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 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…
The Office of the Bishop Staff manages ongoing operations and attends the Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa, Mar 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
We share photos from the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Heriberto Prudencio, who celebrates 35 years on March 25.
The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt, Church of Our Saviour, Lakeside, who celebrates 42 years on March 25.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Douglas Moffat and the people of Faith Lutheran Church in Yuma, part of the Cactus Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Paul Block, Rev. Lourdes Olson and the people of New Song Lutheran Church in Henderson, part of the Colorado River Conference.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, and violence, especially Ukraine, Palestine, and South Sudan…
For ongoing ceasefire and release of hostages in the Middle East…
For victims of a passenger train attack and hijacking in Pakistan…
For areas of political transition or turmoil, including Greenland, Syria, the Philippines, and Portugal…
For an end to discrimination, harassment, and bullying…
For students who rely on free and reduced-cost school meals…
For all farmers, especially on small and local farms…
For all modern prophets and truth-tellers who boldly declare God’s justice for the poor, the vulnerable, and the outcast…
For all suffering measles, RSV, and long Covid…
For gifts of education, research, science, and medicine, that build up the common good…
The Office of the Bishop Staff manages ongoing operations and attends the Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa, Mar 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
We share photos from the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Peter Lai, who celebrates 40 years on March 16.
Rev. Martin Overson, who celebrates 46 years on March 18.
Rev. Daniel Potaznick, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 2 years on March 18.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Tina Mills and the people of Our Savior’s of East Mesa Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Amalia Vagts, Rev. Glenn Schrader and the people of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, and violence, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Myanmar, and South Sudan…
For those in the path of Cyclone Alfred in Australia…
For those who are unemployed, underemployed, or facing uncertainty regarding employment…
For areas of the United States facing significant winter weather…
For Pope Francis, during his continued hospitalization…
For Muslim neighbors observing Ramadan…
For Jewish neighbors celebrating Purim…
For those preparing for baptism during the holy season of Lent…
For the dignity, autonomy, and safety of women, and in thanksgiving for their gifts and contributions in the world…
For all whose civil rights are threatened or erased, especially our transgender neighbors…
For safety and protection for migrants, and for justice for those who have been deported or forcibly relocated…
For those who use God’s gifts of science and medicine to explore cures, preventions, and vaccines…
The Office of the Bishop Staff travels the synod to visit congregations and leaders, and attends the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas, Mar 9, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. We also share a photo from our recent in-person staff meeting.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Talmage, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 40 years on March 10.
Rev. Patsy Koeneke, who celebrates 18 years on March 11.
Rev. Bruce Ayers, who celebrates 63 years on March 11.
Rev. Steven Crittenden, Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction, who celebrates 16 years on March 12.
Rev. Beth Gallen, New Journey, Fountain Hills, who celebrates 4 years on March 13.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Beth Gallen and the people of New Journey Lutheran Church in Fountain Hills, part of the Northeast Valley Conference.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Jill Doherty, Rev. Joseph Doherty, Rev. Katie Langston and the people of New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, part of the Colorado River Conference.
For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, and violence, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Myanmar, and South Sudan…
For refugees, migrants, and detained peoples around the world, including the deportation of Uyghurs out of Thailand…
For Muslim neighbors preparing to begin observance of the holy month of Ramadan…
For access to healthcare and for all who rely on government programs to maintain that access…
For medical research and advances in public health…
For Pope Francis, during his continued hospitalization…
For congregations and their leaders, as they prepare for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent…
For the body of Christ in all of its diversity…
For Jesus’s Transfiguration and for all who seek to be seen and loved for who they truly are…
Mozambique: working for justice and peace amidst political turmoil
LWF calls for donations after Myanmar and Thailand earthquake
Kenya: Keeping refugee children in school
El Salvador: Prophetic voice for justice and peace