Families affected by disability often carry unseen burdens and may quietly leave congregational life when they must advocate for inclusion alone. Reflecting on the friends who carried a paralyzed man to Jesus in Mark 2, Chris G. Neeley challenges churches to become friends willing to share the load.
Discover how practical support, caregiver respite and a Lutheran understanding of grace can help build communities where every person belongs. Read the full reflection at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreFor the Common Good: Prayers and Resources for Congregations in Public Life offers Lutheran theological grounding, worship materials and practical ideas for faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement during the fall 2026 election season.
Pastors, deacons, worship planners, councils and advocacy teams are invited to download the resource and adapt its hymns, intercessions, prayer services and other tools for communities across the Grand Canyon Synod. Help your congregation respond to anxiety and division with prayer, truthful discernment, humility and love of neighbor.
Read MoreJoin Beth Lederman and Jazz con Alma for Jazz Vespers at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, September 13, at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, 3546 E. Thomas Road in Phoenix. This monthly “Music for Food” gathering combines live jazz, contemplative worship and fellowship while supporting a food ministry serving nearly 300 family units each week.
September is Hunger Action Month, making this a meaningful opportunity to put faith into action and help sustain the work of feeding neighbors in need. All are welcome.
Read MoreMount 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.
Read MoreLAMA’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.
Read MoreELCA 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.
Read MoreA substantive reconsideration of the 1990 “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment” social message is underway. Churchwide input is encouraged. The feedback period is open until November 30, 2026. Please comment!
Read MoreELCA 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.
Read MoreLEADconnects offers fall opportunities for congregations and leaders to practice holy listening, strengthen communications, discern strategic direction, and find peer support. The LEAD Exchange begins in October, with registration due September 30; a strategic-planning information meeting is September 23. Explore LEAD’s fall offerings.
Read MoreBJC’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.
Read MoreNature 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 MoreWhere in the world is your congregation connected? The Grand Canyon Synod Global Engagement Team invites congregations and faith communities to complete a brief 3–5 minute survey about their international ministries and outreach—and learn more about our companion church relationships in Senegal and Mexico. Please respond by September 30.
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.
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