On April 4, 2022, the Patriarchs and Heads of Local Churches in Jerusalem released this statement about the Little Petra Hotel, which stands on the pilgrim route for the millions of Christians who visit Jerusalem each year. “It represents Christian heritage, and speaks of our very existence in this place.”
Read MoreIn this post we share an update from Rev. Kyle & Ånna Svennungsen, ELCA missionaries in Slovakia.
We are writing to you from Bratislava, Slovakia. At Bratislava International Church, our theme for Lent is ‘Walking with Jesus: Repentance, Reconciliation, Restoration.’ This theme was chosen before the war in Ukraine began and it has taken on a whole new meaning in these last four weeks.
Read MoreOne famous chef who wasn’t in L.A. for the Oscars was Chef José Andrés. Chef Andrés could have been in L.A. or comfortably resting at one of his restaurants in New York or Washington D.C. But he wasn’t. Chef José Andrés was on the border between Ukraine and Poland serving up thousands of meals for the Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor Thaddeus Book (Desert Cross, Tempe) who was recently admitted to the hospital needing antiobiotics to treat an elbow infection.
“O Lord, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning. We give you thanks for giving Pastor Thadd both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in him the good work you have begun; that he, daily increasing in bodily strength and rejoicing in your goodness, may so order his life and conduct that he may always think and do those things that please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Read MoreAll members of the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to participate in the Diakonia Graduation, Thursday, 6/2/2022, 5pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT. Register for the Diakonia graduation here. Congratulations to:
James Cleven, Sierra Evangelical Lutheran, Sierra Vista
Norman Engstrom, Mt. Zion Lutheran, Tucson
Cynthia Guenthner, Saint Andrew Lutheran, Phoenix
Deborah Martin, Mt. Zion Lutheran, Tucson
Richard Yeager, Beautiful Savior Lutheran, Tucson
Read their testimonies in this post.
Read MoreGeneral Secretary visits Tanzania
War in Ukraine: Donate
Hot meals and kind hugs: Polish welcome for Ukrainian refugees
Ukraine: “One minute we’re in school, the next we’re running for our lives”
Germany: With heart and mind – doing what is necessary for the people of Ukraine
Stories
Read MoreWe pray for Rev. Sarah Stadler and the people of Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference. Visit their site at graceinthecity.com, and their social media pages on Facebook and YouTube.
Read MoreFrom the first-fruits offering of Deuteronomy to the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, our reflections have pointed to how God continues to “make a way in the wilderness” and calls us to be part of that journey for ourselves and our neighbors. Read more in this post in English and Spanish.
Read MoreAs we prepare to celebrate Earth Day later this month, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares some examples of how Lutherans are caring for creation and addressing climate justice.
God calls us to be stewards of the earth, and to fully integrate creation care into our love of God, neighbor and everything in our environment. Learn more at https://elca.org/environment.
Read MoreCamp ALOMA, Prescott, is looking for male and female counselors for summer camp, 18 to 25 years old. Come have some fun this summer! Please contact us to learn more about dates and pay: office@campaloma.com, 928-778-1690.
Read MoreWe pray for The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt and the people of Church of Our Saviour in Lakeside, part of the High Country Conference. Visit their site at churchofoursaviourwm.org, and their social media pages on Facebook.
Read MoreFor further casualties suffered by combatants and civilians in Ukraine…
For those who suffer or grieve interpersonal violence
For areas suffering wind and storm damage…
For all drivers, passengers, and first responders involved in the massive crash on the Pennsylvania interstate…
For those navigating chronic, invisible, or progressive illnesses…
For those grieving loved ones killed by terrorist gunfire in Tel Aviv…
For youth who are navigating questions of identity, gender, and sexual orientation, and for the trusted adults who support them…
For our Muslim siblings as they begin the observance of Ramadan…
There are a handful of spots remaining for the Grand Canyon Synod Holy Land Trip, led by Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer and Rev. Mark Holman.: January 2-11, 2023. View information on the trip here and view a PDF here.
The trip also includes an optional 3-days post-tour excursion to Jordan, January 11-14, 2023. A waiting list will be available for those who try to reserve after the trip’s limit is reached.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop has organized an online presentation from the Phoenix Police Department on active shooter or intruder preparedness. Tuesday, 5/10/2022, 5pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT. Click here to register.
Detective Bradley Calender with the Phoenix Police Department will present.
Read MoreThis week, we celebrate two retired rostered ministers. Deacon Glenda Blegan celebrates 16 years of ordination on April 2, and Rev. Adele Resmer celebrates 35 years of ordination on April 5.
Read MoreThe Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona (ISBA) invites you to a free and online tri-faith discussion on the Attributes of God, presented by Imam Omar Tawil, Rev. Dr. Rob Boyd, and Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman. Tuesday, 5/10/2022, 6pm MST/PDT, 7pm MDT. Get more info and register here.
Read MoreThe Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona shares with us a virtual reality experience of Mecca, coming to the Phoenix Convention Center on May 14 and 15, 2022.
Visit their web page for more info and registration to this immersive virtual reality experience of Mecca, Hijra, Israa & Miraj, and the Mawlid of Prophet Muhammad).
Read More“We are stewards of something greater than our monetary wealth. Paul tells us we are stewards of God’s mysteries. We have a new stewardship campaign at our church. We are pledging to invite people into these mysteries.” Read in this post or view as PDF.
Read MoreIn this updates we share photos from last week’s “Synod on the Move,” where a number of the Office of the Bishop staff traveled to southern Arizona for a variety of events. We also share what the team is up to in the upcoming days.
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