Deacon Wendy Schulz will be installed at St. John's Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301), on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 5 pm. Pastor Ryan Hersch will be preaching and presiding, with a light meal will follow. No RSVP's needed. The service will be live streamed and have video afterward.

Preparing to vote in Nevada or Utah? LEAN’s 2026 voter guides explain proposed constitutional amendments, connect them with Lutheran social teaching, and encourage careful attention to ballot questions.

Download the Nevada Voter Guide (PDF): Covers proposed constitutional amendments concerning abortion rights and voter identification.

Download the Utah Voter Guide (PDF): Covers publication requirements for proposed constitutional amendments and a proposed 60% approval threshold for tax-related citizen initiatives.

Explore AFN’s October opportunities for voter education, creation care, and interfaith connection—including an October 14 ballot webinar, October 15 brunch in Chandler, and October 20 Annual Gathering. Read the full newsletter for details and registration.

LAMA’s October 6 update features ballot tracking, its bilingual voter guide, October 15 brunch in Chandler, and Daily Bread Grant applications due October 21. Read the full newsletter for these opportunities, advocacy alerts, and ways to connect faith with care for our neighbors.

Who might be waiting for an invitation? Reflecting on Matthew 22:1–14, ELCA’s Faith Lens explores God’s abundant grace and our calling to welcome others—especially those on the margins. Discover discussion questions and a simple activity to help turn welcome into friendship and belonging.

• For all those affected by war and armed conflict around the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…

• For the three-year anniversary of the attacks in Gaza…

• For elections and political transitions around the world…

• For lawmakers and courts of law…

• For all affected by the spread of disease…

• For safety amidst ongoing student protests in France…

• For flooding in Spain and all affected by natural disasters…

• For all in the path of Tropical Storm Isaias…

• For Nobel Prize recipients and all gifts of discovery, research, and curiosity…

Next week, the Office of the Bishop will gather for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14, while supporting the Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma, congregational visits, retreats, and First Call accompaniment. Staff will also advance ministry partnerships, generosity efforts, grants, communications, event planning, and financial administration.

The agenda is set for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 in Scottsdale! We look forward to reconnecting with registered ministry leaders for worship, renewal, and learning with the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos. Preview the schedule, including affinity groups, a film discussion, and closing worship.

Questions about sexuality and the ELCA touch faith, conscience, and belonging. Begin our five-week Learn and Discernseries with a 33-minute conversation about the history behind the church’s teaching and reconsideration process, paired with the ELCA’s Conscience and Conversation study.

Women of the ELCA offers several ways to put faith into action this fall, beginning with resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and confidential, 24/7 support for survivors. Upcoming opportunities include the Oct. 15 Thankoffering Service and Boldcafe conversation on consent, an Oct. 22 racial justice gathering, a Nov. 4 tour information session and a new Bible study featuring Hagar, Ruth and Mary Magdalene.

Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 12 by honoring Indigenous cultures, resilience and sovereignty. Explore ELCA Indigenous ministries and Truth and Healing resources, learn about the peoples whose homelands include your community, and take a concrete step to support Indigenous voices.

Lutheran World Federation leaders met with Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 1 to discuss Christian unity and hopes for a shared commemoration of the Augsburg Confession’s 500th anniversary in 2030. Their conversation highlighted the confession’s original call for dialogue and the continuing journey toward reconciliation, shared witness and communion. Read the story in Living Lutheran.

Prepare for the coming seasons with music for All Saints through Transfiguration, seasonal devotionals and ELW planning resources. Upcoming webinars feature healthy singing as we age on Oct. 22 and songs of justice and community on Nov. 10. A devotional promotion offers free shipping on qualifying orders of 100 or more through Jan. 6. Explore the October resources and register for the webinars.

At Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery, Alabama, Gathered by Grace helps students facing food insecurity through pantry support and meals at campus events. Supported by an ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread grant, the ministry connects nourishment with learning, family well-being and relationships rooted in care for neighbors. Read how your gifts support this ministry.

Evangelical Lutheran Worship turned 20 on Oct. 3, marking two decades of nourishing congregations through word, sacraments and song. Celebrate with a beloved hymn, anniversary trivia or free ELCA resources that help worship leaders explore the book’s richness and flexibility. Read more and explore the resources.

Chaired by Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer, the ELCA Conference of Bishops welcomed six new bishops during its Sept. 22–26 meeting in Chicago. Discussions addressed churchwide ministry, consultation on benefit changes, leadership formation and ongoing discernment around Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Read the ELCA report.