Celebrating Faithful Leaders: Growing in Faith/Diakonia Graduation
Faith formation does not end after confirmation. For many lay leaders and disciples, it becomes a lifelong journey of learning, discernment, and service. View as PDF here.
On Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 AM MST, the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Program will celebrate five graduates whose commitment to learning and faithful leadership has shaped not only their own spiritual lives, but the ministries they serve. The graduation celebration will take place at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 3101 W. Cholla Street in Phoenix, with a light luncheon to follow. All are warmly invited to attend.
This year’s celebration will include Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding, Pastor Kari Williamson leading worship, Lay Leader Marcy Fleming preaching, and music by Chip Love. Guests unable to attend in person may join via livestream through St. Andrew’s website. RSVP by June 15 to tinag963@yahoo.com.
The graduates’ reflections reveal something deeper than coursework completed—they tell the story of lives transformed through intentional faith formation.
Bonnie Zimmermann of Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria shared that her Growing in Faith/Diakonia journey strengthened her faith in ways she never expected, deepening both her spiritual life and her Lutheran identity.
Cheri Cupa of Christ by the Lake Lutheran Church in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, who serves as a Synod Authorized Minister, reflected on how the program expanded her knowledge and supported her ministry through the wisdom of instructors and fellow students.
David Neal of Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman described how the program challenged him to think more deeply about Scripture, grace, and faithful living, helping him grow stronger and more confident in his faith.
Carol Johnston of New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson shared appreciation for learning alongside people from across the synod and discovering greater clarity in God’s call in her life.
Denise Roepke of Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson joins this class of graduates as part of a community committed to lifelong growth in faith and service.
At its heart, Growing in Faith/Diakonia reflects a Lutheran understanding that all the baptized are called into ministry. While some are called to ordained leadership, many are called to teach, serve, lead, accompany, advocate, and care within congregations and communities.
These graduates remind us that formation matters—and that when people invest in growing in faith, the whole church is strengthened.
Come celebrate these graduates and give thanks for the ways God continues to call and equip leaders throughout our synod.
