The Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly and celebrates the Installation of Rev. Tina Mills at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus, May 18, 2025, 3:00 PM.
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This week’s AFN newsletter highlights interfaith action and justice: welcome Pope Leo XIV, support heat relief efforts, celebrate a legal win protecting sacred Apache land, and join powerful upcoming events on climate, immigration, and Indigenous justice. See it all and subscribe: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
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For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India and Pakistan…
For de-escalation of hostilities and a lasting peace between India and Pakistan…
For all affected by wildfires in Minnesota and Arizona, and flooding in Maryland…
For all in need of affordable and accessible healthcare…
For the financial well-being and sustainability of social service agencies, feeding programs, and anti-poverty initiatives…
For the vocation of colleges and universities, and for all faculty, staff, and students…
For Pope Leo XIV and the global Roman Catholic church…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies…
For graduating students in this season of transition…
The Rev. Dr. Katrina Foster has been elected bishop of the ELCA’s Metropolitan New York Synod, following the conclusion of their synod assembly on May 3. Foster, who currently serves as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in NYC, was elected on the fifth ballot and will begin a six-year term. She succeeds the Rev. Paul Egensteiner, who is returning to parish ministry.
Foster brings over three decades of pastoral leadership in New York and holds degrees from ELCA-affiliated institutions including Newberry College and United Lutheran Seminary. Her election marks a new chapter for the Metropolitan New York Synod. Click here for more.
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Graduation season reminds us that some things we’re required to do—like learning—can become sources of joy and transformation. In John 13, Jesus offers a new commandment: to love one another. This law isn’t a burden but a gift that draws us closer to the heart of God’s good news. Explore how gospel and law intertwine in our everyday lives, and reflect on the ways love shows up in both what we’re told to do—and what we choose to do.
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Join the Center of Addiction & Faith on May 28 from 10–11 a.m. (AZ/NV) for “Breaking Chains, Building Hope,” a free webinar with Jeff Horowitz, CEO of SAFE Project, on how faith communities can respond to America’s addiction crisis. Learn practical strategies to support those struggling with addiction and move beyond judgment to life-saving compassion. Register now.
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Children of Hope Preschool, a ministry of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee, is hiring a full-time Preschool Director. This 5-star Quality First program seeks a leader with experience in early childhood education and a passion for Christian formation. Salary starts at $42,000. Learn more in this PDF and apply by sending a resume and cover letter to esperanza@myesperanza.org.
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From ordinations to online gatherings, Lutheran Men in Mission is on the move this spring. Celebrate Kevin Burke’s ordination, preview their refreshed website, catch up on the Bold Gathering, and discover ways to get involved—from retreats and Bible studies to sharing your own story in their quarterly Foundations newsletter. Read the full newsletter »
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The 2025 School for Lay Ministry launches May 17! This 12-month program equips lay leaders with theological grounding, spiritual depth, and practical skills—from preaching and pastoral care to worship planning and administration. Download the info sheet and learn how to enroll or seek support from your congregation. Tuition is $600 with scholarships available. Learn more at faithlead.org/school-for-lay.
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How can we lead the church when old models no longer fit? Join Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Rev. Blair Pogue on June 2 for a free Faith+Lead webinar exploring how congregations can blend tradition and innovation in partnership with their neighbors. Learn practical ways to reimagine leadership, find encouragement, and embrace the mixed ecology of church today. Replay available for all registrants.
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The 2025 Synod Assembly Nominees page is now live. In addition to electing our next Synod Vice President, voting members will choose leaders for the Consultation Committee and Committee on Discipline. Learn more about the nominees—including bios and reflections—online.
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In this inspiring profile from Living Lutheran, Brenna Holmes shares how her life of faith is rooted in community, service, and empowering the next generation. From leading children’s choirs at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Ohio to guiding high school students toward bright futures through her work with I Know I Can, Brenna embodies Lutheran values in every sphere of life. Her story reminds us how vocation and faith come together to form safe, welcoming spaces where others can grow.
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A new Pew Research Center study shows that Christianity in the U.S. has remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2024, prompting a mix of cautious hope and honest reflection among ELCA leaders. Lutheran scholar Christian Scharen and ELCA researcher Adam DeHoek unpack what the numbers mean for congregations navigating post-pandemic realities, generational shifts, and a spiritually curious—but often institution-wary—public. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.
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Author and wellness coach Heidi Barr’s new poetry collection, Church of Shadow and Light, explores themes of personal and collective healing, spiritual connection, and the holy found in life’s everyday tensions. In this Living Lutheran interview, Barr reflects on how shadow and light shape her writing, her understanding of church, and the faithful path toward peace in uncertain times. Click here to read the full interview at Living Lutheran.
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The Deaconess Community of the ELCA is hiring a Strategic Mission and Interpretation Manager to support its storytelling, outreach, and strategic goals. This flexible, benefits-eligible position may be part-time or full-time, remote or called. Learn more in this PDF and share the opportunity widely.
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Each ELCA congregation is invited to register one observer for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Observers receive access to all assembly materials and reserved seating but do not vote. Registration is $125 and closes May 31. Learn more about lodging, travel, and how to be part of this unique gathering of our wider church.
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Join the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA for an online Bible study event with Gather magazine author Rev. Brooke Petersen on Saturday, May 17 from 9–11am MST/PDT. Learn to lead the Summer 2025 study, “Where Two or More Are Gathered: Flourishing in Relationships.” Open to all—register now at www.GrandCanyonWomen.org. View PDF flyer here.
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Your ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!
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We uplift and pray for Rev. John Maroni and the people of Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City, part of the Cactus Conference.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jonathan Heilner, who celebrates 50 years on May 18.
Rev. Greg Hartman, New Spirit, Tucson, who celebrates 6 years on May 18.
Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 24 years on May 19.
Rev. Richard Glover, who celebrates 66 years on May 20.
Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 62 years on May 20.
Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 58 years on May 21.
Deacon Laura Book, Williams Field High School, Gilbert, who celebrates 15 years on May 21.
Rev. Carl Zimmermann, who celebrates 48 years on May 22.