Earlier this week, our nation was home to another tragic school shooting, this one taking place at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota. As a parent and pastor, this particular incident combined two of my greatest fears – violence while worshipping …
Dinner was served to our I-Help guests at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in south Tempe on Tuesday evening, Aug. 26. Pastor Glen Stadler opened the evening by telling our guests that God loves them — and those serving them love …
Thank you to those who donated and those who served for I-HELP in July! We served 24 guests, and the room buzzed with conversation. We will serve again on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in south Tempe. …
Children of Hope Preschool will hold a family dinner night and fundraiser at Cbipotle, 4111 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Hours for the event will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with 25% of sales during those …
Prayer of the Day O God, judge eternal, you love justice and hate oppression, and you call us to share your zeal for truth. Give us courage to take our stand with all victims of bloodshed and greed, and, following your …
This past week, I and a few other members of Esperanza (along with people from across the Grand Canyon Synod) were blessed to be able to volunteer at the triennial ELCA Churchwide Assembly, which was being held here in Phoenix. …
Esperanza has concluded a one-month drive to collect donations for Arizona Faith Network’s heat respite program for the homeless. Here is a summary of our donations: 57 pounds of snacks, 296 bottled waters, and $336.67 (which was used to purchase …
Prayer of the Day Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your church. Open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may be ready to receive you wherever you appear, …
Get caught up with the Children of Hope Preschool Newsletter for August 2025
Prayer of the Day Benevolent God, you are the source, the guide, and the goal of our lives. Teach us to love what is worth loving, to reject what is offensive to you, and to treasure what is precious in …
A couple of weeks back, the IRS offered new guidance regarding the legality of religious organizations endorsing political candidates “from the pulpit.” The new official IRS stance is that they will not enforce the “Johnson rule,” which prohibits public endorsement …
For the last three years, Esperanza has prepared sack lunches for Grace Lutheran Church’s heat respite program for the homeless. Grace, located in downtown Phoenix, recently advised us of some changes to the program. Grace and eight other organizations (many …