Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Nevada early voting and Navajo Nation in-person absentee voting end October 30. Arizona voters should use an official ballot drop-off location after October 27; Arizona and Utah ballots must arrive by their Election Day deadlines. Read our final nonpartisan guide, confirm your voting plan, and make your voice heard.
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 MoreAll God’s critters are welcome! Join Deacon Emma for a Blessing of the Pets on Saturday, October 31, at 9 a.m. in Memorial Plaza at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N. 1st Ave., Oro Valley. Celebrate God’s creation with a special blessing for animals and their human families.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Pastor Edrin Williams on discipleship in a black-led, multi-ethnic church in North Minneapolis, and the people still forming him as a pastor.
Read MoreIn the coming week, the Office of the Bishop staff will connect with congregations and ministry leaders, support faith formation and youth ministry, and advance generosity and mission support efforts. The team will also maintain synod communications and complete financial work, while Theresa Thornburgh is on vacation.
We also share a photo from our First Call event after the Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
Read MoreLAMA’s October 20 newsletter highlights census comments due November 2, a sacred lands sign-on letter due October 22, and Daily Bread Grant applications closing October 21. Find Arizona voting resources, election protection training, interfaith celebrations, and hunger ministry connections. Read the full newsletter for details and ways to participate.
Read MoreSave the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.
Read MoreWorship, 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 MoreJoin SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: 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 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 MoreEnjoy a Senegal-style dinner and drum circle with Pape Diouf and Dr. Sonja Branch at Holy Trinity in Chandler on November 21. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a freewill offering; drumming begins at 7 p.m. Beginners, experienced drummers, and children are welcome—$10 to play with an RSVP, free to listen. Learn more and RSVP.
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