San Tan Valley, Ariz.

New start: Located on the eastern edge of Phoenix, San Tan Valley is experiencing rapid growth with no signs of slowing down. Since 2022, the Arizona-California District Mission Board has been working with Heritage in Gilbert, Ariz., to plant a new mission in the area. A core group of 26 adults has been gathering regularly for Bible study and community events, building connections and momentum. In October 2024, they began holding regular worship services and have already identified 127 prospects interested in learning more about the new church.

Fast facts:

• The population in the target area is expected to reach 103,718 in the next three years, an 18.47 percent increase.
• There is no confessional Lutheran church in the target area.
• The core group has been actively participating in local events such as youth art camps, community fall festivals, and holiday markets to connect with residents and share the gospel.
• After “soft launching” worship in October 2024, an average of six guests visit each week. Four prospective members are currently in Bible information class.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, you are the source of all life. Pour out your goodness in the community of San Tan Valley, Ariz., and cause the gospel that your people proclaim there to bear fruit. We thank you for the good and faithful work that Pastor Bublitz and Heritage in Gilbert, Ariz., have done to present this new mission start for our church body to embrace and support. We ask that you not only provide the mission with a new pastor but also bless the core group of people there with an extra measure of your love and kindness that it may overflow from them to their neighbors as they proclaim the good news of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In his name we pray, Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Aaron Bublitz, Heritage Lutheran Church
[email protected]
480-855-3619