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 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 the people of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Peter Perry, Rev. Daniel Potaznick and the people of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale, part of the Cactus Conference.
Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
As Easter people, we live in the promise that life is stronger than death and love is stronger than fear. May this season of resurrection renew our hope and ground our work in the joy of the risen Christ.
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, in Dallas, TX…
For victims of the bombing of Anglical Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza…
For farmers, gardeners, and all who tend creation during the shift in seasons…
For safety for all refugees, migrants, and those seeking a homeland…
For the story of Jesus’s Passion and for his solidarity with all who are unjustly detained or denied due process…
For those who are preparing for baptism and those who accompany them…
For all Christians across the globe during this Holy Week and Easter…
For Jewish siblings observing Passover, and for the dignity and safety of people of all religious traditions…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Jayne Baker, who celebrates 13 years on April 22.
Burundi: Since childhood, I have known nothing but war By Pascal, Recorded by Diogène Rukundo
COP30: Faith-based leaders call for climate action by governments
Baptismal unity: Anglican and Lutheran leaders commit to unity and common mission
German youth bring hope to terminally ill children in Romania
We uplift and pray for Rev. Richard Sherrill and the people of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Northeast Valley Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Mateo Chavez and the people of San Juan Bautista Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
The Office of the Bishop Staff prepares for our synod assembly and continues preparation for hosting the churchwide assembly. We also share photos from the Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) retreat.
For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen…
For rescue and recovery work in Myanmar and Thailand, and for all who mourn…
For victims of the nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic…
For those affected by flooding and storms…
For aid workers in dangerous areas, and those who mourn aid workers killed in Gaza…
For all victims of gun violence, especially near Fredericksburg, Virginia…
For those whose livelihoods depend upon finance and trade, and for those who are most vulnerable amidst market downturns…
For all who raise their voice for justice in their communities…
For pastors, deacons, musicians, and lay leaders as they prepare worship for Holy Week…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Charles Newman, King of Glory, Tempe, who celebrates 20 years on April 15.
The Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting, and travels to congregations around the synod.
We also share photos from the Farewell and Godspeed for Pastor Tim Wright, Community of Grace.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Adele Resmer, who celebrates 38 years on April 5.
Rev. Lowell Nelson, who celebrates 14 years on April 10.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Andrew Schlecht and the people of Maricopa Lutheran Church in Maricopa, part of the Fiesta Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. John Biggs and the people of Saved By Grace Lutheran Church in Pahrump, part of the Colorado River Conference.
The Office of the Bishop Staff visits congregations around the synod for farewells to pastors, and prepares for our annual audit.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. William Timm, Gloria de Cristo, Yuma, who celebrates 44 years on March 2
Deacon Glenda Blegen, who celebrates 19 years on April 2.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Kari Williamson and the people of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Rev. Erin Morris, Rev. Wyatt Linde, Rev. Carol George and the people of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley, part of the Kino Conference.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, and violence: Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Syria, Mali, Pakistan, Yemen…
For those affected by the measles outbreak, and for all children at risk for disease and malnutrition around the world…
For astronauts who explore the vastness of the cosmos, and for safe return of astronauts from the International Space Station…
For areas of the United States affected by storms, tornadoes, and blizzards…
For victims of the Honduran plane crash…
For libraries, museums, schools, and all institutions that empower curiosity and education…
For those monitoring earthquakes on the Mount Adams volcano in south-central Washington state…
For medical researchers and all who advance public health through the development of treatments, cures, and safe vaccines…
Australia: searching for a way forward together
Venezuela: Support for the “people of the water”
Building a network to support women in the church
COP30: Reinforced solidarity among churches committed to caring for creation
LWF gives thanks for life and legacy of Pope Francis
Easter message: Mission begins with Resurrection
Good Friday message: My God, why have you abandoned me?