Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Lutheran Adventurer & National Parks Expert Brings Inspiring Film to Arizona

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.

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Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa

Rev. Luis Ochoa will be installed at First Evangelical Lutheran (142 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201) on Saturday, 3/15/2025 at 2pm. Pastor Chris Stoxen will preach, with Bishop Hutterer presiding. Rostered ministers are invited to attend; no robes. Color of the day is purple. Livestream on YouTube here.

After the service, we will celebrate! To assist us in planning food, please RSVP by calling (480-969-7221) or emailing the office: felc@firstevlutheran.com with the number of people in your group.

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Seeking a Worship Leader at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson

Tanque Verde Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time worship leader to guide music for its modern worship service at 10:30 AM on Sundays. This role involves leading congregational singing, recruiting and training volunteer musicians, and planning music in collaboration with the pastoral team. If you are a musician with a passion for worship leadership, apply today! Visit the Indeed job posting for details.

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Updated Conference Listings & Key Changes in GCS Constitution

The Grand Canyon Synod Constitution has been updated to reflect the new continuing resolution S12.01.A.25, approved by the Synod Council on January 18, 2025. This replaces the previous S12.01.B22 and includes updated conference listings for our 82 congregations and SAWCs across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. View the latest version at gcsynod.org/constitution.

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ELCA Signs Ecumenical Declaration Defending Refuge—Now It’s Your Turn

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.

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From Arizona to New Jersey: Lutheran Advocacy at Work

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.

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Breaking Records and Building Community: LSSN’s Latest Milestones

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.

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Upcoming Faith Events, Immigration Training & Community Action from Arizona Faith Network

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. 

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University Lutheran Church Seeks Campus Ministry Associate at ASU

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.

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Make a Difference: Be Part of the Churchwide Assembly Volunteer Team

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.

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Bishop Hutterer: Becoming Easter People

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.

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Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge: Strengthen Faith, Support Clean Water

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.

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Ordination celebrations: March 7-13, 2025

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.

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Faith, Fun, and Friendship Await at Camp ALOMA’s Elementary Retreat

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.

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Reignite Your Ministry: Join the Missional Leadership Cohort (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert)

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!

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