When caring for a loved one with a disability becomes overwhelming on top of responsibilities to other family members, Medicaid-funded services provide relief and peace of mind.
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Read MoreOne Home One Future, a growing coalition of 49 denominations and faith organizations, is celebrating two years of visible climate action rooted in faith. Since its launch in 2023, more than 1,000 congregations and individuals—representing nearly 350,000 people—have joined together to care for creation through education, community events, advocacy, and resources that are free to all participants.
This movement invites congregations of every tradition to step into visible, hopeful climate action that strengthens communities and reflects our call as Christians to steward God’s creation. To learn more and join this campaign, click here.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Judith Rainforth, who celebrates 22 years on September 21.
Rev. Gary Ulrich, who celebrates 46 years on September 24.
Celebrate 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 MoreArizona’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) is open for FY2025/2026, providing up to $100,000 total per applicant to fund target hardening and security enhancements for at-risk nonprofits. Eligibility requires meeting FEMA NSGP nonprofit standards plus either (a) no federal award in 2024–2022 or (b) inability to front costs for the federal program. Application deadline: Wed., Oct. 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Submit to hs@azdohs.gov. Info & forms: azdohs.gov/az-nsgp. Webinars: Wed., Sept. 17, 1:00 p.m. and Thu., Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m.
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 MoreJoin a free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. CT titled “Addiction & Youth: Trends & Challenges” featuring Michael Durchslag, Director of P.E.A.S.E. Academy. Learn how early intervention can change lives and explore current trends in youth substance use and recovery. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith in honor of National Recovery Month. Register here.
Read MoreJoin us Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for “Service to Sanctuary,” featuring U.S. Army combat veteran Dr. Jason Phillips. Through original music and personal testimony, Dr. Phillips shares how music became a healing sanctuary after war. All are welcome for this free and powerful evening of story and song.
Read MoreCome meet Dioany Yosuino on Thursday, September 18 at Mountain View Lutheran Church and hear how a simple Operation Christmas Child shoebox reminded her that God sees the desires of her heart. The Project Leader Workshop runs from 5:30–7:30pm. RSVP by 9/11/25. Visit the Facebook page.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, we continue our conversation with Dr. Kara Powell, Dr. Jake Mulder, and Dr. Ray Chang from Fuller Seminary about creating sustainable church transformation.
Read MoreOn Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10 a.m., the life of Rev. Frank Nausin will be honored in a memorial service at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church (8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749) where he faithfully served as Lead Pastor from 1982 until 2002, and again as Interim Pastor in 2016.
His son, Rev. Jeremy Nausin, pastor of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, will share words of comfort and hope. Join via livestream at tvlc.org/livestream. A fellowship luncheon will follow in the Nausin Family Life Center. Pastor Nausin passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Read MoreNearly 80 clergy from Southern Arizona have released an ecumenical statement titled For God So Loved the World: A Christian Witness Against Harm. The statement denounces unjust policies targeting immigrants, the poor, LGBTQ individuals, and God’s creation, while calling Christians to follow Jesus’ way of love, mercy, and compassion. Additional clergy from Southern Arizona may sign on, and others are invited to form local groups of witness in their own contexts: bearwitnessnow.org.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features a tribute to colleague Frank Quaranta, plus upcoming opportunities to learn and serve: Arizona Peacemaker Series (Sept 14, Phoenix); Interfaith Book Group—The Tears of Things (Weds via Zoom, through Sept 17); Election Protection AZ poll-monitor trainings (Aug 21–Sept 16, Zoom); AFN Monday Meditation (Mondays, noon); National Voter Registration Day Fair (Sept 16, Phoenix Indian Center); and Abuse in Later Life 101 (Oct 23, Zoom). You’ll also find calls to action: sign the International Day of Peace statement (publish by Sept 21, 2025; media list deadline Sept 15) and join the interfaith appeal to protect Arizona’s sacred lands. Partner events include public-witness safety training, NAIN Virtual Connect (Sept 24–25), an Interfaith Community Leader Breakfast (Oct 16), volunteer needs for Tucson Meet Yourself (Oct 17–19), and Red Cross outreach to faith communities. To read details and register, click here.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends the Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson, Sep 13, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, and Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe, Sep 20, 2025. We also share a photo from our in-person staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jill Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 27 years on September 13.
Rev. David Brandfass, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 30 years on September 13.
Rev. Daniel Volkmann, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 1 years on September 13.
Rev. Kylee Bestenlehner, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 0 years on September 13.
Rev. Richard Mauthe, who celebrates 39 years on September 14.
Rev. Carl Mangold, who celebrates 50 years on September 14.
Rev. Craig Geiger, who celebrates 53 years on September 17.
Grants Webinar—Sept. 17, 4:30 pm. Learn how to apply for up to $15,000 in Grand Canyon Synod grants; about $175,000 is available this fall. Priority goes to collaborative projects aligned with our Strategic Plan. Application window: Sept. 8–Oct. 31, 2025. Register for the webinar: Zoom registration. Full details and application at the Grants page.
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 MoreThe 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.
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 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.
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