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.

We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.

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.

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.

The November 14 Christian Nationalism Symposium in Sun City and online has been postponed due to low enrollment. Growing in Faith organizers are reworking the event for spring 2027; a new date is forthcoming. Please update your calendars and remove previous event advertisements.

October 12–13 flooding displaced Rock Point residents on the Navajo Nation. Navajo Lutheran Mission/House of Prayer’s buildings are safe, and staff are providing food, water, clothing, and other support as families face a lengthy recovery. Pray for the community and give to support the Mission’s ongoing care.

What does “bound conscience” mean, and why does it matter to the ELCA’s reconsideration of its sexuality statement? In this 31-minute episode, Professor Tim Wengert explores its Lutheran roots and pastoral significance, inviting careful listening across deeply held convictions.