This section is dedicated to celebrating and lifting up the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners at various levels—from local to global. Join us in gratitude and prayer for these people and organizations. View all our spotlight posts here.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Rodney Hutton, who celebrates 48 years on December 26.
Rev. Susan Swanson, who celebrates 27 years on December 27.
Rev. Kim Taylor, American, Tucson, who celebrates 41 years on December 30.
The Office of the Bishop will be closed December 24-26, as we complete year-end projects. We also share photos from the Installation and Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman.
For an end to war, conflict, and violence especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Eastern Congo, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all victims of violence, threats of violence, and communities grieving gun violence, including the Brown University and MIT campuses, Stewartville High School, and victims of the Bondi Beach violence in Sydney, Australia…
For immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and all who travel…
For those facing extreme weather, especially blizzard and high wind threats in the Northwestern United States…
For the community of Holden Village in this season of evacuation and evaluation…
For children and families who face increased food insecurity during school breaks…
For accessible and affordable health care…
For those living with seasonal affective disorder…
For all who seek shelter…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Bjorn Pedersen, who celebrates 38 years on December 20.
The Office of the Bishop completes year-end tasks and prepares for some vacations and parental leave.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Katie Adelman, who celebrates 40 years on December 15.
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 41 years on December 16.
The Office of the Bishop starts the 2026 assembly planning process with our first meeting, prepares for Bishop Hutterer’s brief break in her sabbatical, visits congregations in Mesa and Flagstaff, and works on year-end projects.
For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For victims and families of the Hong Kong apartment fire…
For all affected by flooding in Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka…
For protection, provision, and justice for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and advocates…
For all victims of violence, exploitation, and abuse…
For access to affordable and reliable healthcare…
For those who live with seasonal affective disorder…
For just governance and equitable distribution of God’s abundance…
For those who cannot find peace or joy in this season…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 4 years on December 5.
Rev. Scott Summers, who celebrates 35 years on December 8.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2025
Resources and daily updates
Brazil: a passion for protecting the rights of people and the planet
For just transformation, indigenous rights, global and local action
Strengthening pathways to peace through faith-driven dialogue
Strasbourg Institute hosts Lutheran Orthodox dialogue meeting
For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For abducted students and staff in Nigeria…
For victims of flooding in Vietnam…
For all affected by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia and Ethiopia…
For winter storms across the United States and for safety for travelers…
For those affected by tornadoes and severe weather in Texas…
For de-escalation in areas facing immigration raids…
For health, safety, and provision for all migrants…
For families, friends, and neighbors gathering for the holiday…
In gratitude for God’s faithfulness…
The Office of the Bishop celebrates Thanksgiving (we are closed Friday, 11/28), contributes to generosity projects for Giving Tuesday, and works on year-end projects.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 17 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 16 years on November 29.
Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 36 years on December 1.
This week, the Office of the Bishop visits congregations, works on year-end projects, and celebrates Thanksgiving.
We are grateful to be Church Together with you.
For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all affected by the the eruption of the Semeru volcano in Indonesia…
For safety, dignity, and justice for immigrants…
For the health of the earth and for those working to mitigate environmental destruction…
For victims of abuse and trafficking…
For ELCA indigenous ministries and tribal relations, and for the work of truth and healing…
For all who await the reign of Christ to break into our world and our hearts…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 10 years on November 21.
Rev. Anna Rieke, Christ the Lord, Carefree, who celebrates 11 years on November 22.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 29 years on November 23.
For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all in the path of Typhoon Fung-wong…
For UN climate talks and for safety amidst protests…
For national tragedies around the world including a Turkish military plane crash, a bridge collapse in south-west China, a bus crash in Peru, and a car explosion attack in India…
For feeding ministries and all hunger relief organizations…
For all federal employees…
For care and safety for immigrants…
For all loving marriages and partnerships…
For the beauty of God’s creation, especially sightings of the Northern Lights this week…
This week, the Office of the Bishop gathers for the synod council meeting and travels to churches for worship and giving thanks..
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 49 years on November 14.
For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Pakistan/Afghanistan, and Tanzania…
For relief, recovery, and grief work following Tropical Storm Melissa, Typhoon Kalmaegi, and the Afghan earthquake…
For victims of political and police violence in Tanzania and Brazil…
For victims of the UPS plane crash in Louisville, KY…
For all who face food insecurity and hunger…
For farmers and for food production…
For elections, political transitions, and all government employees and leaders…
For protection, justice, and human rights for all migrants…
In gratitude for all veterans and their service to the common good…
This week, the Office of the Bishop continues its work across the synod, from preaching, teaching, and stewardship support to event planning, communications, and financial administration.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 39 years on November 12.
Rev. Ruby Myers, who celebrates 4 years on November 13.
The Office of the Bishop will be closed January 1, New Year’s Day. As we close 2025, we give thanks for the ways we have been church together: through shared ministry, mutual trust, faithful leadership, and God’s ongoing work among us. We are grateful for the dedication of our congregations, rostered ministers, and synod staff, and we look ahead to 2026 with continued trust in the Spirit’s guidance for what is unfolding next.