Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites people discerning seminary, ordained ministry or another vocational path to Signs Along the Way, October 30-November 1 in Berkeley, California. Lodging and meals are covered, and travel assistance is available.
Come explore your call, experience PLTS and connect with students, faculty and others in discernment. Learn more and register.
Join Gather Valley of the Sun for a Heard Museum visit on Sunday, November 8, at noon, guided by ELCA Young Adults’ Taína Diaz-Reyes in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. Optional lunch is at 11 a.m., with carpooling from University Lutheran Church in Tempe. The first 10 attendees receive free admission. RSVP through @gathervalleyofthesun on Instagram.
Enjoy free Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Sunday, November 8, at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman, Joe Corral, and Felix Sainz. Part of the Music for Food series, the concert supports the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, serving more than 300 families weekly. All are welcome!
What do charitable giving trends mean for your ministry? Join the ELCA Foundation’s November 11 webinar, 11 a.m.–noon Arizona/Utah time or 10–11 a.m. Nevada time, for insights from Giving USA 2026 and practical fundraising guidance. Pastors, stewardship teams, and ministry leaders are encouraged to register.
Make Your Mark! Students in grades 8–12 are invited to the CRC Fall Retreat November 13–15, 2026, at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Explore faith through the stories of Esther, Moses, and David and Goliath, with games, service, worship, and friendship. Cost: $50 plus transportation. Register and pay by October 26.
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.
Registration is open for “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Christian Nationalism,” a Nov. 14 symposium featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod. Join the Grand Canyon Growing in Faith Program in Sun City or online for a biblical and theological exploration of faith, nation, power and our ultimate identity in Christ. Cost is $25.
Join SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and December 10 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.
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.
Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Click here to access the meeting, at 6pm on the last Tuesday of every month.
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.
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.
Join SYAT Collective on Zoom, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders.
Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Click here to access the meeting, at 6pm on the last Tuesday of every month.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering will take place June 28–July 2, 2027, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Held every three years, the ELCA Youth Gathering is more than a large-scale event—it is a movement of faith formation, bringing together thousands of high school youth and their adult leaders for worship, learning, service, and community grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The theme for 2027, “Imagine More,” invites young people to expand their vision of what God is doing in the world and how they are called to participate—imagining more justice, more belonging, more courage, and more hope for the church and the world.
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.