Make 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 MoreJoin SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: 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 MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 5 years on October 23.
Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 46 years on October 26.
Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 30 years on October 26.
Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 23 years on October 26.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City is seeking a Choir Director to lead its three choirs, select music for worship and the liturgical year, and plan special music programs and events. Applicants with musical leadership experience and a passion for sharing the Gospel through music are encouraged to apply.
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 MoreNew Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a part-time Minister of Worship & Music to lead and develop its worship ministry. The position averages approximately 15 hours per week and pays $19,500–$23,400 annually. This lay ministry position does not require ordination or ELCA rostered-minister status.
Candidates should bring musical leadership along with a passion for teaching, collaboration and developing others’ gifts for worship. Applications are being reviewed as they are received.
Read MoreThe November 14 Christian Nationalism Symposium in Sun City and online has been postponed due to low enrollment. Growing in Faith organizers are reworking the event for spring 2027; a new date is forthcoming. Please update your calendars and remove previous event advertisements.
Read MoreWhat does “bound conscience” mean, and why does it matter to the ELCA’s reconsideration of its sexuality statement? In this 31-minute episode, Professor Tim Wengert explores its Lutheran roots and pastoral significance, inviting careful listening across deeply held convictions.
Read MoreOctober 23 is the deadline for Arizona mail-ballot requests and Utah voter registration. Arizona voters should mail completed ballots by October 27; Nevada early voting and Navajo Nation in-person absentee voting continue through October 30. Check our nonpartisan guide for remaining registration options, ballot-return requirements, and official resources before Election Day, November 3.
Read MoreDeacon Wendy Schulz will be installed at St. John's Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301), on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 5 pm. Pastor Ryan Hersch will be preaching and presiding, with a light meal will follow. No RSVP's needed. The service will be live streamed and have video afterward.
Read MoreEnjoy a Senegal-style dinner and drum circle with Pape Diouf and Dr. Sonja Branch at Holy Trinity in Chandler on November 21. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a freewill offering; drumming begins at 7 p.m. Beginners, experienced drummers, and children are welcome—$10 to play with an RSVP, free to listen. Learn more and RSVP.
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 10/27/2026, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.
Read MoreWhat do charitable giving trends mean for your ministry? Join the ELCA Foundation’s November 11 webinar, 11 a.m.–noon Arizona/Utah time or 10–11 a.m. Nevada time, for insights from Giving USA 2026 and practical fundraising guidance. Pastors, stewardship teams, and ministry leaders are encouraged to register.
Read MorePLTS’s October Centering newsletter features the October 30–November 1 Signs Along the Way discernment weekend, ministry formation updates, and climate justice opportunities—including two openings for teams in an online certificate program. Read the full newsletter and share it with emerging leaders in your congregation.
Read MoreThe Rev. Carol Devine connects voting with care for neighbors, creation, and future generations. Her reflection offers practical steps to check registration, research candidates and ballot measures, know your rights, and help others participate. Read “Voting Faith and Climate” and explore the resources.
Read MoreHow do religious liberty and racial justice intersect? BJC’s free Shurden Lectures, October 21–22 at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, feature Maya Wiley and a public conversation with Audra Savage and Amanda Tyler. Wiley’s October 21 lecture offers a livestream option. Explore the program, register, and find the livestream.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reaffirms the ELCA’s opposition to the death penalty, calling for healing, reconciliation, and dignity for every person. His October 16 statement invites congregations to pray, study, and advocate for abolition while accompanying all affected by violent crime. Read Bishop Curry’s full statement.
Read MoreYou’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2027! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students in grades 8-12. Students come together from across the country to pursue musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and fun community.
LSM 2027 takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, from June 27-July 25. Priority Enrollment is open through December 1, offering a $100 tuition discount and first access to financial aid. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate, and watch and share the LSM Experience Video to learn more!
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