Ordination celebrations: May 23-29, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 70 years on May 23.

  • Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 62 years on May 24.

  • Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 56 years on May 25.

  • Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 61 years on May 26.

  • Rev. Jon Clutz, who celebrates 61 years on May 27.

  • The Rev. Donald Bebber, St. Raphael, Benson, who celebrates 2 years on May 27.

  • Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 27 years on May 28.

  • Rev. Nicholas Mays, who celebrates 59 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Norene Smith, who celebrates 42 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Leroy Rehrer, who celebrates 48 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp, who celebrates 44 years on May 29.

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Voices for Justice and Creation: May Updates from Lutherans Restoring Creation

Learn how Lutheran leaders are addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in a free May 27 webinar, and explore new creation care resources from Lutherans Restoring Creation. Share your voice in a churchwide ELCA survey, mark your calendar for upcoming climate-focused calls, and join a June 4 conversation on federal policy and the environment. Read the full newsletter now for links and details. Read the full update.

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A Message from Bishop Eaton for the Fifth Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder

May 25, 2025 marks the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. In her message to the church honoring George Floyd, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls our attention to how this “horrific act revealed the deadly reality of racism in the United States for many across the world.” Eaton stresses that “racism is one of many tools of white supremacy and a sin that distorts God’s image in all of us, and it stands against the Gospel we proclaim.”

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Free Webinar: Faith Communities Responding to the Addiction Crisis – May 28

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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Churchwide Assembly 2025: Congregation Observers Invited to Participate

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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TENx10: A National Effort to Make Faith Matter for 10 Million Teens

Young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate—but it doesn’t have to be this way. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Youth Advisory Team highlights TENx10, a national collaboration led by Fuller Youth Institute, offering free, research-based tools to help youth leaders, pastors, and congregations reimagine faith formation. Visit TENx10.org to access resources, take a 2-minute quiz, and join this movement to help faith matter more to the next generation.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Gaza, FEMA, and the Common Good: ELCA Advocacy May 2025 Update

From proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts to the dismantling of FEMA and halted humanitarian aid to Gaza, the May 2025 Advocacy Connections report from ELCA Advocacy highlights urgent policy concerns affecting vulnerable communities at home and abroad. Guided by Lutheran social teaching, ELCA advocacy staff are responding with calls to action on hunger, healthcare, global health funding, disaster response, and tax justice.

Learn how these developments intersect with ELCA priorities like Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All and Caring for Creation, and see how our companion churches are helping shape the conversation in Washington, D.C. Click here to read the full May update from ELCA Advocacy.

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Experience the Spirit of Music at LSM 2025—Live or Online

Lutheran Summer Music returns June 22–July 20, 2025, at Valparaiso University, featuring over 30 free concerts, worship services, and recitals. From the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist to the Festival Choir finale, all events are open to visitors and streamable via Live from LSM. Explore the full season brochure and plan your visit at LSMacademy.org/2025.

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