Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman shares their 2025 synod assembly report through the story of their weekly community lunch, supported by the Manna Grant. With help from Ascension Lutheran Church, Grace now serves a weekly meal and offers fresh produce to anyone in need—an act of hospitality and faith that continues to nourish their wider community.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Beyer, who celebrates 44 years on June 5.
Rev. Jason Adams, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 11 years on June 5.
After the Ordination and Installation of Jarrod Iversen at Central Lutheran in Arizona City, Jun 7, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, the Office of the Bishop team will be on-site at the 2025 Synod Assembly this week, and we can’t wait to see you there! As we gather as a synod to worship, learn, and discern together, we give thanks for the Spirit’s movement among us. Please note that our office will be operating at limited capacity during the assembly. We look forward to connecting with you in person!
Read MoreIn a powerful op-ed published June 1 in The Chandler Arizonan, Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler challenges us to live out our faith through advocacy for affordable housing. Highlighting the growing crisis of housing insecurity in the East Valley, Pastor Chris reflects on Matthew 25 and the urgent call to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and shelter the unhoused. She lifts up efforts like the YIGBY bill and local organizations such as IHELP and Family Promise, urging continued advocacy even after legislative setbacks. To read Pastor Chris’s full reflection and testimony, click here.
Read MoreLutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) shares their annual report in this video as part of our 2025 Assembly.
Read MoreIn a year marked by division and uncertainty, members across the Grand Canyon Synod boldly lived out their faith through advocacy, hunger ministry, and public witness. From winning the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge and increasing ELCA World Hunger giving by 35%, to convening 200 advocates for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, this report highlights a growing movement of engagement. Explore the many ways our synod has stepped up—locally and nationally—to proclaim justice, compassion, and hope in the public square.
Read MoreKansas Interfaith Action (KIFA), an ELCA-affiliated partner in the Central States Synod, led bold public witness during the 2025 Kansas legislative session. From challenging anti-trans legislation to advocating for equitable policies, KIFA’s faithful presence was visible at the Capitol and beyond. With a record-breaking Advocacy Day, prayer vigils, and continued coalition work on immigration and Medicaid, KIFA lives out a call to love and justice in trying times. Click here to read more.
Read MoreThe ELCA Disability Ministries Advisory Team welcomes two new members: Pastor Mack Patrick of the Northern Illinois Synod and Pastor Mary Ann Harrison of Altadena, California. Both bring decades of lived and pastoral experience, fierce advocacy for inclusion, and a deep commitment to justice for people with disabilities. Their leadership marks an exciting new chapter in the church’s call to be a body where every member is seen and valued. To read more about these leaders and their vision, click here.
Read MoreFrom rapid response training for immigrant accompaniment to interfaith service events packing heat relief bags, Arizona Faith Network is offering a wide range of June opportunities for people of faith to put love into action. With events focused on voter protection, creation care, meditation, and community dialogue, there’s something for everyone. RSVP now and explore the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Joseph Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 26 years on June 4.
Rev. Floyd Anderson, who celebrates 64 years on June 4.
Rev. Keith Hardy, who celebrates 46 years on June 4.
Rev. Maria Valenzuela, who celebrates 36 years on June 4.
Can we pick and choose when it comes to belief? ELCA pastors Emmy Kegler and Natalia Terfa think we can—and must. Through their podcast Cafeteria Christian, the two rostered ministers explore how faith can be lived authentically even amid doubt, rejection of harmful traditions, or questions about organized religion. They speak candidly about their experiences, theological roots in Lutheranism, and the deep desire for a more sincere, inclusive, and justice-centered faith practice.
Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering their work, their story offers insight into what it means to “do faith better” while staying rooted in grace and love. Click here to read the full article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn a post-election world still marked by anxiety and division, Pastor Aaron Fuller challenges us to move beyond sky-gazing and step into action. Drawing on the story of Jesus’ ascension, he reminds us that living faithfully means participating in Christ’s work here and now. It’s not about waiting—it’s about witnessing. Click here to read the full reflection from Living Lutheran.
Read MoreJillian Russell blends two callings—outdoor ministry and emergency response—into a life of deep service and faith. From summer camp counselor to firefighter/EMT, Jillian shares how her congregation’s radical hospitality shaped her leadership and how she continues to live out her faith in diverse ways. She reminds us that grace isn’t confined to church walls and that intentional relationships are at the heart of Lutheran identity. Click here to read her story on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreFree ELCA Coaching opportunities are available throughout June, including sessions on healing, Indigenous truth-telling, and systems change. Advance registration is required for some trainings. A new coach training program also begins June 30. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 46 years on June 3.
Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 18 years on June 3.
Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 52 years on June 3.
Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 63 years on June 3.
Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 46 years on June 3.
From prayer-writing guides to music planning tools and flexible Bible study resources, Augsburg Fortress continues to offer vital worship materials to support congregational leaders. New this month: a Musician’s Guide to Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Praying for the Whole World: A Handbook for Intercessors, and Together by Grace: Bible Conversations.
Also featured are customizable bulletin and lectionary insert options and registration details for this summer’s music clinics in five U.S. cities. Click here to explore the full list of resources from ELCA Worship and Augsburg Fortress.
Read MoreDo you know someone whose leadership makes a difference in their community? The ELCA’s Building Resilient Communities team is seeking nominations for its inaugural Building Resilient Leadership cohort—a yearlong program focused on public leadership, justice-centered projects, and peer mentorship. Nominations are open through June 16, with applications due July 7.
Nominees must be adults (18+) ready to commit to monthly workshops, a community project, and national networking. Participants will receive seed money, hands-on support, and training from ELCA ministries like World Hunger, AMMPARO, and Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here to learn more or nominate a leader today.
Read MoreCreated in God’s image to care for creation, by Rev. Mesrawati Telaumbanua
Pending a congregational vote, Vicar Jarrod Iversen will be ordained and installed Saturday, 6/7/2025, at 1pm at Central Lutheran Church, (12921 S. Sunland Gin Road., Arizona City, AZ 85123). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preside. Service will be posted to YouTube afterwards.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Reception will follow, please RSVP to RSVP@centrallutheranaz.org.
Read MoreJoin us at Synod Assembly 2025 in a special service project to assemble 200 hygiene kits for individuals in need! We’ve set up an Amazon Gift List where you can purchase needed items, which will be shipped directly to our host church, Community Lutheran. Help us reach our goal—donate by June 1, 2025, and join us on June 12 during check-in to pack the kits. Let’s build up the body of Christ together! Shop the Gift List here.
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