Synod Spotlight
This section is dedicated to celebrating and lifting up the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners at various levels—from local to global. Join us in gratitude and prayer for these people and organizations. View all our spotlight posts here.
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For those affected by Tropical Storm Chantal in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, and the threat of flooding…
For those grieving loss of life in the aftermath of severe flooding in Texas, and for the work of first responders and relief agencies…
For all victims of gun violence, including those affected by recent shootings in Albany (NY), Philadelphia, and Chicago over the holiday weekend…
For those who are uninsured and who do not have access to healthcare, and those who are at risk of losing health insurance…
For our neighbors and community members who depend on food assistance programs and other social services whose future funding is uncertain…
For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…
For all who are in the final stages of planning for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly beginning later this month…
The Office of the Bishop prepares for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering. We also share photos from the Diakonia Graduation and Campformation.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 59 years on July 10.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Joshua Auchenbach, Tanque Verde, Tucson, who celebrates 19 years on July 9.
Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on July 9.
Rev. Daniel Hodgson, who celebrates 58 years on July 9.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Arlyn Norris, who celebrates 50 years on July 6.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Bernice Johnson, who celebrates 66 years on July 5.
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For the victims of the most recent attack on a waterfront cafe in Gaza City, and for a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Chicago, Illinois…
For the victims of a fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Southern India…
For those grieving the loss of life after the crash of Air India flight AI171…
For the safety of those traveling, gathering with family and friends, and celebrating this holiday weekend…
For veterans of war and all who suffer from PTSD…
For those with limited or threatened access to healthcare…
For an end to racism, poverty, and hatred…
The Office of the Bishop observes Independence Day and prepares for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.
Today 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.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Craig Corbin, Mount Olive, Lake Havasu City, who celebrates 38 years on June 28.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Towers, who celebrates 49 years on June 27.
The 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.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. John Geske, Mayo, Scottsdale, who celebrates 37 years on June 26.
Today 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.
Today 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.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 54 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 43 years on June 20.
Rev. Charles Berdahl, who celebrates 60 years on June 20.
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For de-escalation of violence between Israel and Iran…
For those affected by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia…
For the close of the G7 summit and the forthcoming NATO summit…
For all in the path of Hurricane Erick in the eastern Pacific…
For those facing threats of extreme heat…
For all victims of gun violence, especially those who mourn following recent attacks on lawmakers and their families in Minnesota…
For immigrants, advocates, and legal professionals…
For safety, justice, and peace amidst protests and demonstrations…
For the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth…
For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…
For Young Adults in Global Mission making preparations this summer for their upcoming year of service…
The Office of the Bishop travels for work and vacation while wrapping up the final details from our 2025 Synod Assembly. Thanks to all of you who made our gathering such a joyful success.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 59 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 65 years on June 19.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 37 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 36 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 47 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 57 years on June 18.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 46 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 69 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 52 years on June 17.
Norway: life and ministry in a remote Arctic region
Speaking out on violence against women and girls in Chad
Attacks on historic Christian town highlight need for protection of religious communities
Making climate funding fair for everyone
Economies must prioritize people over profits