All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is currently seeking a part-time Property Manager to help support its mission of service and hospitality. Learn more and apply at AllSaintsPhoenix.org/job-openings.
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Apply now for Grand Canyon Synod grants—up to $15,000 per project; ≈ $175,000 total available this fall. Applications open Sept. 8 and are due Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight). Projects aligned with the GCS Strategic Plan and collaborating with another ELCA ministry receive priority. Funding begins Feb. 2026.
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Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, January 16–19, 2026, for Living Into a New Story. Led by Pastor Ron Rude and hymnist Sharon Reinbott, this retreat explores how science, Scripture, and earth wisdom can renew our faith and reshape our relationship with creation. Scholarships are available.
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Renew your leadership and spirit at Leading Well: A Learning Retreat, January 6–9, 2026, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Designed for all who serve in faith-based ministry, this ecumenical event blends sabbath rest, collegial support, and practical learning. Participants will leave refreshed, connected, and equipped with a tailored Leadership Formation Plan. Learn more and register: surfacetosoul.org/2026-lwr
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Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »
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Your ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!
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Thrivent members can make a big difference through Thrivent Choice Dollars and Thrivent Action Teams—two benefits that support ministry at no extra cost. Direct your 2025 Choice Dollars by March 31, 2026 to your congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, and apply anytime for a $250 Action Team grant to fund a service or outreach project. Learn more at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice and Thrivent.com/actionteam.
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Join us Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix for Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations, a free interactive workshop led by Fred Nelson of the Inside Out Network. Explore a biblical foundation for reentry ministry, learn from new research, and discover eight practical models to help your congregation welcome and walk with returning citizens. Register today at the link provided—free parking and refreshments included.
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Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club welcomes transformational life coach and author Sarah Payne Naylor on Thursday, November 20 at 3 p.m. (MST) for a discussion of her inspiring new book, You’re Not Done Becoming: Reclaim Personal Power and Purpose to Transform Your Life at Any Age.
Naylor—long connected with Lutheran ministries in Arizona—offers a heartfelt reminder that growth and faith never end. Learn more or register at Spirit in the Desert.
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Pastor Joy McDonald Coltvet invites readers to use their voices for justice, guided by faith and the Holy Spirit’s advocacy. Drawing inspiration from Scripture and even from A Bug’s Life, she challenges us to speak truth in love, seek community across differences, and remember that our freedom is meant to set others free. Explore this reflection on using our faith-filled voices at Boldcafé.
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Bishop Emily K. Hartner of the North Carolina Synod reflects on what it means to live out faith through conviction and courage. Drawing on the examples of Jesus, Martin Luther, and countless faithful ancestors, she reminds us that our baptismal promises call us to serve, proclaim, and strive for justice—even when it’s risky. Read the full reflection on how faith becomes action and conviction becomes love at Boldcafé.
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The November newsletter features stories of Climate Ambassadors leading creation care efforts, opportunities to host trainings, apply for ecoAmerica’s 2026 Climate Leadership Awards, and spark Thanksgiving climate conversations. Explore the new Faith + Climate video project, read the 2025 Impact Report, and join Rev. Carol Devine in a month of gratitude. Read the full newsletter.
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Rev. Dr. Kevin Vandiver’s sermon from the October 4 installation of ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis is now available to watch online. In his message, Dr. Vandiver offers a Spirit-filled call for courage and hope as the ELCA embraces this new chapter of leadership.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, Scott and Timothy share how the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA is helping churches move from fixing institutional decline to discerning God's movement in their neighborhoods.
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In this week’s Faith Lens reflection on Luke 18:9–14, Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector challenges our assumptions about worthiness before God. While the Pharisee boasts of righteousness, the tax collector prays simply for mercy—and is the one made right with God. We are reminded that true prayer begins with humility and gratitude, not self-assurance. God exalts those who come honestly, knowing that all we have and are comes from divine grace alone.
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For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For cease-fire to hold in Gaza, and for the work of relief agencies…
For all in the path of Tropical Storm Melissa…
For areas of the world affected by changes to the global environment…
For political transition in Japan…
For immigrants and those who work and advocate on their behalf…
For government employees and those who rely on federal programs…
For the work of the Holy Spirit in renewing the church in every age…
Stay connected with Arizona’s interfaith community through the Arizona Faith Network Newsletter, featuring the upcoming 2025 Annual Gathering – United We Rise on December 2, 2025, honoring bridge builders like Mary Permoda. Discover upcoming opportunities for learning and advocacy, from elder care training and faith education to climate action and community safety.
Read more and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
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New Promise Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. George, Utah is hiring a part-time Church Musician (12–15 hrs/week) to provide organ/piano leadership for Sunday worship, plan with pastors and the music team, and support congregational song through the seasons of the church year. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes continuing education funds and paid vacation. Send a résumé, brief statement of interest, and (if available) a recording to newpromisemusicsearch@gmail.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Download the full job description PDF inside.
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Join Mountain View Lutheran Church for Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 24, 5–8 p.m. at 11002 S 48th Street, Phoenix. Enjoy a laser light show, food trucks, games, crafts, prizes, and more—plus a costume-friendly Trunk or Treat contest with a grand prize for best trunk. Volunteer or register your trunk at bit.ly/mvlctrunkortreat2025.
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