Discover a revolutionary approach to church leadership with Dr. JR Woodward in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot Podcast. Author of “The Scandal of Leadership,” Woodward unpacks the crisis of discipleship facing the church today and offers practical solutions for creating a culture of authentic spiritual growth.
Read MoreIn this groundbreaking episode of the Pivot podcast, we turn the tables on our regular host, the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, to explore the revolutionary concept of Fresh Expressions of Church. Dwight, co-author of the forthcoming book “Embracing the Mixed Ecology,” offers an exclusive preview of his research on innovative approaches to ministry in our rapidly changing world.
Read MoreLearn practical, inspiring strategies for authentic church community building from scratch with guest Fiona Mayne in the latest Pivot podcast.
Read MoreAfter a fire displaced ministries and residents at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore, the congregation is working to restore critical community services, including a shelter for women and children. Drawing from Jesus’ reflections on the Jerusalem Temple’s fall, we reflect on how loss shapes faith and new beginnings. Join us in prayer and support for the resilient community at Christ Lutheran.
Read MoreFor ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, and for an end to the violence…
For the nation of Haiti in the midst of rising violence…
For the families of those killed in Zhuhai China…
For those affected by wildfires on both the east and west coasts of the United States…
For Tuskegee University and those affected by the shooting on campus…
For vision, integrity, and humility for all elected leaders…
For collaboration and dedication to the common good in our national politics…
Registration for the 2025 Festival of Homiletics opens November 15! Join us in Atlanta or online from May 12-15 for a journey of healing and unity through the power of preaching. This year’s theme, Preaching to Heal the Divide, responds to the pressing need for reconciliation in our polarized world. Early bird rates are available until November 30—don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation!
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends retreats, works with candidacy, and schedules visits for 2025.
We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Lisa Hackler at American Lutheran in Sun City as well as Rev. David Pavesic at the welcoming blessing service at the DEM Fall Gathering.
Read MoreSign the Southwest-specific Nourish Our Future petition urging our senators and representatives to end child hunger in the U.S. and around the world. Read more on the LAMA site.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ, or online. Under the theme Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, Rev. Eugene Cho, President of Bread for the World, will guide attendees in addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice in today’s world. Faith communities are invited to register now, as spots are filling quickly. For faith-based organizations, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities offer a valuable platform to connect.
Read MoreIn the polarized climate of the 2024 Presidential Election, University Lutheran’s Paul Westermann shares his experiences as a poll worker in Maricopa County, where voters and poll workers alike upheld a neutral, civil atmosphere. Amid concerns about ballot security, Paul and his colleagues reassured voters, providing resources and ensuring every voice was heard. His story underscores the Lutheran commitment to serving our neighbors and the importance of civic duty in safeguarding democracy. Read more to learn how Paul’s work exemplifies faith in action at the polls in the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog post.
Read MoreIn our November 2024 Mission Support Memo we share a story about how the Accident-Friendsville Parish, in our West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod, was able to equip their rural congregations with digital technology and stream to reach out to member near and far. Plus consider attending a webinar on November 18th on “Theology and Practicality of Space Usage” (it will also be recorded so feel free to register to get the link).
Read MoreBishop Hutterer and a Grand Canyon Synod delegation are traveling to Senegal to strengthen ties with The Lutheran Church of Senegal. The church’s President, Rev. Latyr Diouf, has requested donations of pastoral collars and stoles in black, violet, or white to support their ministry. Please bring donations to the synod office by November 21, 2024, at 1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Please contact the synod office to let us know when you’ll be bringing items. Your support will help equip our global Lutheran community for worship and service.
Read MoreEquip your congregation to navigate the post-election season with Faith+Lead’s free 2024 Election Toolkit. Filled with resources for fostering empathy, addressing complex issues, and promoting Gospel values over partisanship, this toolkit offers practical guidance for preaching, teaching, and living out justice and faith. Access these tools to help diffuse tension and encourage understanding as we walk together through challenging times. Learn more
Read MoreAssisting congregants up to the communion rail may seem like a small task, but it has brought unexpected blessings and a deeper sense of faith and fellowship. Through these weekly encounters, I’ve come to understand the beauty of shared vulnerability and compassion. Our journey together reveals resilience, humor, and connection that reinforce our faith and bring me closer to my church community. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn the quiet moments of waiting—whether in the school pickup line, at a red light, or as coffee brews—we can turn to prayer, finding peace and connection in these small pauses. This November, let’s embrace gratitude and prayer in our daily routines, teaching ourselves and our families to recognize God’s presence throughout our busy days. Explore daily prayer ideas and ways to serve as a family, making room for God even in our most ordinary moments. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 9 years on November 21.
Read MoreLiving Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff has left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Living Christ Leadership Endowment, a fund to support future ELCA leaders. Established with $598,000, the endowment is dedicated to training and equipping seminary students, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, especially those in the Grand Canyon Synod. Contributions to the fund are welcome through various giving options. Join us in carrying forward Living Christ’s mission of love and hope, ensuring that future leaders are empowered to serve and lead in faith.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Charles Newman and the people of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, part of the Fiesta Conference.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) on November 20 for a free, one-hour educational event on Being a Dementia Friendly Congregation. Led by Janice Greeno, this session will offer practical strategies to support those with dementia and their caregivers in your congregation. Register today to reserve your spot and become part of this important movement to transform your faith community. LFCNA Event Registration or view this PDF for more info.
Read MorePrepare for climate action by joining the free Climate + Faith Training on November 16, 2024. This online event will equip you with practical tools to lead climate action in your congregation, helping you integrate creation care into your faith practices. Register today to strengthen your role as a climate leader! This training is part of the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 on March 27, 2025.
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