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. Timothy Wright, Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Rev. Joshua Pontious and the people of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, part of the Cactus Conference.
For lasting peace in Gaza, and for an end to all war and violence around the world…
For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants seeking safety and stability…
For the continued work of the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, and for rights and restoration for indigenous peoples…
For healing and cooperation in American politics…
For the dignity of all people, and especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
In gratitude for all of God’s gifts, and for our generous hearts and responsible stewardship…
For Advent watching and waiting as we long for hope and peace to prevail on earth…
The Office of the Bishop engages in visits to global companion synods, completes year-end preparations, reconciles financial records, participates in various meetings, and begins Advent.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Kaila Armbruster and the people of Crossroads Lutheran Church in San Tan Valley, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 16 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 35 years on December 1.
Rev. Lars Hammar, Lord of Grace, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on December 5.
Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 3 years on December 5.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Ward, Rev. Benjamin Bergren and the people of Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
COP29: Church leaders amplify call to protect ecosystems, livelihoods and future generations
COP29: Building hope for a climate just future | Event updates
16 Days: Unite to end violence against women and girls | Event updates
Lutherans and Orthodox meet to prepare next dialogue session
A tool for faith-based contribution to gender just climate policies
The Office of the Bishop begins 2025 synod assembly planning, visits global companion synods, does year-end preparations, balances books, and gives thanks.
We also share photos from the recent LAMA retreat, First Call Theological Accompaniment, and the Installation of Rev. Anna Rieke at Christ the Lord in Carefree.
For elected officials in the United States during the transition of power…
For an end to violence and armed conflict in the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon, and Haiti…
For Gisele Pelicot and all survivors of sexual assault…
For those working for more democratic governments in the world, especially the Hong Kong 47…
For the Maori people and all indigenous peoples fighting for their rights…
For severe weather threats in the Pacific Northwest…
For all who fight against racism, anti-semitism, gender bias, and all forms of inequity and discrimination…
For the reign of Christ to prevail, that God’s kingdom come and will be done on earth as in heaven…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Leonard Hoffmann, who celebrates 49 years on November 23.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 28 years on November 23.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Anna Rieke and the people of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree, part of the Northeast Valley Conference.
We uplift and pray for The Rev. Donald Bebber and the people of St. Raphael in the Valley Episcopal - Lutheran Church in Benson, part of the Kino Conference.
LWF at COP29: strengthening the climate justice call for the most vulnerable people | Event updates
Church leaders call on G20 to halt growing inequality, ramp up climate action
Empowered for change: new graduates of theology, gender justice and leadership program
A vision for inclusive, justice-oriented, and responsive theological education
For ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, and for an end to the violence…
For the nation of Haiti in the midst of rising violence…
For the families of those killed in Zhuhai China…
For those affected by wildfires on both the east and west coasts of the United States…
For Tuskegee University and those affected by the shooting on campus…
For vision, integrity, and humility for all elected leaders…
For collaboration and dedication to the common good in our national politics…
The Office of the Bishop attends retreats, works with candidacy, and schedules visits for 2025.
We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Lisa Hackler at American Lutheran in Sun City as well as Rev. David Pavesic at the welcoming blessing service at the DEM Fall Gathering.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 9 years on November 21.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Charles Newman and the people of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, part of the Fiesta Conference.
We uplift and pray for The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt and the people of Church of Our Saviour in Lakeside, part of the High Country Conference.
The Office of the Bishop welcomes Rev. David Pavesic, our new Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), as he officially begins is work for our synod.
We also share photos from the Bishop’s visit to Gloria de Cristo, Yuma, whose quilting ministry creates and shares over 600 quilts a year.
For ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, and an end to the violence…
For elections in the United States and a peaceful transfer of power…
For all elected officials as they serve well in their respective positions…
For all of those working to rebuild after natural disasters, especially Hurricanes Helene and Milton…
For the safety of those in the path of Tropical Storm Rafael…
For victims of flooding in Spain, and for those working to rebuild and repair…
For the family of Andre Hill and all those affected by police violence…
For all those affected by gun violence, especially in Austin, TX…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 38 years on November 12.
Rev. Ruby Myers, who celebrates 3 years on November 13.
Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 48 years on November 14.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Phillip Shuart, Rev. Mari Larson and the people of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Vicar Wanda Frenchman and the people of Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
Reformation Day: Celebrating diverse traditions of Lutheran identity
LWF highlights education challenges for refugee children at African Commission
Liturgy and Lutheran identity: new LWF liturgical studies coordinator
Diaconal actors in Asia showcase local solution-driven best practices
A historic moment: synodality in action by Rev. Prof. Dr Dirk Lange
For peace between nations, especially Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon…
For an end to violence and violent rhetoric in our nation and in our world…
For areas of hailstorms and flooding in Spain…
For crews battling brush fires in Massachusetts…
For free, fair, safe, and accessible election access for all United States citizens, and for safety for election workers…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Atlanta, GA…
For the memory of all the saints in glory…
The Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Joshua Pontious at Community of Grace in Peoria.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Naomi Hartman and the people of Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
We uplift and pray for Solomon Machar Kuch and the people of Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale, part of the Cactus Conference.
Messages of Joy: An Advent journey across the communion
Advent Calendar
16 Days: Call to “act now” to empower survivor
Gender justice: a theological and moral imperative by Ms Phiona Uwase
LWF mourns former President Bishop em. Christian Krause
LWF Executive Committee meets in Tallinn
Burghardt: Faith communities have unique role in nurturing hope through dialogue
Child cancer patient from Gaza dies at AVH, separated from family
LWF pushes for ambitious goals, just solutions, as COP29 draws toward a close