In the latest Pivot podcast, Warren Smith, professor of historical theology at Duke Divinity School, joins Dwight and Terri to talk about his new book, Early Christian Theology: A History, and what the first several centuries of Christian thought have to say to church leaders today.
Read MoreRev. David Peterson will be installed on Sunday, 10/11/2026 at 9:30 am at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church (11273 E 40th St, Yuma, AZ 85367). Rev. Pat Reed will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.
There will be a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service. No RSVP's necessary. The service will be live-streamed and can be found on the church’s website and Facebook and YouTube.
Read MorePortico Social Purpose Funds offer ELCA Retirement Plan members a way to consider investments through the lens of Lutheran social teaching, screening for practices that conflict with church values while supporting positive social impact.
Explore your options, review the fund descriptions and consider whether your retirement selections match your mission.
Read MoreA no-cost Portico Town Hall on Tuesday, September 22, will address the 15% base-rate increase planned for Portico health benefits in 2027. The session begins at 6:00 p.m. in Arizona and Nevada and 7:00 p.m. in Utah.
Rostered ministers, council members, treasurers and other congregational leaders are encouraged to learn what the increase may mean for their planning and to ask questions. Register in advance.
Read MorePastor Jacqui Pagel returns from a sabbatical grateful for rest, travel, family, and the colleagues who sustained vital synod ministry in her absence.
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona has released an eight-page guide to help congregations prepare for potential election-related disruption, from misinformation and intimidation to division and uncertainty. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to truth-telling, peace and care for neighbors, the resource includes discussion scenarios and a practical readiness checklist.
Congregations are encouraged to identify a response team, trusted information sources, a spokesperson and key emergency contacts now. Read the full article and download the guide.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network is recruiting Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers for the November election, with online trainings September 28 and October 15. The latest newsletter also includes the October 20 Annual Gathering, nonpartisan voter education, community celebrations, interfaith events, and ways to support peaceful civic participation. Read the full AFN newsletter.
Read MoreLAMA’s latest update invites Lutherans to register or confirm their voter status, take the Faithful Arizona Voter Pledge, and join upcoming election-protection, advocacy, and hunger-justice gatherings. It also includes congregational election resources, ballot guidance, and actions for neighbors in need. Read the full LAMA newsletter.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop will gather for the Synod Council Retreat and then Bishop Hutterer attends the Conference of Bishops Fall Gathering in Chicago. Staff will also support installations, retirements, candidacy and first-call ministry, congregational vitality and generosity, upcoming events, communications, security, and month-end financial work.
Read MoreBishop Deborah Hutterer invites the people of the Grand Canyon Synod to approach the November 3 election with prayer, confidence, and care for their neighbors. She offers key voting deadlines, reassurance about voting by mail, and a call to seek and share trustworthy information as an expression of faithful civic engagement.
Read MoreSee how congregational mission support equips leaders like Pastorá Verónica Alvarez to build relationships and share the Lutheran witness of grace across the global church.
Read MoreDescubra cómo el apoyo congregacional a la misión capacita a líderes como Pastorá Verónica Alvarez para fortalecer relaciones y compartir el testimonio luterano de la gracia en toda la Iglesia global.
Read MoreSun City author and American Lutheran Church member Jeanne Blanchet, Ph.D., has released The Monk Who Wrestled with God: A Novel of Martin Luther, a new historical-fiction exploration of Luther’s faith, doubt, and Reformation witness. The 381-page book is available in paperback and e-book formats through online booksellers, the publisher, and bookstores.
Read MoreRev. Jose Valenzuela, called to serve University Lutheran and ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 9/20/2026, during 10 am worship at University Lutheran Church (340 E. 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281).
Bishop Hutterer will preside through Communion. Reception will be an Einstein Bagels bar with coffee and orange juice. No RSVPs are necessary, color of the day is rainbow. Live-stream and post-video link will be on the front page ulctempe.org.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Judith Rainforth, who celebrates 23 years on September 21.
Rev. Gary Ulrich, who celebrates 47 years on September 24.
Gather 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 MoreRegister by Friday, Sept. 18, for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, Oct. 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers will gather around the theme Rooted in God’s Story for worship, renewal, synod conversations, and keynote sessions with Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos exploring theology, neuroscience, liberation, and healing.
Single-room, shared-room, commuter, and extended First Call registration options are available. Registration includes meals.
Read MoreEligible Grand Canyon Synod congregations and ministries may apply for up to $15,000 through the 2027 Synod Grants Program. Approximately $175,000 is available for projects advancing the synod’s strategic-plan goals, with preference given to innovative and collaborative proposals.
Completed applications and all required financial documents must be submitted electronically by midnight Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert’s latest newsletter shares signs of renewal: upcoming retreats for veterans and church leaders, a Spring Training–themed faith retreat, online worship and devotions, and opportunities to support this ministry of rest, healing, and reconnection. Read the newsletter in full.
Read MoreNature Trek, through Living Innovations in Maine, helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities overcome fears and push beyond self-imposed limits through outdoor adventures. Read about it in this message from Mosaic.
The post Nature Trek Helps People with IDD Connect with Nature, Reach Personal Goals appeared first on Mosaic.
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