Looking 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
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This 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.
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The 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!
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The 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.
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Join 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!
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Calling 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.
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Discover 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
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Your 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!
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Judi Tyler and the people of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
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We 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.
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Join 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.
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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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In this Pivot Podcast, join Rev. Canon Dave Male, Co-Director of Vision and Strategy for the Church of England, as he shares practical ways to build authentic relationships in your neighborhood.
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Dawn and Maggie were matched one year ago through Living Innovations for the shared living service. One year later, they call themselves the Valentine’s Day match. Learn why. The post A Valentine’s Day Match Leads to Full Life for Maggie appeared first on Mosaic.
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The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and volunteers are needed to help make it happen! From July 28 to August 2, up to 100 volunteers are needed to assist with registration, worship support, hospitality, and more. This is a unique opportunity to serve the church and witness how the ELCA’s key decisions are made.
Sign up today at gcsynod.org/cwa and help us welcome the ELCA to Phoenix!
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Faith leaders and immigration attorneys gathered last week for a critical Know Your Rights and Congregational Safety training to address urgent challenges posed by new federal policies. The event emphasized legal protections for houses of worship, emergency response planning, and resources for congregations. We’ve attached key materials, including an Emergency Phone Tree for Houses of Worship and training slides, to help congregations prepare. A second training is being planned—stay tuned for details.
Líderes religiosos y abogados de inmigración se reunieron la semana pasada en la capacitación Conozca sus Derechos y Seguridad Congregacional, abordando desafíos urgentes ante nuevas políticas federales. El evento destacó protecciones legales para iglesias, planificación de respuesta de emergencia y recursos para congregaciones. Hemos adjuntado materiales clave, incluido un Árbol de Teléfonos de Emergencia para Lugares de Culto y diapositivas de capacitación. Se está planificando una segunda capacitación—manténgase informado para más detalles.
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Faith calls us to action, and the Arizona Faith Network is offering meaningful opportunities to engage this February. From advocating for voting rights to gathering in prayer and celebrating creation care, there are events for all who seek to connect faith with justice. Plus, if you missed last week’s Know Your Rights and Congregational Safety training, slides and resources are now available. See upcoming events and ways to participate in Black History Month, interfaith gatherings, and more. Read the full AFN newsletter and get involved here.
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The Office of the Bishop Staff prepares for the synod assembly in June, the Churchwide Assembly in late July, and attends the Ordination and Installation of Wendi Van Beek at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Tucson, Feb 19, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
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Lutherans from across Nevada gathered in Carson City for Lutheran Lobby Day, a day of worship, learning, and advocacy. Participants engaged with state leaders on Voter Engagement, Creation Care, and Affordable Housing, living out their faith through action. Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada is committed to continuing this work—and you can be part of it. Join the movement and raise your voice for justice!
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