People of Hope: More than Romeo & Juliet or Macbeth, I love Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130. My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun; Coral is far more red than her lips’ red; If snow be white, why then her breasts …

Prayer of the Day God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, …

People of Hope: Each year, Lutherans across the United States engage in acts of service on “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday, always the second Sunday of September. Of course, most Lutherans engage in service on many other days of the …

Prayer of the Day Glorious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the …

People of Hope: On Sunday, July 2, during Faith in Motion, we explored the last of our practices related to growing authentic connections and a deep sense of belonging, as stated in our mission statement. This time, we discussed how …

People of Hope: Please excuse me sharing two messages this week! After hosting Mission Gatherings, proposing and getting approved a new mission statement and guiding principles, and sending out and receiving responses on a survey, the Transition Team has completed …

Prayer of the Day Beloved and sovereign God, through the death and resurrection of your Son you bring us into your kingdom of justice and mercy. By your Spirit, give us your wisdom, that we may treasure the life that …

People of Hope: On the wall of my house is an art piece given to me by someone in a congregation I once served that reads: No one has ever become poor by giving When I first received it, I …

Prayer of the Day Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus …

From: Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith: The Diakonia Program To: Esperanza Lutheran Church Community We invite you to the following retreat: Exploring Your Spiritual Gifts Retreat Sponsored by Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith: The Diakonia Program August 5th, …

People of Hope: In the next few weeks, the Esperanza community will be serving dinner and making sack lunches for I-HELP participants at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe, preparing sack lunches for the heat respite program, and serving the …

Prayer of the Day Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your word. By your Holy Spirit, help us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and …