What makes someone trustworthy? ELCA’s Faith Lens explores Matthew 21:23–32, connecting Jesus’ parable of two sons with the trustworthiness God reveals in Christ. Reflection questions, group activities, and prayer help youth consider how their actions reflect their words. Smaller-church leaders will also find an invitation to share their experiences through a listening project survey. Explore this week’s Faith Lens.

Gather at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler on November 21 for a Senegal-style dinner at 6 p.m. and a drum circle at 7 p.m. with Dethie Sarr “Pape” Diouf and Dr. Sonja Branch. Playing costs $10 with an RSVP; listening is free. Find event and RSVP information.

Thank you for supporting Books for Fatick! The 2026 drive raised $6,100 for student schoolbooks and much-needed teaching supplies at Martin Luther School in Fatick, Senegal. The Global Engagement Team celebrates this generosity, with photos of students and their books coming soon.

As September 30’s National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools approaches, the ELCA invites congregations into year-round truth telling, learning, and repair that acknowledge Lutheran involvement. Discover worship and learning resources, the nationwide expansion of the Truth Seeking & Truth Telling Initiative, and how Phoenix’s Native American Urban Ministry supports Indigenous community and cultural restoration. Read the full article and explore ways to participate.

Take the Faithful AZ Voter Pledge, speak up against hunger, and join synod hunger leaders September 29, 6–7 p.m. LAMA’s latest issue also offers election resources, volunteer trainings, refugee health coverage concerns, and an October 3 Global Refuge event in Carefree. Read the full newsletter and find ways to participate.

What 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.

Preparing for November 3? Arizona’s October 5 registration deadline and Nevada’s October 6 standard registration deadline are approaching. Utah’s registration deadline is October 23; Navajo Nation absentee ballot requests are due October 19. Read this week’s reminder for official links, ballot-return requirements, and the separate Navajo Nation election deadlines.

The agenda is set for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 in Scottsdale! Registration is closed, and we look forward to reconnecting with registered ministry leaders for worship, renewal, and learning with the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos. Preview the schedule, including affinity groups, a film discussion, and closing worship.

Join LAMA and LEAN on September 29 at 6 p.m. Arizona time via Zoom for “Mercy and Compassion Merging for Hunger Justice.” Bishops Deborah Hutterer and Jeff Johnson join food-bank and ministry leaders to explore faith, hunger, and action. All are welcome; no registration required. Join the meeting.

Wendy Schulz will be ordained to Word and Service at Peace Lutheran Church (18265 North 89th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382), on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 10 am, with a reception following. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rostered ministers and seminarians are invited to process and robe. The color of the day is red. The ordination will be live-streamed by Peace Lutheran and available on their YouTube channel.

Many refugee families face losing comprehensive Medicaid coverage as federal eligibility changes take effect October 1, 2026. LSS-SW invites you to advocate for access to care and can arrange and lead meetings with elected officials alongside you. Contact Jay Eberle at jeberle@lss-sw.org to participate.

Put faith into action with LSS-SW: volunteer at October 13–17 projects in Phoenix and Tucson, explore mentoring and tutoring, or organize a Christmas drive. Donations are due December 14 at 1 p.m., with goals of 500 towel sets and gifts for 800 children. Find project details and ways to participate in our September update.

Pastor Paul Block and New Song Church volunteers honored 9/11 by cleaning up St. Rose Parkway during Henderson’s Community Day of Service. Block’s memories of serving as a chaplain at ground zero connect this act of neighborly care with the solidarity he witnessed 25 years ago.

Rev. Jenn Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. Color of the day is green. There will be a reception and meal to follow.

Rev. David Peterson will be installed on Sunday, 10/11/2026 at 9:30 am at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church (11273 E 40th St, Yuma, AZ 85367). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.

There will be a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service. No RSVP's necessary. The service will be live-streamed and can be found on the church’s website and Facebook and YouTube.