Celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Grand Canyon Synod January 17, 2027, at 3 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe. Singers can sign up now for the celebration choir, with rehearsals beginning January 7 and Gospel music coaching from LaRiche Lamar. Offerings will support four ministries of justice and neighbor-love. Learn more and sign up to sing.

Support Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU with tamales and football! Order red chile pork tamales by November 12 for $37.50 per dozen—only 50 orders are available—or reserve $25 tickets for the November 28 ASU–UofA watch party, including food and soft drinks. Tamale pickup and the party are at University Lutheran Church in Tempe; times will be announced. Read more for ordering instructions and select the correct LCM fund when paying.

What hymn brings you comfort, recalls someone you love, or inspires you to serve? As Reformation Day approaches, Living Lutheran shares readers’ reflections on beloved hymns and the ways singing together nurtures faith, expresses God’s grace, and connects generations. Read their stories and reflect on your own favorite hymn.

Save the date! The 2027 Bishop’s Fall Gathering is October 18–20 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, with First Call gathering continuing October 21. Set aside time for worship, learning and connection with synod colleagues. Registration and program details will follow.

For the Common Good: Prayers and Resources for Congregations in Public Life offers Lutheran theological grounding, worship materials and practical ideas for faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement during the fall 2026 election season.

Pastors, deacons, worship planners, councils and advocacy teams are invited to download the resource and adapt its hymns, intercessions, prayer services and other tools for communities across the Grand Canyon Synod. Help your congregation respond to anxiety and division with prayer, truthful discernment, humility and love of neighbor.

Nevada early voting ends October 30; Election Day is November 3. Explore LEAN’s October 23 newsletter for Nevada and Utah voter guides, explanations of local races, and resources connecting faith and civic life. Some reminders are dated—check current official guidance as you finalize your voting plan.

October 12–13 flooding displaced Rock Point residents on the Navajo Nation. Navajo Lutheran Mission/House of Prayer’s buildings are safe, and staff are providing food, water, clothing, and other support as families face a lengthy recovery. Pray for the community and give to support the Mission’s ongoing care.

What holds the church together amid deep disagreement? This 23-minute Learn and Discern episode explores the roots of differing convictions and our shared grounding in Christ’s Gospel, offering encouragement for honest conversation about the ELCA’s sexuality social statement.

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Verónica Alvarez, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 4 years on October 30.

• Rev. Brian Ward, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 16 years on October 31.

• Deacon Katherine Kline, who celebrates 6 years on October 31.

• Rev. Thaddeus Book, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 17 years on November 1.

• Deacon Anada Guse, who celebrates 36 years on November 4.

• Rev. Conrad Braaten, Spirit of Joy, Clarkdale, who celebrates 54 years on November 5.

As we remember the saints who shaped our lives, consider a gift that honors their influence. Explore ways to celebrate a loved one or mentor while supporting your congregation, the Grand Canyon Synod, or another cherished ELCA ministry.

Lilly Endowment’s Serving Neighbors initiative offers planning grants up to $50,000 and, by invitation, implementation grants up to $5 million to strengthen congregation–community partnerships. Concept papers are due January 19, 2027, with virtual information sessions November 2 and 3. Eligible organizations supporting groups of congregations may apply; individual congregations seeking funds for their own programs are not eligible. Explore the opportunity and registration details.

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.

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.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Nevada early voting and Navajo Nation in-person absentee voting end October 30. Arizona voters should use an official ballot drop-off location after October 27; Arizona and Utah ballots must arrive by their Election Day deadlines. Read our final nonpartisan guide, confirm your voting plan, and make your voice heard.