ELCA World Hunger's 2026 Advent devotional, Filled With Good Things, invites congregations and families to explore Scripture, generosity, advocacy, and caring for neighbors. Featuring weekly reflections, children's activities, and the hands-on "Stocking the Streets" project, this resource helps put faith into action throughout Advent, beginning November 29. Download the free devotional | Order printed copies
Read MoreThe ELCA's The Joy of Generosity offers congregations a customizable four-week stewardship program focused on joyful giving, community, and God's work together. Explore ready-to-use sermon resources, worship materials, commitment cards, and planning tools to inspire generosity and strengthen congregational ministry. Download the program guide | Get customizable materials
Read MoreNewly installed Metropolitan Chicago Synod Bishop Erik Christensen shares his vision for a church rooted in authentic relationships, mutual support, and meaningful community. Reflecting on his journey from exclusion as an LGBTQIA+ pastor to serving as bishop, Christensen explores how listening, reconciliation, and reaching beyond church walls can help congregations embody the gospel of God's love and liberation. Read the full interview in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 40 years on November 12.
Read MoreOur Learn and Discern series concludes with a 27-minute conversation about empathy, faithful dialogue, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Listen, then consider using the ELCA’s Conscience and Conversation study to continue thoughtful discussion in your congregation or small group.
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 MoreEnjoy free Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Sunday, November 8, at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman, Joe Corral, and Felix Sainz. Part of the Music for Food series, the concert supports the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, serving more than 300 families weekly. All are welcome!
Read MoreSupport Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU with tamales and football! Order red chile pork tamales by November 12 for $37.50 per dozen—only 50 orders are available—or reserve $25 tickets for the November 28 ASU–UofA watch party, including food and soft drinks. Tamale pickup and the party are at University Lutheran Church in Tempe; times will be announced. Read more for ordering instructions and select the correct LCM fund when paying.
Read MoreJoin Gather Valley of the Sun for a Heard Museum visit on Sunday, November 8, at noon, guided by ELCA Young Adults’ Taína Diaz-Reyes in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. Optional lunch is at 11 a.m., with carpooling from University Lutheran Church in Tempe. The first 10 attendees receive free admission. RSVP through @gathervalleyofthesun on Instagram.
Read MoreOnly 15 spaces remain for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, Jan. 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, with arrival Jan. 3. New faculty member the Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown joins sessions on reconciliation, finances, human resources and leadership, alongside time for rest and connection. Grand Canyon Synod leaders qualify for a $200 Region 2 discount. Learn more and register.
Read MoreRenew your spirit and connect with fellow ministry leaders at “Lead Like Jesus,” Jan. 26–28, 2027, in Littleton, Colorado, featuring the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter. Register by Nov. 26 for the $350 early rate. Illumin8 Collective also offers free resources for worship, youth ministry and leadership. Explore the conference and register.
Read MoreHow can our concern for creation become shared action at church? Lutherans Restoring Creation’s 2026 strategic plan identifies three priorities: strengthening relationships, equipping congregations for action and holding the church accountable to its commitments. Rooted in our call to love our neighbors and care for God’s creation, the plan invites us to consider our part. Read the plan and imagine your congregation’s next step.
Read MoreOur October 2026 Mission Support Memo explores the story of Living Stones Prison Ministry in our Southwestern Washington Synod. A ministry where every Thursday as they gather for planning, band practice and worship, all are reminded to “have grace with one another,” to know we are the kingdom of God, no matter where we are.
Make sure to find out more about the new free stewardship webinar coming November 16th “Making a Helpful Ask for Sustainability”.
Read MoreGrounded in our Lutheran call to love and serve our neighbors, the ELCA’s Oct. 28 advocacy update covers SNAP funding changes, proposed census restrictions, energy permitting reform, threats to global health funding and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Public comments on the census proposal are due Nov. 2, 2026. Explore the church’s perspectives and next steps: Read the ELCA advocacy update.
Read MorePreparing youth for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? Watch the recorded morning worship webinar with your adult leadership team, then begin a conversation with youth about worshiping together. Find the video and links to upcoming Gathering webinars on our blog.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Reformation historian Mark Tranvik joins Terri Elton and Dwight Zscheile to talk about what Luther’s Small Catechism was meant to do.
Read MoreBishop Deborah K. Hutterer joins Arizona faith leaders in calling for a peaceful 2026 election grounded in human dignity and care for neighbors. Read the shared statement and watch the accompanying video for practical ways to encourage informed participation, protect voters and election workers, counter misinformation and practice peacemaking—before and after Election Day.
Read MoreFind encouragement and a practical next step with ELCA Coaching’s Wayfinding in the Commons on Wednesday, November 4, at noon Arizona/Mountain time or 11 a.m. Pacific. This approximately 45-minute gathering welcomes rostered ministers, lay leaders and anyone seeking community, shared discernment and support. Join on Zoom.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features Vote Is Sacred gatherings in Tucson October 29 and Flagstaff November 3, plus opportunities for interfaith learning, peacebuilding and supporting seniors experiencing homelessness. Explore Diwali celebrations, a Psalms conversation and more. Read the full newsletter for dates, details and registration links.
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