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Your Mission Support at Work: Advocacy Ministries Fueling Justice in AZ & NV

April 1, 2025

“Did you know that every dollar your congregation shares in Mission Support strengthens ministry that transforms lives, far beyond our sanctuaries?

Thanks to your generosity, Lutheran advocacy ministries in Arizona and Nevada are raising faithful voices for justice in our statehouses, neighborhoods, and public life. Here’s a glimpse of what your support is making possible:

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona (LAMA).
This year, LAMA hosted its largest-ever Arizona Lutheran Day at the Legislature. More than 200 Lutherans and partners participated, representing 29 of 30 legislative districts, a 60% increase from last year. Attendees engaged in advocacy training, Capitol tours, and met with 45 legislators, offering faith-rooted support for policies like HB2213 (Free School Lunches). Lawmakers are now actively reaching out to LAMA for input and partnership.

A $3,500 Synod grant, made possible through Mission Support, allowed LAMA to purchase essential bill-tracking software, dramatically increasing capacity to monitor and respond to over 1,800 pieces of legislation introduced this year.

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN).
Led by new Director Rev. Paul Larson, LEAN hosted Nevada Lutheran Lobby Day with participation from seven ELCA congregations and one Episcopal church. They met with lawmakers across six meetings, advocating on more than 70 bills addressing housing, immigration, food insecurity, and care for creation.

Region 2 Lenten Challenge.
Through initiatives like the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, congregations are directly engaging in advocacy around food justice, water conservation, and equity.

These ministries thrive because of your faithful giving. Whether it’s securing free school lunches, equipping emerging leaders, or bearing witness to our faith in the public square, your Mission Support makes it possible.

To learn more or get involved:
• LAMA: www.LAMAz.org
• LEAN: www.LEANForJustice.org
• Grand Canyon Synod Public Engagement: www.GCSynod.org.

With gratitude,

Rev. Dan Potaznick, CFRE
Director of Generosity & Strategic Development
Office of the Bishop, Grand Canyon Synod”

Please view the PDF for the full version of this “Thank You” letter.

One of Our Students…

March 20, 2025

Opening Doors.

“I found some of my best friends through Lutheran Campus Ministry”, a recurring reminder from Kalee Porter, a student who has found her place amongst others at University Lutheran Church in Tempe, Arizona. Kalee originally comes from the Mormon faith in her family, and was given the opportunity to explore other walks of faith in life when her parents pulled out of the Mormon church. “Women were not allowed in leadership, and still aren’t. They [her parents] also wanted to be mindful of the fact that their children could grow up to be people that identify whatever they choose to be labeled as.”

As someone who was then agnostic, the idea of pursuing a different faith was a bit nerve wracking. At University Lutheran Church, Kalee no longer needed to worry about this dilemma. “Even when I started coming to Lutheran Campus Ministry, I didn’t come with the intention that I would become a Christian. I started to enjoy the people that are here, and felt more comfortable stepping into a faith that I could call my own.” Lutheran Campus Ministry prides itself on opening its doors to any and all people, regardless of faith, gender, sexuality, shape, size, everything.

Thank you for supporting the faith of students like Kalee, and for providing a place where they can grow in their relationship with Jesus. Kalee has shown to be a pillar of leadership among her peers in this ministry, always finding ways to make new friends and welcome students new to Lutheran Campus Ministry. Your continued investment in the students of University Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry helps provide spaces for individuals like Kalee to find community and empowerment in their faith, and makes this a safe space for those of all walks of life.

University Lutheran Church, Tempe, Arizona is one of 176 ministries affiliated with LuMin, the ELCA Campus Ministry Network.