Fall Fun Awaits at Mountain View Lutheran’s Trunk or Treat

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an evening of fall fun at their Fall Festival with Trunk or Treat! Enjoy games, inflatables, glow sticks, food trucks, and more, while special guests like local firefighters and sheriff deputies join the festivities. Sign your car up to hand out candy or just come to enjoy the event with your family. Register online at this link or contact the church at 480-893-2579.

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ELCA Foundation: National Estate Planning Month is here

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on your legacy and ensure your future wishes are clearly outlined. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it’s for everyone who wants to protect their loved ones, ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, and avoid unnecessary stress down the road.

Please reach out to Lisa Higginbotham or your regional gift planner if you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting. Together, we can create a charitable plan that gives you peace of mind, cares for loved ones, and ensures the continuation of God’s work in the world for years to come.

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A message from Bishop Eaton about ELCA World Hunger

Celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger on World Food Day, Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. Central time. Hear firsthand stories of hope and transformation from ELCA World Hunger partners, including EPES in Chile and Tapestry Farms in the Midwest. Register by Friday, Oct. 11, and join the celebration via Zoom to hear from Presiding Bishop Eaton and learn how we can continue building a just world where all are fed. Learn more here.

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Explore Music, Worship, and More with ELCA Partner Resources

Discover a wide range of worship resources and events available for leaders and congregations through the ELCA’s October update. Opportunities include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy for youth, conferences for church musicians and liturgists, and new publications from Augsburg Fortress. Explore more details and how to get involved on the ELCA Worship blog. Read the full update here.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Standing with Communities in Crisis: Support Lutheran Disaster Response Today

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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Celebrating the Legacy of Gloria Christi Federated Church

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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Thriving Leadership Formation's September, 2024 Connections

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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Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life

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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Ordination celebrations: October 11–17, 2024

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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October 2024 Mission Support Memo: A New Mara Congregation

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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Faith Lens: The Last Shall Be First

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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Bishop Hutterer: Faithfully Engaged in the Election Process

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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Plan Ahead: Early Voting Starts Soon Across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah

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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Community, Farewells, and New Beginnings: Spirit in the Desert Updates

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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