University Lutheran Church

340 E. 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281-6612 (480) 967-3543

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This Week at University Lutheran Church: July 12-19, 2026

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Sunday, July 12:

  • 10:00 AM Sunday Worship (Campus Center/Livestream).
  • 11:00 AM Coffee & Refreshments (Campus Center).

Tuesday, July 14:

  • 8:00 PM AA (Campus Center).

Wednesday, July 15:

  • 6:00 PM Summer Connection (Hosted by Young Adults at John Fillo’s home) (Contact the office if you’d like the address info: info@ulctempe.org or 480-967-3543).

Thursday, July 16:

  • 6:00 PM Women’s Bible Study (Zoom: AZ time) (Contact the office if you’d like the Zoom link: info@ulctempe.org or 480-967-3543).
  • 8:00 PM AA (Campus Center).

Sunday, July 19:

  • 10:00 AM Sunday Worship (Sanctuary/Livestream).
  • 11:00 AM Coffee & Refreshments (Campus Center).

ULC & LCM Has Called a New Pastor: Welcome, Rev. José Valenzula!

Greetings from the office of University Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry at Arizona State University!!!!

I’m Pastor José Valenzuela. I’m originally from Arizona, and I grew up west of Phoenix in a little town called El Mirage. I’m currently residing in the West Valley of the Phoenix Metro Area, but I am in the process of relocating to the East Valley in July.

I began the Call Process with ULC back in February 2026 when I had discerned a call back to full-time ministry. For the past six years, I have been running my own chaplain business and working part time at an ELCA congregation in the West Valley. I was ordained here in the Grand Canyon Synod in 2009.

In 2020, my daughter graduated from high school and began her studies at ASU in the fall of that year. As you may recall, we were in the middle of COVID at that time. Because I was also caring for my elderly parents, it made it difficult for her to come home for visits. What resulted was a deep sense of isolation. She showed up one night at ULC for the Wednesday night program. What she found was a community of faith that didn’t judge her, welcomed her in, and most importantly, fed her.

When the Bishop’s Office asked if I would be open to serving as the pastor here, it was with a great sense of humility that I said, “Yes.”

I’m in my third week here, and I’m looking forward to having a month before the students return.

In Christ,

Pastor José Valenzuela

Summer Connections

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Wednesday evening, June 10, we began Summer Connections, casual gatherings at someone’s home, a community room, or the church to get together, share a meal, and stay cool! We hope to meet twice each month during June and July, usually on a Wednesday at 6 PM.

And YOU are invited!

How we roll: The main dish and beverages are provided by the host. Everyone else is invited to bring a side dish, dessert, bag of chips, etc., as you are able. (We have plenty to share and would love your company even if you come foodless.)

Upcoming Dates

July 15: hosted by ULC Young Adults
(Bring your swimsuit!)
(At John Fillo’s home – reach out to the church office if you would like the address details: info@ulctempe.org or 480-967-3543).

July 29: hosted by Dena & Jim Trangsrud and Jerry & Jean Park

Much gratitude to Beth Wootten for coordinating each year! 😊

Hygiene Kits Distribution

The last of the 1,000 toiletry kits packed during the event put on by LCM this past spring were distributed to AZ Hugs on July 2nd. AZ Hugs is “dedicated to showing love and togetherness to those experiencing homelessness throughout the valley.” Thank you, Autumn, for helping with the delivery!