Posts in Spotlight
For What Shall We Pray?
  • For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…

  • For renewal in the church and in the hearts of all Christians, as we follow Jesus in ways of healing, compassion, forgiveness, and concrete acts of love for our neighbors…

  • For victims of extremist attacks in Turkey…

  • For the safety of those targeted by politically-motivated violence in Arizona…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Fall City, Washington…

  • For the United States in this divided political season, for all who are exercising their right to vote, and for safety for all election workers…

  • For the triumph of truth over falsehood, and for all working diligently to combat misinformation and manipulation in our politics, media, and public discourse…

  • For continued relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton…

  • In gratitude for ELCA partner ministries, who accompany communities around the world in order to alleviate suffering, promote well-being, rebuild after destruction, and work tirelessly for the dignity and flourishing of all…

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Ordination celebrations: October 25–31, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 44 years on October 26.

  • Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 28 years on October 26.

  • Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 21 years on October 26.

  • Rev. Verónica Alvarez, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on October 30.

  • Rev. Brian Ward, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 14 years on October 31.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…

  • For renewed commitments to de-escalation and diplomacy between nations…

  • For the work of the COP19 biodiversity summit and for increased global commitment to halt and reverse nature loss…

  • For Nobel Peace Prize awardee Nihon Hidankyo and for the organization’s activism against nuclear weapons, and for all survivors of the atomic bomb…

  • For continued relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton…

  • For safe and easy access to early voting locations, and for safety for all election workers…

  • For all physicians, medical personnel, and health care professionals…

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Ordination celebrations: October 18–24, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 38 years on October 19.

  • Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 28 years on October 20.

  • Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 51 years on October 21.

  • Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 40 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 13 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Glenn Schrader, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 1 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 3 years on October 23.

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Region 2 Spotlight: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), located in Berkeley, California, is the only Lutheran seminary in the western United States. As a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union and a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) institution, PLTS prepares leaders for a diverse and changing world through various degree and certificate programs. Learn more about how PLTS can equip you to transform communities and lead with faith at PLTS’s website.

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Spotlight: Advocating for Indigenous Rights with the Lutheran World Federation

On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we highlight the Lutheran World Federation’s commitment to advocating for indigenous rights globally. Through initiatives like the “Pathways to Equality” project in Namibia, their advocacy handbook, and participation in global human rights councils, the LWF continues to work for justice, dignity, and the empowerment of indigenous communities worldwide.

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Healing Through Truth: ELCA’s Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations

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.

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Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Lifting Up Native American Ministries in Our Synod

In 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.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Ordination celebrations: October 11–17, 2024

This 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.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For 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…

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