Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest prepares for a challenging 2026, as state leaders warn of a tight Arizona budget and federal officials propose changes to the “public charge” test that could harm immigrant communities and caregivers. Strong advocacy will be essential to protect basic needs, human dignity, and access to vital supports.

Click to read LAMA’s Christmas message.

The National Religious Partnership for the Environment (NRPE) urgently seeks signatures from faith leaders on two critical petitions that defend our shared moral responsibility to safeguard creation.

The Democracy at Risk: A Response from the Faith Community Declaration is a call to action from people of faith who reject authoritarianism, nationalism, and the misuse of religion for power. Reclaiming the Heritage is a call to act, grounded in scripture, history, and hope.

From Arizona Faith Network comes this request to sign a letter to the members of the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate in support of Muslim communities in Arizona.

Living Lutheran article by Debra Madras Efrid. “What are we as Lutherans called to do to ease the impact of the federal spending law?”

The Rev. Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop of the ELCA, issues statement on terror attack on Jewish community in Australia. Read it here.

The Rev. Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop of the ELCA, issues statement on Brown University shooting. Read it here.

What will Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona be working on in the new year? The LAMA Policy Council announces its Policy Priorities for 2026. Read all about it.

Is Arizona’s $67 M Balance sufficient to address $1.1 B of H.R. 1 tax impacts? What about SNAP cuts? Read key indicators by Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN) and Arizona Food Systems Network (AzFSN) and how it will likely affect the upcoming state legislative session.

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry shares a Christmas children’s sermon inviting us to listen for God’s gentle whispers of love, hope, and peace. The video is available for congregational use, along with downloadable English and Spanish PDFs.

We have exciting news to share: LAMA blew past its $5000 goal mid-afternoon, so we’re challenging ourselves to DOUBLE that goal by midnight. Please help us reach our new $10,000 goal!

LSS-SW is seeking volunteers for Christmas gift-wrapping, delivery, Shopping Guide roles, and card-making in both Tucson and the Phoenix area. All gifts and Christmas cards are due December 15, with deliveries taking place December 18–21.

The good news and bad news for SNAP and WIC post-government shutdown, as noted by Arizona Food Bank Network in their November issue of ‘Inside Scoop’.

You are invited to take action with us on Giving Tuesday, December 2, by helping us raise $5,000 to provide LAMA with the resources needed to continue our mission to end hunger, protect legal pathways to immigration, ensure equal access to healthcare, voting, housing and so much more. 

Dr. Paul Mmbando leads the health department for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT). Daudi Msseemmaa, ELCA Regional Representative to East Africa talked to him on Nov. 17, 2025 about the church’s role as World AIDS Day observance approached.

ELCA Action Alert from November 19. You can make a difference for global neighbors by urging Congress to ensure release of funds for HIV/AIDS programs. World AIDS Day is December 1. Take action today!

Living Lutheran article by Khader Khalilia, program director for ELCA Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries. The ELCA Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities (MDCC) team is sharing Khalilia’s remarks in hope of highlighting ministry concerns and engaging the wider ELCA in what continues to be a critical conversation.