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.
The Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting and travels the synod to preach and celebrate with congregations.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, or political transition: Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria, Serbia…
For stampede victims at India’s Maha Kumbh festival…
For ceasefire in Gaza and for those returning home…
For happiness and many blessings for all celebrating Lunar New Year…
For immigrants, refugees, and all who work on their behalf…
For colleges and universities, students, research departments, and faculty/staff…
For all who experience discrimination, violence, or injustice due to race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, or other identity…
For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Katie Langston, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 3 years on February 4.
Rev. Shari Bernau, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 20 years on February 5.
Rev. Pam A. Reynolds, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 4 years on February 6.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Lars Hammar and the people of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Steven Kruse and the people of New Covenant Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, part of the Northeast Valley Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Tina Mills, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 14 years on January 25.
Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 7 years on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 43 years on January 27.
Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 20 years on January 30.
Rev. Paul Nordeen, who celebrates 48 years on January 30.
Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 16 years on January 31.
The Office of the Bishop Staff strides into 2025 with synod assembly planning and reaching out to leaders and congregations across the synod.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and political conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan, Colombia…
For ceasefire in Gaza and for release of prisoners and hostages…
For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…
For victims of a ski resort fire in Turkey…
For those celebrating marriage equality in Thailand…
For blizzard warnings along the Gulf Coast of the United States…
For recovery and rebuilding efforts following wildfires in California…
For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants…
For all who face prejudice, hatred, and violence due to race, ethnicity, religion, class, or gender identity and sexual orientation…
We uplift and pray for Rev. Jeremy Nausin and the people of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
We uplift and pray for Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Rev. Christopher Heller and the people of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Fiesta Conference.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan…
For ceasefire in Gaza…
For victims, evacuees, and firefighters facing wildfires in California…
For victims, survivors, and rescue workers involved with the mine disaster in South Africa…
For immigrants and all who travel for stability, opportunity, and safety…
For peaceful political transitions in the United States and around the world…
For the continued work of antiracism…
The Office of the Bishop Staff attends various congregations and meetings across the synod, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity @ King of Glory, Tempe, and in Las Vegas (Jan 19, 2025, 3-5pm) and the of Prayer for Christian Unity Service in Tucson, Jan 23, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Perlick and the people of Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luis Ochoa, Santa Trinidad, Chandler, Holy Trinity, Chandler, First Evangelical, Mesa, who celebrates 2 years on January 21.
Rev. Judi Tyler, Our Saviour’s, Phoenix, who celebrates 1 years on January 21.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Adam Barnhart and the people of Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, part of the High Country Conference.
Thailand: Building trust and respect in interfaith relations
Asian churches join LWF’s theology, gender justice and leadership training
Central and Western Africa: Churches in LWF sub-region set for a fresh start
Peru: Strengthening leadership for a sustainable church and community
Statement: LWF condemns attacks against medical facilities in Gaza
We uplift and pray for Rev. Scott Hove, Rev. Don Lorfing, Rev. Jason Adams and the people of Good Samaritan Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
We uplift and pray for Casey Goslin and the people of West Valley Young Adult Ministry in Glendale, part of the Cactus Conference.
The Office of the Bishop Staff attends and prepares for a flurry of events and meetings in January.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine…
For evacuees and all threatened by the Pacific Palisades fire in California…
For earthquake victims in Tibet…
For political transitions and the advancement of peace across the world…
For severe winter weather affecting areas of the United States…
For refugees, migrants, and all who journey for safety…
For daily affirmation of our baptismal calling: to live among God’s faithful people; to hear the word of God and share in the holy supper; to share the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people, following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the world…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Springer, Dove of Peace, Tucson, who celebrates 28 years on January 12.
Rev. Annemarie Burke, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 19 years on January 15.
Rev. Lourdes Olson, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 3 years on January 15.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine…
For the family of Jimmy Carter and all those who mourn…
For the families of those killed in the Jeju Air plane crash…
For those affected by tornadoes in Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana…
For those experiencing homelessness in the US…
For Trinidad & Tobago in the face of rising violence…
For victims of violence in New Orleans…
For the new year and transitions of all varieties…
Happy New Year from the Office of the Bishop! As we step into 2025, we thank you for your faithful service and the countless ways you share Christ’s love throughout the Grand Canyon Synod. We are blessed to journey together and look forward to all that God has in store for us in the year ahead.
This week Bishop Hutterer travels to Puerto Rico for the Bishop’s Academy, and the staff enters 2025 on the ground and running.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Stephen Springer and the people of Dove of Peace Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Luis Ochoa and the people of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mark Wickstrom, who celebrates 39 years on February 9.
Rev. Daniel Paulson, who celebrates 28 years on February 9.