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.
We uplift and pray for Joaquin Garcia and the people of Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva in Glendale, part of the Capital Conference.
For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India and Pakistan…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Durban, South Africa; Mexico City, Mexico…
For victims of the bombing of the Palm Springs, CA fertility clinic…
For relief and recovery efforts following severe storms in the midwestern and eastern United States…
For all who grieve a loved one on Memorial Day, and for those who serve in the armed forces…
For graduating students and for all whose academic years are drawing to a close…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies…
The Office of the Bishop presents the Grand Canyon Synod Proposed Mission Plan, available now online, at two upcoming webinars: May 28, 2025, 6:30 PM, and May 31, 2025, 10 AM. We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to Native American Urban Ministry.
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.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Ryan Hersch and the people of Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, part of the Cactus Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Pam A. Reynolds, Rev. Jeff Hackler and the people of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, part of the Cactus Conference.
Regional leadership consultations
News
The Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly and celebrates the Installation of Rev. Tina Mills at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus, May 18, 2025, 3:00 PM.
For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India and Pakistan…
For de-escalation of hostilities and a lasting peace between India and Pakistan…
For all affected by wildfires in Minnesota and Arizona, and flooding in Maryland…
For all in need of affordable and accessible healthcare…
For the financial well-being and sustainability of social service agencies, feeding programs, and anti-poverty initiatives…
For the vocation of colleges and universities, and for all faculty, staff, and students…
For Pope Leo XIV and the global Roman Catholic church…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies…
For graduating students in this season of transition…
We uplift and pray for Rev. John Maroni and the people of Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City, part of the Cactus Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jonathan Heilner, who celebrates 50 years on May 18.
Rev. Greg Hartman, New Spirit, Tucson, who celebrates 6 years on May 18.
Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 24 years on May 19.
Rev. Richard Glover, who celebrates 66 years on May 20.
Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 62 years on May 20.
Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 58 years on May 21.
Deacon Laura Book, Williams Field High School, Gilbert, who celebrates 15 years on May 21.
Rev. Carl Zimmermann, who celebrates 48 years on May 22.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Cain and the people of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Chandler, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
Papua New Guinea: bringing the good news to the remotest places
LWF congratulates Pope Leo XIV, expresses hope for building “bridges of peace”
Global Lutheran Songbook features in concert and workshop at the Kirchentag
Education at the service of gender equality by Rev. Mimii Kwerakwiza Brown Rubindamayugi Mziray
The Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly and attends meetings with various ministries of our synod. We also share photos from the Ordination of Deacon Emma Janzen and Bishop Hutterer’s visit to St. Raphael in the Valley in Benson.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 25 years on May 9.
Rev. Timothy Perlick, Mount of Olives, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on May 13.
Rev. Christine Stoxen, Holy Trinity, Chandler, who celebrates 25 years on May 14.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Scott Hackler and the people of Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, part of the Cactus Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Douglas Dill and the people of Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Fiesta Conference.
The Office of the Bishop gathers for the Ordination of Deacon Emma Janzen at Prince of Peace in Peoria, May 3, 2025, 11:00 AM, and preaches at and celebrates with churches around the synod.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Karl Guhn and the people of Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Kurt Fangmeier and the people of Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Vista, part of the Kino Conference.
For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen…
For all victims of gun violence, especially at Florida State University and in Kashmir, India…
For our planet and the life it supports, for sustainability, and against earth’s exploitation…
For the memory and witness of Pope Francis, and for the Roman Catholic Church in this time of mourning and discernment…
For those fighting wildfires in New Jersey and for all threatened homes and habitats…
For those navigating earthquake aftermath in Istanbul…
For migrants, travelers, and those who are deported or detained…
For Christian unity in this Easter season…
For diversity of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities, and for the gifts of neurodivergence…
The Office of the Bishop travels for special events at congregations around the synod, and maintains daily and weekly operations. We also share photos from the First Call Accompaniment Region 2 Retreat, at Spirit in the Desert.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen J. Hammer, who celebrates 43 years on April 25.
Rev. Debra Slifer, who celebrates 38 years on April 25.
Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel, Christ the Servant, Henderson, who celebrates 38 years on April 26.
Rev. David Drach-Meinel, who celebrates 38 years on April 26.
Rev. Kevin Meyer, LSS-SW, Phoenix, Covenant, Quartzsite, who celebrates 30 years on April 30.
Deacon Sally Almen, who celebrates 38 years on April 30.
Rev. Melissa Harr, who celebrates 14 years on May 1.
Deacon Don Burgess, who celebrates 20 years on May 1.
We uplift and pray for the people of Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church in Yuma, part of the Cactus Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Robert Jones and the people of Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
Good Friday and Easter
News
Christians called to work for unity as they celebrate Easter together
Christian leaders unite in call for economies that nurture life
Guatemala to host first Latin American Peace Messengers training
Abound in Hope: Responsible theology takes center stage for Asian leaders
Climate change: Addressing non-economic impacts for justice and human rights
We uplift and pray for Casey Goslin and the people of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Buckeye, part of the Cactus Conference.