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Arizona Faith Network is offering a wide range of opportunities this summer—from interfaith meditation sessions to heat relief service projects, public witness at the Eloy Detention Center, and training for Election Protection Arizona poll monitors. Events include the Bags of Hope packing days in Tucson and Tempe, a nuclear waste community conversation in Sahuarita, and a call to oppose a proposed public lands sell-off. Lutheran voices are needed to show up, speak out, and serve. Click here to read the full AFN newsletter and learn how you can get involved.

LAMA Director Solveig Muus joined faith leaders from Arizona in Washington, D.C. for Bread for the World’s 50th Anniversary Advocacy Summit, urging legislators to support SNAP, WIC, and global nutrition programs. The Arizona delegation met with representatives across the political spectrum, combining public witness with prayer, partnership, and policy engagement. Click here to read the full story and reflections from Solveig’s five days in D.C.

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada celebrates the opening of their retro-inspired 50’s Diner space at the Journey Center, now serving meals made in-house by Chef Dom. Throughout July, join the Peanut Butter Wars campaign to support the food pantry, and help provide dignity through the She Cares Initiative by donating hygiene items. Learn how partners like Total Promotions and churches like Holy Spirit Lutheran are making an impact—and meet Employee of the Month, Barbara Hudson, whose spirit of care uplifts us all.

In part two of the Pivot podcast conversation with Andy Root, we explore a radically different approach to sharing faith that moves beyond happiness-hunting strategies to embrace God's presence in brokenness.

On Juneteenth Day, we celebrate the end of slavery and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. But that freedom granted to all enslaved people in 1865 was short-lived. In her video, Bishop Eaton recalls the stark differences experienced by White American soldiers, like her father, and African American soldiers after World War II.

“Like my father, after the war, the Tuskegee Airmen came home to start families and build a life. However, despite their sacrifices, despite wearing the same uniform and flying the same missions, they were denied the benefits of the GI Bill because they were African American. This is white supremacy.” Watch the video on YouTube here, download at bit.ly/4eapi9h.

We’ve released the 50 mosaic-style images created for the 2025 Synod Assembly after many of you asked how they were made. Using Midjourney, an AI tool that turns text into art, we created visuals inspired by handcrafted tilework and the desert tones of our synod. These images are now available for all congregations and ministries to use. View and download the collection in this blog post.

Missed the 2025 Synod Assembly or want to relive the highlights? Recordings of both days and the stunning Thursday evening concert hosted by Community Lutheran in Las Vegas are now available. Watch the worship, music, and ministry that brought our synod together.

Pastor Lars Hammar, who has photographed our Synod Assemblies since 2016, captured 75 beautiful images during this year’s gathering — his final one with us before departing for a new call in Washington. We give thanks for his faithful camera ministry and invite you to view the full photo gallery.

Our 2025 Synod Assembly was made possible by the faithful service of volunteers, leaders, and congregations across our synod. From hospitality and worship to technology and planning, every contribution helped shape a Spirit-filled gathering centered on connection, discernment, and shared mission. We extend deep thanks to all who served—named and unnamed—and celebrate the many ministries and partners who made our time together possible.

• For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

• For de-escalation of violence between Israel and Iran…

• For those affected by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia…

• For the close of the G7 summit and the forthcoming NATO summit…

• For all in the path of Hurricane Erick in the eastern Pacific…

• For those facing threats of extreme heat…

• For all victims of gun violence, especially those who mourn following recent attacks on lawmakers and their families in Minnesota…

• For immigrants, advocates, and legal professionals…

• For safety, justice, and peace amidst protests and demonstrations…

• For the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth…

• For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…

• For Young Adults in Global Mission making preparations this summer for their upcoming year of service…

Nearly 300 gathered in Las Vegas for the 2025 Synod Assembly, celebrating new congregations, electing leaders including Vice President Mark Myers, and hearing inspiring messages from Bishop Hutterer and David Scherer. Read more for key decisions, ministry updates, and highlights from this year’s theme: Build Up the Body.

The Office of the Bishop travels for work and vacation while wrapping up the final details from our 2025 Synod Assembly. Thanks to all of you who made our gathering such a joyful success.

In honor of Juneteenth, the Office of the Bishop is closed today, June 19, 2025. We mark this federal holiday with reverence, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. and recommitting ourselves to racial justice. Join us in a prayer for liberation and healing.

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 59 years on June 19.

• Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 65 years on June 19.

In her deeply personal reflection, Elise Seyfried invites us to rediscover our shared humanity through a simple, sacred act: writing a letter to a stranger. Drawing on Lutheran theology and real-life encounters, she challenges us to move past fear and isolation toward connection, empathy, and prayer. Click here to read her full essay on Living Lutheran.

Technicolor Ministries is transforming the Southwestern Texas Synod by creating faithful, affirming spaces where LGBTQIA+ people are fully welcomed as God created them. Launched by Keats Miles-Wallace with the support of Bishop Sue Briner, this grassroots effort offers campouts, congregation visits, and community for those too often marginalized in church.

The ministry models the radical inclusivity of Christ, affirming that no one should have to choose between their identity and their faith. Click here to read the full story from Living Lutheran.