Our Lenten journey begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5th, 2025, a day we hear both that we are loved and that we are dust. The cross made on our foreheads with oil in Holy Baptism is retraced with ashes, …

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Pastor Dave Risendal, the founding pastor of Esperanza Lutheran, and as we were chatting, I realized he probably had stories upon stories of the early happenings of Esperanza, some of which …

Prayer of the Day Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and before you angels and saints stand in awe. Enlarge our vision to see your power at work in the world, and by your grace make …

People of hope, this past weekend ministries of the Lutheran church, specifically Lutheran Social Services, Global Refuge (formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services), and their local variations were named specifically by former Vice General Michael Flynn in an …

If you’ve been paying attention to some of the national news of the past couple weeks, you’ve probably come across a “kerfuffle” (to use a certain member’s favorite term) involving the topic of having mercy. This came in the context …

Prayer of the Day Almighty and ever-living God, your only-begotten Son was presented this day in the temple. May we be presented to you with clean and pure hearts by the same Jesus Christ, our great high priest, who lives …

One of the joys of regularly joining our Thursday Matters bible study group is the fact that the group of people gathered in the fellowship hall (Thursdays at 10am if you want to join) are a group of people who …

Prayer of the Day Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, …

If you’ve lived in this world for more than a day, you’ve experienced a moment where things didn’t go according to plan. Sometimes it’s a simple thing beyond your control, like an unexpected slowdown in traffic that makes you a …

Prayer of the Day Lord God, source of every blessing, you showed forth your glory and led many to faith by the works of your Son, who brought gladness and salvation to his people. Transform us by the Spirit of …

Did you know that Esperanza is partnered with Lutheran churches throughout Arizona, Southern Nevada (including Las Vegas), and St. George, Utah? All churches in this region (called a synod) who are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are …

By Pastor Matt Knopf, La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, Scottsdale Esperanza Lutheran Church, undoubtedly, played the foundational role in shaping my life and my family’s life for a journey in ministry. From my earliest days, I remember being a …