In spring 1988, Pastor Dave Risendal had made the decision to become a mission developer charged with gathering a new church in the new neighborhood called Mountain Park Ranch in Ahwatukee. But before he could begin the church needed a …

Prayer of the Day Eternal light, shine in our hearts. Eternal wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance. Eternal compassion, have mercy on us. Turn us to seek your face, and enable us to reflect your goodness, through Jesus Christ, …

In February we will celebrate 35 years since a group of neighbors signed their names to a piece of paper that recognized them as the charter members of a new church in the neighborhood — Esperanza Lutheran Church. Over 35 …

Prayer of the Day Sovereign God, you turn your greatness into goodness for all the peoples on earth. Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom, and make us desire always and only your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior …

“For we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10) Over the past few weeks, national and international crises have taken center stage …

Prayer of the Day Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us your gift of faith, that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to what lies ahead, we may follow the way of your commandments and receive the crown of …

Over the course of a given week, it seems there are a lot of things that happen that can give us additional anxiety. Beyond the day-to-day stresses, there are also the big picture stresses that happen in our nation and …

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 …

Prayer of the Day Generous God, your Son gave his life that we might come to peace with you. Give us a share of your Spirit, and in all we do empower us to bear the name of Jesus Christ, …

If you like to keep track of our church calendar to gain a sense of what season we’re in, you may have noticed we are in a time often called the “Season after Pentecost.” If you’ve been really paying attention, …

Prayer of the Day O God, our teacher and guide, you draw us to yourself and welcome us as beloved children. Help us to lay aside all envy and selfish ambition, that we may walk in your ways of wisdom …

In our sometimes sanitized and often isolated world, it’s easy to forget many of us aren’t far removed from much more gritty ways of living life. Some of us are only a generation removed from wandering farmlands – wrestling animals …