Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Experience the Night of Salvation: Easter Vigil at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix

Join Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. for the Easter Vigil, beginning at sunset with the blessing of the new fire and Paschal candle. The service includes readings of salvation history, renewal of baptismal vows, the welcoming of new members, and the first Eucharist of Easter. All are welcome—especially those without a Vigil service at their own church.

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A Holy Week Pause: A Guided Meditation for Church Leaders

A 10-minute guided meditation from Thriving Leadership Formation offers church leaders a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with God during Holy Week. Designed to support those carrying much in this sacred season, this reflection is an invitation to rest and lead from a place of grace. Listen now.

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Jazz Vespers and Classical Notes—All to Feed 150+ Families Weekly

Enjoy jazz and classical music while supporting families in need! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a three-part Music for Food series on April 13, April 27, and May 4, benefiting the Olive Branch Food Closet. These free concerts support a vital ministry feeding over 150 families each week. View a PDF flyer here.

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Walk, Plant, Pray: April Opportunities to Serve and Reflect

The Arizona Faith Network invites participation in several meaningful events this week, including a Healing Circle at the U.S./Mexico border (April 13), a community Tree Planting in Glendale (April 14), weekly Monday meditations, and applications for summer heat relief staff and volunteers. Learn more and explore the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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2025 Assembly Resolutions Due April 28—Here’s What You Need to Know

Resolutions for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are due by the close of business on Monday, April 28, 2025. All submissions must follow synod and ELCA guidelines and be sent as editable files to Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org. The Reference and Counsel Committee will review all resolutions for procedural compliance and publish its report—including submitted resolutions and recommendations—by May 23. Visit gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/resolutions for full instructions.

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80 Years Later: A Powerful Interfaith Commemoration of the Holocaust

Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association and the Phoenix Symphony for the 2025 Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Commemoration on Sunday, April 27 at Phoenix Symphony Hall. This year’s program marks 80 years since the end of WWII and features a 5:00 PM memorial program with survivor testimonies, music, and prayers. Prior to the commemoration, a Phoenix Symphony concert begins at 2:00 PM. The memorial is free but requires registration at PHXHA.com/remembrance. View PDF flyer here.

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Bishop Michael Hunn Responds to Department of Homeland Security: Defending Our Border Ministry

In this video, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande addresses recent letter from the Department of Homeland Security insinuating the diocese's involvement in illegal activities, including human trafficking.

Bishop Hunn outlines the diocese's longstanding ministry efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border, including the operation of a shelter for legal asylum seekers in partnership with Homeland Security's Border Patrol and ICE. He underscores the legality and moral grounding of their work, rooted in Christian teachings and constitutional rights. Despite the scrutiny and funding withdrawal from FEMA, he reaffirms their commitment to borderland ministry and invites support through prayers and donations.

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Hopeful Leadership in Hard Times: A Practical Workshop for Ministry

Ministry is hard—and full of questions without easy answers. On May 22, join the Rev. Dr. Michael Binder for Faithful Adaptation: Leading Change with Hope, an online workshop that offers tools to move beyond shallow fixes and into deeper, Spirit-led transformation. This 90-minute session is free with a Faith+Lead membership. Learn more and register here: https://lab.faithlead.org/event/faithful-adaptation-leading-change-with-hope/

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Now Hiring: ELCA Rostered Leader Called to Serve as Rector of PLTS

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is hiring a new Rector to lead its Berkeley-based seminary community. ELCA rostered ministers with at least seven years of leadership experience are encouraged to apply by April 24, 2025, for this full-time role beginning June 1. The Rector will guide theological education and public witness in the ELCA, steward seminary partnerships, and serve as a key representative of PLTS and California Lutheran University. Apply now.

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Calling All Rostered Ministers: Annual Reports Still Welcome

107 rostered ministers have already submitted their annual Report to the Bishop—thank you! If you haven’t submitted yours yet, there’s still time. Bishop Hutterer personally reads and responds to each report, offering a chance to share your journey, joys, and challenges in ministry. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report to get started.

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New Medical Services at LSSN: Free Care Every Wednesday

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) is now offering free weekly medical care—including doctor consultations, prescriptions, and lab work—every Wednesday for all clients, regardless of insurance. March brought record-breaking achievements in meals served and families supported. Plus, mark your calendar for the Spring Easter Fest on April 18and check out this week’s featured recipes.

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Experience Christ’s Journey: Stations of the Cross at Mountain View Lutheran on Good Friday

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to a self-guided Good Friday experience, “The Way of the Cross,” on April 18 from 7 am to 6 pm. Seven prayer stations with artwork, Scripture, and meditation will guide participants through Christ’s journey to the cross and connect His suffering to the realities of our world today. All are welcome. View a PDF flyer here.

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