The Office of the Bishop Staff will be there with you at Lutheran Day at the AZ Legislature 2025, Feb 10, 2025, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, and don’t forget about Lutheran Lobby Day: Advocate for Justice in Nevada, Feb 10, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. We’ll also see you at various congregations as we visit and preach. We share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to celebrate the 50th anniversary celebration of American Lutheran Church in Sun City.
Read MoreWondering if seminary is the right next step for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) invites you to Signs Along the Way, a Visit and Discernment Weekend on April 4–6, 2025, in Berkeley, CA. With PLTS moving to fully online programs, this event provides a unique opportunity to connect with faculty, explore theological education, and experience online learning. Lodging and meals are provided, and travel assistance is available. Learn more at plts.edu/signs.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Stephen Talmage, Rev. Nanette Christofferson and the people of Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Carl Sirotzki and the people of Mount Cross Lutheran Church in Payson, part of the High Country Conference.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mark Wickstrom, who celebrates 39 years on February 9.
Rev. Daniel Paulson, who celebrates 28 years on February 9.
Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls
Read MoreReligious freedom is under threat. House Resolution 59 seeks to condemn a sermon given by Bishop Mariann Budde, setting a dangerous precedent for government interference in matters of faith. As Lutherans, we believe the church must remain free to speak truth to power. Take action today by urging your representative to oppose H.R. 59 and defend the right to preach without political retribution.
Read MoreJoin Lutherans from across Arizona on February 10, 2025, for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix, we’ll advocate for LAMA’s 2025 policy priorities. Prepare with training sessions on January 23, February 6, and February 20. Visit lamaz.org/lutheran-day-2025 to register today!
Read MoreOn February 10, 2025, join Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada for a day of faith and action at the Nevada State Capitol. The event begins with worship at St. Paul’s in Carson City and moves to the Capitol for legislative advocacy rooted in Lutheran values of justice and compassion. Registration is required. Click here to learn more and sign up.
Read MoreDuring March 16-20, 2025, experience the perfect blend of faith and baseball at the Desert Sojourn Retreat in Carefree, Arizona. Join Pastor Dave Ellingson for five days of fellowship, worship, and Cactus League Spring Training games. Limited spaces available—reserve your spot today!
Read MoreA Grand Canyon Synod congregation was featured on Tucson’s KGUN 9 News as new ICE policies create fear among worshippers. San Juan Bautista Lutheran Church in Tucson has seen attendance drop sharply as concerns grow over the possibility of deportations inside churches. Read or watch the full news story and learn how congregations are responding to these unsettling developments.
Read MoreDr. Dee Stokes and Rev. Dr. Adam White share groundbreaking insights from their research on what makes preaching truly compelling in the latest Pivot podcast, also featuring our synod’s Pastor Katie Langston.
Read MoreDiscover vital opportunities to advocate, learn, and take action through Arizona Faith Network’s February events. From immigration training for faith leaders (Feb. 6) to Lutheran Day at the Legislature (Feb. 10), Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb. 12), and the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature (Feb. 22), these gatherings equip us to serve our communities faithfully. Plus, join weekly Monday Meditation sessions and find ways to support California wildfire relief efforts. Read more and sign up at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreLas comunidades de fe enfrentan desafíos urgentes con la implementación de nuevas políticas migratorias. Se invita al clero y a los líderes religiosos a una Capacitación de Respuesta Rápida el jueves 6 de febrero, de 6:30 a 8:00 PM MST vía Zoom. Aprenda sobre derechos legales, medidas de seguridad y esfuerzos de defensa. No pierda esta oportunidad crucial de actuar juntos en fe. Regístrese en bit.ly/azrapidresponse.
Faith communities are facing urgent challenges as new federal immigration policies take effect. Clergy and faith leaders are invited to a Rapid Response Training on Thursday, February 6th, from 6:30-8:00 PM MST via Zoom. This session will cover legal rights, congregational safety measures, and the latest advocacy efforts. Don’t miss this critical opportunity to stand together in faith and action. Register now at bit.ly/azrapidresponse.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to steward the Christian faith in the 21st century? Terri Martinson Elton’s article, “The Future of Congregations: Cruciform Communities of Hope,” invites congregations to embrace their calling as living communities of faith, hope, and love. Explore how shifting from programs to practices can transform congregational life, foster relationships, and create a vibrant Christian witness. Read more on our blog.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting and travels the synod to preach and celebrate with congregations.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod welcomes Deacon Laura Book as the Project Manager of the Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT). With a rich history in youth and young adult ministry, Deacon Laura will support the synod office, build youth ministry connections, and enhance faith formation initiatives. Learn more about her inspiring journey and vision for the future of youth ministry.
Read MoreThe administration has issued an executive order temporarily pausing U.S. foreign aid, including vital nutrition programs that support millions globally. Domestic food programs such as SNAP and WIC may also be impacted, putting 48 million people at risk. Bread for the World urges immediate action—contact your members of Congress today to call for an end to this pause and to protect life-saving food assistance. Read more on the LAMAZ.org site about this action alert from our coalition partners at Bread for the World.
Read MoreRecent cuts to humanitarian parole and the suspension of refugee resettlement threaten the safety and future of countless families. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger and stand firm in our commitment to hope and hospitality. Refugees who have already arrived need our continued support—through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.
Learn how you can make a difference today and help keep the flame of hope alive in Arizona in this article from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, reprinted on the LAMAZ.org site.
Read MoreRev. Charles Newman will be installed at King of Glory Lutheran (2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282) on Sunday, 2/23/2025 at the 10:00 am worship service. Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on YouTube.
There will be a reception lunch to follow, which coincides with the 55th anniversary Celebration of King of Glory. Please RSVP. Rostered Ministers are invited but will not process or robe.
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