A rostered minister in our synod was recently targeted by a sophisticated phone scam using AI-generated voices to mimic a loved one in distress. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but the experience serves as a sobering reminder that scams are becoming more realistic and personal. Learn how to recognize and avoid these emerging threats, and find helpful resources.
Read MoreFrom congregational visits and grant consultations to teaching and preaching, our team is actively supporting ministries across the synod, as Bishop Hutterer and Theresa take well-deserved time for rest and renewal.
Read MoreAdvocacy is more than policy—it’s a faithful response to God’s grace. The Southeastern Synod models a Lutheran approach grounded in Scripture and accompaniment: engaging congregations in justice work, equipping them with tools to act, and empowering leaders to advocate for the vulnerable. Their work embodies the call to love our neighbors through advocacy rooted in baptismal vocation. Read the full story at LAMA.
Read MoreA new proposal could restrict voter registration by requiring costly and hard-to-access documents like passports—potentially excluding 21 million eligible Americans. The Election Assistance Commission is taking public comments until October 20. Add your voice as a person of faith who believes every vote is sacred. Read the full post and submit your comment today.
Read MoreCritical programs that protect clean air, water, soil, and wildlife are facing deep federal budget cuts. As people of faith, we’re called to safeguard creation so that all life may flourish. Join ELCA Advocacy and Lutherans across the country in urging Congress to maintain funding for essential environmental programs like the EPA, Clean Water State Revolving Funds, and Superfund cleanups. Read the full Action Alert and contact your members of Congress.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 10 years on October 17.
Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 15 years on October 17.
Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 39 years on October 19.
Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 29 years on October 20.
Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 52 years on October 21.
Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 41 years on October 22.
Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 14 years on October 22.
Rev. Glenn Schrader, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 2 years on October 22.
Join the Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert on Thursday, October 23 (3:00–4:00 p.m. AZ/PDT) for a discussion of Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. The book invites readers to face global challenges with courage and creativity, offering a framework for resilience rooted in faith, gratitude, and community action. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this conversation explores how Christians can live out “active hope” amid uncertainty. Register here: spiritinthedesert.org/events/spirited-book-club-active-hope.
Read MoreJoin the Stephen Ministers at Desert Hills Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 22, at 1:30 PM for a dementia and Alzheimer’s presentation by Rev. Jerry Haas of United Methodist Church of Green Valley. Learn, share, and support one another in faith. Dessert and coffee will be provided.
Read MoreJoin the Oct. 23 one-day Virtual Addiction & Faith Conference, “Awakening the Church to Address Addiction,” hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Open to clergy, laypeople, and all impacted by addiction, this $50 event equips congregations to become safe, recovery-friendly communities. Register now and share the flyer to spread the word across our synod.
Read MoreAt Calvary Lutheran Church in Richland Hills, Texas, children are learning what it means to lead and serve through their own “Little Lutherans” congregational meetings. The gatherings teach stewardship, worship, and service while giving kids a sense of ownership in church life—complete with budget discussions, art projects, and joyful learning. Read more at Living Lutheran ».
Read MoreAcross the wide plains of North Dakota, eight ELCA congregations have joined together in an innovative shared ministry called Christians in Action. By pooling resources, training lay leaders, and supporting one another in worship and mission, these rural congregations are expanding their reach and deepening their connections in Christ. Read the full story at Living Lutheran ».
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop helps Santa Cruz Lutheran in Tucson Celebrate 40 Years this weekend, attends the "Bearing Worthy Fruit" Retreat, and some of the staff departs for the 2025 Pilgrimage to Greece.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 47 years on October 10.
Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 12 years on October 13.
Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 40 years on October 13.
Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 38 years on October 13.
Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 36 years on October 15.
Several congregations in our synod have recently lost funds to contractors who took payment upfront and disappeared before completing work. To help others avoid similar losses, we share practical steps for contracting wisely—such as limiting deposits, verifying licenses, and ensuring written agreements. Learn how to protect your congregation’s resources and practice faithful stewardship when hiring contractors.
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert on Thursday, October 23 (3:00–4:00 p.m. AZ/PDT) for a discussion of Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. The book invites readers to face global challenges with courage and creativity, offering a framework for resilience rooted in faith, gratitude, and community action. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this conversation explores how Christians can live out “active hope” amid uncertainty. Register here: spiritinthedesert.org/events/spirited-book-club-active-hope.
Read MoreMark your calendars for two major 2026 Grand Canyon Synod events: Synod Assembly, June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, and the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 19–21 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Our 2026 theme, Rooted in God’s Story, invites us to ground our shared ministry in God’s enduring promise.
Read MoreThe Salt Lake Tribune recently profiled Rev. Katie Langston, outreach pastor and music director at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Once a Latter-day Saint missionary, Pastor Langston’s journey toward Lutheran ministry is a remarkable story of grace, healing, and bridge-building. Today she leads outreach, music, and support ministries that welcome those seeking faith and healing beyond traditional boundaries.
Read the full Salt Lake Tribune profile of Pastor Langston and New Promise Lutheran Church in the attached PDF or at sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/26/lds-missionary-turned-lutheran.
Read MoreJoin Mount of Olives Lutheran Church for Jazz Vespers on Sunday, October 12 at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde. Last month’s concert raised $850, helping the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry serve 238 families. Enjoy an evening of jazz and generosity that feeds both body and spirit.
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