The September 2025 issue of Administration Matters features important updates for congregational leaders, including Living Lutheran’s return to print, Portico’s 2026 benefit changes, and guidance on DHS nonprofit grant terms. Also included: cybersecurity tips, a free Nov. 17 webinar on low-cost accessibility, and practical insights on hosting effective meetings. Explore the full issue on ELCA.org »
Read MoreStatement: LWF condemns civilian suffering in Gaza city, calls for global action
Cameroon: Church leaders reflect on climate justice and peace
“Aid makes a real difference,” says Swedish Archbishop meeting refugees in Kakuma
LWF Congratulates Rev. Philip Peacock on election as WCRC General Secretary
South Sudan: Refugee leaders committed to reopen learning centers for young children
As uncertainty around Medicaid funding grew in Washington, D.C, Robyn and other Home Providers made sure their Congressional representatives, friends and neighbors saw the faces and heard the names of people who rely on services made possible through the program.
The post Iowa Home Providers Share How Medicaid Has Improved Lives, What’s at Stake Without It appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreJoin the Oct. 23 one-day Virtual Addiction & Faith Conference, “Awakening the Church to Address Addiction,” hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Open to clergy, laypeople, and all impacted by addiction, this $50 event equips congregations to become safe, recovery-friendly communities. Register now and share the flyer to spread the word across our synod.
Read MoreLearn evidence-based tools to offer hope during crisis. On Oct. 7, join LFCNA for Hope in Practice, a two-hour online workshop introducing Solution-Focused communication techniques for faith leaders, nurses, and caregivers. Led by Laurra Aagaard, this training emphasizes strengths-based care, with CE credits available. Open to all. Register here. View PDF here.
Read MoreEnrollment is now open for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more.
Priority enrollment deadline: December 1, 2025. Standard enrollment deadline: March 1, 2026. Learn more at LSMacademy.org/program.
Read MoreThis 4-part video course from ELCA World Hunger introduces the role of a “Hunger Leader”—a person who builds bridges between need and abundance in our communities. Open to everyone, this module offers inspiration and practical steps to step deeper into anti-poverty ministry rooted in Jesus’ call to love and serve. Click here to take the course.
Read MoreIn moments of political violence or misinformation, faith leaders play a vital role in calming tensions and promoting safety. This guide from the Safe Communities Coalition (of which GCS is a member) offers best practices for communication that de-escalates harm, respects victims, and strengthens democratic norms. Click here to read the full guide.
Read MoreFaith leaders across Arizona are invited to sign a public letter denouncing political violence and affirming peaceful civic engagement. The Arizona Faith Network will publish signatures alongside the statement on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21. All clergy and faith leaders are encouraged to sign. Click here to read and sign the statement.
Read MoreRev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran in Chandler calls for humane immigration reform and oversight of Arizona’s ICE detention centers, where inhumane conditions continue to be documented. Rooted in Scripture and ELCA social teaching, she urges people of faith to advocate for justice, care for the imprisoned, and welcome the stranger in our midst. Click here to read more.
Read MoreAutumn Byars, member of University Lutheran in Tempe and former LAMA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, reflects on joining Creation Justice Ministries’ Witness for Creation press conference and worship at the Desert Botanical Garden. Held during the Season of Creation, this interfaith gathering lifted up urgent issues such as water justice, sacred lands, and support for the unhoused amid intensifying Arizona heat. It was a powerful call to care for creation—and one another—as an act of faith. Click here to read more.
Read MoreAs the Jewish High Holidays approach, the Grand Canyon Synod offers a heartfelt greeting to our Jewish neighbors. We honor this sacred time of reflection, renewal, and peace, and extend our wishes for a sweet and meaningful year ahead. L’shanah tovah.
Read MoreExplore events and resources from Arizona Faith Network this September: the final session of The Tears of Thingsbook study, weekly Monday meditations, October trainings on elder abuse and LDS 101, plus powerful faith-based calls to action on peace, sacred land protection, and climate advocacy. Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop hosts the Synod Council Retreat, prepares for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, and attends Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe. We also share photos from the Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson.
Read MoreRegion 2 partner Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (Reno, NV) seeks a full-time Director of Worship & Faith Formation ($65–80k + benefits). Role is 80% worship design/implementation and 20% faith formation; ELCA familiarity preferred; Good Shepherd is open and affirming (RIC). Apply by Nov. 1 (interviews early November); start Jan–Aug 2026. Details and application at goodshepherdreno.org; send materials to jobs@goodshepherdreno.org.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is currently seeking a part-time Property Manager to help support its mission of service and hospitality. Learn more and apply at AllSaintsPhoenix.org/job-openings.
Read MorePastor Brian Weinberger is home and continuing his recovery with the support of his family and congregation. His wife shares that having him back has been “wonderful for our entire family,” even as their days are now filled with ongoing appointments and long-term recovery needs. We give thanks for the prayers, encouragement, and financial gifts that have surrounded the Weinbergers and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and we invite continued prayer for Pastor Brian’s healing and strength.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod enters the new year with strong leadership, clear plans, and a shared theme of being Rooted in Story. At our recent staff retreat, we prepared both for the year ahead and for Bishop Hutterer’s upcoming sabbatical. During that time, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop, while our new synod council begins its work.
Together, we are pacing ourselves for a season of stability, renewal, and shared leadership as we move faithfully toward 2026.
Read MoreThis fall, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop while Bishop Hutterer is on sabbatical. A former bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod (2011–2023) and now Chaplain at LCM Canterbury at NAU in Flagstaff, Pastor Mike brings decades of leadership experience and will meet weekly with our Office of the Bishop staff.
We are grateful for his steady presence and pastoral care during this sabbatical season, and we invite your prayers for him, Bishop Hutterer, and our synod’s continued ministry.
Read MoreThis fall, Bishop Deborah Hutterer will begin her first sabbatical, traveling to Malta with her husband Alan and continuing through January 2026. Sabbaticals are a best practice in the church, offering time for renewal, prayer, and grounding in God’s Word.
Our synod is well prepared for this season with strong leadership, stable systems, and Rev. Mike Girlinghouse on call for emergencies. Please keep Bishop Hutterer in prayer as she prepares for this sabbatical journey of rest, renewal, and hope.
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