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 Rev. Brian Weinberger and the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference. Visit their site at blcmesa.org.
Photo: Floods, caused by heavy rains, impacted the Far North region of Cameroon.
AI and Church Communication: Balancing Innovation with Connection
This week our global spotlight is on Bishop Leila Ortiz, the first Latina bishop in the ELCA, who blends her Pentecostal upbringing with Lutheran theology to create a ‘Luthercostal’ ministry that emphasizes grace, justice, and spiritual renewal. Now serving on the Lutheran World Federation Council, she provides fresh leadership and perspective on global church challenges.
The Office of the Bishop celebrates the Ordination of Daniel Volkmann in Shiner, Texas, on Sep 13, 2024, and the Installation of Rev. Doug Dill at Mountain View Lutheran, Sep 15, 2024, 10:30 AM.
We also share photos from the Installation of Julie Gerrish at Christ Lutheran in Sedona, Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Paradise Valley and the Annual Conference for ELCA Chinese Pastors and Lay Leaders.
Our ELCA spotlight is on the upcoming social statement, Civic Life and Faith, which explores the role of church and state. The feedback period is open until September 30, 2024. Participate by reviewing the draft and providing feedback. Visit elca.org/civicsandfaith for more details.
For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Francine…
For those affected by the wildfires in California and western states…
For victims of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam and for relief and recovery efforts…
For families grieving victims of a capsized migrant boat off the coast of Senegal…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Winder, GA, and Omaha, NE, and London, KY…
For national politics during this election season…
For those navigating times of transition and in need of discernment…
Apply Now for the Manna Grant! Organized congregations, SAWCs, and special ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to apply for the Manna Grant, which provides funding for hunger relief projects that also address systemic root causes of hunger. Applications are due by September 13, 2024. Approximately $20,000 is available in total funding. Download the application form and apply today!
The Southwest California Synod, led by Bishop Brenda Bos, is a thriving community of over 100 congregations across nine conferences. As a Reconciling In Christ Synod, they champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion, environmental stewardship through Lutherans Restoring Creation, and economic justice as part of the Jubilee USA Network.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jill Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 26 years on September 13.
Rev. David Brandfass, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 29 years on September 13.
Rev. Richard Mauthe, who celebrates 38 years on September 14.
Rev. Carl Mangold, who celebrates 49 years on September 14.
Rev. Craig Geiger, who celebrates 52 years on September 17.
Rev. Martin Iszler, who celebrates 63 years on September 17.
We uplift and pray for Rev. David Brandfass, Rev. Julie Gerrish and the people of Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona, part of the High Country Conference. Visit their site at christsedona.org.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Randy Winsand and the people of Ascension Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, part of the Northeast Valley Conference. Visit their site at alcpv.org.
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) advocates for human rights, gender justice, climate justice, and interfaith peacebuilding through its global Justice and Peace initiatives. Learn how LWF’s local-to-global advocacy approach promotes dignity and equality for all.
The Office of the Bishop staff attends the Installation of Julie Gerrish at Christ Lutheran in Sedona, Sep 8, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, as well as Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season with UCC, Disciples of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and ELCA at Franciscan Renewal Center, Monday, September 9, 4:45 pm.
For those competing and assisting with the Paralympic Games….
For the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the end of all such conflicts….
For the family of Hersh Goldberg Polin and all those who mourn those lost to terror and violence…
For those in Los Angeles affected by mudslides and all those affected by natural disaster…
For those injured or affected by the shooting at the West Indian Day Parade in NYC and an end to gun violence…
For efforts in the English Channel to rescue migrants from a capsized boat…
For wisdom and discernment as we engage with online resources…
ELCA Advocacy harnesses the power of faith to influence public policy, working on behalf of biblical values like peacemaking, care for creation, and justice for the poor.
The Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA, encompassing nearly 180 congregations across Northern California and Northern Nevada, is a dynamic community dedicated to faith, service, and justice under the leadership of Bishop Jeff R. Johnson. The synod focuses on fostering connections, addressing social issues, and empowering congregations to make a difference in their communities.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 33 years on September 6.
Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 39 years on September 8.
Rev. Corazon Aguilar, Pan-Asian Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 29 years on September 9.
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 32 years on September 10.
Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 64 years on September 11.
Deacon Ardie Senft, who celebrates 27 years on September 12.
Explore the Grand Canyon Synod’s “Church and Society” page for essential resources tailored to help our congregations navigate the complexities of an election year. Featuring guides on political discussions, reflections on Christian nationalism, and updates on elections and voting rights, this page is your go-to source for fostering safe, informed, and united church communities. Visit now to access our comprehensive collection of articles and our “Creating Space for Conversations” series, ensuring our church remains a sanctuary of dialogue during these polarizing times.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel and the people of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at cslconline.org.
We uplift and pray for Vicar Jarrod Iversen and the people of Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City, part of the Fiesta Conference. Visit their site at centrallutheranaz.org.
Photo: Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary, delivering the keynote address at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during their Mission Partnership Consultation in Helsinki on 29 August.
For those experiencing difficult transitions and in need of discernment…
For those experiencing warfare and escalating violence, especially in Gaza, Russia, and Ukraine…
For those affected by the murder-suicide at Rice University…
For those threatened by the path of typhoon Shanshan in Japan…
For those experiencing difficult or extreme weather conditions, such as the Midwest, Hawaii, and Alaska…
For NASA’s efforts to retrieve its two astronauts…
For all who have served and continue to serve in our nation’s military…
ELCA World Hunger is making strides against global hunger by addressing its root causes in collaboration with global partners. Supporting over 60 countries, this initiative leverages local knowledge and church networks to implement sustainable solutions in healthcare, income generation, and more, demonstrating the power of our collective contributions.
The ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants support transformative projects across the U.S. and Caribbean to combat the root causes of hunger and poverty. This initiative, part of ELCA World Hunger, empowers communities with resources to create sustainable change and ensure food security, reflecting our commitment to justice and Lutheran values of accompaniment and advocacy.
This week’s Synod Spotlight highlights the Rocky Mountain Synod, covering five states and encompassing 153 congregations and multiple ministries. Led by Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, the RMS is a vital partner within Region 2, collaborating with the Grand Canyon Synod in a variety of ways. We celebrate this partnership and the shared mission of serving our communities through faith, justice, and vibrant ministry.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 32 years on August 30.
Deacon Janice Zimbelman, who celebrates 10 years on August 31.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 36 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 52 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 52 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 25 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 46 years on September 4.
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 25 years on September 5.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Autumn Byars, our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Advocacy Fellow, for her dedicated year of service with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA). Her work has been an inspiring example of how mission support from congregations flows through the synod and the ELCA to return as impactful ministry in our communities. We invite you to join us in praying for Autumn’s continued good work in the church and the world.
Reflecting on a year of impactful advocacy, Autumn shares key moments, including testimony against restrictive SNAP bills and support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. LAMA empowers congregations to turn their faith into action, advocating for justice and food security at all levels of government.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Kim Taylor and the people of American Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference. Visit their site at godsplaceforgrace.org.