We uplift and pray for Rev. Thomas Dunham and the people of Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference. Visit their site at streamstuc.org.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Scott Klimke, Rev. Lisa Hackler and the people of American Lutheran Church in Sun City, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at alcsuncity.org.
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Pacifica Synod, led by Bishop David Nagler, is a vibrant Lutheran community encompassing Hawaii and Southern California. With 110 congregations and nearly 25,139 baptized members, this synod is committed to faith, service, and social justice.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 60 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 27 years on August 24.
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 39 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 17 years on August 25.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 19 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 30 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 25 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 48 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on August 29.
Photo: In an urgent appeal for peace, the LWF warns “there is everything to lose through an escalation of the conflict” in the Middle East region. Photo: Wafa / APAImages (CC-BY-SA)
India: Theology that embraces tolerance and prioritizes justice, by Rev. Anup Indwar
Soreo, a service of Mosaic, has doubled its service capacity in Arizona, expanding its in-home care for aging individuals and people with disabilities to nearly 950 people. This growth through the acquisition of Prileo reflects Mosaic’s commitment to expanding its mission and ensuring high-quality care across the state.
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The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) unites over 77 million Lutherans across 99 countries, embodying our shared commitment to faith, justice, and service. As we highlight the global Lutheran community, we celebrate the rich history and ongoing impact of Lutherans worldwide, from the Reformation to the present day. Learn more about how the LWF addresses global challenges and how you can be part of this global mission.
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This week’s Synod Spotlight celebrates the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), highlighting its formation in 1988, its three-part structure of congregations, synods, and churchwide organization, and its significant role in the global church through partnerships and advocacy. The ELCA continues to unite Lutherans in worship, service, and community, shaping our shared mission locally and globally.
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Region 2 of the ELCA connects five synods—Grand Canyon, Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, and Rocky Mountain—across a vast and diverse territory. As one of the nine ELCA regions, it plays a crucial role in uniting the work of over 600 congregations, offering support and resources that strengthen the mission of the church in varied cultural and environmental contexts. This Synod Spotlight highlights the vital connections and collaborative efforts that define Region 2’s role in our shared life in the ELCA.
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The Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA is a dynamic network of Lutheran congregations across Arizona, Southern Nevada, and St. George, Utah, dedicated to doing together what we cannot do alone. This spotlight highlights our synod’s vital role in connecting and supporting congregations, fostering collaboration, and empowering our communities to live out their faith.
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Introducing Synod Spotlight, a new feature in our blog and newsletter dedicated to celebrating the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners. Join us in highlighting the diverse and vibrant activities within our synod, Region 2, ELCA, and the global church.
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For those caught in the midst of warfare and conflict, especially in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For protection for all in the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto…
For those affected by wildfires in Greece…
For safety following the earthquake felt in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon…
For victims of stabbings in London, England and Eskisehir, Turkey…
For those grieving plane crash victims in Sao Paulo, Brazil…
For the United States and other countries preparing for government elections…
For those beginning or preparing for a new school year…
For those affected by the earthquake in Los Angeles and the wider area…
For the protection of creation, wildlife, and water sources…
The Office of the Bishop travels for work and vacation, and keeps the day-to-day and week-to-week operations flowing.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mark Powell, who celebrates 44 years on August 17.
Bishop Deborah Hutterer, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 20 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, who celebrates 17 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 23 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 34 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 35 years on August 20.
Michael Purcell, who celebrates 46 years on August 20.
Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 31 years on August 21.
Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 14 years on August 21.
Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 53 years on August 22.
Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 42 years on August 22.
Join us in lifting up Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona, where Rev. Rebecca Boardman and her team provide a welcoming and inclusive space for students of all backgrounds. Discover how this vibrant community fosters radical hospitality, spiritual growth, and a deep sense of belonging for young adults.
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As the new academic year begins, we lift up in prayer Rev. Michael Girlinghouse and The Episcopal and Lutheran Young Adult and Campus Ministries in Flagstaff. This inclusive ministry serves Northern Arizona University and the broader Flagstaff community, offering a welcoming space for all. Services resume on August 25th. Learn more at www.lcmcanterbury.org.
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As Arizona State University welcomes students for a new academic year, we lift up Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill and the ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry in Tempe. This inclusive community provides spiritual growth, fellowship, and service opportunities, offering weekly Bible studies, worship services, and free meals for students. With retreats, community outreach, and a range of activities, this ministry creates a safe, welcoming space for all. Join us in praying for their continued impact on students’ lives as they begin this new academic journey. Visit ulctempe.org/campus-ministry to learn more.
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Photo: Milita Poskiene, LWF Council member and treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lithuania.
Poland: Supporting the forgotten migrants at the border with Belarus
Brazil: "Being the church of Jesus Christ in this country and its society"
Task forces to develop policies on climate and intergenerational justice