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.
For elected officials in the United States during the transition of power…
For an end to violence and armed conflict in the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon, and Haiti…
For Gisele Pelicot and all survivors of sexual assault…
For those working for more democratic governments in the world, especially the Hong Kong 47…
For the Maori people and all indigenous peoples fighting for their rights…
For severe weather threats in the Pacific Northwest…
For all who fight against racism, anti-semitism, gender bias, and all forms of inequity and discrimination…
For the reign of Christ to prevail, that God’s kingdom come and will be done on earth as in heaven…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Leonard Hoffmann, who celebrates 49 years on November 23.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 28 years on November 23.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Anna Rieke and the people of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree, part of the Northeast Valley Conference.
We uplift and pray for The Rev. Donald Bebber and the people of St. Raphael in the Valley Episcopal - Lutheran Church in Benson, part of the Kino Conference.
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For ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, and for an end to the violence…
For the nation of Haiti in the midst of rising violence…
For the families of those killed in Zhuhai China…
For those affected by wildfires on both the east and west coasts of the United States…
For Tuskegee University and those affected by the shooting on campus…
For vision, integrity, and humility for all elected leaders…
For collaboration and dedication to the common good in our national politics…
The Office of the Bishop attends retreats, works with candidacy, and schedules visits for 2025.
We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Lisa Hackler at American Lutheran in Sun City as well as Rev. David Pavesic at the welcoming blessing service at the DEM Fall Gathering.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 9 years on November 21.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Charles Newman and the people of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, part of the Fiesta Conference.
We uplift and pray for The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt and the people of Church of Our Saviour in Lakeside, part of the High Country Conference.
The Office of the Bishop welcomes Rev. David Pavesic, our new Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), as he officially begins is work for our synod.
We also share photos from the Bishop’s visit to Gloria de Cristo, Yuma, whose quilting ministry creates and shares over 600 quilts a year.
For ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, and an end to the violence…
For elections in the United States and a peaceful transfer of power…
For all elected officials as they serve well in their respective positions…
For all of those working to rebuild after natural disasters, especially Hurricanes Helene and Milton…
For the safety of those in the path of Tropical Storm Rafael…
For victims of flooding in Spain, and for those working to rebuild and repair…
For the family of Andre Hill and all those affected by police violence…
For all those affected by gun violence, especially in Austin, TX…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 38 years on November 12.
Rev. Ruby Myers, who celebrates 3 years on November 13.
Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 48 years on November 14.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Phillip Shuart, Rev. Mari Larson and the people of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Vicar Wanda Frenchman and the people of Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
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For peace between nations, especially Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon…
For an end to violence and violent rhetoric in our nation and in our world…
For areas of hailstorms and flooding in Spain…
For crews battling brush fires in Massachusetts…
For free, fair, safe, and accessible election access for all United States citizens, and for safety for election workers…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Atlanta, GA…
For the memory of all the saints in glory…
The Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Joshua Pontious at Community of Grace in Peoria.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Naomi Hartman and the people of Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
We uplift and pray for Solomon Machar Kuch and the people of Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale, part of the Cactus Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Thaddeus Book, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 15 years on November 1.
Deacon Anada Guse, who celebrates 34 years on November 4.
Rev. Conrad Braaten, who celebrates 52 years on November 5.
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…
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.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Steven Crittenden and the people of Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church in Apache Junction, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
We uplift and pray for Patty Charley and the people of House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Rock Point, part of the High Country Conference.
The Office of the Bishop celebrates the installation of Rev. Joshua Pontious. We also shares photos from the 2024 Bishop's Fall Gathering at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
The Office of the Bishop begins 2025 synod assembly planning, visits global companion synods, does year-end preparations, balances books, and gives thanks.
We also share photos from the recent LAMA retreat, First Call Theological Accompaniment, and the Installation of Rev. Anna Rieke at Christ the Lord in Carefree.