Several congregations in our synod have recently lost funds to contractors who took payment upfront and disappeared before completing work. To help others avoid similar losses, we share practical steps for contracting wisely—such as limiting deposits, verifying licenses, and ensuring written agreements. Learn how to protect your congregation’s resources and practice faithful stewardship when hiring contractors.
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert on Thursday, October 23 (3:00–4:00 p.m. AZ/PDT) for a discussion of Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. The book invites readers to face global challenges with courage and creativity, offering a framework for resilience rooted in faith, gratitude, and community action. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this conversation explores how Christians can live out “active hope” amid uncertainty. Register here: spiritinthedesert.org/events/spirited-book-club-active-hope.
Read MoreMark your calendars for two major 2026 Grand Canyon Synod events: Synod Assembly, June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, and the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 19–21 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Our 2026 theme, Rooted in God’s Story, invites us to ground our shared ministry in God’s enduring promise.
Read MoreLutheran seminary student Grant Brockhouse is serving a year-long internship with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler and the Grand Canyon Synod, focusing on outreach and community-building in Casa Grande. His efforts included leading Tapping into Theology at A Latte Vino, where people from all backgrounds gather to discuss faith and life in a welcoming setting. Brockhouse also plans several events—from a Christmas concert to community service projects—aimed at creating connections and growing faith in the Casa Grande area.
To read the full article from Pinal Central’s Casa Grande Dispatch, click here.
Read MoreThe Salt Lake Tribune recently profiled Rev. Katie Langston, outreach pastor and music director at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Once a Latter-day Saint missionary, Pastor Langston’s journey toward Lutheran ministry is a remarkable story of grace, healing, and bridge-building. Today she leads outreach, music, and support ministries that welcome those seeking faith and healing beyond traditional boundaries.
Read the full Salt Lake Tribune profile of Pastor Langston and New Promise Lutheran Church in the attached PDF or at sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/26/lds-missionary-turned-lutheran.
Read MoreJoin Mount of Olives Lutheran Church for Jazz Vespers on Sunday, October 12 at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde. Last month’s concert raised $850, helping the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry serve 238 families. Enjoy an evening of jazz and generosity that feeds both body and spirit.
Read MoreOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Women of the ELCA call on faith communities to take action against abuse. Learn how your congregation can help create safety and healing, and find 24/7 confidential support through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788). Read more and explore ways to respond faithfully at womenoftheelca.org.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA invites you to live your faith through generosity, prayer, and connection this fall. Your SALT Appeal donation will be doubled through a $50,000 matching gift, and new initiatives like the Campus Ambassador Program and Pray Without Ceasing prayer groups are building vibrant communities of faith. Don’t miss opportunities to join the Boldcafe B.Y.O.D. on October 16, attend the 2025 Thankoffering Service on November 9, and prepare for the 2026 Triennial Gathering in Des Moines. Find links to these stories and more at womenoftheelca.org.
Read MoreThe video of the installation of Rev. Yehiel Curry as Presiding Bishop of the ELCA—held on October 4, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—is now available to watch online. The service celebrates Bishop Curry’s leadership and the ELCA’s shared mission to proclaim Christ in the world. Watch the installation service on YouTube.
Read MoreOn October 4, Rev. Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—the first Black leader to serve in this role. As we celebrate this historic moment, we look back at the installations of past ELCA presiding bishops available on ELCA’s YouTube and give thanks for the Spirit’s continued guidance of our church.
Read MoreThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has issued a statement condemning the deadly attacks at a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur. The ELCA extends condolences to victims and their families and stands in solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide. Reaffirming its 1994 “Declaration to the Jewish Community,” the ELCA denounces anti-Semitism as “a contradiction and an affront to the Gospel” and calls all Christians to act as ambassadors of peace and justice. Read the full ELCA statement at ELCA.org.
Read MoreAugsburg Fortress highlights new worship materials for fall and winter, including the Together by Grace Bible Conversations webinar (Oct. 15), Humble and Holy Advent devotional, insights on the three-year lectionaries by Gail Ramshaw, and a new Music Sourcebook. These resources support worship leaders and congregations in planning and prayer. See the full list of resources on the ELCA Worship blog.
Read MoreThis October, ELCA Coaching offers free events and trainings for leaders, including sessions on mental health, right relations, beloved community, and decolonizing worship. Registration is required for some opportunities. Visit elcacoaching.org/events for details.
Read MoreArizona’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.
Read MoreResurrection Lutheran Church hosts its Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 11, from 9am–2pm in Oro Valley. With 50+ vendors, food supporting the youth group, Art by Heart, and a diaper drive for local food banks, it’s a joyful day to shop local, support ministry, and share in community. Free admission and parking.
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 MoreKathy Lueders, retired NASA associate administrator and member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Florida, reflects on her career in human spaceflight, her commitment to community service, and her grounding in faith. Her story highlights how vocation and discipleship intertwine in surprising ways. Read her story in Living Lutheran,
Read MoreFive years after its release, All Creation Sings continues to shape worship across the ELCA, offering prayers and songs that reflect diverse voices and expansive images of God. David Sims, Augsburg Fortress’ senior music editor, shares how ACS serves congregations and inspires faithful action. Read the full interview in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThis week’s BJC newsletter highlights advocacy against Texas’s new Bible-infused school curriculum, previews the October 21–23 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, and covers an upcoming Supreme Court case on religious freedom in prisons. Readers will also meet Rabbi David Segal, BJC’s new Policy Counsel, and find the latest Report from the Capital addressing how threats to religious freedom are becoming reality. Read the full issue for details and ways to engage.
Read MoreDr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and others invite readers into a vision of an ecological, equitable, and democratic economy. The Building a Moral Economy series offers tools and inspiration for those seeking to live faithfully in ways that resist exploitative systems and embrace justice, joy, and life-giving relationships. Explore the series and resources here.
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