For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan…
For ceasefire in Gaza…
For victims, evacuees, and firefighters facing wildfires in California…
For victims, survivors, and rescue workers involved with the mine disaster in South Africa…
For immigrants and all who travel for stability, opportunity, and safety…
For peaceful political transitions in the United States and around the world…
For the continued work of antiracism…
As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, we are reminded of our call to step in during times of need, just as Jesus did at the wedding in Cana. Whether through prayer, financial support for Lutheran Disaster Response, or opening our homes to those displaced, our actions embody God’s abundant love. In this week’s Faith Lens, explore how this week’s Gospel inspires us to act with grace and compassion in the face of crisis.
Read MoreHow healthy is your congregation? As you prepare for Annual Meetings and submit your reports to Churchwide, take time to reflect on your congregation’s vitality. The Grand Canyon Synod offers tools, including a 36-question survey, to help evaluate congregational health and guide future planning. Visit gcsynod.org/vitality to learn more, or contact Pr. David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org for support.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop Staff attends various congregations and meetings across the synod, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity @ King of Glory, Tempe, and in Las Vegas (Jan 19, 2025, 3-5pm) and the of Prayer for Christian Unity Service in Tucson, Jan 23, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Read MoreThis month’s Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation includes resources like the Kairos Moment study on January 21, opportunities to host the National Faith + Climate Forum, and upcoming events like an Ecumenical Prayer Circle for California fires. Visit the newsletter for full details and ways to get involved!
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Perlick and the people of Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luis Ochoa, Santa Trinidad, Chandler, Holy Trinity, Chandler, First Evangelical, Mesa, who celebrates 2 years on January 21.
Rev. Judi Tyler, Our Saviour’s, Phoenix, who celebrates 1 years on January 21.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Adam Barnhart and the people of Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, part of the High Country Conference.
Read MoreThe devastating fires in Los Angeles have deeply impacted the Southwest California Synod, including the loss of Bishop Brenda Bos’s home. Please join us in praying for all affected, the first responders, and the ministries offering relief.
For those who want to make donations, Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod, and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. Gifts to "U.S. Wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.
Read MoreJoin other leaders at the Festival of Homiletics, May 12-15, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, or online for this year’s theme: Preaching to Heal the Divide. Experience renewal, insightful teaching, and rich fellowship. Don’t miss Atlanta’s historic sites and a life-giving week of inspiration. Learn more and register at festivalofhomiletics.com.
Read MoreJoin ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.
Read MoreOn February 10, 2025, join Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada for a day of faith and action at the Nevada State Capitol. The event begins with worship at St. Paul’s in Carson City and moves to the Capitol for legislative advocacy rooted in Lutheran values of justice and compassion. Registration is required. Click here to learn more and sign up.
Read MoreThe School for Lay Ministry equips lay leaders with the tools and confidence to serve their congregations faithfully. With live instruction, self-paced learning, and innovative digital ministry training, the year-long program begins January 18, 2025. Scholarships are available. Learn more and register today at faithlead.org.
Read MoreCelebrate 75 years of ministry with American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson! Join the fiesta on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from noon to 3 PM at 115 N. Tucson Boulevard. The event features Parrita’s Mexican Food Truck, live flamenco music by Jon Banuelos, and family fun activities. Tickets are available until noon on January 19, 2025.
Read MoreThe ELCA has discontinued recommending hymns by David Haas and Cesáreo Gabaráin following allegations of misconduct. Rooted in theological commitments to love and justice, this survivor-centered approach prioritizes the well-being of those harmed by gender-based violence. Learn how these decisions impact worship and explore resources to support survivor-centered practices in your congregation in the latest ELCA Worship blog post.
Read MoreDeepen your faith and explore the intersection of theology, science, and creation at the “Living into a New Story” retreat from January 23–26, 2025, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Scholarships are now available, covering full costs for shared rooms or reducing single-room fees to $100 per person.
Led by Pastor Ron Rude and Sharon Reinbott, this retreat offers thought-provoking sessions on how Earth’s wisdom and scientific breakthroughs reshape Christian beliefs. Register now to secure your place for this transformative experience in faith and ecological wisdom.
Read MoreJoin us on January 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity! Hosted at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, this statewide ecumenical service will feature Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger and Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer. Gather with Christians of all traditions to reflect on John 11:26 and pray for unity. Learn more and help spread the word! Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources are available from the World Council of Churches here.
Read MoreDiscover four practical ways to support family caregivers and break barriers to caregiving ministry in this two-hour workshop hosted by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on January 23, 2025. This session offers 2.0 Nursing Contact Hours and equips participants with the tools to reconnect caregivers with their faith communities. Register here.
Read MoreEquip, encourage, and empower your congregation or ministry team with Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training, starting this January! Through nine interactive sessions, you’ll learn practical coaching techniques like powerful questioning and affirming language to help others grow in confidence and faith. Open to all who want to deepen their impact, this training also provides credit toward ICF credentials. Visit faithlead.org to learn more and register today.
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 More
