A substantive reconsideration of the 1990 “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment” social message is underway. Churchwide input is encouraged. The feedback period is open until November 30, 2026. Please comment!

ELCA Sumud’s latest Stolen Stories video, “Daily Life 2005–2023,” centers Palestinian Christian voices and lived experiences in Palestine and Israel. Watch this fourth episode in the five-part series and explore what faithful accompaniment and steadfast hope can mean for the church. Watch Episode 4.

The Grand Canyon Synod is launching a series highlighting the ELCA Church Property Resource Hub. Begin with a no-cost Zoom webinar, “Land Back as Property Stewardship Ethic,” on Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m. Central Time. Indigenous leaders and ELCA partners will explore land return, the Doctrine of Discovery, and faithful property stewardship. Register today.

LEADconnects offers fall opportunities for congregations and leaders to practice holy listening, strengthen communications, discern strategic direction, and find peer support. The LEAD Exchange begins in October, with registration due September 30; a strategic-planning information meeting is September 23. Explore LEAD’s fall offerings.

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 66 years on September 11.

• Rev. Jill Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 28 years on September 13.

• Rev. David Brandfass, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 31 years on September 13.

• Rev. Daniel Volkmann, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on September 13.

• Rev. Kylee Bestenlehner, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 1 years on September 13.

• Rev. Carl Mangold, who celebrates 51 years on September 14.

• Rev. Craig Geiger, who celebrates 54 years on September 17.

Rev. Jenn Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719).

Please check the calendar listing or lutherantucson.org for this event for up-to-date info and details.

Rev. Jose Valenzuela, called to serve University Lutheran and ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 9/20/2026, during 10 am worship at University Lutheran Church (340 E. 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281).

Bishop Hutterer will preside through Communion. Reception will be an Einstein Bagels bar with coffee and orange juice. No RSVPs are necessary, color of the day is rainbow. Live-stream and post-video link will be on the front page ulctempe.org.

Lay and rostered leaders are invited to Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation, three interactive Zoom workshops with ELCA pastor and Womanist theologian Rev. Sharei Green on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. Arizona/Pacific Time. Explore Community, Gospel, and Kin-dom while strengthening practices of listening and proclamation. Attend one session or all three.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona has released its 2026 Voter Guide, providing nonpartisan, faith-based analysis of all eight statewide propositions on Arizona’s fall ballot. LAMA recommends voting no on four measures and takes no position on four others, explaining each conclusion through ELCA social teaching and concern for human dignity, vulnerable neighbors, and the common good.

Arizona voters and congregations are encouraged to download, read, and share the guide—and to vote all the way to the end of the ballot.

Eligible Grand Canyon Synod congregations and ministries may apply for up to $15,000 through the 2027 Synod Grants Program. Approximately $175,000 is available for projects advancing the synod’s strategic-plan goals, with preference given to innovative and collaborative proposals.

Completed applications and all required financial documents must be submitted electronically by midnight Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Are you discerning intentional interim ministry—or looking for stronger skills to lead a congregation through change? The Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association’s Basic Education in Transitions begins online October 1, followed by an April 2027 residential week in San Antonio.

The training equips pastors and ministry leaders to navigate congregational dynamics, conflict, grief and adaptive change while discerning the future God is inviting communities to discover. Registration is now open.

Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman discovered that several mailed contribution checks had been stolen and fraudulently cashed after members reviewed midyear giving statements. Police, postal authorities, and bank fraud departments are involved.

Grace’s experience reminds us that churches can be targets of check theft and other fraud. Congregations are encouraged to issue contribution statements during the year, reconcile records regularly, strengthen financial controls, and ask donors to report missing gifts promptly.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is collecting new towel sets for older adults and new, unwrapped toys, games, sporting equipment, arts and crafts, and gift cards for children across Arizona. Gifts must be received by 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2026.

Shop the online wish list, give financially, volunteer, or organize a collection drive with your congregation through LSS-SW’s Christmas Wishes campaign.

Where in the world is your congregation connected? The Grand Canyon Synod Global Engagement Team invites congregations and faith communities to complete a brief 3–5 minute survey about their international ministries and outreach—and learn more about our companion church relationships in Senegal and Mexico. Please respond by September 30.