Posts in In Memoriam
In Memoriam: Rev. Ervin P. Langholz
In Memoriam: Rev. Ervin P. Langholz

Ervin P. Langholz died on July 8, 2020 in Sun City, Arizona. A funeral service—for immediate family only—will be held at American Lutheran Church, where he was a member and had once served as Pastor of Care Ministry. A Celebration of Life for the extended congregation will occur at a later date. He recently celebrated 60 years of ordination.

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you our brother Ervin. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

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In Memoriam, PrayersBrian FlatgardAmerican Sun City, Cactus ConferenceComment
Prayers for the family of Pastor Steve Haggmark
Prayers for the family of Pastor Steve Haggmark

Pastor Steve Haggmark, who had served as the Interim Pastor at Spirit of Grace, Surprise, died April 28, 2020. We pray for his Nancy, his wife, and his family. Please contact the synod office for Nancy’s address if needed.

Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation gathered before your throne in your ceaseless praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardSpirit of Grace Surprise, CacComment
In memoriam: Presiding Bishop Emeritus Herbert W. Chilstrom
In memoriam: Presiding Bishop Emeritus Herbert W. Chilstrom

Herbert W. Chilstrom, 88, the first presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died Jan. 19 at his home in Green Valley, Ariz.

There will be two services. At both services, clergy and all rostered leaders of the ELCA, together with clergy of all ecumenical partners, are invited to robe and process, and asked to RSVP to Desert Hills at jhoward@dhlc.org and to Christ Chapel at this online form. The Minnesota service will be live-streamed.

Thursday, February 13, 2:00 pm: Desert Hills Lutheran Church, Green Valley, Arizona
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will bring a greeting, Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach, and Pastor Martin Overson will preside. Reception to follow. 

Saturday, February 15, 1:00 pm: Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will preside and bring a greeting, Presiding Bishop Emeritus Mark Hanson will preach, and Bishop Jon Anderson will bring a greeting. Reception to follow. View live-stream.

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In Memoriam, Prayers, ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHerb Chilstrom Comment
In memoriam: Robert E. Duea
In memoriam: Robert E. Duea

Robert ("Bob") Duea, age 79, passed away with family by his side on June 27, 2019, at the Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West. Bob was a man of spiritual strength and found his call to service through Lutheran Social Services (LSS).

Family, friends and others whose lives Bob touched are invited to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 13724 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, AZ, on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. to reminisce, grieve, support each other and, of course, celebrate a loving man.

O God of grace and glory, we remember before our brother Bob. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

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Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardComment