Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Joshua Auchenbach, Tanque Verde, Tucson, who celebrates 19 years on July 9.
Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on July 9.
Rev. Daniel Hodgson, who celebrates 58 years on July 9.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place in Phoenix from July 28 to August 2. Bishop Hutterer invites our synod to pray, learn, and volunteer as we welcome nearly 1,000 people from across the ELCA. Read about what to expect, how to get involved, and why this moment matters for the life of the world.
Read MoreYour generosity during the 2025 Synod Assembly raised $3,365.80, now supporting wildfire recovery in Southern California and essential services in Las Vegas through Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Nevada. It’s not too late to give—join us in building up the body of Christ and making a lasting impact in our region and beyond.
Read MoreHelp the students of our companion synod in Fatick, Senegal, by donating $25 to provide a full set of schoolbooks. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team invites your support by August 20. Every gift equips a child for success. Contact Cheryl Jones at 480-620-8126 to learn more.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025 audited financial statements are now available. The audit affirms the synod’s strong financial position and faithful stewardship of funds. With over $7.1 million in net assets and $285,500 distributed to ministry partners, the report reflects our shared commitment to transparency, generosity, and mission. Read the full audit at gcsynod.org/financial-overview.
Read MoreJoin Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen and Rev. Dr. Helen Chukka of Wartburg Seminary for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1 in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, invites rostered ministers to explore how Christian community can respond faithfully to division and despair. Registration is open through September 5.
Read MoreThrough Thrivent Choice, you can contribute to organizations and causes you care about – and influence how Thrivent distributes some of its charitable funding.
Considering the Grand Canyon Synod for your Thrivent Choice Dollars? Visit the GCS page to give through Thrivent Choice.
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.
Read MoreJoin the Hymn Society for four powerful and free livestreamed hymn festivals from July 13–16. Each evening at 4:30 p.m. Arizona time, experience the joy and healing of communal song as leaders explore themes of faith, proclamation, and peace. Watch live on YouTube and share widely with your congregation!
Read MoreJoin Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for their final free summer jazz concerts—July 13 with Beth Lederman & Dennis Rowland. Held at 5:30 PM, these Music for Food events support the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Come for the music, stay for the mission.
Read MoreNow accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Arlyn Norris, who celebrates 50 years on July 6.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Bernice Johnson, who celebrates 66 years on July 5.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Shannon Kiser explore how churches can grow vibrant fresh expressions to reach changing neighborhoods.
Read MoreThis month’s Faith Freedom Dispatch from BJC offers urgent updates on a national school voucher proposal buried in the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” major Supreme Court rulings on religious liberty, and grassroots faith responses in Texas. Learn how pastors are organizing against ICE activity at schools, courts are defending student rights, and advocates are standing up against Christian nationalism. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreNow in its sixth year, the annual One Mosaic Day celebration acknowledges the anniversary of Mosaic (July 1, 2003) and the common mission shared across the network: Mosaic is called to love and serve. The post One Mosaic Day Celebrates Unified Mission appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThanks to your advocacy, Arizona’s new budget includes $3.8 million for reduced-price school meals and $2 million for Double Up Food Bucks—key programs to fight food insecurity. These one-time wins came after strong bipartisan support and faithful engagement by hunger advocates like you. Learn more and celebrate the good news—click here.
Read MoreStay connected with Arizona Faith Network this July! From interfaith meditations and voter advocacy to Bags of Hope packing events and heat relief support, AFN offers many ways to engage your faith in action. Explore gatherings, trainings, and service opportunities across the state—and invite others to get involved. Read the full update and sign up for the AFN newsletter.
Read MoreJoin Bishop Hutterer and special guests from Wartburg Theological Seminary for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Under the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, rostered ministers will explore faithful community amid division with Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka. Registration is open through September 5. Scholarships available.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop observes Independence Day and prepares for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
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