Lutheran Disaster Response is on the ground following Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that struck Florida, leaving millions without power. Partnering with the Florida-Bahamas Synod, LDR is focused on long-term recovery in underserved communities. Your support enables the ELCA to act quickly and stay for as long as it takes. Give now to help those affected by Milton and other disasters this season. Learn more at ELCA.org/hurricanes.
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Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley, AZ, held its final service this past Sunday, celebrating decades of unity and service. In a spirit of generosity, the congregation made significant gifts to the Grand Canyon Synod, including an endowment supporting our mission and campus ministries. Their legacy lives on through these acts of love and outreach, blessing future generations in faith. Read more in this post from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development.
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Discover stories of faith and leadership in this month’s Thriving Leadership Formation update! From a reflective journey through Holden Village’s labyrinth to the reinstatement of the “Stories of Thriving” blog series, this newsletter is full of insights for life and ministry. Learn about upcoming cohort opportunities, leadership workshops, and spiritual practices that can support you this fall. Don’t miss out on the latest updates and events—click here to read more! Read the full newsletter.
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In this reflection, Pastor Mike Girlinghouse, Interim Chaplain at LCM Canterbury in Flagstaff, shares how estate planning serves as an act of faithful stewardship, allowing us to bless ministries and loved ones even after we’re gone. Inspired by 2 Timothy 1:12-14, we are reminded of the importance of entrusting our lives and resources to God’s care.
Read Pastor Girlinghouse’s devotion about the impact of planned giving and how to secure your legacy through trusts and wills. Interested in setting up an estate plan? Contact the Office of the Bishop at gcsynod.org/contact.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 11 years on October 13.
Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 39 years on October 13.
Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 37 years on October 13.
Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 35 years on October 15.
Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 9 years on October 17.
Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 14 years on October 17.
View all our ordination anniversaries here.
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The Office of the Bishop prepares for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering and attends Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, Oct 14, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, as well as the Installation of Rev. Daniel Volkmann at All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix, Oct 13, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
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The October 2024 Mission Support Memo gives you the opportunity to learn about the Mara Evangelical Church in Indianapolis (MECI) faithfully becoming an organized congregation and how our Indiana-Kentucky Synod took such care to support Khai Cho in becoming their ordained Pastor, called and installed. Please also check out our ELCA Mission Support Resources, sign up for the ELCA quarterly stewardship newsletter, and know how deeply grateful we are for the generosity poured out by congregations, members, and friends to support our worldwide ministry. Find the memo from Living Lutheran here too!
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In the latest episode of "CBS Mornings" "The State of Spirituality with Lisa Ling," Lutheran pastor Drew Stever shares his journey as a transgender man and how he's creating an inclusive community at his Hollywood church.
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Bishop Michael Rinehart, with the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, shares how we can respond to hunger both globally and in our own neighborhoods in this latest video from ELCA World Hunger.
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As hurricanes continue to ravage vacation destinations, it’s easy to forget the year-round residents who make these places thrive. Many struggle with poverty and insecurity, and now face additional threats from the storms. In the latest Faith Lens, we explore how our faith calls us to stand with these vulnerable communities—not just in times of disaster, but every day. Learn how you can support through Lutheran Disaster Response and live out the Gospel call to uplift those left behind.
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As early voting begins in Arizona, and with early voting also beginning soon in Utah and Nevada, I want to reflect on the sacred responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith. Our participation in the democratic process is not only a privilege but a duty—one that reflects our commitment to justice, peace, and the flourishing of all people.
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Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.
Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!
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September at Spirit in the Desert was filled with healing and community. From saying farewell to long-time leader Solveig Muus, to hosting retreats like Camp Samantha and the 22Q Moms Retreat, our ministry has been blessed by stories of connection and renewal. We also honor the dedication of Mike Wold, whose leadership with veterans continues to inspire us all. Learn more about these events and what’s next at Spirit in the Desert in their latest update.
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Join the Thriving Leadership Formation series starting October 23, 2024. This weekly online workshop integrates the Enneagram with practical leadership skills to enhance self-awareness, communication, and conflict resolution. Each session is stand-alone, and registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow into a more effective and compassionate leader!
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For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…
For those in the path of Hurricane Milton, and for continued recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene…
For first responders and essential personnel…
For all working to educate, research, and mitigate the effects of climate change…In thanksgiving for the work of scientists and researchers, especially new Nobel Prize winners…
For those grieving political violence in southern Mexico…
For victims of gun violence, domestic violence, abuse, and bullying…
For Jewish communities preparing for Yom Kippur, and for all acts of repentance and forgiveness…
For Hindu communities celebrating Durga Puja and Dussehra…
This edition of Seeds Monthly invites you to celebrate World Food Day and 50 years of ELCA World Hunger with a special online event on October 15. Plus, explore the latest Living Lutheran feature on a unique Lutheran love story, read about the draft social statement on civic life and faith, and get involved in the Truth and Healing Movement. Don’t miss updates on upcoming events like the Addiction & Faith Conference and more resources to support your ministry and civic engagement!
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In this month’s ELCA Worship update, explore a new blog post on the Feast of Creation, fall worship planning resources, and Living Lutheran’s latest “Hymn of the Month” feature. View the full details here.
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The ELCA Disability Ministries team is reviewing applications for the 2024 grants, with decisions expected by October 25. These grants support inclusive ministry across our church. Plus, don’t miss National White Cane Safety Day on October 15 and reflect on National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. Read the latest ELCA Disability updates for full details.
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Join ELCA World Hunger in celebrating the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger! On October 15th, the eve of World Food Day, the ELCA will host a special online event featuring stories from global and local partners working to end hunger. Explore new resources for Advent 2024 and Lent 2025, and learn how your congregation can deepen its engagement with hunger relief. Discover how ministries like Central Lutheran in Alaska are tackling the root causes of hunger with creative solutions. Be part of the movement — read more in the October Go and Do News from ELCA World Hunger.
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