Find handmade gifts that give back! Join Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley on Saturday, November 8, from 8 AM to 1 PM for the Sewing Bee’s annual Fall Boutique, featuring quilts, jewelry, décor, purses, baked goods, and more. All proceeds support local charitable organizations.
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.
Bishop Deborah Hutterer shares her gratitude for the people and ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod as she prepares for a sabbatical in November and continuing through January 2026. During this time of prayer and renewal, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop, working closely with synod staff to ensure continuity. Bishop Hutterer invites prayers for renewal and guidance as our synod enters this season of reflection and preparation for the work ahead.
Read MoreSeveral 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 MoreLutheran seminary student Grant Brockhouse is serving a year-long internship with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler and the Grand Canyon Synod, focusing on outreach and community-building in Casa Grande. His efforts included leading Tapping into Theology at A Latte Vino, where people from all backgrounds gather to discuss faith and life in a welcoming setting. Brockhouse also plans several events—from a Christmas concert to community service projects—aimed at creating connections and growing faith in the Casa Grande area.
To read the full article from Pinal Central’s Casa Grande Dispatch, click here.
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.
Read MoreOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Women of the ELCA call on faith communities to take action against abuse. Learn how your congregation can help create safety and healing, and find 24/7 confidential support through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788). Read more and explore ways to respond faithfully at womenoftheelca.org.
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 MoreResurrection Lutheran Church hosts its Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 11, from 9am–2pm in Oro Valley. With 50+ vendors, food supporting the youth group, Art by Heart, and a diaper drive for local food banks, it’s a joyful day to shop local, support ministry, and share in community. Free admission and parking.
Read MoreSanta Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson will celebrate its 40th Anniversary October 11–12, 2025. Saturday includes greetings, lunch, video presentations, history displays, cake, and mariachi music. Sunday’s worship, with Bishop Hutterer preaching, will bless a new youth-created banner and pray for future generations. Join in giving thanks for 40 years of ministry!
Read MoreThis week’s BJC newsletter highlights advocacy against Texas’s new Bible-infused school curriculum, previews the October 21–23 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, and covers an upcoming Supreme Court case on religious freedom in prisons. Readers will also meet Rabbi David Segal, BJC’s new Policy Counsel, and find the latest Report from the Capital addressing how threats to religious freedom are becoming reality. Read the full issue for details and ways to engage.
Read MoreBudget season is a time to reflect not only on pledges to our congregations but also on how our personal finances reflect our faith and values. From reducing household costs to choosing greener financial institutions, each decision shapes how we steward God’s creation. Explore practical steps to “green” your money and align it with your commitment to creation care. Read the full article at Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreDrawing from her journey from corporate consultant to ministry executive, Nicole Massie Martin reveals how most leadership models ignore the very heart of Christian faith and why pastors are burning out trying to lead like the world instead of following Jesus.
Read MoreResurrection Lutheran Church hosts its Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 11, from 9am–2pm in Oro Valley. With 50+ vendors, food supporting the youth group, Art by Heart, and a diaper drive for local food banks, it’s a joyful day to shop local, support ministry, and share in community. Free admission and parking.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Arizona Faith Network’s 2025 Annual Gathering, themed United We Rise. Join faith leaders from across Arizona on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale, or participate online. This bilingual (Spanish & English) event will feature keynote speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma, a Buddhist nun and teacher known for her warmth and practical wisdom. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Learn more and register—click here.
Read MoreSeptember at Spirit in the Desert brought meaningful gatherings, including the Bishop’s staff retreat, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona, local church retreats, and the first-ever national meeting of the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network. Looking ahead, October will welcome both familiar groups and first-time guests, while special events such as Healing of Memories workshops, the Thanksliving Music Fest, and spring retreats are open for registration. Read the full update and upcoming opportunities from Spirit in the Desert—click here.
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.
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