Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites the ELCA to recognize diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility as expressions of our baptismal call to serve all people and seek justice. His Sept. 28 message encourages congregations to build trusting relationships and honor the distinct gifts each person brings to the body of Christ. Read Bishop Curry’s message.
Read MoreGrace Lao and Hope Lutheran churches in El Sobrante, Calif., celebrated a new ministry partnership with multilingual Pentecost worship in May. Sharing space and resources while honoring each community’s identity, they are exploring how collaboration can strengthen ministry. Their emerging partnership offers Grand Canyon Synod leaders a glimpse of the Spirit’s work through patient listening, shared mission and worship across languages. Read their story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe ELCA’s Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries has developed a five-year vision for leadership, cultural belonging and justice that invites the whole church to participate. Grounded in listening sessions and our baptismal call, the plan calls for confronting anti-Asian racism, strengthening mentorship and reforming leadership pathways, with initial reforms expected by September 2027. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
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 MoreThe ELCA’s Sept. 25 advocacy update examines nutrition assistance and the Farm Bill, religious liberty and military chaplaincy, federal funding, global humanitarian aid, and free speech concerns in immigration proceedings. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to our neighbors’ well-being, it also points readers toward an action alert urging senators to protect nutrition assistance and support farmers. Read the update and explore opportunities for action.
Read MoreVolunteer with Gather Valley of the Sun and Pitchfork Pantry on October 3 to help distribute food and essentials to ASU students. Arrive at 8 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Tempe for an 8:15–10:15 a.m. shift, with optional brunch and a devotional afterward. RSVP by messaging Gather on Instagram.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nanette Christofferson, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 7 years on October 5.
Rev. Kimberly Sterner, Christ Evangelical, Goodyear, who celebrates 40 years on October 5.
Wendy 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 MoreRev. 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.
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