Rick Steves, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Seattle, has shared a beautiful 2-minute video of the Christmas story from Luke, illustrated with stunning European art. Offered as a free gift to the ELCA, the video can be used in worship services, concerts, or celebrations with no need for attribution. Watch the video on YouTube here or download it here and enrich your community’s celebration of this holy season.
Read MoreJoin beloved 1960s TV icons Davey and Goliath for their 1965 Christmas special. Davey learns the real meaning of Christmas when he gives his part in a Christmas play to another boy.
Read MoreView the message on YouTube here or download the video here We invite you to pause with us during this holy season to celebrate the miracle of Emmanuel: God with us. From all of us at the ELCA Foundation, thank you for your generosity and partnership. Merry Christmas.
Read MoreMartin Luther’s Christmas sermon challenges us to look at our own lives this season. While Bethlehem had “no room” for Christ, we are asked: Do we make room for our neighbors in need today? God entered the world in love, and Luther calls us to respond with that same love for those around us.
Read MoreThis Advent season, as we wait in hopeful anticipation for the gift of Christ’s birth, I find myself reflecting deeply on gifts and generosity. Not just the kind we wrap in paper and ribbons, but the kind we experience through the Spirit—the gifts of love, grace, and community that bind us together as one church, one body of Christ.
In the past months, I’ve been blessed to witness firsthand how the Holy Spirit moves through our shared ministry, both within our synod and across the globe. During recent visits to two of our companion churches—the Lutheran Church of Senegal (LCS) and Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM)—I saw acts of generosity that have left me humbled and inspired.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed December 24-26, and the staff will be enjoying Christmas with friends and family. We share photos from our visit to Faith/La Fe and the pastoral role changes of Rev. Veronica Alvarez and Rev. Jonathan Linman.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Bjorn Pedersen, who celebrates 37 years on December 20.
Rev. Rodney Hutton, who celebrates 47 years on December 26.
The 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly will be held June 12-13, 2025, at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, NV. To ensure equitable participation across our vast synod, the assembly location rotates between Tucson, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. This year, costs are minimized by avoiding Friday hotel stays and hosting the event in a church instead of a hotel. Congregations are encouraged to elect voting members at their annual meetings, including one youth or young adult and one person of color or whose primary language is not English, to reflect the diversity of God’s people.
Read MoreTucson’s ELCA congregations celebrated the first Sunday in Advent with a joyful combined choir concert at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Over 350 people gathered to enjoy music from eight congregations and hear about Lutheran Campus Ministry’s upcoming mission trip to Guatemala. A freewill offering raised $2,950 to support the mission. Highlights included a stirring combined choir finale of “O Holy Night” and fellowship over cookies.
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 MoreHave news, events, or opportunities to share? The Grand Canyon Synod invites all congregations to submit their stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities. Keep our community informed and connected by contributing to our news blog, events calendar, and weekly email newsletter. Share your updates today at gcsynod.org/share.
Read MoreLooking to make a difference and save on taxes before 2024 ends? Discover smart ways to give that benefit both you and the ELCA ministries you care about. From simple cash donations to leveraging appreciated securities, gift annuities, and IRA contributions, these giving options can maximize your impact. Contact Lisa Marie Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to explore how you can contribute meaningfully this holiday season.
Read MoreJoin Bishop Deborah Hutterer and the Grand Canyon Synod from October 15–26, 2025, for a pilgrimage through Greece and the Greek Islands, retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Visit historic biblical sites, renew your baptism at Lydia’s river, and embark on a 4-day cruise to the island of Patmos where the Book of Revelation was written. With limited space available, register today to secure your spot! For full details and registration, visit Elias Tours.
Read MoreYoung adults across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join the upcoming Winter Retreat at Camp ALOMA in Prescott, January 17-20. Enjoy faith-based learning, fellowship, and fun activities like Laser Tag, s’mores around the fire, and hiking. Connect with other young adults in a beautiful outdoor setting and grow in your faith. Spaces are limited—register today!
Read MoreWondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? With ELCA Good Gifts, choose from over 60 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones this Christmas! New gifts include safe birth, a climate resilience kit and supporting a Young Adults in Global Mission volunteer for a month. Give online and you can personalize free, printed cards to be sent directly to your loved ones. Find several special-edition Christmas cards for select gifts now. Browse gifts.
Read MoreAs 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreJoin the “Living into a New Story” retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, January 23–26, 2025, to explore the intersection of Christian theology, Earth-based wisdom, and the natural sciences. Led by Pastor Ron Rude and Sharon Reinbott, this retreat offers a unique blend of worship, reflection, and learning in the serene surroundings of Carefree, Arizona. Register now to secure your spot and discover a reimagined Christian faith grounded in science and nature.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed from December 24 to December 26, 2024, in celebration of Christmas. advent
We pray your Christmas is filled with the joy and peace of Christ’s birth.
Read MoreKick off 2025 with Camp ALOMA’s New Year’s Retreat! Jr High and High School students are invited to Prescott from December 29 to January 1 for a faith-filled retreat featuring devotions, worship, campfires, and more. Registration is $110 per camper, with optional transportation. Spots are limited—register today!
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