The 119th U.S. Congress includes several legislators with Lutheran affiliation, reflecting the ELCA’s belief in public service as a worthy calling. Learn who’s representing our faith on Capitol Hill and join us in prayer for their work in service to the common good.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop Staff strides into 2025 with synod assembly planning and reaching out to leaders and congregations across the synod.
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. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 1/28/2025, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreJoin the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for Living Our Faith, a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. MST. Discover how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions navigate mourning rituals and customs, with insights from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Pastor Judith Rainforth, and Imam Shahir Safi. Register now at www.isb-az.org/trifaith to participate in this inspiring evening of interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Read MoreThis month’s ELCA Worship newsletter highlights new Arabic-language worship resources, updated guidance on navigating musical decisions amid abuse allegations, and the availability of the NRSVue Bible on SundaysandSeasons.com. Register now for the 2025 Institute of Liturgical Studies conference to explore how the church engages with occasional practitioners. Plus, discover essential Lent music resources and the latest Living Lutheran hymn feature. Discover more on the ELCA Worship blog.
Read MoreJanuary’s email newsletter from ELCA Advocacy includes critical legislative developments, action alerts for PEPFAR and UNRWA funding, and events like the COP29 webinar (Feb. 5). Learn how to advocate for peace, justice, and creation care this year. Read more here.
Read MoreHow can we harness our individual gifts to create lasting change in our communities? Drawing on their experiences as an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, Sagi Rudnick reflects on the intersection of self, community, and liberation, inspired by the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Their journey offers a powerful reminder that “two are better than one,” and that together, we can build a stronger, more equitable world. Read more on the ELCA blog.
Read MoreThis month’s ELCA Advocacy update highlights urgent issues, including the impact of federal budget delays on housing programs, historic climate finance commitments from COP29, and efforts to block arms sales fueling conflict in Sudan. Learn how Lutheran values are shaping advocacy and how you can act for justice. Read the full update: ELCA Advocacy Blog.
Read MoreAs trends and traditions from the past reemerge in today’s world, this week’s Gospel reading from Luke 4 reminds us of the eternal renewal found in Jesus. Unlike fleeting trends, Christ’s fulfillment of ancient promises brings lasting transformation, making all things new. Where do we place our ultimate allegiance?
Read MoreFor areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and political conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan, Colombia…
For ceasefire in Gaza and for release of prisoners and hostages…
For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…
For victims of a ski resort fire in Turkey…
For those celebrating marriage equality in Thailand…
For blizzard warnings along the Gulf Coast of the United States…
For recovery and rebuilding efforts following wildfires in California…
For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants…
For all who face prejudice, hatred, and violence due to race, ethnicity, religion, class, or gender identity and sexual orientation…
Have exciting news or upcoming events? Share them with the Grand Canyon Synod! Congregations across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation are encouraged to submit stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities to foster connection and inspiration. Visit gcsynod.org/share to submit your updates today and help us celebrate the work of God through our community of faith.
Read MoreJoin us February 26, 2025, at the Fountain Hills Community Center for a family-friendly food packing event hosted by New Journey Lutheran. From 5:30–7:30 PM, volunteers will pack thousands of meals for those in need locally and globally. Registration is required—sign up today at njlc-fh.org/food-4-kidz. View a PDF flyer here. Be the church in action!
Read MoreThe success of Building a Caring Community’s (BCC) annual Disability Festival Celebration this past year was even sweeter with the addition of a guest from the President of Tanzania’s office. While BCC invites a wide range of government officials hoping to gain attention and support for the work they do, this visit was a special honor for all involved. The post Pride in Earning an Income in Tanzania appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreRostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
Read MoreStarting January 1, 2025, the IRS standard mileage rate for business travel increases to 70 cents per mile, up 3 cents from 2024. Churches should adjust their reimbursement processes accordingly. Rates for charitable use remain at 14 cents per mile. Learn more about the updates and their implications in this post.
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 ELCA invites your feedback on proposed updates to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. These small editorial changes reflect shifts in marriage laws and family diversity while maintaining the statement’s theological core. Review the edits and share your thoughts by January 31, 2025 via an online survey or email. Resources are available at www.elca.org/reconsiderations in English, Spanish, and large print. Together, we can shape this important work of the church.
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 MoreOn Martin Luther King Day, faith leaders from Nevada, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, called on political leaders to support humane immigration reform. Their published letters emphasize justice, compassion, and dignity for immigrants. Read the full messages and learn how you can support their advocacy efforts.
En el Día de Martin Luther King, líderes religiosos de Nevada, incluida la Obispa Deborah Hutterer, llamaron a los líderes políticos a apoyar una reforma migratoria humana. Sus cartas publicadas destacan la justicia, la compasión y la dignidad para los inmigrantes. Lea los mensajes completos y descubra cómo apoyar sus esfuerzos de abogacía.
Read MoreAs people of faith, we are called to courageously address the challenges of our time—from the climate crisis to the rise of authoritarianism. Rev. Dr. Jim Antal invites congregations to embrace their unique vocation as centers of hope and action. In this article from Blessed Tomorrow, learn how your church can integrate testimonies, education, and advocacy into its ministry to transform grief into hope and hope into collective action.
Read More
