Posts in Fiesta Conference
Announcing the birth of Carter Anthony Heller
Announcing the birth of Carter Anthony Heller

We are grateful to announce the birth of Carter Anthony Heller to Rev. Chris and Elissa Heller of Mountain View Lutheran, Phoenix. Carter was born on Saturday, April 25, and we thank God that all three are happy and healthy.

Oh Lord our God, creator of all that exists, we thank you for the joy of watching new life begin and for the privilege of sharing with you and your continuing creation. In your mercy grant that these blessings may continue to us and even to our children's children, that generations yet unborn may bless your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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Prayers, Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardMountain View PhoenixComment
Grand Canyon Synod stories of hope: April 2020
Grand Canyon Synod stories of hope: April 2020

Synod members shared various stories of hope with us recently, and please remember to share yours. Some highlights:

Pastor Robert Jones with Santa Cruz Lutheran Church, Tucson, shares a Facebook album of a "Six Car Easter Parade," with 14 drive-by visits to homebound members and friends in neighborhoods on the west side of Tucson.

Pastor Carol Breimeier with Esperanza Lutheran Church, Ahwatukee, notes that the Ahwatukee Foothills News highlighted efforts by Esperanza folks for sewing masks and providing meals for healthcare workers.

Carol Brezina, Outreach Chair at Christ Lutheran, Sedona, let us know that 288 personal care kits were packed there on behalf of Lutheran World Relief.

Finally, Claire Crum, Church Council President at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman shares they are creating CDC approved face masks utilizing their own material, machines, and, of course their time and talent.

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Stories of Hope, Fiesta Conference, High Country Conference, Colorado River Conference, Kino ConferenceBrian FlatgardSanta Cruz Tucson, Esperanza Ahwatukee, Lutheran World Relief, Christ Sedona, Grace KingmanComment
Prayers for Rev. Thomas Stephens on his retirement
Prayers for Rev. Thomas Stephens on his retirement

We lift up Rev. Thomas Stephens, who is retiring from Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City. Ordained in 1984, we thank God for Rev. Stephens’ 35 years of service.

Gracious God, we thank you for the work and witness of your servant Tom, who has enriched this community and brought gladness to friends and family. Now bless and preserve him at this time of transition. Day by day, guide him and give him what is needed, friends to cheer his way, and a clear vision of that to which you are now calling him. By your Holy Spirit be present in his pilgrimage, that he may travel with the one who is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Prayers, Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardCentral Arizona CityComment
Prayers for Esperanza Lutheran, Ahwatukee
Prayers for Esperanza Lutheran, Ahwatukee

We pray for the congregation of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee, a loving, joyful, vibrant, diverse, spirit-led community that transforms lives in worship, education, outreach, fellowship and service.

We lift up in prayer: Interim Pastor Carol Breimeier; Lynn Hockenberger, Children of Hope Preschool Director; Joni Thorpe, Parish Administrator; Steve Newell, Band Director; Robin Neely, Adult Choir Director; Ma Lai Gates, Accompanist; O’Neil Filoon, High School Youth Director.

We pray for the the Congregational Council: President Michelle Tinsley; Vice President Rachel Hanania; Treasurer Herb Pinske; Secretary Doris Dorwart; and members Robert Elsaesser, Elizabeth Farquhar, Paul Gerrish, Jessica Mueller, and Peggy Wagner.

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Fiesta Conference, PrayersBrian FlatgardEsperanza AhwatukeeComment
Prayers for Mountain View Lutheran, Ahwatukee, AZ
Prayers for Mountain View Lutheran, Ahwatukee, AZ

We pray for Mountain View Lutheran Church, a Christ-centered, multi-generational church located in the heart of Ahwatukee.

