From the ocean depths to the farthest galaxies, creation invites us to marvel at mysteries we cannot solve. Writer Elise Seyfried reflects on faith, humility, and wonder in an age of scientific discovery. She reminds us that while our striving for knowledge is good, God also calls us to rest in questions that remain unanswered. We are cradled, like children, in the vast love of the Creator who holds both ocean and sky. Read more in Living Lutheran →
Read MorePastors are often pulled in many directions, juggling meetings, preaching, teaching, and community care. But what if the most essential task of ministry is prayer itself? Pastor Mindy Roll reflects on the biblical story of Mary and Martha, the neuroscience of prayer, and her own renewal through contemplative practice. She invites congregations to support their leaders in rhythms of prayer—so that ministry flows not from busyness, but from Jesus’ presence. Read more in Living Lutheran →
Read MoreELCA Disability Ministries has released its Fall 2025 updates, including a free Nov. 17 webinar on creating accessible church spaces on a budget. You’ll also find a recap from the Churchwide Assembly, reflections on mental health and disability, new teaching tools, and upcoming awareness events. Learn how your congregation can take faithful, practical steps toward greater inclusion and hospitality. Read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreThe ELCA is urging Congress and the White House to return to bipartisan negotiations immediately as the U.S. faces a potential government shutdown on October 1, 2025. In a statement released Sept. 24, the ELCA stressed that government is a gift from God meant to serve the common good—especially the hungry, sick, and poor—and warned that both a shutdown and rising healthcare costs will harm the most vulnerable first and worst. Read the full statement from the ELCA’s Witness in Society team by clicking here.
Read MoreIn August, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada distributed a record 199,654 pounds of food to 1,875 households, yet demand continues to exceed supply. With fall approaching, LSSN is preparing for the Warm Wishes Project (Oct. 22) and expanding the SHE CARES initiative to serve both women and men with dignity. We also celebrate the faithful service of our truck driver, Enier, whose daily work ensures our community is cared for. Learn how you can support this vital ministry.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ryan Hersch, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 22 years on September 27.
Read MoreSept. 30 marks the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, honoring the children impacted by these institutions and acknowledging the church’s role in their harm. Congregations are encouraged to participate by offering prayer, wearing orange, and engaging in ELCA resources. Join us Sunday, Sept. 28 or nearby, as we remember, repent, and commit to healing. Resources and suggested liturgy available at elca.org/IndianBoardingSchools.
Read MoreSanta Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson will celebrate its 40th Anniversary October 11–12, 2025. Saturday includes greetings, lunch, video presentations, history displays, cake, and mariachi music. Sunday’s worship, with Bishop Hutterer preaching, will bless a new youth-created banner and pray for future generations. Join in giving thanks for 40 years of ministry!
Read MoreJoin Faith–La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a joyful 80th Anniversary Celebration, October 24–26, 2025. The weekend includes worship, music, fellowship, and food. RSVP by Sept. 14 by phone, email, or online. Contributions are welcome toward the restoration of the pipe organ and church beautification.
Faith–La Fe en Phoenix celebrará su 80.º aniversario del 24 al 26 de octubre con un fin de semana de adoración, música y compañerismo. Confirme su asistencia antes del 14 de septiembre por teléfono, correo electrónico o en línea. Se agradecen donaciones para apoyar proyectos de restauración y embellecimiento del templo. (PDF)
Read MoreOctober’s Blessed Tomorrow newsletter highlights how faith communities are leading on climate—with award opportunities, policy action, research insights, and the second anniversary of the One Home One Future initiative. Find tools, inspiration, and stories of hope in action.
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation invites us to courageous action this fall with events like the Sept 27 Christian Climate Training, Sept 30 conversation with Dr. Moe-Lobeda on economic justice, and a virtual Blessing of the Animals on Oct 21. View the full newsletter for event details and registration links.
Read MoreCelebrate 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.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreOn Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10 a.m., the life of Rev. Frank Nausin will be honored in a memorial service at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church (8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749) where he faithfully served as Lead Pastor from 1982 until 2002, and again as Interim Pastor in 2016.
His son, Rev. Jeremy Nausin, pastor of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, will share words of comfort and hope. Join via livestream at tvlc.org/livestream. A fellowship luncheon will follow in the Nausin Family Life Center. Pastor Nausin passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Brandon O'Brien reveals the unique advantages of smaller congregations in today's culture.
Read MoreThe full agenda and session descriptions are now posted for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, taking place September 29–October 1 in Scottsdale. Join Bishop Hutterer and guest speakers from Wartburg Seminary as we explore Bonhoeffer’s Life Together and themes of lament, love, and Christian hope.
Read MoreA $6,000 gift from our Grand Canyon Synod—collected through donations and a contribution from the Global Engagement Team—is providing books for 180 students at our companion synod’s primary school in Fatick, Senegal. This tangible act of partnership ensures every child begins the school year equipped to learn.
Read MoreThe Fall 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Grant cycle is now open, with $175,000 available to support ministries. Watch the grants webinar recording and apply by October 31, 2025. Proposals that align with the synod’s Strategic Plan and show collaboration with other ELCA ministries are strongly encouraged. Funding begins in February 2026.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is offering a simplified and time-saving process to help congregations update their governing documents to the 2025 ELCA Model Constitution. With support from an experienced synod consultant, congregations can ensure compliance, avoid common errors, and streamline the process. Download the guide and access official ELCA resources to begin your update today.
Read MoreIn the latest Boundless magazine from the ELCA, a standout story titled “A Rural Revival” highlights how congregations in North Dakota are empowering lay leaders to serve as Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs). With no pastor in sight and a hunger for sustainable leadership, rural Lutherans — including full-time farmers — trained locally through a synod vitality grant, creating a model that others across the ELCA can follow. As the Grand Canyon Synod continues expanding opportunities for SAMs, this grassroots movement offers hope and a powerful vision for ministry in small communities. Read the full Boundless Summer 2025 magazine (PDF or flipbook) here.
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