Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City is seeking a Choir Director to lead its three choirs, select music for worship and the liturgical year, and plan special music programs and events. Applicants with musical leadership experience and a passion for sharing the Gospel through music are encouraged to apply.

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.

Key voting deadlines fall October 19–23: Navajo Nation mail-ballot applications are due October 19, Clark County’s online registration window with mail-ballot eligibility ends October 20, and Arizona mail-ballot requests and Utah registration are due October 23. With Arizona early voting underway and Nevada early voting October 17–30, review our nonpartisan guide to prepare for November 3.

BJC’s October newsletter connects religious freedom with service to our neighbors: final poll chaplain training October 15, lectures October 21–22, court updates, advocacy for safe worship, and a November 12 clergy gathering. Read the full issue for details, registration, and ways to act.

In the latest Pivot podcast, the primary challenge facing the church in North America is a crisis of discipleship.

• European churches begin journey toward 500th anniversary of Augsburg Confession

• Finding solutions to improve human rights for displaced people

• European Regions’ Meeting opens in Augsburg

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer joins Arizona faith leaders in calling for a peaceful 2026 election grounded in human dignity and care for neighbors. Read the shared statement and watch the accompanying video for practical ways to encourage informed participation, protect voters and election workers, counter misinformation and practice peacemaking—before and after Election Day.

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.