Take the Faithful AZ Voter Pledge, speak up against hunger, and join synod hunger leaders September 29, 6–7 p.m. LAMA’s latest issue also offers election resources, volunteer trainings, refugee health coverage concerns, and an October 3 Global Refuge event in Carefree. Read the full newsletter and find ways to participate.

What do charitable giving trends mean for your ministry? Join the ELCA Foundation’s November 11 webinar, 11 a.m.–noon Arizona/Utah time or 10–11 a.m. Nevada time, for insights from Giving USA 2026 and practical fundraising guidance. Pastors, stewardship teams, and ministry leaders are encouraged to register.

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.

The agenda is set for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 in Scottsdale! Registration is closed, and we look forward to reconnecting with registered ministry leaders for worship, renewal, and learning with the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos. Preview the schedule, including affinity groups, a film discussion, and closing worship.

Join LAMA and LEAN on September 29 at 6 p.m. Arizona time via Zoom for “Mercy and Compassion Merging for Hunger Justice.” Bishops Deborah Hutterer and Jeff Johnson join food-bank and ministry leaders to explore faith, hunger, and action. All are welcome; no registration required. Join the meeting.

Wendy Schulz will be ordained to Word and Service at Peace Lutheran Church (18265 North 89th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382), on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 10 am, with a reception following. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rostered ministers and seminarians are invited to process and robe. The color of the day is red. The ordination will be live-streamed by Peace Lutheran and available on their YouTube channel.

Many refugee families face losing comprehensive Medicaid coverage as federal eligibility changes take effect October 1, 2026. LSS-SW invites you to advocate for access to care and can arrange and lead meetings with elected officials alongside you. Contact Jay Eberle at jeberle@lss-sw.org to participate.

Put faith into action with LSS-SW: volunteer at October 13–17 projects in Phoenix and Tucson, explore mentoring and tutoring, or organize a Christmas drive. Donations are due December 14 at 1 p.m., with goals of 500 towel sets and gifts for 800 children. Find project details and ways to participate in our September update.

Pastor Paul Block and New Song Church volunteers honored 9/11 by cleaning up St. Rose Parkway during Henderson’s Community Day of Service. Block’s memories of serving as a chaplain at ground zero connect this act of neighborly care with the solidarity he witnessed 25 years ago.

Rev. Jenn Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. Color of the day is green. There will be a reception and meal to follow.

Rev. David Peterson will be installed on Sunday, 10/11/2026 at 9:30 am at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church (11273 E 40th St, Yuma, AZ 85367). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.

There will be a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service. No RSVP's necessary. The service will be live-streamed and can be found on the church’s website and Facebook and YouTube.

Hear the people and stories behind Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s work in its new Partners in Action Podcast. In the first episode, “Passing the Torch,” President and CEO Bobby Ghisolfo joins former CEO Connie Phillips to discuss leadership, legacy, and serving Arizona’s neighbors. Listen and follow for future conversations.

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.

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.

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ryan Hersch, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 23 years on September 27.

Celebrate being beloved children of God at “We Are Worthy,” November 14, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., at Love of Christ Lutheran’s Compassion Center in Mesa. Enjoy Bible study, music, a keynote, painting, and worship with Communion. All women are welcome. Complimentary registration is available for synod rostered women, with scholarships for lay women of color. Register and bring a friend.