Celebrating 50 years of ELCA World Hunger, this milestone highlights the ministry’s global and local impact in fighting hunger and poverty through sustainable solutions, advocacy, and partnerships. Discover inspiring stories and learn how you can join in this life-changing mission in this year-end Living Lutheran article.
Read MoreRediscover the courage to dream this Advent! Through childlike imagination and God’s promises, we are reminded that nothing is impossible. In her latest Living Lutheran article, join Kimberly Knowle-Zeller in reflecting on Advent practices, prayer, and bold hope for ourselves and the world.
Read MoreWe pray for the friends and family of Rev. Ronald Franklin Pechauer, who died December 4, 2024 in Apple Valley, MN. Pastor Pechauer had served at Shepherd of the Desert in Sun City, as well as many other churches. Obituary is available here.
Read MoreElizabeth Cote, a YAGM volunteer through the ELCA, shares her transformative experience in Senegal. From learning Wolof and adapting to rural life in Linguere to serving in a healthcare clinic and teaching English, Elizabeth reflects on living out her Lutheran faith through cross-cultural service. Discover her insights on Senegalese values like teranga (hospitality) and how they shape her mission. Read more about Elizabeth’s journey and how you can support her ministry in her first newsletter and second newsletter.
Read MoreOn November 26, Faith / Le Fe and Mount of Olives Lutheran united to serve 148 families through the “Faith In Action Together” Thanksgiving outreach. Families received food boxes and a hot lunch, thanks to the efforts of over 40 volunteers. Read more for photos and to celebrate the power of walking together in Christ.
Read MoreThe Inflation Reduction Act opens new opportunities for ELCA congregations to embrace clean energy with rebates of 30% on project costs. Partner with the Mission Investment Fund for financing and guidance to make your vision a reality. Join others in caring for creation while saving money and empowering ministry. Learn more about this faithful opportunity today!
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Abel Arroyo Traverso, who celebrates 6 years on December 14.
Deacon Katie Adelman, who celebrates 39 years on December 15.
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 40 years on December 16.
This year, Deacon Katie Kline has been a tremendous blessing to the Grand Canyon Synod as our Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Her collaborative leadership and passion for supporting healthy leaders have guided many congregations through critical times of change. Join us in celebrating Deacon Katie’s impactful work and thanking her for her faithful service!
Read MoreCalling 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 MoreExplore the power of language to transform our communities in an online two-session Spirited Book Club this January, featuring Marilyn McEntyre’s Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies. Delve into twelve strategies for stewarding truth and grace in an era of dishonesty.
Facilitated by Sheri Brown, discussions will focus on the book’s call to nurture words as we nurture one another. Sessions are January 9 and 23 at 3:00 PM AZ/MST. Learn more and register at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website.
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.
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