Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 10/27/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.
Read MoreIn Pivot’s first bilingual episode, Dwight Zscheile talks with Pastor Henry Burbano and Anna Schaberg of Juntos, a bilingual ministry of Emmanuel Covenant Church in Shoreview, Minnesota.
Read MoreFacing a ministry crossroads? Reflective Leadership Grants offer up to $20,000 to support structured reflection for established lay and clergy leaders serving eligible Christian organizations. Apply by December 7, 2026; applicant Q&A sessions are October 21 and November 18. Explore eligibility and application details.
Read MoreSign a regional hunger letter by October 18, explore Arizona voter resources, and find upcoming advocacy gatherings in LAMA’s October 13 newsletter. The issue also highlights Daily Bread Grants, with applications due October 21. Read the full newsletter and take action.
Read MoreLEAN’s October 9 newsletter features Nevada and Utah voter guides, explanations of Nevada statewide offices, and tools for researching election information. It also explores how public appointments shape community life. Read the full newsletter and prepare to vote thoughtfully.
Read MoreAFN’s October newsletter features the October 20 Annual Gathering, an October 21 conversation on reconciliation with Gary Mason, election protection opportunities, and community voting celebrations. Read the full newsletter for details and registration.
Read MoreThis week, Bishop Hutterer meets with conference deans and the GCS Executive Committee and joins faith leaders for a conversation with the Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, hosted by Bishop Reddall. Synod staff support first-call and youth leaders, visit congregations, and advance grants, generosity, leader resources, communications, and financial reporting.
We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
Read MoreHow do grace, faith, and love of neighbor shape difficult decisions? Week two of Learn and Discern offers a 21-minute introduction to Lutheran ethics with the Rev. Dr. Kathryn “Kit” Kleinhans, providing context for conversations about the ELCA’s sexuality social statement.
Read MoreCreating or updating your will can begin with a few manageable steps. Reflect on what matters most, review your assets and beneficiaries, and explore how your plans can care for loved ones while carrying your faith and generosity forward.
Read MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe will host a Senior Resource Fair October 17, 9 a.m.–noon, at 2085 E. Southern Ave. Older adults and caregivers can connect with resource organizations and attend 30-minute presentations on Medicare, aging in place, caregiver support, financial and legal considerations, and staying healthy and connected. View a PDF here.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 11 years on October 17.
Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 16 years on October 17.
Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 40 years on October 19.
Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 30 years on October 20.
Rev. Scott Hoecker, who celebrates 8 years on October 20.
Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 53 years on October 21.
Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 42 years on October 22.
Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 15 years on October 22.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites people discerning seminary, ordained ministry or another vocational path to Signs Along the Way, October 30-November 1 in Berkeley, California. Lodging and meals are covered, and travel assistance is available.
Come explore your call, experience PLTS and connect with students, faculty and others in discernment. Learn more and register.
Read MorePreparing to vote in Nevada or Utah? LEAN’s 2026 voter guides explain proposed constitutional amendments, connect them with Lutheran social teaching, and encourage careful attention to ballot questions.
Download the Nevada Voter Guide (PDF): Covers proposed constitutional amendments concerning abortion rights and voter identification.
Download the Utah Voter Guide (PDF): Covers publication requirements for proposed constitutional amendments and a proposed 60% approval threshold for tax-related citizen initiatives.
Read MoreObserve Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 12 by honoring Indigenous cultures, resilience and sovereignty. Explore ELCA Indigenous ministries and Truth and Healing resources, learn about the peoples whose homelands include your community, and take a concrete step to support Indigenous voices.
Read MoreBuild practical ministry skills and make space for renewal at Executive Skills for Church Leaders, January 3–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Open to pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, the retreat explores grace-centered leadership, finances, staff support, and the Enneagram. Residential and commuter options are available; programming begins January 4. Learn more and register.
Read MoreKey voting deadlines fall October 19–23: Navajo Nation mail-ballot applications are due October 19, Clark County’s online registration window with mail-ballot eligibility ends October 20, and Arizona mail-ballot requests and Utah registration are due October 23. With Arizona early voting underway and Nevada early voting October 17–30, review our nonpartisan guide to prepare for November 3.
Read MoreBJC’s October newsletter connects religious freedom with service to our neighbors: final poll chaplain training October 15, lectures October 21–22, court updates, advocacy for safe worship, and a November 12 clergy gathering. Read the full issue for details, registration, and ways to act.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, the primary challenge facing the church in North America is a crisis of discipleship.
Read MoreDeacon Wendy Schulz will be installed at St. John's Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301), on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 5 pm. Pastor Ryan Hersch will be preaching and presiding, with a light meal will follow. No RSVP's needed. The service will be live streamed and have video afterward.
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