What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? On God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, we’re invited to reflect on Luke 14:25–33, where Jesus challenges us to count the cost of discipleship. In a world that pulls us in many directions—especially with packed fall calendars—this week’s Faith Lens devotion reminds us to reorder our loves and put Christ first. What might you need to set aside to love and serve more fully?
Read MoreFor an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…
For victims of sexual assault and violence…
For earthquake victims in eastern Afghanistan…
For landslide victims in the Darfur region of Sudan…
For wildfires in California…
For safety amidst protests in Indonesia…
For students, families, and school personnel beginning the new school year…
For all professional fields, vocations, and jobs of any kind, and for fair and equitable labor policies…
Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix is creating sacred space through weekly Talking Circles that honor Indigenous traditions within a Christian setting. Supported by Grand Canyon Synod grants, these gatherings offer healing, community, worship, and hospitality to about 50 people each week. Read how this ministry embodies the love of Christ and why your congregation might consider applying for a synod grant to support innovative ministry in your community.
Read MoreSanta 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.
Read MoreSpirit 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.
Read MoreToday 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.
Even in challenging times, hope shows up in the everyday witness of ELCA congregations and ministries. This roundup from Living Lutheran lifts up stories of resilience, leadership, and compassion—reminders that God is active through community and commitment. Click here to read the full feature.
Read MoreIn a new interview with Living Lutheran, author Kaethe Schwehn reflects on her novel The Gospel of Salome, a bold reimagining of biblical times through the lens of fiction. As a Lutheran writer and professor, Schwehn discusses the role of faith, storytelling, and vocation in shaping characters and communities. Click here to read the full interview.
Read MoreKendra Hernandez shares her story of faith shaped by church communities from Las Cruces to Budapest to Baltimore. A lifelong Lutheran and young adult leader, she reflects on finding belonging, serving through YAGM and Global Refuge, and discovering grace in action beyond Sunday mornings. Read her full story in Living Lutheran — click here to learn more.
Read MoreThree more videos from the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly are now available, including tributes to Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Sue Rothmeyer, and a joyful message from Bishop Susan Johnson. Watch now on the ELCA YouTube channel.
Read MoreEach 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.
Read MoreRegistration 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.
Read MoreA 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.
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 MoreExperience 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.
Read MoreMedicaid 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.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Jason Jensen of InterVarsity shares how his engineering mindset failed in cross-cultural ministry—and how it reshaped his view of spiritual authority.,
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day. As we rest and give thanks, we remember that all work is holy vocation in God’s creation. Read more, including a prayer for workers and communities.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop visits and preaches at various congregations around the synod, and takes a day off on Labor Day. We also share photos from the Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran.
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