Partners for Sacred Places is accepting entries for its 2026 national photo contest, “250 Years of Religious Diversity.” Photographers may submit up to 10 qualifying images of historic U.S. sacred places in four categories, with prizes up to $500. Learn about the guidelines and submit an entry.
Read MoreYouth musicians in grades 8-12 are invited to Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2027 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school students. Churches from around the country send students to LSM for an unforgettable summer of musical growth and connections in faith and community.
Churches are encouraged to nominate students, and students can apply now through December 1 for a Priority Enrollment $100 discount.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s free, online Founders Day Luther Lecture takes place Wednesday, September 30, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in Arizona and southern Nevada; 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in Utah.
The Rev. Dr. Brandon Westengard will explore Martin Luther, Mary’s Magnificat and mystical experience in Lutheran theology. No registration is required. Join by Zoom.
Read MoreSiobhan Gonzales is a shining example of someone who was “Called to Care.” Long before she earned her Direct Support Professional title, she grew up helping care for her autistic brother, an experience that gave her an understanding of what families want: someone they can truly trust.
Today, she brings that perspective to her work supporting two individuals with their daily routines and goals.
Read MoreThe reasons people become a Shared Living Home Provider vary from wanting flexible work to earning income at home. But the reason they stay Home Providers is often the same: meaningful relationships. Learn more about that in our latest blog post.
Today, she brings that perspective to her work supporting two individuals with their daily routines and goals.
The post Meaningful relationships are the top reason people are Shared Living Home Providers appeared first on Mosaic.
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 MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Warren Smith, professor of historical theology at Duke Divinity School, joins Dwight and Terri to talk about his new book, Early Christian Theology: A History, and what the first several centuries of Christian thought have to say to church leaders today.
Read MoreRev. David Peterson will be installed on Sunday, 10/11/2026 at 9:30 am at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church (11273 E 40th St, Yuma, AZ 85367). Rev. Pat Reed will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.
There will be a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service. No RSVP's necessary. The service will be live-streamed and can be found on the church’s website and Facebook and YouTube.
Read MorePortico Social Purpose Funds offer ELCA Retirement Plan members a way to consider investments through the lens of Lutheran social teaching, screening for practices that conflict with church values while supporting positive social impact.
Explore your options, review the fund descriptions and consider whether your retirement selections match your mission.
Read MoreA no-cost Portico Town Hall on Tuesday, September 22, will address the 15% base-rate increase planned for Portico health benefits in 2027. The session begins at 6:00 p.m. in Arizona and Nevada and 7:00 p.m. in Utah.
Rostered ministers, council members, treasurers and other congregational leaders are encouraged to learn what the increase may mean for their planning and to ask questions. Register in advance.
Read MorePastor Jacqui Pagel returns from a sabbatical grateful for rest, travel, family, and the colleagues who sustained vital synod ministry in her absence.
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona has released an eight-page guide to help congregations prepare for potential election-related disruption, from misinformation and intimidation to division and uncertainty. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to truth-telling, peace and care for neighbors, the resource includes discussion scenarios and a practical readiness checklist.
Congregations are encouraged to identify a response team, trusted information sources, a spokesperson and key emergency contacts now. Read the full article and download the guide.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network is recruiting Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers for the November election, with online trainings September 28 and October 15. The latest newsletter also includes the October 20 Annual Gathering, nonpartisan voter education, community celebrations, interfaith events, and ways to support peaceful civic participation. Read the full AFN newsletter.
Read MoreLAMA’s latest update invites Lutherans to register or confirm their voter status, take the Faithful Arizona Voter Pledge, and join upcoming election-protection, advocacy, and hunger-justice gatherings. It also includes congregational election resources, ballot guidance, and actions for neighbors in need. Read the full LAMA newsletter.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop will gather for the Synod Council Retreat and then Bishop Hutterer attends the Conference of Bishops Fall Gathering in Chicago. Staff will also support installations, retirements, candidacy and first-call ministry, congregational vitality and generosity, upcoming events, communications, security, and month-end financial work.
Read MoreBishop Deborah Hutterer invites the people of the Grand Canyon Synod to approach the November 3 election with prayer, confidence, and care for their neighbors. She offers key voting deadlines, reassurance about voting by mail, and a call to seek and share trustworthy information as an expression of faithful civic engagement.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA offers a full September calendar of opportunities for worship, fellowship, study, retirement planning, and racial justice advocacy. Join the September 17 Boldcafe dinner, WELCA Reads beginning September 21, the September 24 Indian boarding schools presentation, and the Thankoffering Service livestream on October 15.
Explore the resources, register where needed, and share these opportunities with your congregation or women’s group.
Read MoreOn the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 75 people gathered at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview, N.Y., to remember those lost, honor first responders, share stories, and worship the wounded Savior. The service named both enduring grief—including losses from 9/11-related illness—and the hope found when communities care for one another.
This Living Lutheran story reflects on remembrance as a call to healing, kindness, and renewed community. Read the original Living Lutheran story.
Read MoreOn the 25th anniversary of 9/11, retired Lutheran Disaster Response director Gilbert B. Furst remembers the church’s sustained response: counseling, care, advocacy, financial support, and accompaniment for communities in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
His reflection testifies that God was present amid devastation—in the hands of firefighters, chaplains, counselors, neighbors, and all who served in Christ’s name. Read the original Living Lutheran reflection.
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