Nature supports young people’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, yet new Blessed Tomorrow research suggests many faith communities are not helping them connect creation, climate change, and faith. The Rev. Carol Devine invites congregations to take ministry outdoors, proclaim God’s presence throughout creation, and equip young people for faithful climate action. Read “Ask the Animals and They Will Teach You” on Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 66 years on September 11.
Rev. Jill Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 28 years on September 13.
Rev. David Brandfass, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 31 years on September 13.
Rev. Daniel Volkmann, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on September 13.
Rev. Kylee Bestenlehner, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 1 years on September 13.
Rev. Carl Mangold, who celebrates 51 years on September 14.
Rev. Craig Geiger, who celebrates 54 years on September 17.
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona has released its 2026 Voter Guide, providing nonpartisan, faith-based analysis of all eight statewide propositions on Arizona’s fall ballot. LAMA recommends voting no on four measures and takes no position on four others, explaining each conclusion through ELCA social teaching and concern for human dignity, vulnerable neighbors, and the common good.
Arizona voters and congregations are encouraged to download, read, and share the guide—and to vote all the way to the end of the ballot.
Read MoreAre you discerning intentional interim ministry—or looking for stronger skills to lead a congregation through change? The Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association’s Basic Education in Transitions begins online October 1, followed by an April 2027 residential week in San Antonio.
The training equips pastors and ministry leaders to navigate congregational dynamics, conflict, grief and adaptive change while discerning the future God is inviting communities to discover. Registration is now open.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church in Kingman discovered that several mailed contribution checks had been stolen and fraudulently cashed after members reviewed midyear giving statements. Police, postal authorities, and bank fraud departments are involved.
Grace’s experience reminds us that churches can be targets of check theft and other fraud. Congregations are encouraged to issue contribution statements during the year, reconcile records regularly, strengthen financial controls, and ask donors to report missing gifts promptly.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest is collecting new towel sets for older adults and new, unwrapped toys, games, sporting equipment, arts and crafts, and gift cards for children across Arizona. Gifts must be received by 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2026.
Shop the online wish list, give financially, volunteer, or organize a collection drive with your congregation through LSS-SW’s Christmas Wishes campaign.
Read MoreJoin the SYAT Collective on Zoom Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. to explore creative, technology-savvy fundraising ideas for mission trips, the ELCA Youth Gathering, airfare to camp, and other youth ministry experiences. Come ready to share a successful approach or discover fresh possibilities for your congregation.
Read MoreGood Samaritan in Las Vegas welcomes Matt Baird, vocalist for Christian rock band Spoken, on Thursday, Sept. 17. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are $20. Congregations are encouraged to bring youth groups and friends for an evening of live music and community.
Read MoreWhen emotions run high, simple moments can quickly become overwhelming, making what a caregiver does next important. Mosaic Direct Support Professional Brandon Pace says de-escalation starts with remaining calm. He shares that and other tips in this blog.
The post Supporting Individuals with IDD When Emotions Run High appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreApplications are open for Faith+Lead’s New Christian Communities Leadership Incubator, a 12-month online program equipping leaders to listen, discern, experiment, and cultivate Jesus-centered communities among people not connected to a local church. The $249 program combines courses, workshops, monthly gatherings, coaching, and peer learning—and synod leaders are encouraged to personally invite emerging leaders who may be ready to take this next faithful step.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Pivot producer Joey Goodall traces an unexpected path from a moment in the 1994 Australian film Muriel's Wedding to a nearly 500-year-old prayer practice, the Examen.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 27 years on September 5.
Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 35 years on September 6.
Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 41 years on September 8.
Rev. Corazon Aguilar, who celebrates 31 years on September 9.
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 34 years on September 10.
Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features registration for the October 20 Annual Gathering, opportunities to serve as an Election Protection Poll Chaplain or Peacekeeper, and September meetings addressing housing, voting rights, creation care and community well-being.
Read the AFN newsletter and subscribe for complete event details, registration links and more ways to join Arizona’s interfaith community in building justice, dignity and courageous unity.
Read MoreLAMA’s September 1 newsletter invites Arizona Lutherans to act during Hunger Action Month and offers resources for faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement. Explore LAMA’s 2026 Voter Guide, election and advocacy events, voter-registration information, “God’s work. Our hands.” resources and the September 25 Grand Canyon Synod Grants deadline.
Read the full LAMA newsletter and find your next opportunity to serve, advocate and seek the well-being of your neighbors.
Read MoreNext week, the Office of the Bishop will support congregations and leaders across the synod through Bishop Hutterer’s visits and meetings, fall and 2027 ministry planning, congregational leadership development, grants, communications, finance, and preparations for upcoming events. We also share photos from our staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert.
Read MoreNew Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a part-time Minister of Worship & Music to lead and develop its worship ministry. The position averages approximately 15 hours per week and pays $19,500–$23,400 annually. This lay ministry position does not require ordination or ELCA rostered-minister status.
Candidates should bring musical leadership along with a passion for teaching, collaboration and developing others’ gifts for worship. Applications are being reviewed as they are received.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod celebrates the ordination and installation of Pastor Guy Ilunga at Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix on August 29, 2026. Bishop Hutterer preached and presided, and the full service is now available to watch online.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Connections every Monday from 6–8 p.m. at Hope Hall, 1124 N. 3rd St. September gatherings include Movie Soundtracks Live, Social Justice, a free Latin Night celebrating Mexico’s Independence, Karaoke Night, and Jazz Night. Come connect with neighbors through music, culture, conversation, and community.
Read MoreOur August 2026 Mission Support Memo spotlights a story by First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Minn. of our Southwestern Minnesota Synod strategically using The Generosity Project to build a culture of intergenerational giving and gratitude that eventually allowed them to retire their mortgage - they call it a "Mortgage Miracle". Speaking of stewardship, learn about how your congregation can participate in the Fall “Cultivating Generous Congregations” cohort at a great deal. Finally, hear about how the Congregation and Synod Support Team is adapting to new staffing and structure.
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