Women of the ELCA offers a full September calendar of opportunities for worship, fellowship, study, retirement planning, and racial justice advocacy. Join the September 17 Boldcafe dinner, WELCA Reads beginning September 21, the September 24 Indian boarding schools presentation, and the Thankoffering Service livestream on October 15.
Explore the resources, register where needed, and share these opportunities with your congregation or women’s group.
Read MoreOn the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 75 people gathered at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview, N.Y., to remember those lost, honor first responders, share stories, and worship the wounded Savior. The service named both enduring grief—including losses from 9/11-related illness—and the hope found when communities care for one another.
This Living Lutheran story reflects on remembrance as a call to healing, kindness, and renewed community. Read the original Living Lutheran story.
Read MoreOn the 25th anniversary of 9/11, retired Lutheran Disaster Response director Gilbert B. Furst remembers the church’s sustained response: counseling, care, advocacy, financial support, and accompaniment for communities in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
His reflection testifies that God was present amid devastation—in the hands of firefighters, chaplains, counselors, neighbors, and all who served in Christ’s name. Read the original Living Lutheran reflection.
Read MoreThe September issue of Administration Matters is available for ELCA congregational and synod leaders. Explore resources on ministry credit cards, the Season of Creation, 2027 Portico benefits, and safe trunk-or-treat planning. Portico benefit elections are October 1–14. Read the full issue.
Read MoreIn Matthew 20:1–16, Jesus’ vineyard parable invites us to wrestle with fairness, grace, and our need for one another. This week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection considers how congregations and groups can welcome new people, navigate conflict, and work together for the good of the whole community.
Read “Laboring Together,” by Pastor Adrianne Meier, for discussion questions, a group activity, and prayer resources. Read the full Faith Lens reflection.
Read MoreThe recording of the ELCA Racial Justice Ministries webinar “Dismantle: Using the Devotional in Congregational Life” is now available. Explore practical, faith-rooted tools for engaging the Dismantle devotional and advancing justice, accountability, and beloved community.
Upcoming webinars are November 10, 2026, and January 12, 2027. Watch the recording and register for the remaining sessions.
Read MoreSee how congregational mission support equips leaders like Pastorá Verónica Alvarez to build relationships and share the Lutheran witness of grace across the global church.
Read MoreSee how congregational mission support equips leaders like Pastorá Verónica Alvarez to build relationships and share the Lutheran witness of grace across the global church.
Read MoreNew Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a part-time Minister of Worship & Music to lead and develop its worship ministry. The position averages approximately 15 hours per week and pays $19,500–$23,400 annually. This lay ministry position does not require ordination or ELCA rostered-minister status.
Candidates should bring musical leadership along with a passion for teaching, collaboration and developing others’ gifts for worship. Applications are being reviewed as they are received.
Read MoreMount 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.
Read MoreSun City author and American Lutheran Church member Jeanne Blanchet, Ph.D., has released The Monk Who Wrestled with God: A Novel of Martin Luther, a new historical-fiction exploration of Luther’s faith, doubt, and Reformation witness. The 381-page book is available in paperback and e-book formats through online booksellers, the publisher, and bookstores.
Read MoreRev. 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.
Read MoreRev. 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.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Judith Rainforth, who celebrates 23 years on September 21.
Rev. Gary Ulrich, who celebrates 47 years on September 24.
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.
Read MoreJoin the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, pastor-in-residence at Global Refuge, for a free forum on refugee resettlement and Lutheran accompaniment from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 3, followed by a reception at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree. RSVP by Friday, October 2, to admin@ctlcarefree.org.
Pastor Shafer will also preach at the congregation’s 9 a.m. worship service Sunday, October 4. Learn how congregations can put faith and welcome into action alongside refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.
Read MoreChildren, youth and young adult ministry leaders are invited to Camp Pinerock in Prescott, October 16–17, for 24 hours of connection, renewal and shared learning. The $50 retreat includes informal fellowship and participant-driven conversations about faith formation, intergenerational ministry and the joys and challenges of ministry with younger generations.
Reserve your spot by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.
Read MoreJoin Luther Seminary online Tuesday, September 22, at 4:15 p.m. Arizona/Pacific time for the 2026 Fretheim Lecture in Biblical Theology. New Testament scholar Craig Koester will explore how John’s Gospel understands Jesus’ crucifixion as a revelation of God’s life-giving love—and what that cruciform love means for Christian witness today.
Read MoreLay 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.
Read MoreGather Valley of the Sun is relaunching this fall! ELCA young adults are invited to a Tie-Dye Workshop & Fall Kickoff at noon Sunday, Sept. 20, at University Lutheran Church in Tempe, with an optional lunch at 11 a.m. All materials are provided. Congregations are encouraged to share the invitation with young adults in their communities.
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