Gather Valley of the Sun is relaunching this fall! ELCA young adults are invited to a Tie-Dye Workshop & Fall Kickoff at noon Sunday, Sept. 20, at University Lutheran Church in Tempe, with an optional lunch at 11 a.m. All materials are provided. Congregations are encouraged to share the invitation with young adults in their communities.
Read MoreSave the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.
Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.
Read MoreEligible Grand Canyon Synod congregations and ministries may apply for up to $15,000 through the 2027 Synod Grants Program. Approximately $175,000 is available for projects advancing the synod’s strategic-plan goals, with preference given to innovative and collaborative proposals.
Completed applications and all required financial documents must be submitted electronically by midnight Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Read MoreRegister by Friday, Sept. 18, for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, Oct. 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers will gather around the theme Rooted in God’s Story for worship, renewal, synod conversations, and keynote sessions with Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos exploring theology, neuroscience, liberation, and healing.
Single-room, shared-room, commuter, and extended First Call registration options are available. Registration includes meals.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert’s latest newsletter shares signs of renewal: upcoming retreats for veterans and church leaders, a Spring Training–themed faith retreat, online worship and devotions, and opportunities to support this ministry of rest, healing, and reconnection. Read the newsletter in full.
Read MoreWondering whether God may be calling you toward ministry, theological education, or church leadership? Join representatives from all seven ELCA seminaries online Sunday, September 27, from 2–4 p.m. in Arizona, the Navajo Nation, and Utah—or 1–3 p.m. in Southern Nevada. Learn about programs, ask questions, and take a faithful next step in discernment.
Read MoreELCA congregations and eligible ministries with existing feeding programs may apply for a $500 Daily Bread Grant beginning Oct. 1. Applications close Oct. 21 at midnight Central Time. These grants support local ministries responding faithfully and practically to hunger and poverty. Review eligibility and application details.
Read MoreOn the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, this Living Lutheran reflection revisits the witness of New York Lutherans who accompanied neighbors through unimaginable grief. Their stories remind us that God is present not apart from suffering, but in faithful listening, lament, mercy, and hope. Read the full reflection.
Read MoreELCA Worship shares new resources for musicians, worship planners, and congregational leaders, including fall webinars from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, the Oct. 18–20 Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music, free sheet music from Lutheran Summer Music, and tools for community singing. Early registration for the Vi Messerli lectures ends Sept. 15. Explore the resources and events.
Read MoreIn 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 MoreThe ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.
The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.
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.
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