After 43 days of shutdown, the federal government resumed operations on Nov. 13, 2025, which funds most federal agencies through Jan. 30, 2026. A message was sent to U.S. House and Senate representatives expressing gratitude for the reopening.

We need your help! Volunteer to be your district’s coordinator for Lutheran Day at the Legislature this year! Read what’s involved here.

LSS-SW staff and board members join in support of extending SNAP funding at a press conference on November 5, 2025. Read Arizona Republic article by Laura Gersony.

This OpEd by Dr. Kellie Sanders appeared in the Verde Independent on November 4, 2025. Dr. Sanders serves as church council president at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Clarkdale, Arizona.

From Arizona Faith Network: A government board is gathering input on a new proposal that would suppress the vote, and they need to hear from you! This is a concrete action you can take, in just a couple of minutes, to help protect voting rights.

This Guest Commentary by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in Arizona Capitol Times on September 12, 2025. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

This OpEd by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on August 24, 2025. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

The ELCA Churchwide Assembly has voted to adopt the amended social statement on faith and civic life, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, titled "Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All".

See images from the AMMPARO Candlelight Prayer Vigil on Wednesday, July 30 at Peace Park as part of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix.

From Arizona Agenda: Which state lawmaker had the most bills signed into law last year? Who was the top bill-slinging Democrat? Who had the most vetoes?

Share your views with your local paper! This OpEd by Rev. Chris Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on June 22, 2025 in advance of the H.R. 1 “Big, Beautiful Bill” vote.

This OpEd by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on June 1, 2025. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

LAMA’s Ministry Report for 2025 Synod Assembly. Read highlights of an exceptional year of advocacy and engagement in Arizona and in the Grand Canyon Synod.

Read the update on HB2191, the ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ (YIGBY) bill that LAMA and partners advocated for this session.

Church World Service — As a Covenant Member of CWS the ELCA was part of drafting and signing The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge. Read the final version of the Declaration and sign on.

The Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chandler, testified before the Arizona House Appropriations Committee on Monday, February 24, 2025 in support of HB2191, the “Yes In God’s Back Yard” (YIGBY) bill on behalf of LAMA and Valley Interfaith Project (VIP).

Join advocates for the annual lobby day at the Arizona Capitol. Meet with your legislators, hear from great speakers, and connect with others who are doing advocacy work both inside and outside the Arizona Legislature. RSVP today!

The Grand Canyon Synod is all about advocacy in February! Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) also holds a day of advocacy on Monday, February 10. Tell your friends in Nevada!