In Pivot’s first bilingual episode, Dwight Zscheile talks with Pastor Henry Burbano and Anna Schaberg of Juntos, a bilingual ministry of Emmanuel Covenant Church in Shoreview, Minnesota.
Read More
For all those affected by war and armed conflict around the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For midterm elections and for democratic elections around the world…
For ongoing student protests in France, Albania, and India…
For Christa Pike and all those impacted by the death penalty…
For victims of a school roof collapse in Pakistan…
For Pope Leo XIV and his cancer diagnosis…
For those in the path of Hurricane Simon and all those affected by natural disasters…
For all those affected by gun violence, sexual violence, and race-based violence…
For the ongoing courage and renewal of the church, led by the Holy Spirit…
Facing a ministry crossroads? Reflective Leadership Grants offer up to $20,000 to support structured reflection for established lay and clergy leaders serving eligible Christian organizations. Apply by December 7, 2026; applicant Q&A sessions are October 21 and November 18. Explore eligibility and application details.
Read More
Sign a regional hunger letter by October 18, explore Arizona voter resources, and find upcoming advocacy gatherings in LAMA’s October 13 newsletter. The issue also highlights Daily Bread Grants, with applications due October 21. Read the full newsletter and take action.
Read More
LEAN’s October 9 newsletter features Nevada and Utah voter guides, explanations of Nevada statewide offices, and tools for researching election information. It also explores how public appointments shape community life. Read the full newsletter and prepare to vote thoughtfully.
Read More
AFN’s October newsletter features the October 20 Annual Gathering, an October 21 conversation on reconciliation with Gary Mason, election protection opportunities, and community voting celebrations. Read the full newsletter for details and registration.
Read More
This week, Bishop Hutterer meets with conference deans and the GCS Executive Committee and joins faith leaders for a conversation with the Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, hosted by Bishop Reddall. Synod staff support first-call and youth leaders, visit congregations, and advance grants, generosity, leader resources, communications, and financial reporting.
We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
Read More
Support your congregation’s song with fall choir webinars beginning October 23, Lutheran Summer Music 2027 enrollment—with a $100 discount through December 1—and church music gatherings and shared-singing resources. Read ELCA Worship’s full October partner roundup and share these opportunities with worship leaders, musicians, and families.
Read More
God’s grace is freely given—and calls us to generous love. In “Costly Love,” ELCA’s Faith Lens explores Matthew 22:15–22, inviting us to share our time, possessions, and energy through love, justice, and mercy. Reflection questions and simple activities help youth groups and congregations connect faith with daily life. Explore the reflection.
Read More
How do grace, faith, and love of neighbor shape difficult decisions? Week two of Learn and Discern offers a 21-minute introduction to Lutheran ethics with the Rev. Dr. Kathryn “Kit” Kleinhans, providing context for conversations about the ELCA’s sexuality social statement.
Read More
Creating or updating your will can begin with a few manageable steps. Reflect on what matters most, review your assets and beneficiaries, and explore how your plans can care for loved ones while carrying your faith and generosity forward.
Read More
King 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 More
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 11 years on October 17.
Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 16 years on October 17.
Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 40 years on October 19.
Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 30 years on October 20.
Rev. Scott Hoecker, who celebrates 8 years on October 20.
Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 53 years on October 21.
Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 42 years on October 22.
Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 15 years on October 22.
Help 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 More
Celebrate being beloved children of God at “We Are Worthy,” November 14, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., at Love of Christ Lutheran’s Compassion Center in Mesa. Enjoy Bible study, music, a keynote, painting, and worship with Communion. All women are welcome. Complimentary registration is available for synod rostered women, with scholarships for lay women of color. Register and bring a friend.
Read More
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites people discerning seminary, ordained ministry or another vocational path to Signs Along the Way, October 30-November 1 in Berkeley, California. Lodging and meals are covered, and travel assistance is available.
Come explore your call, experience PLTS and connect with students, faculty and others in discernment. Learn more and register.
Read More
Preparing to vote in Nevada or Utah? LEAN’s 2026 voter guides explain proposed constitutional amendments, connect them with Lutheran social teaching, and encourage careful attention to ballot questions.
Download the Nevada Voter Guide (PDF): Covers proposed constitutional amendments concerning abortion rights and voter identification.
Download the Utah Voter Guide (PDF): Covers publication requirements for proposed constitutional amendments and a proposed 60% approval threshold for tax-related citizen initiatives.
Read More
Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 12 by honoring Indigenous cultures, resilience and sovereignty. Explore ELCA Indigenous ministries and Truth and Healing resources, learn about the peoples whose homelands include your community, and take a concrete step to support Indigenous voices.
Read More
Build practical ministry skills and make space for renewal at Executive Skills for Church Leaders, January 3–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Open to pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, the retreat explores grace-centered leadership, finances, staff support, and the Enneagram. Residential and commuter options are available; programming begins January 4. Learn more and register.
Read More
Key voting deadlines fall October 19–23: Navajo Nation mail-ballot applications are due October 19, Clark County’s online registration window with mail-ballot eligibility ends October 20, and Arizona mail-ballot requests and Utah registration are due October 23. With Arizona early voting underway and Nevada early voting October 17–30, review our nonpartisan guide to prepare for November 3.
Read More