Choir Director Wanted at Mount Olive in Lake Havasu City

Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City is seeking a Choir Director to lead its three choirs, select music for worship and the liturgical year, and plan special music programs and events. Applicants with musical leadership experience and a passion for sharing the Gospel through music are encouraged to apply.

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LAMA Update: Voting, Oak Flat, Hunger Action, and Ways to Get Involved

LAMA’s September 8 newsletter features advocacy alerts on voting legislation and Oak Flat, election protection volunteer opportunities, the 2026 Voter Guide, Hunger Action Month resources, and upcoming events—including the Sept. 29 GCS Hunger Leaders Network gathering. Read the full newsletter for resources, registration links, and ways to get involved.

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New September Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress

ELCA Worship’s September roundup features new resources from Augsburg Fortress for musicians, worship planners, rostered ministers, and lay leaders—including a new Sundays and Seasons Music Leader Module, music for occasions outside the lectionary, pastoral care resources, and a handbook for presiding ministers. Explore what’s new and find resources to support worship and ministry in your congregation.

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Listen to Palestinian Christian Voices: Stolen Stories Episode 4

ELCA Sumud’s latest Stolen Stories video, “Daily Life 2005–2023,” centers Palestinian Christian voices and lived experiences in Palestine and Israel. Watch this fourth episode in the five-part series and explore what faithful accompaniment and steadfast hope can mean for the church. Watch Episode 4.

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BJC: Religious Freedom in the Classroom, at the Polls, and in Our Congregations

BJC’s September newsletter offers practical resources for congregations on religion in public schools, nonpartisan election engagement, and immigration-enforcement preparedness. It also includes upcoming events, a profile of The Black Seminarians Table, and a September 20 internship deadline. Read the full BJC newsletter.

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Ask the Animals: Helping Young People Encounter God in Nature

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.

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Ordination Celebrations

This 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.

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Vote the Whole Ballot: A Lutheran Guide to Arizona’s Propositions

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.

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Leading Through Change: Transitional Ministry Training Begins October 1

Are 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.

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A Warning from Grace Lutheran in Kingman: Protecting Churches from Check Fraud

Grace 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.

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Mosaic: Supporting Individuals with IDD When Emotions Run High

When 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.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Ordination Celebrations

This 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.

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From Conflict to Community: News and Opportunities from AFN

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.

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Hunger Action Month and Faithful Civic Engagement: LAMA’s September Update

LAMA’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.

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Office of the Bishop Updates

Next 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.

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