Preparing for November 3? Arizona’s October 5 registration deadline and Nevada’s October 6 standard registration deadline are approaching. Utah’s registration deadline is October 23; Navajo Nation absentee ballot requests are due October 19. Read this week’s reminder for official links, ballot-return requirements, and the separate Navajo Nation election deadlines.
Read MoreChildren, youth and young adult ministry leaders are invited to Camp Pinerock in Prescott, October 16–17, for 24 hours of connection, renewal and shared learning. The $50 retreat includes informal fellowship and participant-driven conversations about faith formation, intergenerational ministry and the joys and challenges of ministry with younger generations.
Reserve your spot by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org by October 1, 2026.
Read MoreJoin SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: October 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a 2027 National Youth Gathering info session, November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and December 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.
Read MoreJoin the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, pastor-in-residence at Global Refuge, for a free forum on refugee resettlement and Lutheran accompaniment from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 3, followed by a reception at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree. RSVP by Friday, October 2, to admin@ctlcarefree.org.
Pastor Shafer will also preach at the congregation’s 9 a.m. worship service Sunday, October 4. Learn how congregations can put faith and welcome into action alongside refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.
Read MoreEveryone deserves health care that recognizes the person, not the disability. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other diverse needs may find themselves in situations where medical professionals dismiss, question, or downplay their health concerns, attributing symptoms to their disability. Mosaic’s Health Services Coordinator shares how to keep the lines of communication open and advocate for yourself or a person you support.
The post Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, what we learned looking back on season 7.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop will support candidates for ministry, connect with congregations and youth leaders, and participate in church leadership, advocacy, and generosity gatherings. Staff will also lead a pastoral retirement service, coordinate grants and upcoming events, strengthen synod communications and website access, and complete monthly financial reporting. We also share photos from the Synod Council gathering.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s newsletter highlights election protection training September 28 and October 15, the October 20 Annual Gathering, and nonpartisan voter education events. Discover opportunities for interfaith learning, prayer, and service—including community celebrations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is trying new ways to connect pastors and deacons through joint monthly Rio Salado–Fiesta gatherings and weekly Scripture study groups, with an evaluation planned for spring 2027. Leaders are also invited to help guide the studies or serve as Kino Conference dean as we explore meaningful, sustainable ways to walk together.
Read MoreThank you for supporting Books for Fatick! The 2026 drive raised $6,100 for student schoolbooks and much-needed teaching supplies at Martin Luther School in Fatick, Senegal. The Global Engagement Team celebrates this generosity, with photos of students and their books coming soon.
Read MoreTake the Faithful AZ Voter Pledge, speak up against hunger, and join synod hunger leaders September 29, 6–7 p.m. LAMA’s latest issue also offers election resources, volunteer trainings, refugee health coverage concerns, and an October 3 Global Refuge event in Carefree. Read the full newsletter and find ways to participate.
Read MoreJoin LAMA and LEAN on September 29 at 6 p.m. Arizona time via Zoom for “Mercy and Compassion Merging for Hunger Justice.” Bishops Deborah Hutterer and Jeff Johnson join food-bank and ministry leaders to explore faith, hunger, and action. All are welcome; no registration required. Join the meeting.
Read MoreWendy Schulz will be ordained to Word and Service at Peace Lutheran Church (18265 North 89th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382), on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 10 am, with a reception following. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rostered ministers and seminarians are invited to process and robe. The color of the day is red. The ordination will be live-streamed by Peace Lutheran and available on their YouTube channel.
Read MoreMany refugee families face losing comprehensive Medicaid coverage as federal eligibility changes take effect October 1, 2026. LSS-SW invites you to advocate for access to care and can arrange and lead meetings with elected officials alongside you. Contact Jay Eberle at jeberle@lss-sw.org to participate.
Read MorePut faith into action with LSS-SW: volunteer at October 13–17 projects in Phoenix and Tucson, explore mentoring and tutoring, or organize a Christmas drive. Donations are due December 14 at 1 p.m., with goals of 500 towel sets and gifts for 800 children. Find project details and ways to participate in our September update.
Read MorePastor Paul Block and New Song Church volunteers honored 9/11 by cleaning up St. Rose Parkway during Henderson’s Community Day of Service. Block’s memories of serving as a chaplain at ground zero connect this act of neighborly care with the solidarity he witnessed 25 years ago.
Read MoreHear the people and stories behind Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s work in its new Partners in Action Podcast. In the first episode, “Passing the Torch,” President and CEO Bobby Ghisolfo joins former CEO Connie Phillips to discuss leadership, legacy, and serving Arizona’s neighbors. Listen and follow for future conversations.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ryan Hersch, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 23 years on September 27.
Read MoreHear survivors’ stories and explore Arizona’s Indian boarding school history through Listening & Healing Pilgrimage, screening September 30 in Sedona, 4–6 p.m.; Scottsdale, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; and Tucson, 7–9 p.m. Tickets are $10–$12, with free admission for Native American attendees. Find ticket links and free-admission instructions in the full post, and join this invitation to listen, learn, and reflect on the church’s responsibility in truth-telling and reconciliation.
Read MoreShop for treasures and support Faith-La Fe’s ministry at its annual rummage sale Saturday, September 26, 2026, 7 a.m.–4 p.m., at 801 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. This bilingual, multicultural congregation welcomes everyone. Donations and volunteers are welcome, too; contact (602) 265-3394 or info@faithalive.com to help or arrange a large-item drop-off.
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