Join the Spirited Book Club on Thursday, September 25 at 3:00 pm AZ (PDT) for a discussion of The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This short but powerful book invites readers to reimagine community and economy through Indigenous wisdom, reciprocity, and gratitude. Facilitated by Sheri Brown and aligned with the Season of Creation, the conversation will explore how gift economies can help cultivate peace with creation. Click here to register.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, discover the three research-backed checkpoints that distinguish future-focused churches.
Read MoreDr. Philip Farah, Palestinian-American economist and founding member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, will speak at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farah will share his personal story and insights on how Americans can support a just peace in Palestine and Israel. RSVP required. Refreshments served.
Read MoreCongress is considering the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act—a comprehensive response to America’s housing crisis supported by ELCA advocates nationwide. This bill simplifies rental assistance, expands affordable housing, and strengthens disaster relief and rural housing. As people of faith called to care for the most vulnerable, we are urged to contact lawmakers and support this moral legislation grounded in Lutheran social teaching Click here to read the full action alert and contact your elected officials.
Read MoreSeptember is Hunger Action Month—a time to raise awareness and take meaningful action as food insecurity continues to rise across Arizona. Over 650,000 Arizonans rely on food banks monthly, while our state remains a leading producer of fruits and vegetables. This contradiction calls for advocacy and generosity. Learn five simple ways to take part: wear orange on Friday, Sept. 5, support AzFBN’s work, explore donation opportunities, and share the Arizona Hunger Action Month calendar. Click here to read the full article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.
Read MoreThis week’s AFN newsletter features new opportunities to grow in faith and action—book studies, poll monitor training, voter registration events, climate justice workshops, and more. Discover how you can join interfaith efforts to protect sacred lands, deepen your spiritual life, and engage in justice work across Arizona. Click here to read the full newsletter and subscribe.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends an in-person staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert and plans for the upcoming year.
Read MoreBJC shares a major court victory blocking a Texas law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public classrooms, warns against new IRS guidance weakening the Johnson Amendment, and opens applications for a new Director of Development. Save the date for the Shurden Lectures this October and explore more updates in BJC’s Faith Freedom Dispatch. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreLutheran Men in Mission just released its Summer 2025 Ambassador-Gram with exciting updates: a new website, the “LMM iS” strategic plan, a call for personal stories in the Foundations newsletter, and details about fall retreats and weekly Bible studies. Explore ways to deepen your men’s ministry and faith journey. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreNative American Urban Ministry in Phoenix is creating sacred space through weekly Talking Circles that honor Indigenous traditions within a Christian setting. Supported by Grand Canyon Synod grants, these gatherings offer healing, community, worship, and hospitality to about 50 people each week. Read how this ministry embodies the love of Christ and why your congregation might consider applying for a synod grant to support innovative ministry in your community.
Read MoreCelebrate the 500th anniversary of Luther’s marriage with a free three-part ELCA webinar series, Blessed to Be, exploring gender, marriage, and sexuality from a Lutheran theological perspective. Join Sept. 30, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2 at 10–11 a.m. Arizona time Register here.
Read MoreSanta Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant (22 hrs/week, $15/hr) with flexible hours and partial remote work. Duties include worship bulletins, newsletters, communications, and office support. Training available in September. Contact Carol Radler at 520-294-8721 and send resumes to clrchoirlady@aol.com and tucson.az.sclc@outlook.com.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center shares exciting facility updates and inspiring upcoming events in its September newsletter. Learn how to support guest room upgrades, flooring replacements, and essential security updates. Plus, discover free workshops for veterans and healthcare workers, contemplative prayer offerings, and a festive Thanksliving music weekend. Click here to read the full newsletter.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 26 years on September 5.
Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 34 years on September 6.
Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 40 years on September 8.
Rev. Corazon Aguilar, who celebrates 30 years on September 9.
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 33 years on September 10.
Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 65 years on September 11.
Registration for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering 2025 closes Friday, September 5. Join Bishop Hutterer, Wartburg Seminary President Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen, and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka, September 29–October 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, will explore faithful community in divided times.
Read MoreAll rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.
Read MoreA seven-week Zoom course—Renewal and Resilience: A Depth Psychology Approach for Clergy—offers active clergy a space to explore burnout, internalized pressure, and hidden congregational dynamics. Led by Rev. Richard Mallory, the program runs Tuesdays from Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Limited to 8 participants.
Read MoreJoin us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.
Read MoreRostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.
Read MoreExperience the American premiere of Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles in the interfaith concert Foxes, Wine & Wheat. Join us September 12 at Paradise Valley UMC or September 13 at Holy Trinity Lutheran, Chandler. Admission is free (donations welcome). Featuring soprano Lariche Lamar and conductor Charles Zoll, with livestream available on YouTube.
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