Rev. Jenn Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. Color of the day is green. There will be a reception and meal to follow.
Read MoreRegistration is open for “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Christian Nationalism,” a Nov. 14 symposium featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod. Join the Grand Canyon Growing in Faith Program in Sun City or online for a biblical and theological exploration of faith, nation, power and our ultimate identity in Christ. Cost is $25.
Read MoreGod is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.
Read MorePreparing for November 3? Arizona’s October 5 registration deadline and Nevada’s October 6 standard registration deadline are approaching. Utah’s registration deadline is October 23; Navajo Nation absentee ballot requests are due October 19. Read this week’s reminder for official links, ballot-return requirements, and the separate Navajo Nation election deadlines.
Read MoreChildren, youth and young adult ministry leaders are invited to Camp Pinerock in Prescott, October 16–17, for 24 hours of connection, renewal and shared learning. The $50 retreat includes informal fellowship and participant-driven conversations about faith formation, intergenerational ministry and the joys and challenges of ministry with younger generations.
Reserve your spot by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org by October 1, 2026.
Read MoreJoin SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: October 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a 2027 National Youth Gathering info session, November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and December 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.
Read MoreJoin the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, pastor-in-residence at Global Refuge, for a free forum on refugee resettlement and Lutheran accompaniment from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 3, followed by a reception at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree. RSVP by Friday, October 2, to admin@ctlcarefree.org.
Pastor Shafer will also preach at the congregation’s 9 a.m. worship service Sunday, October 4. Learn how congregations can put faith and welcome into action alongside refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.
Read MoreBlessed Tomorrow’s October newsletter connects faith with creation care through free Climate Ambassador training, an October Voting & Faith webinar, worship resources, and a postcard campaign to Congress. Read the full issue for registration links and practical ideas for your congregation.
Read MoreExplore stories of climate hope on September 29, renewable energy planning for congregations on October 20, and free creation care resources in Lutherans Restoring Creation’s September Good Green News. The issue also includes film screenings, nature-based spiritual leadership training, civic engagement tools, and a new retirement-investment explainer. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.
Read MoreExplore the connections between religious liberty, civil rights, and faith at the October 21–22 Shurden Lectures. Watch Maya Wiley’s October 21 lecture live at 2 p.m. in most of Arizona and Nevada / 3 p.m. in the Navajo Nation and St. George. Both events will be recorded. Register and learn more.
Read MoreEveryone deserves health care that recognizes the person, not the disability. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other diverse needs may find themselves in situations where medical professionals dismiss, question, or downplay their health concerns, attributing symptoms to their disability. Mosaic’s Health Services Coordinator shares how to keep the lines of communication open and advocate for yourself or a person you support.
The post Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, what we learned looking back on season 7.
Read MoreDrawing on his experience growing up with cerebral palsy, the Rev. Brian Krause reflects on how everyday words and church language can deepen exclusion. He calls congregations to examine their language as an expression of Jesus’ welcome and the worth of people with disabilities. Read his reflection on why language matters.
Read MoreELCA Disability Ministries has paused grants for 2026 and plans to reopen applications in mid-spring 2027. Meanwhile, the team is reviewing its grant process and developing resources for congregational accessibility, individualized faith formation, mental wellness, and connections with Deaf Ministries—supporting the church’s work of belonging and inclusion. Read the grant update and learn what’s ahead.
Read MoreFor peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For an end to genocide across the world…
For flooding in southwestern Ohio and all those affected by natural disasters…
For Luther Seminary and all seminaries navigating reimagination or relocation…
For the United Nations General Assembly and for all agencies working for peace…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Ontario, Canada and Durban, South Africa…
For immigrants and all marginalized populations who live in fear of violence…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Nolo…
For all in need of access to affordable healthcare…
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.
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