Prepare your congregation for Advent with Vero Communications’ Advent Bundle—a set of customized postcards, flyers, banners, and social media graphics designed to help you invite your community to worship. With a two-week turnaround, Vero creates professional, ready-to-use materials based on your church’s Advent theme. Learn more →
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 10 years on October 17.
Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 15 years on October 17.
Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 39 years on October 19.
Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 29 years on October 20.
Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 52 years on October 21.
Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 41 years on October 22.
Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 14 years on October 22.
Rev. Glenn Schrader, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 2 years on October 22.
Psalm 121 has long been a song for those on the move—pilgrims, travelers, and anyone facing life’s uphill climbs. In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Lindsay Batesmith explores how this psalm teaches us to lift our eyes to God for help and assurance, trusting that God keeps us in our “going out and coming in.” Whether through song, prayer, or quiet courage, we are reminded that God’s presence remains with us through every fear and uncertainty, turning today’s steep hills into tomorrow’s stories of grace.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →
Read MoreThe Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) met Oct 10–11 at Camp Pinerock, Prescott to review first-year goals, plan budgets and collaboration, welcome Pr. Amy Janssen (Tucson), and pray together for the work ahead. In the coming weeks and months, SYAT expects to announce scholarships and new resources for children’s, youth, and young adult ministry and will reach out to every congregation to learn more about local needs.
Read MoreFleeing abuse and seeking safety, Magali Sanchez-Hall found healing and purpose through Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn and the guidance of Pastor Hector Carrasquillo. His steadfast support helped her rebuild her life, pursue education, and become a powerful advocate for justice. Today, her journey from survivor to community leader shines as a testimony to the light of faith and the church’s call to see every person as beloved and capable. Read the full story on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreBorn to Honduran parents in Waukegan, Illinois, Carlos Ferrera found strength and belonging through Sagrado Corazon Lutheran Church. After facing isolation abroad and hardship at home, Ferrera returned to his faith community—and to himself—through mentorship from Pastor Hector Carrasquillo. Now leading youth ministry, Ferrera brings joy and connection to young people, showing how faith can turn adversity into purpose.
👉 Read the full story on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAs the 2024 Farm Bill expires, critical hunger and rural support programs face uncertainty. ELCA Advocacy urges lawmakers to pass a new bill that strengthens food security, supports farmers, and upholds faith-based commitments to caring for creation. From SNAP benefits to global food aid, the Farm Bill affects ministries that serve vulnerable communities daily. Learn how Lutheran voices are advocating for policies that ensure all are fed—in body and spirit.
Read the full article on ELCA Advocacy.
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 MoreJoin the Stephen Ministers at Desert Hills Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 22, at 1:30 PM for a dementia and Alzheimer’s presentation by Rev. Jerry Haas of United Methodist Church of Green Valley. Learn, share, and support one another in faith. Dessert and coffee will be provided.
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 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 MoreSee how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.
Read MoreThis Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.
Read MoreEach month, ELCA Worship shares highlights from Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations that enrich worship life across the church. This month’s updates include open enrollment for Lutheran Summer Music 2026 at St. Olaf College (priority deadline: December 1), details for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians 2026 Conference, and an invitation to the Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music (October 19–21 at Concordia University Chicago).
Other featured events include The Feast of Creation liturgical conference at Valparaiso University (April 13–15, 2026), Music That Makes Community workshops in Texas and North Carolina, and new resources from Journey to Baptismal Living. Read more about these worship partner events and opportunities on the ELCA Worship blog »
Read MoreAt its October 2–3 meeting in Minneapolis, the ELCA Church Council welcomed 19 new members elected at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly and took significant actions on several memorials. These included authorizing work on a social policy resolution related to abortion, reviewing a proposal for a social message on rural and tribal communities, and reaffirming the church’s commitment to justice for Palestinians and Israelis.
The council also conferred the title presiding bishop emerita on the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, appointed the Rev. Wyvetta Bullock as interim executive for administration, and approved an issue paper on artificial intelligence. Read the full summary from ELCA News & Events at elca.org/news-and-events/elca-church-council-welcomes-new-members »
Read MoreAs food pantry lines grow longer in Las Vegas, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada continues to meet the rising need through partnership, generosity, and faith in action. Their recent Oktoberfest celebration raised more than $30,000 and launched the new 1985 Society honoring 40 years of ministry. Upcoming efforts include the Warm Wishes Project (Oct. 22) and the expanding She Cares hygiene initiative. Learn how you can help at LSSNV.org.
Read MoreThis year marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The celebration honors the value and talent American workers with disabilities add to the country’s workplaces.
The post Honoring the Value and Talent Americans with Disabilities Bring to the Workplace appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Josh Packard explains why institutional trust has shifted to relational trust, and what that means for how churches engage younger people.
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