This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 5 years on October 23.
Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 46 years on October 26.
Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 30 years on October 26.
Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 23 years on October 26.
For all those affected by war and armed conflict around the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For midterm elections and for democratic elections around the world…
For ongoing student protests in France, Albania, and India…
For Christa Pike and all those impacted by the death penalty…
For victims of a school roof collapse in Pakistan…
For Pope Leo XIV and his cancer diagnosis…
For those in the path of Hurricane Simon and all those affected by natural disasters…
For all those affected by gun violence, sexual violence, and race-based violence…
For the ongoing courage and renewal of the church, led by the Holy Spirit…
This week, Bishop Hutterer meets with conference deans and the GCS Executive Committee and joins faith leaders for a conversation with the Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, hosted by Bishop Reddall. Synod staff support first-call and youth leaders, visit congregations, and advance grants, generosity, leader resources, communications, and financial reporting.
We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 11 years on October 17.
Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 16 years on October 17.
Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 40 years on October 19.
Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 30 years on October 20.
Rev. Scott Hoecker, who celebrates 8 years on October 20.
Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 53 years on October 21.
Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 42 years on October 22.
Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 15 years on October 22.
For all those affected by war and armed conflict around the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For the three-year anniversary of the attacks in Gaza…
For elections and political transitions around the world…
For lawmakers and courts of law…
For all affected by the spread of disease…
For safety amidst ongoing student protests in France…
For flooding in Spain and all affected by natural disasters…
For all in the path of Tropical Storm Isaias…
For Nobel Prize recipients and all gifts of discovery, research, and curiosity…
Next week, the Office of the Bishop will gather for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14, while supporting the Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma, congregational visits, retreats, and First Call accompaniment. Staff will also advance ministry partnerships, generosity efforts, grants, communications, event planning, and financial administration.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 48 years on October 10.
Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 13 years on October 13.
Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 41 years on October 13.
Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 39 years on October 13.
Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 37 years on October 15.
Next week, synod staff will celebrate an ordination and installation, preach and participate in mission leadership training, and gather for an all-day staff meeting. Staff will also advance generosity and communications projects, support grants and upcoming events, maintain regular news updates and office operations, and prepare for September’s financial close.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nanette Christofferson, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 7 years on October 5.
Rev. Kimberly Sterner, Christ Evangelical, Goodyear, who celebrates 40 years on October 5.
For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For an end to genocide across the world…
For flooding in southwestern Ohio and all those affected by natural disasters…
For Luther Seminary and all seminaries navigating reimagination or relocation…
For the United Nations General Assembly and for all agencies working for peace…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Ontario, Canada and Durban, South Africa…
For immigrants and all marginalized populations who live in fear of violence…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Nolo…
For all in need of access to affordable healthcare…
This week, the Office of the Bishop will support candidates for ministry, connect with congregations and youth leaders, and participate in church leadership, advocacy, and generosity gatherings. Staff will also lead a pastoral retirement service, coordinate grants and upcoming events, strengthen synod communications and website access, and complete monthly financial reporting. We also share photos from the Synod Council gathering.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ryan Hersch, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 23 years on September 27.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop will gather for the Synod Council Retreat and then Bishop Hutterer attends the Conference of Bishops Fall Gathering in Chicago. Staff will also support installations, retirements, candidacy and first-call ministry, congregational vitality and generosity, upcoming events, communications, security, and month-end financial work.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Judith Rainforth, who celebrates 23 years on September 21.
Rev. Gary Ulrich, who celebrates 47 years on September 24.
