Registration is open for “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Christian Nationalism,” a Nov. 14 symposium featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod. Join the Grand Canyon Growing in Faith Program in Sun City or online for a biblical and theological exploration of faith, nation, power and our ultimate identity in Christ. Cost is $25.

Preparing for November 3? Arizona’s October 5 registration deadline and Nevada’s October 6 standard registration deadline are approaching. Utah’s registration deadline is October 23; Navajo Nation absentee ballot requests are due October 19. Read this week’s reminder for official links, ballot-return requirements, and the separate Navajo Nation election deadlines.

Children, youth and young adult ministry leaders are invited to Camp Pinerock in Prescott, October 16–17, for 24 hours of connection, renewal and shared learning. The $50 retreat includes informal fellowship and participant-driven conversations about faith formation, intergenerational ministry and the joys and challenges of ministry with younger generations.

Reserve your spot by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org by October 1, 2026.

Join SYAT Collective on Zoom this fall: October 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a 2027 National Youth Gathering info session, 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.

Join the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, pastor-in-residence at Global Refuge, for a free forum on refugee resettlement and Lutheran accompaniment from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 3, followed by a reception at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree. RSVP by Friday, October 2, to admin@ctlcarefree.org.

Pastor Shafer will also preach at the congregation’s 9 a.m. worship service Sunday, October 4. Learn how congregations can put faith and welcome into action alongside refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.

Explore stories of climate hope on September 29, renewable energy planning for congregations on October 20, and free creation care resources in Lutherans Restoring Creation’s September Good Green News. The issue also includes film screenings, nature-based spiritual leadership training, civic engagement tools, and a new retirement-investment explainer. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.

Everyone deserves health care that recognizes the person, not the disability. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other diverse needs may find themselves in situations where medical professionals dismiss, question, or downplay their health concerns, attributing symptoms to their disability. Mosaic’s Health Services Coordinator shares how to keep the lines of communication open and advocate for yourself or a person you support.

The post Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns appeared first on Mosaic.

In the latest Pivot podcast, what we learned looking back on season 7.

• Young Lutherans launch prayer book on peacemaking

• Grounded in global witness

• A visit to the heart of the Lutheran Church of Australia

• Reclaiming solidarity, dignity, justice and peace

• Blessed are the Peacemakers: an ecumenical initiative

• Strengthening advocacy for climate financing to protect communities

• International Day of Peace: a commitment to invest in dignity and justice

Drawing on his experience growing up with cerebral palsy, the Rev. Brian Krause reflects on how everyday words and church language can deepen exclusion. He calls congregations to examine their language as an expression of Jesus’ welcome and the worth of people with disabilities. Read his reflection on why language matters.

Volunteer with Gather Valley of the Sun and Pitchfork Pantry on October 3 to help distribute food and essentials to ASU students. Arrive at 8 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Tempe for an 8:15–10:15 a.m. shift, with optional brunch and a devotional afterward. RSVP by messaging Gather on Instagram.

• For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…

• For an end to genocide across the world…

• For flooding in southwestern Ohio and all those affected by natural disasters…

• For Luther Seminary and all seminaries navigating reimagination or relocation…

• For the United Nations General Assembly and for all agencies working for peace…

• For victims of gun violence, especially in Ontario, Canada and Durban, South Africa…

• For immigrants and all marginalized populations who live in fear of violence…

• For those in the path of Tropical Storm Nolo…

• For all in need of access to affordable healthcare…