As we approach our 2024 Synod Assembly, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for the time we will share together. Our theme, “Embody the Word,” reminds us to reflect on how we live out our faith as a collective body of Christ, not only at assembly but in our daily lives as well.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels throughout the synod for preaching and meetings, and picks up the pace before the final sprint to our synod assembly. We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s travels around the synod.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels throughout the synod for preaching and meetings, and picks up the pace before the final sprint to our synod assembly.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for a synod council meeting this week, travels and preaches, and continues synod assembly preparation.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting this week, travels and preaches, and continues synod assembly preparation.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels for preaching, leadership meetings, and Region 2 business this week.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly, and travels the synod for preaching and visits.
We also share photos of travels around the synod, including the Installation of Rev. Carol George, Apr 17, 2024, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends a variety of leadership events and also celebrates the Installation of Rev. Carol George, Apr 17, 2024, 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley. We also share photos from a First Call Theological Education event and Bishop Hutterer’s travels.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends Pastor Steve Beyer’s Farewell & Godspeed at Lord of Life, Sun City West, preaches at various churches around the synod, and participates in First Call Theological Education in Prescott.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop observes Holy Week. We invite you to join us in prayer and contemplation. Please note that in observance of Good Friday, our office will be closed. May this Holy Week be a time of profound reflection and renewal for you and your loved ones.
Read More“He has been raised; he is not here.” —Mark 16:6
This year, journeying through Lent as well as the spring gatherings around our synod, I was heartened by the joy of our most basic calling: sharing the Good News.
At gatherings of conferences in Las Vegas, Tucson, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona, a portion of our time was dedicated to simple open mic sessions, introduced by conference deans, where leaders of our congregations and ministries proclaimed the wonders of God's work in their communities. The feedback we received was clear: we live in a world desperate to hear any kind of good news.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels to Christ Lutheran in Sedona for the High Country Conference Spring Gathering, Mar 23, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Amy Janssen at Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson, our in-person staff meeting and more.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, Mar 17, 2024, 2:00 – 4:30 PM at St. Andrew, Phoenix. We also gather for an in person staff meeting at Prince of Peace.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels to various congregations and ministries, prepares for synod assembly, and maintains day to day operations.
We also share photos of the Installation of Pastor Chris Heller at Esperanza Lutheran in Phoenix.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop celebrates the Installation of Pastor Chris Heller at Esperanza Lutheran in Phoenix, continues to prepare for our synod assembly and work on our yearly audit.
Read MoreUPDATE: This trip has been postponed.
The Grand Canyon Synod and ELCA Churchwide delegation's upcoming trip to Senegal signifies a profound commitment to fostering global connections and learning from our brothers and sisters in The Lutheran Church of Senegal. We ask your prayers for the delegation, whose journey embodies our collective mission to live and serve in unity, across borders and cultures.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels extensively this week, and maintains day to day operations. We also share a photo from the Valley Interfaith Partners press conference at the Arizona State Capitol.
Read MoreReligious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop works on our annual audit and continues to prepare for our 2024 synod assembly. We also include photos from the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier.
Read MoreSome may find it strange, but I welcome Ash Wednesday. While I believe we are a resurrection people, I also feel we can’t have that joy of new life without contemplating the reality that life is broken, and that things have an ending as much as a beginning.
Ash Wednesday, as well as the season of Lent, invites us as to reflect on themes that our modern world often encourages us to evade: confession, grief, and mortality. These are not subjects to be feared or shunned but embraced as vital in shaping the richness and depth of our lives.
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