From congregational visits and grant consultations to teaching and preaching, our team is actively supporting ministries across the synod, as Bishop Hutterer and Theresa take well-deserved time for rest and renewal.

Celebrate community, creation, and the “Superpower of Love” with October’s Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation. This month’s update features a virtual Blessing of the Animals (Oct. 21), early registration for the Multiply! gathering at Lutheridge (Jan. 23–25, 2026), and upcoming opportunities like Coffee with Christine and the Connections Call. Read the full Good Green News here.

The ELCA Conference of Bishops gathered in Minneapolis Oct. 5–7, following the installation of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry. Bishop Curry announced that his first-year focus will be on building “a connected church,” drawing from the image of Christ as the vine and the church as the branches. During the meeting, Bishop Hutterer began her term as chair of the conference. Bishops discussed communication and unity amid political polarization, received updates on task forces and global partnerships, and reflected on how to live faithfully as a connected, sustainable church.

Read the full ELCA news release here: ELCA Conference of Bishops Gathers in Minneapolis ›

• For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Pakistan/Afghanistan, and Madagascar…

• For transformations of heart toward lasting peace and freedom…

• For safety and protection for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

• For those grieving victims of a factory explosion in McEwen, Tennessee and a factory fire in Bangladesh…

• For all affected by the government shutdown, both federal workers and those who rely on federal offices and systems…

• For journalists, educators, librarians, publishers, and all who contribute to the flow of information…

• For victims of storms and flooding in Alaska and Mexico, and for flood threats in Colorado…

• For healthcare workers…

• For the flourishing of indigenous nations and communities and for the work of ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations…

Nearly every ELCA bishop—including Bishop Deborah Hutterer—has signed a letter calling Lutherans to be a public witness of love and justice in a time of fear and division. The letter affirms that Christian Nationalism distorts the gospel and urges faithful action grounded in God’s inclusive love.

Read the bishops’ full letter on the LAMA site.

Advocacy is more than policy—it’s a faithful response to God’s grace. The Southeastern Synod models a Lutheran approach grounded in Scripture and accompaniment: engaging congregations in justice work, equipping them with tools to act, and empowering leaders to advocate for the vulnerable. Their work embodies the call to love our neighbors through advocacy rooted in baptismal vocation. Read the full story at LAMA.

A new proposal could restrict voter registration by requiring costly and hard-to-access documents like passports—potentially excluding 21 million eligible Americans. The Election Assistance Commission is taking public comments until October 20. Add your voice as a person of faith who believes every vote is sacred. Read the full post and submit your comment today.

Critical programs that protect clean air, water, soil, and wildlife are facing deep federal budget cuts. As people of faith, we’re called to safeguard creation so that all life may flourish. Join ELCA Advocacy and Lutherans across the country in urging Congress to maintain funding for essential environmental programs like the EPA, Clean Water State Revolving Funds, and Superfund cleanups. Read the full Action Alert and contact your members of Congress.

Celebrate bridge-builders at the Arizona Faith Network 2025 Annual Gathering: United We Rise, happening Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale. This year’s event honors Billie K. Fidlin with AFN’s first-ever Legacy Award. Register to attend in-person or online, and explore AFN’s full lineup of fall events and interfaith opportunities — from meditation and justice trainings to faith education and environmental action — at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Prepare your congregation for Advent with Vero Communications’ Advent Bundle—a set of customized postcards, flyers, banners, and social media graphics designed to help you invite your community to worship. With a two-week turnaround, Vero creates professional, ready-to-use materials based on your church’s Advent theme. Learn more →

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 10 years on October 17.

• Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 15 years on October 17.

• Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 39 years on October 19.

• Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 29 years on October 20.

• Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 52 years on October 21.

• Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 41 years on October 22.

• Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 14 years on October 22.

• Rev. Glenn Schrader, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 2 years on October 22.

Psalm 121 has long been a song for those on the move—pilgrims, travelers, and anyone facing life’s uphill climbs. In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Lindsay Batesmith explores how this psalm teaches us to lift our eyes to God for help and assurance, trusting that God keeps us in our “going out and coming in.” Whether through song, prayer, or quiet courage, we are reminded that God’s presence remains with us through every fear and uncertainty, turning today’s steep hills into tomorrow’s stories of grace.

Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →

The Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) met Oct 10–11 at Camp Pinerock, Prescott to review first-year goals, plan budgets and collaboration, welcome Pr. Amy Janssen (Tucson), and pray together for the work ahead. In the coming weeks and months, SYAT expects to announce scholarships and new resources for children’s, youth, and young adult ministry and will reach out to every congregation to learn more about local needs.

Fleeing abuse and seeking safety, Magali Sanchez-Hall found healing and purpose through Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn and the guidance of Pastor Hector Carrasquillo. His steadfast support helped her rebuild her life, pursue education, and become a powerful advocate for justice. Today, her journey from survivor to community leader shines as a testimony to the light of faith and the church’s call to see every person as beloved and capable. Read the full story on Living Lutheran.

Born to Honduran parents in Waukegan, Illinois, Carlos Ferrera found strength and belonging through Sagrado Corazon Lutheran Church. After facing isolation abroad and hardship at home, Ferrera returned to his faith community—and to himself—through mentorship from Pastor Hector Carrasquillo. Now leading youth ministry, Ferrera brings joy and connection to young people, showing how faith can turn adversity into purpose.

👉 Read the full story on Living Lutheran.