This whole week we hope you feel called to especially recognize God’s glorious gift of Creation. We have many resources to help & hope that you share your stories of celebration & awe. Today we offer this visual treat and eye-wetting reading of Psalm 104. bit.ly/LRCpsalm104

Thanks to @christynk for your voice and true care for all around you. #EarthDay

The Racial Justice Advocacy Network Thursday Connections continues with an Advocacy How-To featuring Antoine Cummins of @ELCA Advocacy. Join us @ 7pm central on Thursday April 23rd to learn strategy, tips and best practices for using your voice to make a difference. Share your experiences, ask questions and be empowered for the work ahead. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/register/g42sqZbHQo-boXNew15_1Q

As we gather for the 2026 Synod Assembly under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story,” we are invited not only to reflect on God’s work—but to participate in it.

• Thursday, June 11 | 2:00–5:00 pm
• (Additional time available Friday during Assembly if needed)

This year’s Assembly service project brings us together in hands-on service for two vital community partners: The West Valley Community Food Pantry and First Place Community Center Food Bank. Together, we will pack 800 pounds of rice and 800 pounds of beans, providing essential food for families across our communities.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Assembly participants will take part in simple, meaningful work:

• Opening produce bags
• Filling them with rice or beans
• Tying and preparing them for distribution

This is work that anyone can do—and when we do it together, it becomes a powerful expression of shared ministry.

WHY IT MATTERS

Rice and beans are staple foods that go a long way in supporting families facing food insecurity. Through this project, our collective effort will extend far beyond the Assembly, reaching neighbors throughout our synod and beyond.

At the close of the Assembly, these gifts will be blessed during worship, grounding our service in prayer and sending it forward as part of God’s ongoing story of provision and care.

MULTIPLY THE IMPACT

You can extend this ministry even further through a financial gift:

• $5 provides rice and beans for 5 families

WAYS TO GIVE

Online (Tithe.ly):

• Give at: tithe.ly/give?c=703652
• Select “Synod Assembly Service Project”

Zelle (no fees):

• Use: 602-957-3223
• Memo: Synod Assembly Service Project

By Check:

• Payable to: Grand Canyon Synod
• Memo: 2026 Synod Assembly Service Project
• Mail to: Grand Canyon Synod, 1819 E. Morten Ave., Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85020

In Luther’s explanation of the Lord’s Prayer, we pray for “daily bread”—not just for ourselves, but for our neighbors. This Assembly, we have the opportunity to be part of God’s answer to that prayer.

Come ready to serve, give generously, and help us share daily bread in tangible ways.

Inspired by a refugee family her own family hosted when she was just 11, Vicki Schmidt has dedicated decades to supporting those seeking safety. Watch her journey and discover how answering the call of welcome brings hope to refugees and immigrants, and meaning to those who choose to walk alongside them. Learn more in this video from Global Refuge.

During Nevada’s legislative interim, committees meet to listen, learn, and begin shaping the future of policy in our state. These meetings take place primarily in Las Vegas and Carson City, bringing together lawmakers, advocates, experts, and community members.

This week, Pastor Paul will be listening in on several key interim bodies, including the Regional Rail Transit Advisory Working Group, the Interim Standing Committee on the Judiciary, the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Commerce and Labor, and the Interim Finance Committee.

Unlike the legislative session, interim committees do not vote on specific bills. Instead, they hear testimony on pressing issues facing Nevadans. That testimony—along with research and expert input, helps shape interim reports, typically released in the fall. These reports often become the foundation for legislation in the next session.

For example, last week Pastor Paul attended the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Commerce and Labor. This meeting is especially important as Nevada continues to grapple with a deepening housing crisis. Lawmakers heared recommendations from partners like the Nevada Housing Coalition and the Nevada Housing Justice Alliance, as well as research from the Guinn Center and University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Why the Interim Matters

The interim is one of the most important, and often overlooked, opportunities for advocacy.

• For returning legislators, it’s a chance to reflect on past sessions and begin shaping what comes next.
• For candidates, it’s a critical time to learn about the issues before they take office—and to build relationships with advocates.
• For outgoing legislators, it’s a valuable moment to gather insight while their experience is still fresh.

In other words: this is where the groundwork is laid.

How LEAN is Engaging

Over the coming weeks, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) will be tracking interim charges and hearings closely. We’ll highlight areas that need focused energy and identify opportunities for meaningful engagement.

If you come across an issue or interim charge that speaks to you, reach out:

• If we’re already working on it, we’ll plug you in.
• If we’re not, we’ll connect you with trusted partners who are.

This Is a Season of Possibility

This time of year can feel wide open, full of possibility, even in a challenging political climate. That’s true for those we agree with and those we don’t. Everyone is preparing. Everyone is organizing.

So should we.

Lean into this moment. Engage deeply. Build relationships. Share your story.

And let us know how we can support your work.