Facing a ministry crossroads? Reflective Leadership Grants offer up to $20,000 to support structured reflection for established lay and clergy leaders serving eligible Christian organizations. Apply by December 7, 2026; applicant Q&A sessions are October 21 and November 18. Explore eligibility and application details.

Sign a regional hunger letter by October 18, explore Arizona voter resources, and find upcoming advocacy gatherings in LAMA’s October 13 newsletter. The issue also highlights Daily Bread Grants, with applications due October 21. Read the full newsletter and take action.

LEAN’s October 9 newsletter features Nevada and Utah voter guides, explanations of Nevada statewide offices, and tools for researching election information. It also explores how public appointments shape community life. Read the full newsletter and prepare to vote thoughtfully.

AFN’s October newsletter features the October 20 Annual Gathering, an October 21 conversation on reconciliation with Gary Mason, election protection opportunities, and community voting celebrations. Read the full newsletter for details and registration.

This week, Bishop Hutterer meets with conference deans and the GCS Executive Committee and joins faith leaders for a conversation with the Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, hosted by Bishop Reddall. Synod staff support first-call and youth leaders, visit congregations, and advance grants, generosity, leader resources, communications, and financial reporting.

We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.

Support your congregation’s song with fall choir webinars beginning October 23, Lutheran Summer Music 2027 enrollment—with a $100 discount through December 1—and church music gatherings and shared-singing resources. Read ELCA Worship’s full October partner roundup and share these opportunities with worship leaders, musicians, and families.

God’s grace is freely given—and calls us to generous love. In “Costly Love,” ELCA’s Faith Lens explores Matthew 22:15–22, inviting us to share our time, possessions, and energy through love, justice, and mercy. Reflection questions and simple activities help youth groups and congregations connect faith with daily life. Explore the reflection.

How do grace, faith, and love of neighbor shape difficult decisions? Week two of Learn and Discern offers a 21-minute introduction to Lutheran ethics with the Rev. Dr. Kathryn “Kit” Kleinhans, providing context for conversations about the ELCA’s sexuality social statement.

Creating or updating your will can begin with a few manageable steps. Reflect on what matters most, review your assets and beneficiaries, and explore how your plans can care for loved ones while carrying your faith and generosity forward.

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe will host a Senior Resource Fair October 17, 9 a.m.–noon, at 2085 E. Southern Ave. Older adults and caregivers can connect with resource organizations and attend 30-minute presentations on Medicare, aging in place, caregiver support, financial and legal considerations, and staying healthy and connected. View a PDF here.

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 11 years on October 17.

• Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 16 years on October 17.

• Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 40 years on October 19.

• Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 30 years on October 20.

• Rev. Scott Hoecker, who celebrates 8 years on October 20.

• Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 53 years on October 21.

• Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 42 years on October 22.

• Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 15 years on October 22.

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.

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.

Trinity 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.

New 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.