The ELCA has joined faith leaders in signing The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge, reaffirming our commitment to welcoming immigrants and refugees. Rooted in Scripture and our call to love our neighbors, this declaration challenges harmful policies and advocates for justice. Now, individuals and congregations across the country are invited to add their voices by signing the declaration throughout Lent. Click here to read more and sign the declaration.
Read More
How do Lutherans make a difference through advocacy? Solveig Muus, director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), explores how intentional intersectionality strengthens our collective impact, from bipartisan legislation to Lutheran Disaster Response and interfaith collaboration. Read about the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, new legislative efforts inspired by Lutheran advocacy in New Jersey, and how faith communities are working together to create change. Click here to read more: SPPO Spotlight: Inspired by Intersectionality.
Read More
Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) continues to make an impact, setting a new record by distributing 53,434 pounds of food in February to individuals facing food insecurity. Meet LSSN’s new financial leadership team, learn about their Corporate Day of Giving initiative, and celebrate the incredible staff and volunteers who make this ministry possible. Discover how LSSN’s faith-driven work serves veterans, seniors, and families in need—and how you can be part of the mission.
Read More
Engage your faith through action! This March, join Arizona Faith Network for important discussions on immigration rights, environmental justice, and Native reconciliation. Learn from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest on supporting refugees, participate in voting rights advocacy, and attend the Know Your Rights immigration training on March 12. Don’t miss the Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change event on March 29, exploring faith-based reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Read More
The Office of the Bishop Staff travels the synod to visit congregations and leaders, and attends the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas, Mar 9, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. We also share a photo from our recent in-person staff meeting.
Read More
University Lutheran Church’s Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU is hiring a part-time Campus Ministry Associate to help lead student ministry at the Tempe campus. This flexible role includes worship leadership, Bible study facilitation, and student outreach. The position starts August 13, 2025 (start date flexible) and offers a salary and reduced tuition. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Pastor Arhiana Shek Dill at info@ulctempe.org.
Read More
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, July 28 – August 2, and we need 100 volunteers to help make it happen! Whether you assist with registration, hospitality, worship, or tech support, your time and talents will make a difference. If you missed our Volunteer Information Meetings, you can now watch the recording and learn how to get involved. Sign up today and help us welcome the ELCA to Phoenix! Watch the recording and sign up here.
Read More
We are called not only to personal reflection but also to communal action—to live as people of grace, serving our neighbors and embodying Christ’s love. This Lent, let us consider how our thoughts, words, and deeds shape the world around us. In a time when political and social divisions run deep, may we be mindful of how we use our voices—not to cut each other down, but to build up, to witness to the hope we share in Christ.
Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.
Read More
Join the 2025 Lenten Challenge and support the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ, where many households lack access to clean water. This friendly competition among ELCA Region 2 synods challenges participants to commit to three Lenten practices while raising awareness and funds for Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and its water projects at NELM. The synod with the most sign-ups wins—so let’s make Grand Canyon Synod proud! Sign up today:lentenchallenge.org.
Read More
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Talmage, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 40 years on March 10.
Rev. Patsy Koeneke, who celebrates 18 years on March 11.
Rev. Bruce Ayers, who celebrates 63 years on March 11.
Rev. Steven Crittenden, Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction, who celebrates 16 years on March 12.
Rev. Beth Gallen, New Journey, Fountain Hills, who celebrates 4 years on March 13.
Give your child a weekend to remember at Camp ALOMA’s Elementary Retreat in Prescott, Arizona. Designed for grades 1 through 6, this faith-filled weekend includes Bible study, archery, campfires, and outdoor exploration. Happening March 14–16 for $100, it’s the perfect blend of fun and faith! Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.
Read More
Discover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!
Read More
Women of the Kino Conference are invited to the annual Spring Gathering on March 8, 2025, at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson around the theme “Women on the Move” (Ruth 1:16). The event features a special program from Teen Challenge of Arizona’s Springboard Home for Girls, a fashion show, and a pop-up boutique from Blessingdales Boutique. Attendees are encouraged to bring in-kind gifts for Sister Jose Women’s Center. Registration ($20) is due by February 28—no walk-ins. View this flyer to learn more and use this PDF to register.
Read More
During March 16-20, 2025, experience the perfect blend of faith and baseball at the Desert Sojourn Retreat in Carefree, Arizona. Join Pastor Dave Ellingson for five days of fellowship, worship, and Cactus League Spring Training games. Limited spaces available—reserve your spot today!
Read More
Lutheran 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 More
Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.
Read More
Rev. Mari Larson will be installed Sunday, 3/9/2025, at 3 pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, (8901 Del Webb Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89134). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside.
Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is purple. A light reception will follow. Livestream will be available on the church’s YouTube channel.
Read More
We uplift and pray for Rev. Beth Gallen and the people of New Journey Lutheran Church in Fountain Hills, part of the Northeast Valley Conference.
Read More
We uplift and pray for Rev. Jill Doherty, Rev. Joseph Doherty, Rev. Katie Langston and the people of New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, part of the Colorado River Conference.
Read More
The Festival of Homiletics 2025 is set for May 12-15 in Atlanta, GA, and online, offering preachers a time of renewal and learning under the theme “Preaching to Heal the Divide.” This year’s gathering takes place at Peachtree Road UMC, a church celebrating 100 years of ministry. Attendees can explore the church’s rich history and experience the Doves of Peachtree Road, a stunning Centennial art installation. Can’t attend in person? Join online! Register today: festivalofhomiletics.com.
Read More