Now Hiring: Administrative Assistant at Santa Cruz Lutheran in Tucson

Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant (22 hrs/week, $15/hr) with flexible hours and partial remote work. Duties include worship bulletins, newsletters, communications, and office support. Training available in September. Contact Carol Radler at 520-294-8721 and send resumes to clrchoirlady@aol.com and tucson.az.sclc@outlook.com.

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Spirit in the Desert: Fall Facility Updates and Upcoming Retreats

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center shares exciting facility updates and inspiring upcoming events in its September newsletter. Learn how to support guest room upgrades, flooring replacements, and essential security updates. Plus, discover free workshops for veterans and healthcare workers, contemplative prayer offerings, and a festive Thanksliving music weekend. Click here to read the full newsletter.

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Ordination celebrations: September 5-11, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 26 years on September 5.

  • Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 34 years on September 6.

  • Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 40 years on September 8.

  • Rev. Corazon Aguilar, who celebrates 30 years on September 9.

  • Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 33 years on September 10.

  • Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 65 years on September 11.

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New Worship Planning Tools from Augsburg Fortress Now Available

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress to support pastors, musicians, and worship planners. This month’s recommendations include Revised Common Lectionary Expanded Daily Readings, Lectionary Mosaics, the 2026 Calendar of Word and Season, and ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Health and Health Care. These resources connect scripture, community, and liturgical life in meaningful ways. Click here to explore all the featured tools and publications.

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Register by Sept. 5: Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Franciscan Renewal Center

Registration for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering 2025 closes Friday, September 5. Join Bishop Hutterer, Wartburg Seminary President Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen, and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka, 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, will explore faithful community in divided times.

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A Deeper Well: Renewal and Resilience for Clergy Through Depth Psychology

A seven-week Zoom course—Renewal and Resilience: A Depth Psychology Approach for Clergy—offers active clergy a space to explore burnout, internalized pressure, and hidden congregational dynamics. Led by Rev. Richard Mallory, the program runs Tuesdays from Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Limited to 8 participants.

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Register by September 15 for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis

Rostered 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.

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Free Concert: Foxes, Wine & Wheat Premieres Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles

Experience the American premiere of Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles in the interfaith concert Foxes, Wine & Wheat. Join us September 12 at Paradise Valley UMC or September 13 at Holy Trinity Lutheran, Chandler. Admission is free (donations welcome). Featuring soprano Lariche Lamar and conductor Charles Zoll, with livestream available on YouTube.

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The Human Impact of Medicaid Cuts: A Mosaic Family Story

Medicaid is more than a program—it is a lifeline for families. Paige Ballinger, a Mosaic at Home Coordinator and niece of someone supported by Mosaic in Northern Colorado, shares how Medicaid services have transformed her aunt’s life and lifted the burden on her family. With recent federal budget cuts threatening these supports, Mosaic leaders emphasize the urgent need for continued advocacy to preserve and protect Medicaid for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Read Paige’s story and learn how you can join Mosaic Allied Voices to advocate for Medicaid—click here.

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Church Leaders Gather to Discern the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—how will the Church respond? Faithful Futures: Guiding AI with Wisdom and Witness (September 2–5, 2025) invites leaders and learners across the Church to explore theological, ethical, and practical responses to AI. While in-person participation in Minneapolis is by invitation, everyone is invited to join the full online experience, with livestreamed keynotes, interactive scenario planning, and digital cohorts. Grounded in Richard Osmer’s practical theology framework, this ecumenical gathering will equip participants with tools and insights to lead faithful, informed responses to emerging technologies.

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ELCA Guidance on Federal Grant Requirements for Congregations and Ministries

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued new federal grant terms for FY2025 affecting programs such as FEMA, HHS, and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. These terms include restrictions related to ICE cooperation, DEI/DEIA activities, and certain boycotts. ELCA congregations and ministries are advised to carefully review the new requirements and consult legal counsel before applying. Read the full ELCA guidance →

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN…

  • For business owners and leaders, facing increased costs and challenges…

  • For victims of flooding and landslides in Vietnam and Thailand…

  • For police officers and military personnel…

  • For immigrants coming to the US to escape violence in their countries of origin…

  • For those without a home or secure housing and those who serve them…

  • For those seeking meaningful work and all who are unemployed, underemployed, or retired…

  • For students transitioning to college and for the staff and faculty who care for them in these spaces, especially at our ELCA Colleges and Universities…

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