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.

Sun City author and American Lutheran Church member Jeanne Blanchet, Ph.D., has released The Monk Who Wrestled with God: A Novel of Martin Luther, a new historical-fiction exploration of Luther’s faith, doubt, and Reformation witness. The 381-page book is available in paperback and e-book formats through online booksellers, the publisher, and bookstores.

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).

Please check the calendar listing or lutherantucson.org for this event for up-to-date info and details.

Rev. Jose Valenzuela, called to serve University Lutheran and ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 9/20/2026, during 10 am worship at University Lutheran Church (340 E. 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281).

Bishop Hutterer will preside through Communion. Reception will be an Einstein Bagels bar with coffee and orange juice. No RSVPs are necessary, color of the day is rainbow. Live-stream and post-video link will be on the front page ulctempe.org.

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Judith Rainforth, who celebrates 23 years on September 21.

• Rev. Gary Ulrich, who celebrates 47 years on September 24.

The Grand Canyon Synod is launching a series highlighting the ELCA Church Property Resource Hub. Begin with a no-cost Zoom webinar, “Land Back as Property Stewardship Ethic,” on Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m. Central Time. Indigenous leaders and ELCA partners will explore land return, the Doctrine of Discovery, and faithful property stewardship. Register today.

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.

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.

Lay and rostered leaders are invited to Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation, three interactive Zoom workshops with ELCA pastor and Womanist theologian Rev. Sharei Green on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. Arizona/Pacific Time. Explore Community, Gospel, and Kin-dom while strengthening practices of listening and proclamation. Attend one session or all three.

Gather Valley of the Sun is relaunching this fall! ELCA young adults are invited to a Tie-Dye Workshop & Fall Kickoff at noon Sunday, Sept. 20, at University Lutheran Church in Tempe, with an optional lunch at 11 a.m. All materials are provided. Congregations are encouraged to share the invitation with young adults in their communities.

Save the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.

Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.

Eligible Grand Canyon Synod congregations and ministries may apply for up to $15,000 through the 2027 Synod Grants Program. Approximately $175,000 is available for projects advancing the synod’s strategic-plan goals, with preference given to innovative and collaborative proposals.

Completed applications and all required financial documents must be submitted electronically by midnight Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Register by Friday, Sept. 18, for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, Oct. 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers will gather around the theme Rooted in God’s Story for worship, renewal, synod conversations, and keynote sessions with Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos exploring theology, neuroscience, liberation, and healing.

Single-room, shared-room, commuter, and extended First Call registration options are available. Registration includes meals.

Spirit in the Desert’s latest newsletter shares signs of renewal: upcoming retreats for veterans and church leaders, a Spring Training–themed faith retreat, online worship and devotions, and opportunities to support this ministry of rest, healing, and reconnection. Read the newsletter in full.