The latest LAMA newsletter invites congregations to add faithful advocacy to their September 13 “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday activities. Also inside: upcoming digital security, elder abuse, election engagement, hunger and creation-care events; new advocacy articles; and a reminder that Grand Canyon Synod Grant applications are due September 25. Read the full LAMA newsletter

Join ELCA Coaching for Wayfinding in the Commons on Wednesday, September 2, at 11 a.m. Pacific/noon Mountain. This 45-minute online gathering offers community, leadership learning, coach-facilitated conversation and space to discern where the Spirit may be leading—and to leave with an actionable next step.

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter includes opportunities for congregations and leaders to strengthen digital security, learn about preventing elder abuse, volunteer as nonpartisan Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers, and register for AFN’s October 20 Annual Gathering. Also inside: heat-relief needs in Tucson, upcoming community events and more ways to put faith into action across Arizona. Read the full AFN newsletter

The Office of the Bishop will gather for a staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert while continuing to support congregations and leaders across the synod. The week also includes the Ordination and Installation of Guy Ilunga at Trinity Lutheran in Phoenix (August 29, 2026, 10:00 AM), ministry at Central Lutheran in Arizona City, ongoing grants and communications work, and preparation for upcoming events and financial reporting.

We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s worship with Church of Our Saviour in Lakeside, Myrna Wells-Ulland’s birthday at Spirit in the Desert, the Office of the Bishop’s visit to West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store, and a visit by author Bill Kalaf and former Vice President Paul Gryniewicz (2017-2021).

The 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant webinar recording and presentation slides are now available at gcsynod.org/grants, along with the application and complete guidelines. Approximately $175,000 is available, with grants of up to $15,000 supporting eligible ministries and projects across the synod.

Watch the webinar, review the resources, and begin your application now. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, and late submissions will not be accepted.

The Phoenix VA Health Care System invites pastors, deacons, and other faith leaders to a Faith Leader Forum on Friday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix. Participants will learn how to help veterans in their congregations connect with VA health care services and benefits. RSVP by Sept. 1 to Chaplain Joel Larson at joel.larson2@va.gov.

A new study from the Lutheran World Federation examines the human realities of climate-induced displacement in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, where droughts, floods, and other climate shocks are forcing families from their homes and livelihoods. Based on interviews and focus groups with displaced communities, the report highlights challenges including access to land, water, healthcare, education, and legal recognition—and the resilience and solidarity communities demonstrate in response.

Climate-Induced Displacement: A Human Journey calls for stronger early-warning systems, rights-based and inclusive policies, and meaningful participation by displaced people themselves. It also highlights the important role churches and faith-based organizations can play in fostering care, solidarity, resilience, and climate justice. Read the LWF report and explore its findings.

The latest LAMA newsletter invites congregations to add faithful advocacy to their September 13 “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday activities. Also inside: upcoming digital security, elder abuse, election engagement, hunger and creation-care events; new advocacy articles; and a reminder that Grand Canyon Synod Grant applications are due September 25. Read the full LAMA newsletter

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 32 years on August 28.

• Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 50 years on August 29.

• Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 27 years on August 29.

• Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 34 years on August 30.

• Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 38 years on September 1.

• Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 54 years on September 2.

• Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 54 years on September 3.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Register by Friday, September 18. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers are invited for three days of worship, learning, renewal, and connection, featuring theologian, pastor, and author Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD.

Rooted in God’s Story, this year’s gathering will explore faithful leadership, healing, identity, human flourishing, and emerging questions facing ministry today.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has new opportunities to serve in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale and Tucson, including refugee youth mentoring, English tutoring, childcare, food distribution, and sewing and jewelry instruction. Metro Phoenix volunteers building relationships with refugee neighbors may also apply for new micro-grants to support shared activities and deepen connection.

Where in the world is your congregation connected? The Grand Canyon Synod Global Engagement Team invites congregations and faith communities to complete a brief 3–5 minute survey about their international ministries and outreach—and learn more about our companion church relationships in Senegal and Mexico. Please respond by September 30.

Grand Canyon Synod staff members Theresa Thornburgh and Amy Birchard are sharing their administrative and financial expertise with the Rocky Mountain Synod during a season of staff transition. The new partnership offers a tangible example of synods working together and sharing gifts in service to the wider church.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is Sept. 13, 2026. Watch ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry’s invitation and begin planning how your congregation can join Lutherans across the church in serving neighbors and putting our faith into action.