Posts in News
Presiding Bishop Responds to New U.S. Travel Ban

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement opposing the Trump administration’s newly announced travel ban affecting immigrants from 12 countries. Citing both scripture and Lutheran commitments to hospitality, interfaith solidarity, and refugee resettlement, Bishop Eaton urges the church to speak out and stand with those impacted. The ELCA’s partnerships with affected communities and churches call us to advocacy, accompaniment, and action. Click here to read the full statement.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Global Partner Spotlight: Prayers, Progress, and Pastor Kristin’s June Update from Madagascar

The Malagasy Lutheran Church is preparing for a historic vote on women’s ordination in 2028, beginning synod-wide conversations and Bible studies. In her June update, ELCA missionary Pastor Kristin Engstrom shares how the church is responding to hurricanes, promoting gender justice, and putting faith into action. Read her full newsletter and join in prayer for this season of discernment.

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Jesus and the Questions of Our Time: A Live Event with Will Willimon

Join Luther Seminary’s 2025 Aus Memorial Lecture on June 17 with Bishop Will Willimon as he explores what it means to share Jesus meaningfully in today’s world. Offered both in-person and online, this free event equips pastors and leaders to engage culture with authentic Christian witness. Register now to attend live or receive the recording: faithlead.org/2025-aus-evangelism-salon.

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Ordination celebrations: June 9, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Don Lorfing, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 29 years on June 9.

  • Rev. John Serkland, who celebrates 62 years on June 9.

  • Rev. Philip Gustafson, who celebrates 46 years on June 9.

  • Rev. John Hackler, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 40 years on June 9.

  • Rev. Lisa Hackler, American, Sun City, who celebrates 40 years on June 9.

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Ordination celebrations: June 7, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Adam Barnhart, Shepherd of the Hills, Flagstaff, who celebrates 16 years on June 7.

  • Rev. Stoney Bowen-Weiszmann, Banner Del E Webb Medical Center, Sun City West, who celebrates 17 years on June 7.

  • Rev. Tim Eighmy, Community, Bullhead City, who celebrates 33 years on June 7.

  • Rev. John Lundering, who celebrates 66 years on June 7.

  • Rev. David Miller, who celebrates 55 years on June 7.

  • Rev. Donald Legacie, who celebrates 38 years on June 7.

  • Rev. Ronald Hedwall, who celebrates 61 years on June 7.

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In Memoriam: Reverend Dr. Nicholas K. Mays

We pray for the family and friends of Reverend Dr. Nicholas K. Mays, beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, who passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30th, at the age of 84, in Toledo, OH.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. The service will be held at Faith United Lutheran Church, 4543 Douglas Road, Toledo, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Faith United Lutheran Church or Bittersweet Farms, 12660 Archbold Whitehouse Road, Whitehouse, OH 43571.

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Emily Hartner Elected Bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod

The Rev. Emily Hartner has been elected as the next bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod, following the retirement of Bishop Timothy Smith. Hartner, currently serving as pastor at Holy Trinity in Charlotte, will begin her six-year term on August 1 and be installed on November 15. A graduate of Davidson, Yale Divinity School, and United Lutheran Seminary, Hartner brings deep experience and theological training to her new role. To read the full announcement and learn more about her election and upcoming installation, click here.

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Grace Lutheran in Kingman, Annual Report: 2025

Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman shares their 2025 synod assembly report through the story of their weekly community lunch, supported by the Manna Grant. With help from Ascension Lutheran Church, Grace now serves a weekly meal and offers fresh produce to anyone in need—an act of hospitality and faith that continues to nourish their wider community.

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Office of the Bishop Updates

After the Ordination and Installation of Jarrod Iversen at Central Lutheran in Arizona City, Jun 7, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, the Office of the Bishop team will be on-site at the 2025 Synod Assembly this week, and we can’t wait to see you there! As we gather as a synod to worship, learn, and discern together, we give thanks for the Spirit’s movement among us. Please note that our office will be operating at limited capacity during the assembly. We look forward to connecting with you in person!

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YIGBY and the East Valley: Churches as Sanctuaries for Affordable Housing

In a powerful op-ed published June 1 in The Chandler Arizonan, Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler challenges us to live out our faith through advocacy for affordable housing. Highlighting the growing crisis of housing insecurity in the East Valley, Pastor Chris reflects on Matthew 25 and the urgent call to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and shelter the unhoused. She lifts up efforts like the YIGBY bill and local organizations such as IHELP and Family Promise, urging continued advocacy even after legislative setbacks. To read Pastor Chris’s full reflection and testimony, click here.

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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) Annual Report: 2025

In a year marked by division and uncertainty, members across the Grand Canyon Synod boldly lived out their faith through advocacy, hunger ministry, and public witness. From winning the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge and increasing ELCA World Hunger giving by 35%, to convening 200 advocates for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, this report highlights a growing movement of engagement. Explore the many ways our synod has stepped up—locally and nationally—to proclaim justice, compassion, and hope in the public square.

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From Scarcity to Abundance: Discovering the Gifts Your Church Already Has

Feeling like your church doesn’t have enough? Join a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Central (4 p.m. AZ)to discover the hidden resources your congregation already holds. Learn from the Kaleidoscope Institute how currencies of relationship, truth, and more can help us move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. No registration required—just click to join.

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From the Pulpit to the Statehouse: Faith Communities Push for Equity in Kansas

Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA), an ELCA-affiliated partner in the Central States Synod, led bold public witness during the 2025 Kansas legislative session. From challenging anti-trans legislation to advocating for equitable policies, KIFA’s faithful presence was visible at the Capitol and beyond. With a record-breaking Advocacy Day, prayer vigils, and continued coalition work on immigration and Medicaid, KIFA lives out a call to love and justice in trying times. Click here to read more.

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