part-time Choir Director or Choral Intern to guide their vibrant choir in worship and growth. Ideal for experienced choral leaders or those starting in church music ministry, this position offers flexibility and a welcoming community. Contact the church for application details, read the job description here, and take the next step in your musical ministry journey!
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, 11/26/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.
Read MoreJoin Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for a worship service of thanks on Wednesday, Nov. 27th @ 6:30 pm in the Worship Center (Sanctuary), 11002 S. 48th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85044..
Please bring non-perishable foods that we will collect and send to the Generations Church Food Pantry. Please also bring pie for the Pie Social after the worship service!
Read MoreOn November 20-22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley will hold an All Church Open House to rehome its ministry items as it closes its doors. Churches in need of supplies—ranging from office chairs and file cabinets to altar paraments, banners, and even an organ—are invited to attend and collect resources to support their ministry work. Cash donations are welcome, and attendees should bring their own boxes or bags. This event offers a meaningful way to continue Gloria Christi’s legacy throughout our synod.
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