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.

Celebrate being beloved children of God at “We Are Worthy,” November 14, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., at Love of Christ Lutheran’s Compassion Center in Mesa. Enjoy Bible study, music, a keynote, painting, and worship with Communion. All women are welcome. Complimentary registration is available for synod rostered women, with scholarships for lay women of color. Register and bring a friend.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites people discerning seminary, ordained ministry or another vocational path to Signs Along the Way, October 30-November 1 in Berkeley, California. Lodging and meals are covered, and travel assistance is available.

Come explore your call, experience PLTS and connect with students, faculty and others in discernment. Learn more and register.

Save the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.

Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.

Preparing to vote in Nevada or Utah? LEAN’s 2026 voter guides explain proposed constitutional amendments, connect them with Lutheran social teaching, and encourage careful attention to ballot questions.

Download the Nevada Voter Guide (PDF): Covers proposed constitutional amendments concerning abortion rights and voter identification.

Download the Utah Voter Guide (PDF): Covers publication requirements for proposed constitutional amendments and a proposed 60% approval threshold for tax-related citizen initiatives.

Observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 12 by honoring Indigenous cultures, resilience and sovereignty. Explore ELCA Indigenous ministries and Truth and Healing resources, learn about the peoples whose homelands include your community, and take a concrete step to support Indigenous voices.

Build practical ministry skills and make space for renewal at Executive Skills for Church Leaders, January 3–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Open to pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, the retreat explores grace-centered leadership, finances, staff support, and the Enneagram. Residential and commuter options are available; programming begins January 4. Learn more and register.