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.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Luis Ochoa and the people of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Susan Swanson, who celebrates 26 years on December 27.
Rev. Kim Taylor, American, Tucson, who celebrates 40 years on December 30.
The Office of the Bishop will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The staff enjoys some time off with family and friends, and does our final wrap-up on 2024.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Sharon Brown and the people of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Clarkdale, part of the High Country Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Mark Rossman, Rev. Shari Bernau and the people of Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, part of the Northeast Valley Conference.
The Office of the Bishop will be closed December 24-26, and the staff will be enjoying Christmas with friends and family. We share photos from our visit to Faith/La Fe and the pastoral role changes of Rev. Veronica Alvarez and Rev. Jonathan Linman.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Bjorn Pedersen, who celebrates 37 years on December 20.
Rev. Rodney Hutton, who celebrates 47 years on December 26.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Don Lorfing, Rev. Scott Hove, Rev. Jason Adams and the people of Good Samaritan Lutheran Church at the Lakes in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Luis Ochoa and the people of Santa Trinidad Lutheran Church in Chandler, part of the Fiesta Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Michael Sager, Rev. Craig Larson and the people of Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley, part of the Kino Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. David Sivecz and the people of Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
The Office of the Bishop celebrates at our year-end Christmas party, puts the final organizing on 2024, and prepares for 2025, including our synod assembly.
For the nation of Syria of conflict, transition, and uncertainty…
For peace among nations of the world…
For all victims of gun violence…
For victims of gang violence in Haiti and for grieving families…
For those struggling to afford or access healthcare…
For safety and advocacy for those without stable housing…
For those affected by earthquakes in California and Nevada, and for those affected by brush fires in southwestern California…
For continued political stability in South Korea and France, and for the safety of political protesters in the nation of Georgia…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Abel Arroyo Traverso, who celebrates 6 years on December 14.
Deacon Katie Adelman, who celebrates 39 years on December 15.
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 40 years on December 16.
The Office of the Bishop worships and preaches at ministries around the synod, and continues year-end projects.
We also share photos from Senegal and Mexico. The Grand Canyon Synod and the Lutheran Church of Senegal renewed and signed our covenant as global companions. Photos of Bishop Hutterer’s Senegal visit with President Latyr Diouf include worship at Bokotou village. In Mexico, to strengthen ties with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana and Pastor President Rev. Roberto Federico Trejo Haager, we share photos from Iglesia Bethel in Mazatlan and San Pablo in Tepic.
For lasting peace in Gaza, for Syria, and for all nations affected by ongoing warfare or conflict…
For political stability in South Korea and in France…
For Leonard Peltier and others seeking justice from the U.S. legal system…
For the U.S Supreme Court as it hears arguments surrounding transgender healthcare…
For the International Court of Justice as it prepares for a case on climate change…
In celebration of the renovations to the Notre Dame Cathedral…
For retail workers during the holiday season…
For those who are grieving during the holiday season…
We uplift and pray for The Rev. Philip A. Shaw and the people of St. John’s Episcopal Lutheran Church in Williams, part of the High Country Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Scott Summers, who celebrates 34 years on December 8.
Deacon Lorraine Brugh, who celebrates 45 years on December 10.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Rev. Joshua Pontious and the people of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, part of the Cactus Conference.
For lasting peace in Gaza, and for an end to all war and violence around the world…
For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants seeking safety and stability…
For the continued work of the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, and for rights and restoration for indigenous peoples…
For healing and cooperation in American politics…
For the dignity of all people, and especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
In gratitude for all of God’s gifts, and for our generous hearts and responsible stewardship…
For Advent watching and waiting as we long for hope and peace to prevail on earth…
The Office of the Bishop engages in visits to global companion synods, completes year-end preparations, reconciles financial records, participates in various meetings, and begins Advent.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Kaila Armbruster and the people of Crossroads Lutheran Church in San Tan Valley, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 16 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 35 years on December 1.
Rev. Lars Hammar, Lord of Grace, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on December 5.
Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 3 years on December 5.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Ward, Rev. Benjamin Bergren and the people of Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Stephen Springer and the people of Dove of Peace Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.