The Northeast Valley Consortium – a collaboration among Ascension, Christ the Lord, Living Water, New Covenant, and New Journey Lutheran Churches, founded in 2020 – approved $2,000 to fund Grand Canyon Synod participation in the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering.

The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona Policy Council met Sunday-Monday, November 17-18 to listen, learn, laugh and discern LAMA’s Policy Priorities for 2025.

Guest blogger Paul Westermann of University Lutheran Church in Tempe writes about his experience as an elections clerk.

As I reflect on the election results in our nation and in our swing-states synod, I recognize that emotions across our communities are varied and deeply felt. For some, there is joy and hope; for others, uncertainty and worry. In this moment, we turn our gaze once again toward Jesus, our unchanging source of comfort and strength in uncertain times.

Guest blogger Christopher Jacobson shares about the Bread for the World-sponsored Offering of Letters at Faith/La Fe Lutheran Church in Phoenix.

As early voting begins in Arizona, and with early voting also beginning soon in Utah and Nevada, I want to reflect on the sacred responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith. Our participation in the democratic process is not only a privilege but a duty—one that reflects our commitment to justice, peace, and the flourishing of all people.

A few weeks ago, LAMA joined the rest of the Office of the Bishop staff and volunteered at the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop in Sun City. Read more about our visit and this impressive ministry on the synod website!

Lord of Life Lutheran Church is granting funds of at least $10,000 to nonprofits doing amazing work. Submit an application for your ministry by 9/9!

#GenZeroHunger raised $100K at the ELCA Youth Gathering! Join young people in our church in pledging to end world hunger while the dollar-for-dollar match continues.

Guest blogger Joanie Contreras of Santa Cruz Lutheran in Tucson shares today’s Community Spotlight on their partnership with Sahuarita Food Bank’s Project AZUL.

Hunger Fellow Autumn Byars visits the West Valley Community Food Pantry, housed at and run by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale. Read about this inspiring hunger ministry in the Grand Canyon Synod.

In a year of uncertainty in government and politics, in climate, war and the global economy, and perhaps in the ways we view church together, we highlight a few of the many reasons to be encouraged by our synod’s engagement in Lutheran advocacy.

Guest blogger Kris Bartanen, LAMA Liaison at New Journey Lutheran Church, Fountain Hills, shares how NJLC makes a difference by putting their faith into action and raising their voices in the public square.

Click to see who won the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge. And a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network.

One option in the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge is to donate to ELCA World Hunger to honor its 50 years in ministry and add to your synod’s Lenten contributions. Have you donated yet? Click here.

We want to feature stories of our churches working to end hunger and make a difference in their communities. Invite our Hunger Advocacy Fellow to join your next event, and get featured in the LAMA newsletter!

One option in the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge is to commit to doing one wellness activity every day for the 40 days of Lent. How’s it going? Need ideas? Click here.

All 5 Synods in Region 2 in a winner-take-all challenge to raise money for ELCA World Hunger! Pledge to participate in some spiritual and physical practices during the 40 days of Lent. The synod with the most participants wins!