This week’s AFN newsletter is full of hands-on ways to live your faith. Join the Interfaith Bag Packing event, sign up for Monday meditations, attend Bahá’í 101, or join the book study on The Tears of Things. You’ll also find volunteer opportunities, interfaith connections, and a special Prayer Circle for Oak Flat. Read the full newsletter and RSVP today: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
Read MoreBishop-elect Benjamin Quanbeck, chosen to lead the Montana Synod beginning September 1, brings a leadership vision grounded in trust, collaboration, and gospel-centered hope. In an interview with Living Lutheran, Quanbeck emphasized supporting congregations and leaders with the tools they need to thrive—and letting the Spirit lead from there. His mantra, “people over programs,” shapes his pastoral and adaptive approach to ministry. Get to know his vision, values, and hopes for the synod by reading the full interview in Living Lutheran —click here.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Mark Huggenvik, who celebrates 53 years on July 16.
Read MoreThe Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) has released its final report ahead of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, offering a bold roadmap for structural reform grounded in equity, inclusion, and the gospel. Key recommendations include constitutional amendments, support for lay leadership, and commitments to dismantling racism. As our synod prepares to send voting members to Phoenix, this is a critical moment to reflect on who we are—and who we are called to become. Click here to read the full article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreMeet Ritu Rishidev, an 18-year-old student from Nepal’s marginalized Musahar community, who is rising as a powerful advocate for women’s rights and social justice. Supported through a Lutheran-led training in human rights and advocacy—organized by the Lutheran Community Welfare Society and funded by the ELCA—Ritu is now a bold voice speaking out against gender-based violence and discrimination. To read more about Ritu’s inspiring journey and the Lutheran support behind her work, click here.
Read MoreNo problem—LSM On Demand has you covered! You’re invited to revisit over 30 concerts, recitals, and worship services from Lutheran Summer Music 2025, all available to watch in our Livestream Archive at LSMacademy.org/on-demand. From breathtaking performances to inspiring worship, there’s something for everyone—don’t miss the chance to experience it all!
Read MoreWhen given the right opportunities, people with disabilities are often able to thrive. Here are three stories illustrating how donor gifts made a positive difference in individuals’ lives. The post Donor Gifts Change Peoples’ Lives appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreGet ready for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly by participating in key pre-events, including online Bible studies (July 9, 16, and 23), guide orientation webinars (June 26), and five official virtual hearings (July 15–24). These sessions explore major issues such as climate and gender justice, Palestine and Israel, and the proposed social statement on Faith & Civic Life. Learn, reflect, and prepare alongside others across the ELCA.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is making a final push to fill open volunteer roles for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to assist with tech, hospitality, support, and more. Learn how you can help welcome the wider church and be part of this historic event. Sign up today and join the team that makes it all happen.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Sherwood Glover, who celebrates 52 years on July 15.
Rev. James Price, who celebrates 28 years on July 15.
Rev. Erin Morris, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 6 years on July 15.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held July 28–Aug. 2 at the Phoenix Convention Center, gathering 845 voting members under the theme “For the Life of the World.” Key actions include electing a new presiding bishop and secretary, voting on the proposed Faith and Civic Life social statement, and addressing major memorials such as missing and murdered Indigenous women and dismantling racism.
Assembly events will include worship, theological reflection, a candlelight AMMPARO vigil, and an exhibition powwow hosted by Indigenous leaders from the Phoenix area. Click here for full details in the official ELCA news release.
Read MoreDo you know a young dancer? The ELCA is seeking Phoenix-area students and young adults to participate in the Opening Worship of Churchwide Assembly on Monday, July 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Dancers will rehearse and perform from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—a rare opportunity to offer movement as worship. Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at sbjornebo@yahoo.com or 303-257-3356 to share names or learn more.
Read MoreJoin Bishop Hutterer and Wartburg Seminary leaders for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, explores Bonhoeffer’s vision of Christian community through Old Testament stories and Lutheran theology. Rostered ministers and SAMs are invited to attend; registration includes meals and closes September 5. Scholarships are available.
Read MoreApplications are now open for the ELCA Disability Ministry Grants, with up to $35,000 in total funding available for 2025. Individual ministries may apply for grants up to $10,000 through July 31. Projects must demonstrate active engagement with people with disabilities and align with one or more core goals of the Disability Ministry. To learn more and access the application, click here.
Read MoreFeeling stuck in your ministry? This July 24 online workshop with Dr. Dwight Zscheile will help you explore the “mixed ecology” of church—equipping you with theological insight and practical tools to engage your community in new, Spirit-led ways. Open to Faith+Lead members ($19.95/month), with scholarships available.
Read MoreExplore a full month of free leadership support from ELCA Coaching this July. Offerings include Wednesday gatherings focused on healing, diversity, and faith, as well as in-depth training modules on right relations and decolonizing worship (registration required for select sessions). These events are free to all, thanks to ELCA sponsorship. An additional “Coaching for Everyday Life” training begins August 4. Click here for full details and registration: elcacoaching.org/events
Read MoreThe annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.
Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club this July to explore Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand by Jeff Chu, a memoir that weaves together faith, identity, food, and the lessons of the land. In two thoughtful sessions—July 10 and 24 from 12:00–1:00 pm (AZ/PDT)—participants will reflect on Chu’s journey from Manhattan magazine editor to seminary farmhand, where spiritual formation meets ecological practice.
Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this virtual gathering invites readers into a moving story of transformation, rooted in theology, community, and grace. Good Soil is a compelling read for anyone yearning for meaning, connection, and hope in today’s world. Click here to learn more and join the discussion.
Read MoreRostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Arthur Goetz, who celebrates 63 years on July 14.
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