Join SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and (NEW DATE) December 3 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at ThanksLiving Music Fest, beginning November 27 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Enjoy live music, meals, and fellowship while supporting its ministry of renewal and healing. Choose an on-site stay or individual concert-and-meal tickets. Explore options and register.

Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.

Facing a ministry crossroads? Reflective Leadership Grants offer up to $20,000 to support structured reflection for established lay and clergy leaders serving eligible Christian organizations. Apply by December 7, 2026; applicant Q&A sessions are October 21 and November 18. Explore eligibility and application details.

Build 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.

Veterans are invited to a free Healing of Memories retreat November 20–22 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, from Friday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 2 p.m. The weekend offers reflection, compassionate listening, and support. Space is limited: contact Mike Wold at 651-687-9767 or michael_w_wold@msn.com. Please share with veterans in your congregation and community.

Enjoy a Senegal-style dinner and drum circle with Pape Diouf and Dr. Sonja Branch at Holy Trinity in Chandler on November 21. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a freewill offering; drumming begins at 7 p.m. Beginners, experienced drummers, and children are welcome—$10 to play with an RSVP, free to listen. Learn more and RSVP.

Celebrate the beginning of Advent with Lord of Life Lutheran Church’s Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along on Sunday, November 29, at 3 p.m. in Sun City West. Join the choirs and orchestra for beloved selections from Messiah, including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Sing along or simply enjoy the music! Wednesday rehearsals are open to all, and a freewill offering will support the event.

Join 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.

Celebrate being beloved children of God at “We Are Worthy,” November 14, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., at Love of Christ Lutheran’s Compassion Center in Mesa. Enjoy Bible study, music, a keynote, painting, and worship with Communion. All women are welcome. Complimentary registration is available for synod rostered women, with scholarships for lay women of color. Register and bring a friend.

The Grand Canyon Synod welcomes Keila and Kelian Reyes from Guadalajara, Mexico, December 7–15, 2026, strengthening our partnership with the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana. Congregations, especially in the Phoenix area, are invited to host or include these young Lutheran visitors in upcoming events. Contact Pastor Shari Bernau at pastorshari@lwlcaz.org.

• Netherlands: Sharing stories of hope in our churches

• Challenged to engage with responsible theology in a wounded world

• Building networks to promote dialogue and prevent gender-based violence

• ‘Together in hope’ to serve others and share peace

• An invitation to be part of Wittenberg’s Reformation history museum

• Everyone must play a part to halt biodiversity loss

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary offers two six-week online courses in Spring 2027: My Church History Storybeginning in January and Womanism and Social Justice beginning in March. Open to lay leaders, rostered ministers, and anyone interested in faith and racial justice, courses cost $250 each, with discounts and scholarships available. Registration deadlines are January 1 and March 1. Learn more and register through PLTS.

Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley invites all to a Blue Christmas service on Sunday, December 20, at 4:00 p.m. This quiet, meditative worship experience offers space for grief, remembrance, and reflection, reminding us that Christ meets us wherever we are—with comfort, acceptance, and hope. Learn more about the Blue Christmas service.

ELCA 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.