In light of recent immigration executive orders, Deacon Erin Brown reflects on John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood”—and what it means to welcome the stranger as a neighbor. Drawing on her border immersion trip with ELCA young adults, she calls the church to live out God’s incarnational love with humility, compassion, and action. Read more about how AMMPARO invites us to accompany our immigrant siblings with dignity and hope. Click here for more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe Rev. Kristen Papson was elected June 14 as bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod on the fifth ballot. She will take office Sept. 1 and be installed Oct. 19. Learn more: click here.
Read MoreRev. Scott A. Dalen of Underwood, Iowa, was elected June 14 as bishop of the Western Iowa Synod. He will begin his term Sept. 1 with installation planned for Sept. 27. Read the full announcement: click here.
Read MoreThe Rev. Keith A. Marshall of Enumclaw, Wash., was elected June 14 as bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod. He begins his six-year term Aug. 1 and will be installed Oct. 11. Click here for more.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Glenn Zorb, who celebrates 46 years on July 1.
Rev. Jan Flaaten, who celebrates 52 years on July 1.
Rev. Robert Hutson Jr., who celebrates 52 years on July 1.
Rev. Robert Rod, who celebrates 52 years on July 1.
Rev. James Dew, who celebrates 35 years on July 1.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Randy Winsand, Ascension, Scottsdale, who celebrates 12 years on June 30.
Rev. Myron Nysether, who celebrates 51 years on June 30.
Rev. William Dowling, who celebrates 65 years on June 30.
Rev. John Williams, who celebrates 52 years on June 30.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Gayle Bintliff, who celebrates 24 years on June 29.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Craig Corbin, Mount Olive, Lake Havasu City, who celebrates 38 years on June 28.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Towers, who celebrates 49 years on June 27.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop celebrates the 2025 Diakonia Graduation in Tucson (and also online), Jun 28, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. We also take some respite after assembly.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. John Geske, Mayo, Scottsdale, who celebrates 37 years on June 26.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Scott Hove, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 30 years on June 25.
Rev. Paul Overvold, who celebrates 47 years on June 25.
Rev. Dennis Hagstrom, who celebrates 48 years on June 25.
Rev. Stephen J. Nelson, who celebrates 47 years on June 25.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Glenn Zimbelman, who celebrates 41 years on June 24.
Read MoreNavigating church governance can be complex, but a new resource from Pastor David Brandfass and Pastor Dan Potaznick clarifies the role of bylaws and continuing resolutions in ELCA congregations. This How-To Guide helps church leaders align their governing documents with ELCA best practices while maintaining flexibility for ministry needs. Available now at www.gcsynod.org/congregations, this resource is essential for congregational councils and leadership teams.
Read MoreJoin the Pray Without Ceasing movement—a Spirit-led call to prayer spreading across the ELCA. Weekly Zoom gatherings on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central connect prayer leaders and participants from around the country. Pray for peace, for renewal, and for your neighbors. Learn more and receive the Zoom link to join in: pray-without-ceasing.org
If you have created a group, or would like more information, please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission, Pr. David Pavesic at david.pavesic@elca.org.
Read MoreCelebrate the 2025 Diakonia graduates (view grads in this PDF) with us on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM MST at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson, or online via YouTube. This joyful service and luncheon, featuring a message from Bishop Hutterer, honors those completing one or two years of faith formation through the Diakonia program. RSVP by June 15 to tinag963@yahoo.com or watch the livestream.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Sarah Upham-Birdsall, who celebrates 23 years on June 22.
Rev. Matthew Dobyns, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 17 years on June 22.
Rev. Gary Hess, who celebrates 48 years on June 22.
Rev. Duane Peterson, who celebrates 67 years on June 22.
Rev. Andrew Schlecht, Maricopa, Maricopa, who celebrates 17 years on June 22.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Michael Johnson, who celebrates 38 years on June 21.
Rev. Roger Thompson, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.
Rev. Joseph Carucci, who celebrates 64 years on June 21.
Rev. Terry Pletkovich, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.
Rev. John Sersland, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.
Rev. Nancy Milleville, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.
Rev. Michael Girlinghouse, LCM Canterbury, Flagstaff, who celebrates 38 years on June 21.
In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Christian Smith explores why religion feels outdated in modern culture, citing shifts in family, institutions, and technology as key causes.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, taking place September 18–21 in Columbus, Ohio. Centered on Micah 6:8, the gathering will unite leaders to collaborate on ending hunger and its root causes. Thanks to a sponsorship from the Northeast Valley Consortium, the Grand Canyon Synod will fully sponsor three participants. If you’re interested in attending as a representative, do not register online—instead, contact Solveig at director@lamaz.org to be considered.
This is a key opportunity to reflect, connect, and act in our shared ministry for a world without hunger. Click here for full event details.
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