The ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement calls for the church to confront its colonizing past and move toward healing. With support from the Association of American Indians and Alaska Natives of the ELCA, this movement focuses on advocacy, cultural learning, and spiritual reconciliation. Discover how you can get involved in this important journey of faith and justice at ELCA.org/indigenous.
Read MoreIn celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Grand Canyon Synod lifts up Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix and the Navajo Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ. Both ministries serve as powerful examples of faith and service, providing spiritual and material support to Native American communities. We honor their efforts and the Indigenous people whose land we now inhabit.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 11 years on October 13.
Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 39 years on October 13.
Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 37 years on October 13.
Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 35 years on October 15.
Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 9 years on October 17.
Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 14 years on October 17.
View all our ordination anniversaries here.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop prepares for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering and attends Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, Oct 14, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, as well as the Installation of Rev. Daniel Volkmann at All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix, Oct 13, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Read MoreFor peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…
For those in the path of Hurricane Milton, and for continued recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene…
For first responders and essential personnel…
For all working to educate, research, and mitigate the effects of climate change…
In thanksgiving for the work of scientists and researchers, especially new Nobel Prize winners…
For those grieving political violence in southern Mexico…
For victims of gun violence, domestic violence, abuse, and bullying…
For Jewish communities preparing for Yom Kippur, and for all acts of repentance and forgiveness…
For Hindu communities celebrating Durga Puja and Dussehra…
We uplift and pray for Rev. David Pavesic and the people of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference. Visit their site at beautifulsavior.net.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Andrea Cain, Rev. Thaddeus Book and the people of Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe, part of the Fiesta Conference. Visit their site at desertcross.org.
Read MorePhoto: For the tenth time, LWF World Service has organized the Talent competition "Kakuma Got Talent in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. The event fosters creativity, boosts morale, and offers a sense of normalcy amid the challenging conditions of the camp.
Finland: searching for religious identity in a shifting society
Africa: Perspectives for an inclusive, just and intergenerational church
New York: Faith leaders call for true and transformative peace
LWF and Taizé: Crafting unity and hope from refugee camp sand
‘Global Faith Unfiltered’ priorities: Creation groans but hope inspires action, by Rev. Jussi Luoma
Cameroon: Trusting others to lead for church growth, by Rev. Delphine Fongeh Nsufor
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nanette Christofferson, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 5 years on October 5.
Rev. Kimberly Sterner, who celebrates 38 years on October 5.
Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 46 years on October 10.
The Office of the Bishop implements projects and ideas for our in-person staff meeting, and we also share photos from the latest synod council meeting and the the Tanque Verde Lutheran Church 50th Anniversary.
Read MoreFor peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…
For renewed efforts for peace at the anniversary of the current violence in the Middle East on October 7…
For communities devastated by hurricane and flooding, especially in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina…
For extreme heat in California and for all suffering negative effects of climate change…
For grieving families following a school bus fire in Thailand…
For renewed commitment to compassion and the common good…
We uplift and pray for Rev. Jonathan Linman, Rev. Verónica Alvarez and the people of Faith / La Fe Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference. Visit their site at faithalive.com.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ryan Hersch, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 21 years on September 27.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Patricia Lowe and the people of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley, part of the High Country Conference. Visit their site at elcpvaz.org.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. William Phillips and the people of Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at christlasvegas.org.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting, and celebrates Tanque Verde Lutheran Church Marking their 50th Anniversary, Sep 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Read MoreThe 2024 Africa Lutheran Church Leadership Consultation is taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from September 18 to 22, under the theme “We, who are many, are one body.” This gathering of 90 African Lutheran leaders aims to strengthen unity within the church while exploring how diversity enhances their collective mission. Leaders from various church sectors are participating in dialogues and reflections to empower their ministries across the African Lutheran communion.
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