University Lutheran Church

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

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Newsletter

University Lutheran Church History Day

A History Day is being planned for Sunday, April 14, at 11:30am. During this time as a congregation, we will gather to remember our stories. Tell one another public and personal stories about our congregation and remind the current community who the congregation has been.

For more information about History Day and the transition process please refer to the Transition Manual at gcsynod.org/transition.

Thoughts on Transition

4 “Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, 5 and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-13NRSV).

This passage from 1 Corinthians is a great reminder of the variety of gifts the Spirit has given to people. The Spirit gives different gifts and activates these gifts in everyone. As a pastor and as a Christian I find hope in trusting that each manifestation of the Spirit is for the common good, not just for an individual’s benefit, but for the common good. I’m grateful for the many gifts and abilities the Spirit has given to folks at University Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry to share to the glory of God and for the furthering of the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world. I’m confident in the God given gifts of our Transition team members and the work we will be doing together. On Sunday March 24, the Transition Team will be having a retreat to connect with our Lord and with each other. We will be studying the Transition Manual recommended by the Grand Canyon Synod for congregations in transition. Please keep us in your prayers as we come together for connection, fellowship, and learning.
Please stop by to say hello or to chat during my office hours on Tuesdays 12-2pm. If another time works better with your schedule, let me know to arrange another time. I’m available to meet in person, by phone, text, email, video. Whatever works for you. As your Interim Pastor, I care about you and about what you have to say.

Holy Week Blessings,
Pastor Arhiana

Our Transition Team

In  the Worship Service on February 25th, we installed our Transition Team: Scott Boyden (chair), Erin Smythe, Chris Sandoval, Ray Kimball, and Kristen Tollefson.

Pastor Arhiana will be coaching the team as they work with the congregation to look at our history, identify where we are today, and discover who God is calling us to be in the future. The Transition Team had their first meeting on March 11 and will be having a retreat on March 24.