How 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.”

LAMA’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.

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.

Save the date for Grand Canyon Synod Gatherings in January and March. Join others from nearby congregations for connection, conversation, and a look ahead at our shared ministry. Six locations are available; more details are coming soon.

Worship, 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.

Hear 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.

LEAN’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.

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.

Join SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: November 19 at 10 a.m. for Navigating Political Conversations, and December 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Advent renewal for children’s, youth, and young adult leaders. Register separately through each event link, and explore SYAT and youth ministry resources.

This 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.

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.