A few years back, I was driving down the road when I noticed a very cool decal that seemed to have a cross as the center of it. The cross doubled as a “t,” and when deconstructed, the sticker used …
A few years back, I was driving down the road when I noticed a very cool decal that seemed to have a cross as the center of it. The cross doubled as a “t,” and when deconstructed, the sticker used …
Prayer of the Day Direct us, O Lord God, in all our doings with your continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; and finally, by your mercy, bring …
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 …
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. …
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, …
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 …
Prayer of the Day Almighty and ever-living God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and you gladly give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us your abundant mercy. Forgive us those …
Prayer of the Day Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ, and you make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our lives, make us attentive to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else, …
This past week, I was blessed to join four Esperanza youth and over 100 youth from across the Grand Canyon Synod in participating in Lutheran Campformation at Camp Pinerock in Prescott. Of those youth, about 30 were high school and …
Prayer of the Day O Lord God, your mercy delights us, and the world longs for your loving care. Hear the cries of everyone in need, and turn our hearts to love our neighbors with the love of your Son, Jesus …