On the 25th anniversary of September 11, the Grand Canyon Synod remembers those who died, those who responded, and all who continue to carry grief and trauma. Grounded in Christ’s promise that death and violence do not have the final word, we renew our calling to reject hatred, love our neighbors, and work for peace.
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Forced to flee Afghanistan, wheelchair athlete Bilal now draws upon his own resettlement journey to welcome refugees and immigrants as a Global Refuge case manager. Watch his moving story of safety, service and what he calls the “holy work” of welcome.
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Reflecting on Romans 14 and the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this ELCA Faith Lens explores how Christians can hold firm convictions without judging or excluding others. Because Christ alone is Lord, we are called to meet religious and cultural differences with humility—loving, listening to, defending and welcoming our neighbors.
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Next week, the Office of the Bishop will connect with congregations and leaders through visits, preaching, a retirement celebration, the Conference Dean Retreat, and various meetings. Staff will also advance candidacy, ministry, grants, communications, finance, event planning, and administrative work while welcoming the Rev. Jacqueline Pagel back from sabbatical. We also share a photo of Bishop Hutterer’s visit to Trinity Lutheran Church for Pastor Karl Guhn’s retirement.
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Transitions can leave us between what was and what will be—a disorienting “liminal space” of waiting and uncertainty. Drawing on a difficult mountain hike, Joseph’s years of waiting and the Christian hope of God’s “already, but not yet” reign, the Rev. Becca Ehrlich reminds us that in-between time is not a time for inaction.
Even without a clear view of what lies ahead, we can listen for God, love our neighbors and become guiding lights for one another. Read the full reflection in Café.
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Life transitions can stir physical sensations, powerful emotions and spiritual questions—even when the change is welcome. The Rev. Dr. Becca Ehrlich introduces somatic awareness as a way to listen to our bodies, practice self-compassion and remain present with God amid change.
Discover how embodied practices can deepen prayer and expand our capacity to love and serve others. Read the full reflection from Café, a publication of Women of the ELCA.
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The Season of Creation, observed September 1 through October 4, invites congregations to give thanks for water and examine the environmental justice questions surrounding it. The Rev. Nancy Wright connects baptism, Jesus’ promise of living water and the watersheds that sustain every community.
Explore ideas for water-centered worship, education and action—especially relevant to the desert, rural and tribal communities of the Grand Canyon Synod. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.
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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.
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Join 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.
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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’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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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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A 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!
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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’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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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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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.
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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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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