Ordination celebrations: October 24-30, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 4 years on October 23.

  • Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 45 years on October 26.

  • Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 29 years on October 26.

  • Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 22 years on October 26.

  • Rev. Verónica Alvarez, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 3 years on October 30.

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Installation of Rev. Ryan Marsh at Crossroads Lutheran in San Tan Valley

Rev. Ryan Marsh will be installed at Crossroads Lutheran (2769 E Combs Rd, Building D, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140) on Sunday, 10/26/2025 at 2pm. Rev. Tina Mills will preach and preside. View live-stream on the Crossroads YouTube channel.

Following the installation service, there will be an angel food cake dessert celebration.

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New Hunger Advocacy Fellows Join ELCA’s Mission for Justice

ELCA Advocacy has announced the 2025–2026 Hunger Advocacy Fellows, a new class of six emerging leaders committed to advancing faith-based public policy and hunger justice. Serving across the country—in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Texas, California, and New York—these Fellows bring expertise in law, communications, sociology, theology, and global governance. Over the coming year, they will engage in professional development, faith formation, and advocacy that reflects the ELCA’s call to serve neighbors and strive for a just world where all are fed.

Read more about the Fellows and their stories at ELCA.org.

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Help Shape Joyful, Blended Worship at Good Shepherd–Reno

Region 2 partner Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (Reno, NV) seeks a full-time Director of Worship & Faith Formation ($65–80k + benefits). Role is 80% worship design/implementation and 20% faith formation; ELCA familiarity preferred; Good Shepherd is open and affirming (RIC). Apply by Nov. 1 (interviews early November); start Jan–Aug 2026. Details and application at goodshepherdreno.org; send materials to jobs@goodshepherdreno.org.   

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Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend is 10/31 – 11/2/2025

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.

PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

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Nominate Students for Lutheran Summer Music

You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2026! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2026 takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN from June 21-July 19 (Full Session) or June 21-July 3 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1.

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Walking Through History: Our Saviour’s Tucson Marks 80 Years of Ministry

Celebrate 80 years of ministry with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson during a History Walk on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. Walk through key spaces on campus as congregation members reenact moments from the church’s story, followed by a celebratory luncheon. Free and open to the public. For details or luncheon RSVPs, contact 520-327-6521 or oslc@lutherantucson.org.

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Celebrate 80 Years of Ministry with Faith–La Fe in Phoenix

Join 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)

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Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 10/28/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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Find Renewal and Connection with Thriving Leadership Formation This Fall and Winter

Thriving Leadership Formation invites church leaders to pause and grow through a series of opportunities this fall and winter—including weekly Lectio Divina, Enneagram in Ministry panels, monthly Spiritual Practice in Community gatherings, and the 2026 Executive Skills Retreat (Jan. 5–9 in Carefree, AZ). Each event offers space for renewal, connection, and leadership development.

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Faith Leaders Unite to Confront Christian Nationalism: Join the Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint

Faith leaders are invited to join BJC’s Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 12:00–1:30 p.m. CT (online via Zoom). This first session, Confronting Christian Nationalism — Faith-Rooted Organizing for Clergy, offers a space for connection, learning, and courage as clergy work to guide their congregations toward faithful public witness and resist the rise of Christian nationalism. Register today to join this important conversation.

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