Worship, learning and a little friendly trivia brought 86 ministry leaders and staff together for the October 12–14 Bishop’s Fall Gathering in Scottsdale. Grounded in Rooted in God’s Story, our time with the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos invited reflection on faith, healing and human flourishing. Read the recap and enjoy photos of our time together.
Read MoreLEAN’s newsletter shares Nevada and Utah voter guides, ballot-question resources, and practical help with early and mail voting. Nevada early voting runs October 17–30; Election Day is November 3. Read the full newsletter and make a plan to vote.
Read MoreMake Your Mark! Students in grades 8–12 are invited to the CRC Fall Retreat November 13–15, 2026, at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Explore faith through the stories of Esther, Moses, and David and Goliath, with games, service, worship, and friendship. Cost: $50 plus transportation. Register and pay by October 26.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 5 years on October 23.
Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 46 years on October 26.
Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 30 years on October 26.
Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 23 years on October 26.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City is seeking a Choir Director to lead its three choirs, select music for worship and the liturgical year, and plan special music programs and events. Applicants with musical leadership experience and a passion for sharing the Gospel through music are encouraged to apply.
Read MoreTrinity Lutheran Church, 9424 N. 7th Avenue in Phoenix, seeks a pianist for Sundays and praise team rehearsals every other Wednesday evening. Interested? Contact Judy Vogt at 602-999-7620 or jkvsinger@outlook.com. Please share with musicians in your community.
Read MoreNew Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a part-time Minister of Worship & Music to lead and develop its worship ministry. The position averages approximately 15 hours per week and pays $19,500–$23,400 annually. This lay ministry position does not require ordination or ELCA rostered-minister status.
Candidates should bring musical leadership along with a passion for teaching, collaboration and developing others’ gifts for worship. Applications are being reviewed as they are received.
Read MoreThe November 14 Christian Nationalism Symposium in Sun City and online has been postponed due to low enrollment. Growing in Faith organizers are reworking the event for spring 2027; a new date is forthcoming. Please update your calendars and remove previous event advertisements.
Read MoreWhat does “bound conscience” mean, and why does it matter to the ELCA’s reconsideration of its sexuality statement? In this 31-minute episode, Professor Tim Wengert explores its Lutheran roots and pastoral significance, inviting careful listening across deeply held convictions.
Read MoreOctober 23 is the deadline for Arizona mail-ballot requests and Utah voter registration. Arizona voters should mail completed ballots by October 27; Nevada early voting and Navajo Nation in-person absentee voting continue through October 30. Check our nonpartisan guide for remaining registration options, ballot-return requirements, and official resources before Election Day, November 3.
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.
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 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.
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