In this guest reflection for ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Rev. Terrance A. Jacob recounts how faith-based organizing, grassroots leadership, and a meeting with then-Sen. Barack Obama helped advance support for a Lutheran AIDS ministry in Soweto. It is a personal story of persistence, partnership, and the power of mutual respect across borders. Read Rev. Jacob’s full reflection.
Read MoreNature Trek, through Living Innovations in Maine, helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities overcome fears and push beyond self-imposed limits through outdoor adventures. Read about it in this message from Mosaic.
The post Nature Trek Helps People with IDD Connect with Nature, Reach Personal Goals appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Associate Vicar Rachael Wooldridge talks with host Dwight Zscheile about the discipleship program her church built to meet them.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreForced 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.
Read MoreReflecting 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.
Read MoreNext 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.
Read MoreTransitions 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.
Read MoreLife 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreFamilies 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 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.
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