This week, the Office of the Bishop will support candidates for ministry, connect with congregations and youth leaders, and participate in church leadership, advocacy, and generosity gatherings. Staff will also lead a pastoral retirement service, coordinate grants and upcoming events, strengthen synod communications and website access, and complete monthly financial reporting. We also share photos from the Synod Council gathering.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s newsletter highlights election protection training September 28 and October 15, the October 20 Annual Gathering, and nonpartisan voter education events. Discover opportunities for interfaith learning, prayer, and service—including community celebrations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.
Read MoreWhat makes someone trustworthy? ELCA’s Faith Lens explores Matthew 21:23–32, connecting Jesus’ parable of two sons with the trustworthiness God reveals in Christ. Reflection questions, group activities, and prayer help youth consider how their actions reflect their words. Smaller-church leaders will also find an invitation to share their experiences through a listening project survey. Explore this week’s Faith Lens.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is trying new ways to connect pastors and deacons through joint monthly Rio Salado–Fiesta gatherings and weekly Scripture study groups, with an evaluation planned for spring 2027. Leaders are also invited to help guide the studies or serve as Kino Conference dean as we explore meaningful, sustainable ways to walk together.
Read MoreThank you for supporting Books for Fatick! The 2026 drive raised $6,100 for student schoolbooks and much-needed teaching supplies at Martin Luther School in Fatick, Senegal. The Global Engagement Team celebrates this generosity, with photos of students and their books coming soon.
Read MoreAs September 30’s National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools approaches, the ELCA invites congregations into year-round truth telling, learning, and repair that acknowledge Lutheran involvement. Discover worship and learning resources, the nationwide expansion of the Truth Seeking & Truth Telling Initiative, and how Phoenix’s Native American Urban Ministry supports Indigenous community and cultural restoration. Read the full article and explore ways to participate.
Read MoreTake the Faithful AZ Voter Pledge, speak up against hunger, and join synod hunger leaders September 29, 6–7 p.m. LAMA’s latest issue also offers election resources, volunteer trainings, refugee health coverage concerns, and an October 3 Global Refuge event in Carefree. Read the full newsletter and find ways to participate.
Read MoreJoin LAMA and LEAN on September 29 at 6 p.m. Arizona time via Zoom for “Mercy and Compassion Merging for Hunger Justice.” Bishops Deborah Hutterer and Jeff Johnson join food-bank and ministry leaders to explore faith, hunger, and action. All are welcome; no registration required. Join the meeting.
Read MoreWendy Schulz will be ordained to Word and Service at Peace Lutheran Church (18265 North 89th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382), on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 10 am, with a reception following. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rostered ministers and seminarians are invited to process and robe. The color of the day is red. The ordination will be live-streamed by Peace Lutheran and available on their YouTube channel.
Read MoreMany refugee families face losing comprehensive Medicaid coverage as federal eligibility changes take effect October 1, 2026. LSS-SW invites you to advocate for access to care and can arrange and lead meetings with elected officials alongside you. Contact Jay Eberle at jeberle@lss-sw.org to participate.
Read MorePut faith into action with LSS-SW: volunteer at October 13–17 projects in Phoenix and Tucson, explore mentoring and tutoring, or organize a Christmas drive. Donations are due December 14 at 1 p.m., with goals of 500 towel sets and gifts for 800 children. Find project details and ways to participate in our September update.
Read MorePastor Paul Block and New Song Church volunteers honored 9/11 by cleaning up St. Rose Parkway during Henderson’s Community Day of Service. Block’s memories of serving as a chaplain at ground zero connect this act of neighborly care with the solidarity he witnessed 25 years ago.
Read MoreHear the people and stories behind Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s work in its new Partners in Action Podcast. In the first episode, “Passing the Torch,” President and CEO Bobby Ghisolfo joins former CEO Connie Phillips to discuss leadership, legacy, and serving Arizona’s neighbors. Listen and follow for future conversations.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ryan Hersch, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 23 years on September 27.
Read MoreHear survivors’ stories and explore Arizona’s Indian boarding school history through Listening & Healing Pilgrimage, screening September 30 in Sedona, 4–6 p.m.; Scottsdale, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; and Tucson, 7–9 p.m. Tickets are $10–$12, with free admission for Native American attendees. Find ticket links and free-admission instructions in the full post, and join this invitation to listen, learn, and reflect on the church’s responsibility in truth-telling and reconciliation.
Read MoreShop for treasures and support Faith-La Fe’s ministry at its annual rummage sale Saturday, September 26, 2026, 7 a.m.–4 p.m., at 801 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. This bilingual, multicultural congregation welcomes everyone. Donations and volunteers are welcome, too; contact (602) 265-3394 or info@faithalive.com to help or arrange a large-item drop-off.
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 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 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 MoreFaith+Lead’s September roundup includes Bible courses, a Scripture certificate, a free Matthew study guide, leadership formation, a new-Christian-community incubator and fresh podcast resources.
Explore opportunities to deepen your learning, discern your next step and strengthen ministry in your context. Read the full September roundup.
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