When emotions run high, simple moments can quickly become overwhelming, making what a caregiver does next important. Mosaic Direct Support Professional Brandon Pace says de-escalation starts with remaining calm. He shares that and other tips in this blog.
The post Supporting Individuals with IDD When Emotions Run High appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreApplications are open for Faith+Lead’s New Christian Communities Leadership Incubator, a 12-month online program equipping leaders to listen, discern, experiment, and cultivate Jesus-centered communities among people not connected to a local church. The $249 program combines courses, workshops, monthly gatherings, coaching, and peer learning—and synod leaders are encouraged to personally invite emerging leaders who may be ready to take this next faithful step.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Pivot producer Joey Goodall traces an unexpected path from a moment in the 1994 Australian film Muriel's Wedding to a nearly 500-year-old prayer practice, the Examen.
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 MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 27 years on September 5.
Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 35 years on September 6.
Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 41 years on September 8.
Rev. Corazon Aguilar, who celebrates 31 years on September 9.
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 34 years on September 10.
Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features registration for the October 20 Annual Gathering, opportunities to serve as an Election Protection Poll Chaplain or Peacekeeper, and September meetings addressing housing, voting rights, creation care and community well-being.
Read the AFN newsletter and subscribe for complete event details, registration links and more ways to join Arizona’s interfaith community in building justice, dignity and courageous unity.
Read MoreLAMA’s September 1 newsletter invites Arizona Lutherans to act during Hunger Action Month and offers resources for faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement. Explore LAMA’s 2026 Voter Guide, election and advocacy events, voter-registration information, “God’s work. Our hands.” resources and the September 25 Grand Canyon Synod Grants deadline.
Read the full LAMA newsletter and find your next opportunity to serve, advocate and seek the well-being of your neighbors.
Read MoreNext week, the Office of the Bishop will support congregations and leaders across the synod through Bishop Hutterer’s visits and meetings, fall and 2027 ministry planning, congregational leadership development, grants, communications, finance, and preparations for upcoming events. We also share photos from our staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert.
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 MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod celebrates the ordination and installation of Pastor Guy Ilunga at Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix on August 29, 2026. Bishop Hutterer preached and presided, and the full service is now available to watch online.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Connections every Monday from 6–8 p.m. at Hope Hall, 1124 N. 3rd St. September gatherings include Movie Soundtracks Live, Social Justice, a free Latin Night celebrating Mexico’s Independence, Karaoke Night, and Jazz Night. Come connect with neighbors through music, culture, conversation, and community.
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.
Read MoreRegistration 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.
Read MoreGood Samaritan in Las Vegas welcomes Matt Baird, vocalist for Christian rock band Spoken, on Thursday, Sept. 17. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $20. Congregations are encouraged to bring youth groups and friends for an evening of live music and community.
Read MoreThe 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 in Scottsdale, offers pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers space to step away from the demands of ministry for worship, learning, meaningful conversation, and connection with colleagues. Join featured presenter Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos and leaders from across the Grand Canyon Synod as we gather Rooted in God’s Story.
Registration is open through Friday, September 18.
Read MoreCould a Grand Canyon Synod Grant help bring your ministry idea to life? Approximately $175,000 is available for 2027 grants, with awards of up to $15,000 for eligible projects aligned with the synod’s Strategic Plan. Learn what can be funded, review the webinar and application materials, and start preparing now for the September 25 deadline at gcsynod.org/grants.
Read MoreContinue the conversation with 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly guest David Scherer of JUSTmove. David is offering an eight-week online Culture, Power, Race (CPR) Learning Cohort for faith leaders, meeting Tuesdays, September 8–October 27, 10–11:30 a.m. Arizona/Pacific time. Participants will gain practical, biblically grounded tools for navigating race, culture and power while leading meaningful change in their congregations and communities.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church of Phoenix’s longtime member Betty turns 100 in September, and her congregation is inviting the Grand Canyon Synod to help celebrate with 100 cards for 100 years. Send a birthday card or note of encouragement by September 10 and help surround Betty with the joy and love of the wider church.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. We give thanks for the dignity of work and pray for rest and justice for all workers.
Read MoreNearly five years after more than 17,000 Afghans were evacuated to the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, a federal court has ruled that the federal government cannot use travel-ban restrictions to prevent the spouses and children of Afghan asylees from joining their families in the United States.
Global Refuge—which has accompanied Afghan neighbors since the 2021 evacuation—welcomed the July 30 ruling while emphasizing that many families remain separated. The organization is calling for swift implementation of the ruling and broader protections for at-risk Afghans who have already been vetted and approved for lawful entry. Read Global Refuge’s full statement.
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