The Women of the Cactus Conference Spring Gathering, scheduled for March 22 at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church in Yuma, AZ, has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will not be gathering this year, we are grateful for the work of event organizers and encourage continued support for Hunter’s Army, the intended outreach recipient. Please reach out to conference leadership with any questions.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Douglas Moffat and the people of Faith Lutheran Church in Yuma, part of the Cactus Conference.
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We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Jack Raymond Neimi, who passed peacefully at home on January 15, 2025. The primary memorial service for Pastor Niemi will be held in California, with a smaller local service at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West on March 20, 2025, at 11 am.
Pastor Niemi was born in Two Harbors MN, and lived in Surprise, Arizona. He was a member of Lord of Life in Sun City West. He served many churches in the Grand Canyon Synod.
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We offer our heartfelt prayers for the friends and family of Pastor Dan Olson and his beloved wife, Barbara Olson. May God’s comforting presence be with all who mourn their passing and celebrate their faithful lives.
Pastor Dan Olson passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death just a couple of months earlier, on December 30, 2024. Their lives of faith and service will be honored in a joint memorial service at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (15820 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise, AZ 85374) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Pastor Dan’s brother, Paul Olson, a retired ELCA pastor, will join in leading this service of remembrance and thanksgiving.
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Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, Arizona, is seeking a part-time Director for Youth Ministries to guide middle and high school students on their faith journey. Help create a grace-based, inclusive community while leading activities, mission trips, and faith-building programs. View the job description as a PDF and contact the church through boldrecklessgrace.org to apply and learn more!
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Kevin Meyer and the people of Covenant Lutheran Church in Quartzsite, part of the Cactus Conference.
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We uplift and pray for Casey Goslin and the people of West Valley Young Adult Ministry in Glendale, part of the Cactus Conference.
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We pray for the friends and family of Rev. Ronald Franklin Pechauer, who died December 4, 2024 in Apple Valley, MN. Pastor Pechauer had served at Shepherd of the Desert in Sun City, as well as many other churches. Obituary is available here.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Rev. Joshua Pontious and the people of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, part of the Cactus Conference.
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We uplift and pray for Solomon Machar Kuch and the people of Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale, part of the Cactus Conference.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Jeffery Gallen and the people of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodyear, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at christevangelical.org.
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Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is offering free caregiver training for those caring for children under five in Northwest Maricopa County. Starting October 1, the seven-week program includes CPR certification, self-paced online courses, and weekly in-person sessions at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 10561 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Peoria, AZ 85383. Register now to gain essential skills in injury prevention, healthy eating, and emotional literacy. Visit LSS-SW Children and Family Services and view this PDF for more details.
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We give thanks for the life and ministry of Pastor Harold Peterson, who passed away on Saturday, 9/14/2024. A memorial service will be held September 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, with a luncheon to follow. Please keep Pastor Harold’s family and friends in your prayers.
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In response to the Grand Canyon Synod’s Congregational Safety Webinar, Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West shares critical security resources. These tools include self-assessments, emergency planning guides, and training programs to help churches improve safety and security. Read more to access the full list of resources and strengthen your congregation’s preparedness.
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The Office of the Bishop staff spent a morning volunteering at the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop on August 13, 2024. Our team was inspired by the dedication and community spirit of the shop’s 350+ volunteers, who have helped raise over $10 million for ELCA missions and local non-profits, including our office. The experience deepened our appreciation for this vital ministry, and we look forward to returning soon to continue supporting their incredible work.
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West is offering grants to local non-profit organizations that are doing extraordinary projects, through its Benevolence Fund. The minimum grant amount is $10,000. These funds may be requested through a grant review process for projects not currently supported by the church’s budgeted benevolence, Mission Endowment Fund or monthly Gratitude Gift program. View more info on their website and download a PDF brochure here. Benevolence Requests should be submitted by Monday, 9/9/2024.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Scott Klimke, Rev. Lisa Hackler and the people of American Lutheran Church in Sun City, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at alcsuncity.org.
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In an article for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, Autumn Byars, GCS Hunger Advocacy Fellow, shares her experience at the West Valley Community Food Pantry, housed at and run by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale. At the invitation of Associate Pastor for Outreach and Synod Director Of Generosity And Strategic Development, Pastor Dan Potaznick, Byars joined director June Kelsey and her team. Read the full article at LAMAZ.org.
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Sun City West, AZ, is seeking a candidate to fill the part time Parish Nurse position at our church. An RN with community and aging experience is preferred. If you are interested in this position, please forward your resume and references to info@lolaz.org.
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Join the Cactus Conference Women’s Gathering to explore the nexus of Artificial Intelligence and faith. Engage with Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications with the Grand Canyon Synod, to discern how emerging technologies are shaping our spiritual communities and personal beliefs.
“Sea of Galilee meets Silicon Valley: Artificial Intelligence, Faith Communities and Faith” will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 8:30 am – 2:15 pm, at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona. View a PDF for info and registration here.
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