Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 53 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 57 years on June 15.
The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. We give thanks for liberation and recommit to the ongoing work of racial justice and freedom.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 62 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, Shepherd of the Hills, Flagstaff, who celebrates 28 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 45 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 62 years on June 14.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Harold Aasland, who celebrates 72 years on June 13.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, hosts Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm reflect on a full season of conversations.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on June 12.
Rev. Bernard Carl, who celebrates 49 years on June 12.
Rev. Scott Klimke, American, Sun City, who celebrates 22 years on June 12.
ELCA Worship has gathered a new round of resources, conferences, and learning opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. Highlights include the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College (June 21–July 19), the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference, and resources from Music that Makes Community focused on congregational song, justice, and worship renewal.
Whether you plan worship, lead music, or care deeply about the church’s song, explore these summer opportunities for learning, renewal, and connection. Read the full roundup from ELCA Worship.
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ELCA Disability Ministries is preparing a new resource to help congregations better support youth with disabilities through an Individualized Faith Formation Plan (IFFP). Inspired by educational IEPs but rooted in giftedness rather than diagnosis, the process helps church leaders, youth, and families identify strengths, needed supports, and opportunities for leadership in the life of the congregation. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.
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The Rev. Erik Christensen was elected June 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA. Christensen, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Evanston and a longtime leader in congregational and seminary ministry, will be installed Sept. 19. Read the full story on ELCA.org.
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The Rev. Anne Edison-Albright has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin after a June 5 vote during the synod assembly in Oshkosh. Edison-Albright, first elected in 2020, brings experience in parish ministry, college ministry, chaplaincy, and global service.
Read more from the ELCA News Service about the election, Bishop Edison-Albright’s ministry background, and the work of the synod. Read the full story on ELCA.org.
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New photos and a heartfelt message from Pastor Latyr Diouf of the Lutheran Church in Senegal show the impact of the Grand Canyon Synod’s partnership with Martin Luther School in Fatick. Thanks to synod support for books and school supplies, the school served 144 students this year, with growth expected next year.
The update highlights how our shared ministry continues to make a difference—equipping students for learning while strengthening relationships with Lutheran siblings across the globe.
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The ELCA Churchwide Organization is hosting a series of online listening sessions for queer Lutherans June 15–18 to help shape future opportunities for fellowship, affirmation, and leadership development. Six sessions will be offered throughout the week, beginning Monday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time. Registration is now open.
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Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features Election Protection volunteer opportunities, extreme heat advocacy, interfaith dialogue events, meditation gatherings, and summer service opportunities. Explore the full newsletter for upcoming events, trainings, and practical ways to live out faith in public life.
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This week’s LAMA newsletter includes voter registration reminders ahead of Arizona’s July primary, hunger and immigration advocacy opportunities, poll chaplain training, and new ways Lutherans can engage faithful public witness. Read the full newsletter for upcoming events, action alerts, and resources for advocacy across the synod.
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Pastor Lester Hoffmann will celebrate 70 years of ordained ministry on Saturday, June 13 at 1 p.m. with a special presentation and worship service, “70 Years of Ministry: Called and Sent!”, at the Vi at Silverstone in North Scottsdale. Following reflections on seven decades of ministry and mission, attendees are invited to a reception with light refreshments.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carl Jensen, who celebrates 54 years on June 11.
Rev. James Slater, who celebrates 48 years on June 11.
Rev. Karl Guhn, Trinity, Phoenix, who celebrates 44 years on June 11.
Last week’s SYAT Collective gathering with Pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller offered practical, hope-filled ideas for supporting young families in faith. From blessings for expectant parents and meal trains to mentor pairings, family service projects, and devotional resources, participants explored how congregations can help faith take root through presence, creativity, and community. Read more and revisit the Zoom recording.
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It’s a week of reflection, follow-up, and faithful momentum at the Office of the Bishop as staff attend and then wrap up the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, continue preaching, ministry support, and administrative work, and begin preparing for the months ahead. From donor and ministry follow-up to communications planning, financial reporting, and regional gatherings, the synod staff continues walking alongside congregations and leaders across our territory.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luther Tolo, who celebrates 64 years on June 10.
Rev. Lester Hoffmann, who celebrates 70 years on June 10.
Rev. Ronald Rude, who celebrates 47 years on June 10.
Rev. Thomas Rogers, who celebrates 47 years on June 10.
Rev. John Elverum, who celebrates 64 years on June 10.
In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.
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