All God’s critters are welcome! Join Deacon Emma for a Blessing of the Pets on Saturday, October 31, at 9 a.m. in Memorial Plaza at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N. 1st Ave., Oro Valley. Celebrate God’s creation with a special blessing for animals and their human families.
Read MoreExplore voting resources, award-winning creation care films and opportunities for congregational climate action in Blessed Tomorrow’s November newsletter. Read the full issue for links and details, including October 27 office hours for the 2027 American Climate Leadership Awards.
Read MoreHow can an investment support ministry beyond your congregation? Watch and share MIF’s “Together, We Build More” video to see how investments help fund loans for worship spaces, schools, camps, affordable housing and more.
Read MoreSix ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows have begun their 2026–2027 placements, advancing state and national public policy and promoting peace and human rights at the United Nations. Their year of service puts love of neighbor into action through advocacy. Meet the fellows and read about their work.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Pastor Edrin Williams on discipleship in a black-led, multi-ethnic church in North Minneapolis, and the people still forming him as a pastor.
Read MoreIn the coming week, the Office of the Bishop staff will connect with congregations and ministry leaders, support faith formation and youth ministry, and advance generosity and mission support efforts. The team will also maintain synod communications and complete financial work, while Theresa Thornburgh is on vacation.
We also share a photo from our First Call event after the Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
Read MoreHow is God calling the church to keep reforming? ELCA’s Faith Lens for October 25, Reformation Sunday, invites us to remember our history honestly while discerning where the Holy Spirit is leading. Grounded in Jeremiah 31:31–34 and John 8:31–36, the resource offers discussion questions, an interactive activity, and prayer for youth groups and congregational learning. Read “Looking Back and Looking Forward.”
Read MoreLAMA’s October 20 newsletter highlights census comments due November 2, a sacred lands sign-on letter due October 22, and Daily Bread Grant applications closing October 21. Find Arizona voting resources, election protection training, interfaith celebrations, and hunger ministry connections. Read the full newsletter for details and ways to participate.
Read MoreWorship, learning and a little friendly trivia brought 86 ministry leaders and staff together for the October 12–14 Bishop’s Fall Gathering in Scottsdale. Grounded in Rooted in God’s Story, our time with the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos invited reflection on faith, healing and human flourishing. Read the recap and enjoy photos of our time together.
Read MoreHear Palestinian Christians tell their own stories in Stolen Stories, a five-part educational video series from ELCA Sumud. Pastors, bishops and scholars explore Palestinian history from before 1948 to today, offering lived experience and theological context for congregational learning. The series invites us to listen to our siblings in Christ and pray for justice, reconciliation and peace for all in the Holy Land. Watch on YouTube or download the series.
Read MoreRev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe, a featured speaker at our 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, is featured in Living Lutheran. Continuing the gathering’s “Embody the Word” theme, her work shows how practicing storytelling can nurture imagination, deepen relationships and help congregations receive one another’s stories as gifts. Read the story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreBegin 2027 with time to rest, connect, and grow in ministry. Leading Well meets January 5–8 at Scottsdale’s Franciscan Renewal Center to explore “The Patient Way of Jesus,” with practical sessions, daily worship, complimentary coaching, and Sabbath rest. Learn more about the retreat.
Read MoreCompassionate listening can help move survivors of sexual violence from isolation toward belonging. In Café, the Rev. Sara Olson-Smith reflects on truth-telling, the courage of survivors, and our Christian calling to bear one another’s burdens—and to challenge the injustice that causes harm. Read the full faith reflection.
Read MoreHow can Christians help end rape culture? Writing in Café, Women of the ELCA’s online magazine, Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery calls us to name sexual violence as sin, challenge language that normalizes abuse, and honor every person as made in God’s image. Read her call to action.
Read MoreLEAN’s newsletter shares Nevada and Utah voter guides, ballot-question resources, and practical help with early and mail voting. Nevada early voting runs October 17–30; Election Day is November 3. Read the full newsletter and make a plan to vote.
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 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.
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