We lift up the staff: Pastor Glenn Zorb, Senior Pastor; Pastor Annemarie Burke, Associate Pastor of Worship and Administration; Pastor Chris Heller, Pastor of Youth & Family Ministry And Discipleship; Mary Adams, Preschool Director; Heather Cannon, Administrative Assistant; Andrew DeValk, Director of Music; Sandra DeValk, Organist; Doug Elliot, Assistant Worship Coordinator; Leslie Franzmeier, Bell Choir Director / Preschool Assistant; Gene Adele Hoge, Communications Coordinator; Kara Houser, Nursery Coordinator; Chris Mahon, Parish Nurse; Debbie Meshey, Children's Ministry Coordinator; Carol McKnight, Accountant; Rhonda Smith, Director of Administration; Carolyn Snyder, Children's Music Director; Mark Turner, Worship Coordinator; Judi Wold, Director of Hospitality & Events.

We give a prayer of thanks for the leadership of Mountain View’s church council: Chris Totten, President; Pat Ikeda Carper, Vice President; Carl Harnisch, Secretary; Michael Bentley, Treasurer; members Judy Berg, Jennifer Cooper, Tammy Foree, Wanda Kaehr, Cher Mikkelsen, Tegan Schlarman, Paul Scholl, and Jessica Bruns, Youth Representative.

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Fiesta Conference, PrayersBrian FlatgardMountain View PhoenixComment
Mountain View Lutheran hosts Pan-Asian ministry
Mountain View Lutheran hosts Pan-Asian ministry

The Pan-Asian Ministry is holding its next event on Sunday, Oct. 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee.

This exploratory, synodically-authorized Worshipping Community Ministry will connect Asians in the ELCA congregations in the Phoenix Metro Area, offering them a way to build grace-filled relationships through fellowship, and to develop disciples of Jesus Christ through the building of community together. 

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In the News, Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardComment
Prayers for Desert Cross, Tempe & Gilbert
Prayers for Desert Cross, Tempe & Gilbert

We uplift in prayer Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe and Gilbert, AZ. We pray for their missional congregation, who celebrates Christ's presence, invites people into a growing relationship with Jesus and equips them to serve in a broken world. We pray for: Andrea Cain, Senior Pastor; Doris Nolan, Transitional Associate Pastor; Doug Bjotvedt, Director of Operations & Property; Dawn Collins, Office Manager; Daniel Decker, Director of Worship & Music Ministries - Tempe; Chad Diegle, Director of Youth Ministries; Shannon Fossett, Director of Children's Ministries; Maegan Jennett, Communications Coordinator; Michael Lottes, Director of Worship & Music Ministries - Gilbert; Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries; Jessica Robinson, Worship Coordinator; Kristen Roehling, Children’s Ministry Assistant; and Denise Viker, RN, Parish Nurse.

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Prayers, Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardDesert Cross Tempe Comments
Ruth Wootten to retire after nearly six decades of hospital volunteering
Ruth Wootten to retire after nearly six decades of hospital volunteering

University Lutheran Church, Tempe, AZ, shares news articles of Ruth Wootten: “Ruth Wootten has consistently volunteered for 57 years, most recently at Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert. She has most recently manned the information desk at the center, "where she helps visitors with a smile."

Watch news of Ruth on Fox 10, 12 News, and ABC 15.

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In the News, Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardUniversity Tempe Comment
POSITION FILLED: Desert Cross, Tempe, looking for Director of Worship and Music 
POSITION FILLED: Desert Cross, Tempe, looking for Director of Worship and Music 

Desert Cross Lutheran Church, in Tempe, Arizona, is looking for a Director of Worship and Music. This is a full-time salaried position, available summer 2019.

The Director of Worship and Music equips musicians and worship leaders and, with the Senior Pastor, guides and supports the worship planning process. Please refer to the job posting on Desert Cross’s website for details about this position.

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Fiesta Conference, Help WantedBrian FlatgardDesert Cross TempeComment
Bible Land Exploration Tour 2020
Bible Land Exploration Tour 2020

On this 10-day exploration, you will walk in the footsteps of Jesus from the northern parts of the Galilee – Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi – to the area around the Sea of Galilee to Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jerusalem. Pastor Christine Stoxen, Holy Trinity Chandler, will be leading this tour next year. For more information and a detailed itinerary contact Cheryl Jones, Departures, 480-830-8822.

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Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardHoly Trinity ChandlerComment