This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 48 years on October 10.
Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 13 years on October 13.
Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 41 years on October 13.
Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 39 years on October 13.
Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 37 years on October 15.
Make your voting plan for November 3: Arizona early voting begins October 7, Nevada early voting begins October 17, and Navajo Nation absentee ballot applications are due October 19 at 5 p.m. Utah’s registration deadline and Arizona’s mail-ballot request deadline follow on October 23. Review our nonpartisan guide for registration options, ballot-return rules, and official resources across the synod.
Read MoreCrossings’ new “Law and Gospel” podcast offers weekly conversations on upcoming lectionary texts for preachers, Bible study leaders, and curious listeners. Shared by Pastor Matt Metevelis, this resource connects Scripture with daily life and Christ’s promise of freedom and new life. Listen on Spotify.
Read MoreExplore how grace frees us to serve our neighbors at the Crossings Conference, January 10–13, 2027, in St. Louis or online. Speakers include Elizabeth Eaton, Piotr Małysz, George Heider, and Sarah Hinlicky Wilson. Early bird pricing ends October 9, 2026.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest is collecting new towel sets for older adults and new, unwrapped toys, games, sporting equipment, arts and crafts, and gift cards for children across Arizona. Gifts must be received by 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2026.
Shop the online wish list, give financially, volunteer, or organize a collection drive with your congregation through LSS-SW’s Christmas Wishes campaign.
Read MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe will host a Senior Resource Fair October 17, 9 a.m.–noon, at 2085 E. Southern Ave. Older adults and caregivers can connect with resource organizations and attend 30-minute presentations on Medicare, aging in place, caregiver support, financial and legal considerations, and staying healthy and connected. View a PDF here.
Read MoreHear ELCA Presiding Bishop Emerita Elizabeth Eaton at Cal Lutheran’s Founders Day October 15, in Thousand Oaks or online: Convocation at 11:15 a.m. and “The Once and Future Church” at 5:30 p.m. Pacific. Register for the lecture, find livestream details, and join congregations in praying for Cal Lutheran on October 18.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert’s newsletter highlights a free veterans retreat November 20–22, ThanksLiving Music Fest November 27–30, and 2027 leadership and baseball retreats. Find daily devotions, weekly prayer gatherings, and public meditation paths—and discover how to share this ministry of hospitality. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Diaconal Association has introduced a Rostered Minister Pathway for those with previous diaconal preparation and can now endorse eligible members pursuing professional chaplain certification. Its Traditional Pathway remains available, with no career change required. Explore opportunities with the LDA for a lifelong calling to Christian service.
Read MoreApplications are open for Faith+Lead’s New Christian Communities Leadership Incubator, a 12-month online program equipping leaders to listen, discern, experiment, and cultivate Jesus-centered communities among people not connected to a local church. The $249 program combines courses, workshops, monthly gatherings, coaching, and peer learning—and synod leaders are encouraged to personally invite emerging leaders who may be ready to take this next faithful step.
Read MoreSeason 7 of the Pivot Podcast asked how the old treasures of the Christian tradition, its practices, liturgy, scripture, and doctrine, can reach people today and shape the way we lead, pray, and live among our neighbors.
To accompany the season, we've created a free guide, Rooted for the Road Ahead: A Season 7 Guide from Faith+Lead's Pivot Podcast. Each episode page has a short description, a key quote, and a few questions for reflection or group discussion. At the end you'll find books from our season guests. Download the guide.
Read MoreOctober is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and honor the value and talent workers with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces. At Mosaic, we get to witness how employment opportunities transform lives every day. We understand that applying and interviewing for a job can be both exciting and nerve-racking for everyone. Our employment coordinators at Living Innovations share five tips to help people with IDD turn that nervousness into confidence.
Read MoreAn expanded ELCA partnership brings Realm church management and Vanco Giving together, with exclusive pricing and implementation packages for ELCA congregations. The platform connects giving, member records, communications and other ministry tools. An informational webinar is Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. Arizona and Nevada time / 11 a.m. Utah and Navajo Nation time. Read the announcement and find webinar details.
Read MoreHow can we lead faithfully through disagreement? Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin shares how a campus conflict became an opportunity for apology, listening and renewed relationships. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to community and mutual flourishing, her reflection invites us to practice reconciliation in our congregations, families and workplaces. Read her reflection in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreConsidering seminary? Register by October 5 for Luther Seminary’s October 9–11 Seminary Sampler Weekend in St. Paul, Minnesota. Meet faculty and students, connect with ministry leaders, and explore your call through study and conversation. Learn more and register, or share the invitation with someone discerning ministry.
Read MoreTrinity Lutheran Church, 9424 N. 7th Avenue in Phoenix, seeks a pianist for Sundays and praise team rehearsals every other Wednesday evening. Interested? Contact Judy Vogt at 602-999-7620 or jkvsinger@outlook.com. Please share with musicians in your community.
Read MoreLAMA’s September 29 newsletter connects faith with action: support truth and healing for Indian boarding school survivors, explore hunger grants opening October 1, hear Global Refuge’s Eric Shafer October 3, and join a free voting celebration October 15. Read the full newsletter for advocacy opportunities, voter resources, and event registration.
Read MoreBuild interfaith community and prepare for peaceful elections with Arizona Faith Network. This issue features October voter education events, Poll Chaplain and Peacekeeper training on October 15, and the October 20 Annual Gathering honoring Azra Hussain. Read the full newsletter for registration links, community celebrations, and more ways to serve.
Read MoreNext week, synod staff will celebrate an ordination and installation, preach and participate in mission leadership training, and gather for an all-day staff meeting. Staff will also advance generosity and communications projects, support grants and upcoming events, maintain regular news updates and office operations, and prepare for September’s financial close.
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