Meet the people serving on our Consultation Committee and Committee on Discipline—teams that help the synod listen well, reconcile where possible, and practice accountability that protects the Gospel’s witness.
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We give thanks for leaders completing their service—Hannah Manazares, Taylor Welch, Roger Bailey, Janis Richert, and especially Vice President Barbara Carl, whose steady, strategic leadership guided us through seasons of change.
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Meet the 2025–2026 Synod Council—including new Vice President Mark Myers and new members Ron Fraass, Dr. Richard Green, and Bruce Rianda—as they gather for their opening retreat and begin the work entrusted to them by our Synod Assembly.
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Mission support at work in Sedona: A Grand Canyon Synod grant helped Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) relaunch Summer Day Camp for K–5 campers with LRCC counselors, community partners, and Bible stories that “planted” faith—literally and spiritually. This ministry was made possible by your mission support and the Synod Grants Program.
Thinking about a new ministry? The 2025 Grants application window is open Sept 8–Oct 31 (up to $15,000). Find details/applications at gcsynod.org/grants.
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Join the Spirited Book Club on Thursday, September 25 at 3:00 pm AZ (PDT) for a discussion of The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This short but powerful book invites readers to reimagine community and economy through Indigenous wisdom, reciprocity, and gratitude. Facilitated by Sheri Brown and aligned with the Season of Creation, the conversation will explore how gift economies can help cultivate peace with creation. Click here to register.
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Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, October 2–4, 2025, led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners. This online gathering will equip leaders for cross-cultural ministry, offering practical tools to strengthen relationships with the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. Download the full flier here.
Participe en el Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latine, del 2 al 4 de octubre de 2025, dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes. Este encuentro en línea ofrece herramientas prácticas para el ministerio intercultural y para fortalecer relaciones con la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí.
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When caring for a loved one with a disability becomes overwhelming on top of responsibilities to other family members, Medicaid-funded services provide relief and peace of mind.
The post Direct Support Professionals are the Heart of Connection appeared first on Mosaic.
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One Home One Future, a growing coalition of 49 denominations and faith organizations, is celebrating two years of visible climate action rooted in faith. Since its launch in 2023, more than 1,000 congregations and individuals—representing nearly 350,000 people—have joined together to care for creation through education, community events, advocacy, and resources that are free to all participants.
This movement invites congregations of every tradition to step into visible, hopeful climate action that strengthens communities and reflects our call as Christians to steward God’s creation. To learn more and join this campaign, click here.
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The September 2025 Mission Support Memo shares Mary’s journey as a Young Adult in Global Mission in Mexico City, where she moved from accompaniment to advocacy, guided by values of mutuality, inclusivity, and empowerment. Her story highlights how YAGM shapes young adults to serve, learn, and work for justice.
This month’s memo also introduces the new ELCA Church Property Resource Hub, created to help synod and congregational leaders navigate opportunities and challenges with land and buildings in service of the church’s mission. We invite you to read, share, and engage with this resource.
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At the U.S.-Mexico border, the Border Church brings people together for worship on both sides of the wall. Rooted in prayer, accompaniment, and a ministry of presence, the congregation serves migrants and asylum-seekers while witnessing to Christ’s call for peace and justice. Despite barriers and fear, this community testifies to unity in Christ and hope for a world without walls. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
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An Ohio congregation has transformed a farmland bequest into an ongoing ministry that feeds both local and global communities. Since 2001, St. Mark Lutheran in Van Wert has dedicated all proceeds from its 100 acres to hunger ministries, raising tens of thousands each year to support food banks, shelters, ELCA World Hunger, and more. Rooted in the stewardship of Lutheran farmers, this model continues to multiply gifts for those in need. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Judith Rainforth, who celebrates 22 years on September 21.
Rev. Gary Ulrich, who celebrates 46 years on September 24.
Celebrate the 500th anniversary of Luther’s marriage with a free three-part ELCA webinar series, Blessed to Be, exploring gender, marriage, and sexuality from a Lutheran theological perspective. Join Sept. 30, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2 at 10–11 a.m. Arizona time Register here.
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Arizona’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) is open for FY2025/2026, providing up to $100,000 total per applicant to fund target hardening and security enhancements for at-risk nonprofits. Eligibility requires meeting FEMA NSGP nonprofit standards plus either (a) no federal award in 2024–2022 or (b) inability to front costs for the federal program. Application deadline: Wed., Oct. 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Submit to hs@azdohs.gov. Info & forms: azdohs.gov/az-nsgp. Webinars: Wed., Sept. 17, 1:00 p.m. and Thu., Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m.
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Join us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.
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Join a free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. CT titled “Addiction & Youth: Trends & Challenges” featuring Michael Durchslag, Director of P.E.A.S.E. Academy. Learn how early intervention can change lives and explore current trends in youth substance use and recovery. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith in honor of National Recovery Month. Register here.
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Join us Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for “Service to Sanctuary,” featuring U.S. Army combat veteran Dr. Jason Phillips. Through original music and personal testimony, Dr. Phillips shares how music became a healing sanctuary after war. All are welcome for this free and powerful evening of story and song.
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Come meet Dioany Yosuino on Thursday, September 18 at Mountain View Lutheran Church and hear how a simple Operation Christmas Child shoebox reminded her that God sees the desires of her heart. The Project Leader Workshop runs from 5:30–7:30pm. RSVP by 9/11/25. Visit the Facebook page.
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Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has released a statement following the September 10 shooting in Utah that claimed the life of Charlie Kirk. Eaton calls the church to say a definitive “no” to political violence, reminding us that our unity in Christ is a grace-filled gift in a fractured society. She urges Lutherans to be peacemakers, embodying Christ’s message of forgiveness and healing through civic engagement and active witness. To read her full message, click here.
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