Two Grand Canyon Synod congregations are featured in Living Lutheran’s fall Churchscan! Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale collected books for families across the Phoenix area, while Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix partnered with First United Church of Christ to provide summer heat relief, water, and hospitality to vulnerable neighbors. Their ministries join inspiring stories of service from ELCA congregations nationwide. Read the full Churchscan feature in Living Lutheran
Read MoreA new free ELCA resource, Reproductive Loss: Seeking Peace in Faith Practices, offers compassionate support for those experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, infertility, and other forms of reproductive grief. Through guided reflection and journaling, the resource helps individuals, loved ones, and faith leaders navigate loss while finding space for God's grace and presence. Read the full story in Living Lutheran
Read MoreELCA Worship’s November roundup features resources and events for congregational worship leaders and musicians, including Lutheran Summer Music’s Advent calendar (Nov. 29–Dec. 24), upcoming webinars, and 2027 conferences on liturgy and church music. Explore registration deadlines, scholarships, and opportunities to strengthen worship ministry. Read the full ELCA Worship roundup.
Read MoreIn this week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection for November 15, Pastor Lindsay Batesmith explores Matthew 25:14–30 and Jesus’ parable of the talents. How can we move beyond fear and use our God-given gifts to serve others? Discover a message of faithful stewardship, courage, and grace, along with discussion questions and activities for group reflection.
Read MoreBuild practical ministry skills and make space for renewal at Executive Skills for Church Leaders, January 3–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Open to pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, the retreat explores grace-centered leadership, finances, staff support, and the Enneagram. Residential and commuter options are available; programming begins January 4. Learn more and register.
Read MoreJoin the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin and Pastor Ron Glusenkamp for Filled with Good Things, a four-session online Advent series exploring faith, hunger, belonging, advocacy, and community action. Sessions meet November 18 and December 2, 9, and 16, from 8–9 a.m. Arizona time / 7–8 a.m. Nevada Pacific time. All are invited to reflect, connect, and put faith into action. Learn more and register.
Read MoreELCA Worship highlights new resources from Augsburg Fortress to enrich congregational life, including Hold My Hope, a collection of participatory songs; a digital edition of Luther’s Small Catechism; Kids Celebrate worship activity booklets; and Speaking on Anger, a resource for thoughtful, prophetic preaching. Explore these tools for worship planning, faith formation, and ministry. Read the full ELCA Worship article.
Read MoreFor all those affected by war and armed conflict around the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For elections, political transitions, and for all who hold political office…
For the families of those killed in the Florida Learjet crash…
For ongoing protests and demonstrations in Germany, France, and other places around the world…
For energy infrastructure concerns in Sudan…
For political stability in Poland…
For support for all facing mental health challenges, and especially postpartum depression and anxiety…
For those impacted by flooding in Florida and California…
In this week’s Faith Lens, Pastor Lindsay Batesmith explores Amos 5:18–24 and Matthew 25:1–13, reflecting on God’s judgment, justice, and faithful living in the aftermath of an election. The November 8 study offers youth leaders discussion questions and activities that connect God’s promises with our calling to work for justice in the world. Read the full Faith Lens reflection and study →
Read MoreLutheran Men in Mission's Autumn 2026 Ambassador-Gram features the November 14 Bold Gathering in Colorado, a new discipleship course beginning February 2027, weekly Bible and book studies, and men's ministry resources. Read the full newsletter for registration details, volunteer opportunities, and ways to grow in faith and fellowship.
Read MoreELCA World Hunger's 2026 Advent devotional, Filled With Good Things, invites congregations and families to explore Scripture, generosity, advocacy, and caring for neighbors. Featuring weekly reflections, children's activities, and the hands-on "Stocking the Streets" project, this resource helps put faith into action throughout Advent, beginning November 29. Download the free devotional | Order printed copies
Read MoreThe ELCA's The Joy of Generosity offers congregations a customizable four-week stewardship program focused on joyful giving, community, and God's work together. Explore ready-to-use sermon resources, worship materials, commitment cards, and planning tools to inspire generosity and strengthen congregational ministry. Download the program guide | Get customizable materials
Read MoreNewly installed Metropolitan Chicago Synod Bishop Erik Christensen shares his vision for a church rooted in authentic relationships, mutual support, and meaningful community. Reflecting on his journey from exclusion as an LGBTQIA+ pastor to serving as bishop, Christensen explores how listening, reconciliation, and reaching beyond church walls can help congregations embody the gospel of God's love and liberation. Read the full interview in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreOur Learn and Discern series concludes with a 27-minute conversation about empathy, faithful dialogue, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Listen, then consider using the ELCA’s Conscience and Conversation study to continue thoughtful discussion in your congregation or small group.
Read MoreWhat do charitable giving trends mean for your ministry? Join the ELCA Foundation’s November 11 webinar, 11 a.m.–noon Arizona/Utah time or 10–11 a.m. Nevada time, for insights from Giving USA 2026 and practical fundraising guidance. Pastors, stewardship teams, and ministry leaders are encouraged to register.
Read MoreOnly 15 spaces remain for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, Jan. 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, with arrival Jan. 3. New faculty member the Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown joins sessions on reconciliation, finances, human resources and leadership, alongside time for rest and connection. Grand Canyon Synod leaders qualify for a $200 Region 2 discount. Learn more and register.
Read MoreHow can our concern for creation become shared action at church? Lutherans Restoring Creation’s 2026 strategic plan identifies three priorities: strengthening relationships, equipping congregations for action and holding the church accountable to its commitments. Rooted in our call to love our neighbors and care for God’s creation, the plan invites us to consider our part. Read the plan and imagine your congregation’s next step.
Read MoreOur October 2026 Mission Support Memo explores the story of Living Stones Prison Ministry in our Southwestern Washington Synod. A ministry where every Thursday as they gather for planning, band practice and worship, all are reminded to “have grace with one another,” to know we are the kingdom of God, no matter where we are.
Make sure to find out more about the new free stewardship webinar coming November 16th “Making a Helpful Ask for Sustainability”.
Read MoreGrounded in our Lutheran call to love and serve our neighbors, the ELCA’s Oct. 28 advocacy update covers SNAP funding changes, proposed census restrictions, energy permitting reform, threats to global health funding and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Public comments on the census proposal are due Nov. 2, 2026. Explore the church’s perspectives and next steps: Read the ELCA advocacy update.
Read MorePreparing youth for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? Watch the recorded morning worship webinar with your adult leadership team, then begin a conversation with youth about worshiping together. Find the video and links to upcoming Gathering webinars on our blog.
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