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. This year-end meeting will be combined with LAMA Liaison Roundtable, on Monday, December 16, 6:30 pm.
Read MorePastor John Maroni has been named the new Congregations in Transition Coordinator for the Grand Canyon Synod, beginning in 2025. Pastor John brings nearly two decades of pastoral experience and continues to serve as pastor at Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona. We thank Deacon Katie Kline for her dedicated service over the past year as Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Read more about Pastor John’s ministry and his role in supporting congregations in transition.
Read MoreTake a break from the season’s busyness to reflect on Advent’s hope and anticipation. Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to a candlelit Service of Advent Lessons & Carols on Wednesday, December 18th, at 7:00 p.m. Experience scripture, song, and the timeless beauty of this cherished tradition. All are welcome!
Read MoreJoin Mount of Olives in Phoenix for Wednesday Evening Jazz Vespers through Advent, featuring live jazz performances, contemplative worship, and fellowship. Free and open to all, each evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments following. Donations support the church’s Food Pantry, helping over 150 families weekly.
Read MoreJoin Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on Sunday, December 15, for a German-language Christmas service and carol sing-along! Starting at 4:10 pm, this special gathering will celebrate Advent with traditional German carols and worship, offering a beautiful experience of faith and community. For more details, visit weihnachtsgottesdienstphoenix.com.
Read MoreWhen the holiday season feels heavy, join the Blue Christmas Winter Solstice Worship Service on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, from 6-7 PM MST (5-6 PM PST). This virtual candlelight service, presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith, creates space to acknowledge pain, seek hope, and plead for God’s light amid the darkness. Register now to participate: Click here to register.
Read MoreAs Advent deepens, join us this Monday, December 16, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for the third session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on how God brings life from places we often consider dead and hopeless. Experience 30 minutes of meditation, prayer, and renewal as we wait in hope for Christ’s coming. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona is seeking district coordinators for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 10, 2025, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. Coordinators will play a critical role in organizing district efforts, securing legislative appointments, and leading conversations with representatives. Training and support are provided. Ready to make a difference? Learn more and register here or email director@lamaz.org.
Read MoreChrist Lutheran Church in Sedona has been awarded a 2024 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant! This exciting recognition highlights their commitment to creating a more inclusive church. Learn more about this and other grant recipients, discover featured resources, and find ways to get involved with disability ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod and beyond. Read more in the latest newsletter from ELCA Disability Ministries.
Read MoreIn a December 4 letter to President Biden, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton called for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. She condemned new Israeli laws restricting UNRWA’s operations and emphasized the catastrophic toll on Palestinian lives. Rooted in Lutheran theology, Bishop Eaton urged the U.S. to restore humanitarian aid and uphold human dignity.
Read MoreOne of the readings some churches use on Christmas day is the opening passage of the Gospel of John. One line stands out: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
The post Christmas is a Celebration of Hope appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, discover how Beer Church and Trail Church redefine spiritual community in everyday spaces with Bryan Wilkom of Jesus Fit.
In her Christmas message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls our attention to the word “joy” in the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds. “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11). Eaton reminds us that the message of Christmas is joy, not happiness. Happiness is transient and humanmade. But joy given by God is deep and strong and unshakable. Read the message in English or Spanish, and download a video file at bit.ly/3D9ULKc.
“Joy is a sign of the reign of God…Perhaps that is why in the middle of the night, to terrified shepherds, outside of a small town, God chose to send the angels to announce the birth of Jesus. No distraction. No interference. Just the simple, deep, profound gift of true and lasting joy.”
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod invites your congregation to submit its 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent by February 1, 2025. Your gifts empower local, national, and global ministries, equipping leaders, transforming lives, and advancing God’s mission. Visit gcsynod.org/intent for forms and details. Together, we live into God’s vision of abundance and equality.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop worships and preaches at ministries around the synod, and continues year-end projects.
We also share photos from Senegal and Mexico. The Grand Canyon Synod and the Lutheran Church of Senegal renewed and signed our covenant as global companions. Photos of Bishop Hutterer’s Senegal visit with President Latyr Diouf include worship at Bokotou village. In Mexico, to strengthen ties with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana and Pastor President Rev. Roberto Federico Trejo Haager, we share photos from Iglesia Bethel in Mazatlan and San Pablo in Tepic.
Read MoreFraudulent emails impersonating Bishop Hutterer have been reported. These messages often include fake file attachments or unusual requests. Learn how to protect yourself and stay vigilant against cyber threats by following best practices and verifying suspicious emails directly with the Office of the Bishop.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network on December 9 for a morning of inspiration with keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, calls us to confront injustice and foster reconciliation. Registration closes December 6.
Explore other opportunities this month, including an Interfaith New Year’s Celebration, a Blue Christmas service, and a powerful series with Rev. Dr. Gary Mason on peacemaking in divided times. Learn more and register for these transformative events at Arizona Faith Network Newsletter.
Read MoreFrom new Advent resources and the ELCA Good Gifts catalog to inspiring stories of affordable housing and 50 years of World Hunger ministry, this month’s updates invite us to embody Micah 6:8: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. Explore new tools for Advent, creative giving ideas, and stories of resilience in the latest Go and Do news from ELCA World Hunger.
Read MoreExplore the stories of Andrea Robideau, Me-li Jackson, and Gabriel Wounded Head as they share their journeys of faith and identity in a series of videos from the ELCA. These leaders highlight the importance of community, storytelling, and bridging their Indigenous heritage with their Christian faith.
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