LAMA Summit Recap

The third annual LAMA Summit featuring Rev. Eugene Cho of Bread for the World was engaging, thought provoking, informative and fun for the nearly 40 clergy, LAMA liaisons and hunger leaders in attendance. The event consisted of opening devotions on 1 Kings 17 by Bishop Deborah Hutterer; an introduction to LAMA and its policy priorities by Pastor Brian Weinberger (Bethlehem, Mesa); the keynote address by Rev. Eugene Cho; small group conversations to process Rev. Cho’s address; a lengthy Q & A with Rev. Cho; an update on the new legislative districts by Melanie Hobden (Desert Cross, Tempe); an update on current hunger legislation by Lupe Conchas of Bread for the World; a practical demonstration of advocacy by Pastor Sarah Stadler (Esperanza, Ahwatukee) and Connie Phillips of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest; and advocacy practice speaking to legislators.

A review in pictures is below. Most images photographed by David Hoye.

The Summit is available for viewing on Facebook via Livestream, and will be uploaded to the Grand Canyon Synod Youtube page in the coming days for those without Facebook accounts. Rev. Cho’s address begins 30 minutes in, and the fascinating, insightful Q & A that follows the break is well worth watching.

Bishop Deborah Hutterer shares open devotions on 1 Kings 17, the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath.

Mark Engel, LAMA policy council chair and member of Holy Trinity Lutheran, served as emcee and host for the Summit.

Pastor Brian Weinberger, LAMA policy council member and pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran in Mesa updates the group on LAMA and its policy priorities for 2023.

Solveig Muus, LAMA director, acknowledges guests and introduces Rev. Cho.

Rev. Eugene Cho delivers a thoughtful and engaging keynote address on hunger and poverty, love, advocacy, the power of prayer, and much more to hunger advocates at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Pastor Sarah Stadler, LAMA policy council member, launches the small group discussion following Rev. Cho’s address.

Small group including Susan Gaumont of Holy Trinity Lutheran in Chandler process what they learned about hunger and advocacy from Rev. Cho.

Pr. Brian Weinberger with Barbara Rockow and Sally Marshall of All Saints Lutheran, Phoenix.

Bishop Deborah Hutterer in conversation with Karen Olson (L, Ascension, Paradise Valley), Pr. Verónica Alvarez (Faith/La Fe, Phoenix) and Diane Arnst (R, St. John’s, Glendale).

Melanie Hobden, LAMA policy council member, shares an update on the new legislative districts.

Lupe Conchas, Bread for the World Southwest Organizer, gives an update on current legislation and introduces the BFW Offering of Letters campaign for 2023.

Connie Phillips of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and Pastor Sarah Stadler demonstrate advocacy through role playing.

Connie Phillips, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, leads the Q & A section of the Summit. Interesting questions! Well worth watching the video.

From L to R: Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer, bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod ELCA; Rev. Eugene Cho, CEO of Bread for the World; Solveig Muus, director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA); Lupe Conchas, Bread for the World Southwest Organizer.

The class photo: The third annual LAMA Summit on November 5, 2022 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler, Arizona.