Lilly Endowment’s Serving Neighbors initiative offers planning grants up to $50,000 and, by invitation, implementation grants up to $5 million to strengthen congregation–community partnerships. Concept papers are due January 19, 2027, with virtual information sessions November 2 and 3. Eligible organizations supporting groups of congregations may apply; individual congregations seeking funds for their own programs are not eligible. Explore the opportunity and registration details.
Read MoreMake Your Mark! Students in grades 8–12 are invited to the CRC Fall Retreat November 13–15, 2026, at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Explore faith through the stories of Esther, Moses, and David and Goliath, with games, service, worship, and friendship. Cost: $50 plus transportation. Register and pay by October 26.
Read MoreHelp every generation grow in faith together. ReFocus Ministry’s Generations Together online conference on October 22, 2026, offers keynote speakers, practical breakouts, and live ministry conversations for pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers. Registration is $35, or $50 for VIP access with recordings, resources, and Q&A opportunities. Learn more and register.
Read MoreGrow your ministry with Faith+Lead’s October offerings: the School for Lay Ministry begins October 10, and New Christian Communities Leadership Incubator applications close October 31. Explore on-demand learning in adaptive leadership and congregational care, plus free resources for faith reflection, a four-week Acts study, and preaching informed by Indigenous scholars.
Read MoreSave June 15–17, 2027, for LuTMA’s hybrid ministry conference, open to pastors in permanent and interim calls. Dr. David R. Brubaker will explore congregational change, conflict, polarization, and community partnerships, with a pre-conference practitioner panel also planned. Registration opens in 2027; venue and schedule details are forthcoming.
Read MoreCongratulations to Annie Durante of New Covenant Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, this year’s Grace & Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship recipient! Congregations and individuals can help grow this ministry, which funds scholarships through interest while preserving the principal. For giving information, contact Shawn Watts at the Arizona Community Foundation, rather than Grace Lutheran or the synod office.
Read MoreGather October 15, 2026, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie Street, Chandler, for a free, nonpartisan Community Voting Celebration. Enjoy food, ballot education, Peacekeeper training, and transportation to an official ballot drop-off for participants with completed ballots. All are welcome at this interfaith open house—come when you can. Register here.
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 MoreThis 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 MoreFor the Common Good: Prayers and Resources for Congregations in Public Life offers Lutheran theological grounding, worship materials and practical ideas for faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement during the fall 2026 election season.
Pastors, deacons, worship planners, councils and advocacy teams are invited to download the resource and adapt its hymns, intercessions, prayer services and other tools for communities across the Grand Canyon Synod. Help your congregation respond to anxiety and division with prayer, truthful discernment, humility and love of neighbor.
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 MoreVeterans are invited to a free Healing of Memories retreat November 20–22 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, from Friday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 2 p.m. The weekend offers reflection, compassionate listening, and support. Space is limited: contact Mike Wold at 651-687-9767 or michael_w_wold@msn.com. Please share with veterans in your congregation and community.
Read MoreCelebrate Thanksgiving weekend at ThanksLiving Music Fest, beginning November 27 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Enjoy live music, meals, and fellowship while supporting its ministry of renewal and healing. Choose an on-site stay or individual concert-and-meal tickets. Explore options and register.
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.
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