LCMS Arizona South Circuit

Sanctity of Life

From Roni Grad:
Just back from several days at the Synodical Convention where I helped staff the Lutherans For Life table in the exhibit hall.  It was a joy and a privilege to serve alongside Dr. and Mrs. Aric Fenske and to meet so many brothers and sisters who are passionate about Sanctity of Life issues!  Thankful for the support and encouragement from Pastor von Hindenburg, Tom, Pastor Mathers, Bishop Miskus, Pres. Harrison and so many from Synod.  Richly blessed!

At Catalina: Save the date! We are in the early stages of planning the AD 2026 Sanctity of Life Into Eternity Symposium, which is scheduled for November 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Community:

  • Thankful to all who marched for life this past winter/spring here in Tucson and/or in Phoenix!  Dates for 2027 to be determined.
  • Ongoing prayer across from Planned Parenthood (2255 N Wyatt Dr in Tucson).  The kickoff for the Tucson 40 Days for Life campaign will take place September 20 at 5 p.m. across from Planned Parenthood and the campaign will run September 23 – November 1. See/contact Roni for more details.
  • The Center for Arizona Policy (https:www.azpolicy.org) has information about the stances of political candidates on life issues, and the status of bills in the AZ legislature. Abortion, assisted suicide, sexual orientation/gender identity, religious liberty, and school choice are hot-button issues.

English District:

  • Our Lifeline Team continues to meet monthly. Dr. Fenske spoke at the Spring Church Workers’ meeting in Ohio.
  • Continuing regular Lifeline postings to Servant to Servant.  We would love to share your pro-life story!

Lutherans For Life:

  • I continue serving on the Board, and as Board Secretary, Chair of the Position Statements Committee, and the Verba Vitae steering committee.
  • The Position Statements Committee adopted an expanded statement on Medical Assistance in Dying at the June Board meeting. See attached.
  • he Verba Vitae summer issue should be available in a few weeks; they are very graciously awaiting a submission from me. Content is available for free at https://verba-vitae.org/index.php/vvj; paid subscriptions are available for hard copies.
  • See/contact Roni for information on how your congregation can formally connect to LFL by forming a Life Team or designating a Life Advocate. 
  • Your congregation can be a house of refuge for women experiencing a surprise pregnancy, see https://lutheransforlife.org/congregational-house-of-refuge/.
  • Word of Hope is there to work alongside Pastors to help those struggling with a crisis in their lives; see https://word-of-hope.org.
  • The youth branch of LFL is Y4 Life, see https://y4life.org.
  • You may support the mission of LFL at https://lutheransforlife.org/what-can-i-do-for-lutherans-for-life/.