This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 21 years on January 30.
Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 17 years on January 31.
Rev. Katie Langston, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 4 years on February 4.
Rev. Shari Bernau, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 21 years on February 5.
For an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For peace and resolution in Minneapolis, and for safety for all residents…
For safety, dignity, and justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For deescalation of tensions surrounding Greenland and international relations…
For victims of train crashes in Spain…
For those facing winter storms and extreme cold across the United States…
For newly-installed Bishop Imam Haddad and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land…
For Christian communities in Palestine and especially for schools…
For renewed unity in Christ among churches and denominations around the world…
Synod staff remain actively engaged in congregational life, campus ministry, evangelism, generosity, administration, and financial stewardship. This week includes preaching and greetings across the synod, Synod Assembly planning, grant administration, and preparation for upcoming council and staff meetings.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Tina Mills, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 15 years on January 25.
Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 8 years on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 44 years on January 27.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luis Ochoa, Santa Trinidad, Chandler, and First Evangelical, Mesa, who celebrates 3 years on January 21.
Rev. Judi Tyler, Our Saviour’s, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on January 21.
The Synod Office will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with some staff attending MLK worship and community events around the synod, while this week’s Office of the Bishop update offers a snapshot of ongoing congregation visits, administrative work, financial processing, communications planning, and preparations for upcoming meetings and ministry commitments.
Read MoreFor an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN; Greensboro, NC; Chicago, IL; Boynton Beach, FL; Salt Lake City, UT; and Philadelphia, PA…
For migrants, travelers, and all who live away from their nations of origin…
For law enforcement officers, government officials, and all civic workers who bear the privilege and sworn responsibility of seeking the common good and maintaining the welfare of all people…
For travel disruptions due to ice and freezing rain in eastern and central Europe…
For areas of the nation and world experiencing severe weather…
For the newly baptized, for families of all shapes and sizes, and for care and safety for all children and young people…
For the safety of advocates, peacemakers, and protestors who are Spirit-led to speak out for justice…
For honesty, humility, confession, and collaboration in the work of racial healing…
The Office of the Bishop settles into the new year with regular news postings, office management, visiting congregations, and financial oversight.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Springer, Dove of Peace, Tucson, who celebrates 29 years on January 12.
Rev. Annemarie Burke, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 20 years on January 15.
Rev. Lourdes Olson, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 4 years on January 15.
As we settle into the early days of the new year, the work of the synod continues across worship, leadership development, justice, generosity, and congregational life. We are grateful for the faithful ministries being carried forward during this season of transition and renewal. We are especially grateful for the steady commitment of our leaders and staff as we begin 2026 together.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreFor 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.
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