Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod

06/08/2026

05/28/2026

All 5th–12th graders are invited and encouraged to join us for an overnight youth retreat centered on the theme of Freedom — and what makes the Lutheran understanding of freedom unique. Together we’ll explore questions like: What are we freed from? What are we freed for? And how does God call us to use our freedom in service to our neighbors and the world? Through conversation, games, worship, movement activities, and fellowship, we’ll dive into topics like Bo***ge of the Will and Luther's The Freedom of a Christian in ways that are engaging, thoughtful, and fun.

We’ll kick things off at 2:00 p.m. with outdoor movement and water activities to help everyone settle in after traveling, so students may want to bring a towel and an extra change of clothes. Sleeping arrangements will be flexible, with space for family groups in classrooms or larger group sleeping areas in the fellowship hall. Our retreat will conclude with lunch and conversation alongside the people of Trinity OKC as we reflect together on what we’ve learned and how we are called to live out our freedom in Christ.

Parents are welcome to attend as well; all adults participating must have a current background check on file with the synod office*. Please register by Sunday, June 21 by clicking the button below so we can have enough food and materials; additionally, there are forms the synod office requires for each youth participating, which can be found here (https://www.aokelca.org/lyo). We hope you’ll join us for a meaningful weekend of learning, laughter, faith, and community!

REGISTER HERE - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYh-8_hpvvDviT-Wt2VJYqpA8aDV3dFv613qfrrkuvSXb5kg/viewform

*If you have a background check already run in the last 2 years through your congregation, school or a local organization like scouts or sports, please provide a copy. Otherwise contact Sara Richers ([email protected]) to have one run.

05/28/2026

Soup Sisters has been such a great ministry, now celebrating 10 years in North Central Arkansas

The Soup Sisters Ministry of Christ by the Lake Lutheran Church recently celebrated 10 years of service to the area through its mission statement “Spreading Christ’s Love One Bowl at a Time.”

Founded In May 2016 with 12 members, the group has grown to more than 20 volunteers from various church affiliations. In 10 years, the ministry has made and donated more than 4,482 containers of soup to area groups, including Hospice of the Ozarks, as well as individuals. In addition, the ministry has made more than $8,000 in donations to various charitable organizations.

The group is funded by donations and its main fundraiser, a Crazy Bowl Soup lunch held annually in October. It also received a $2,500 Living God’s Abundance Grant from the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod in 2018, and most recently, a $2,500 ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread Grant.

Soup Sisters Ministry members celebrating 10 years service to the area include (first row, from left) include Lorie Cizcek, co-founder Anna Mattson, Michelle Wise, Maureen Fancher and Vicki Monte; (second row) co-founder Linda Masters, Sue Howe, Caren Churchwell, Marilyn Pool, Karen Riley, Dee Stroeser, Marla Mageria, Elaine Smith and honorary member Hospice Volunteer Charlotte Repp. Ruby Kowalke, Vivian Petak, Jo Hart, Kim Rauch, Cathy Roever, Lynn Nickels, Sherrie Mosier and Broth Brother Kevin Hutchison were not available for the photo.

05/21/2026

Congratulations Miranda! Looking forward to you being "Pastor Miranda" very soon.

Congratulations to Miranda Searcy on earning their Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary!

Miranda’s ministry and scholarship reflect a deep commitment to exploring the intersection of q***r, Indigenous, and Lutheran theologies while faithfully serving the church and community. A citizen of United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Miranda has also served as Vicar at Trinity Lutheran Church, bringing compassion, wisdom, and authenticity to ministry.

May this milestone be only the beginning of the many ways your voice, leadership, and faith will continue to shape the church and the world. Congratulations, Miranda!

05/18/2026

Our website and email services are now back up and running. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the issue was being resolved.

05/13/2026

⚠️ Important Notice ⚠️

The Synod staff email accounts and website are currently down. We are actively working to resolve the issue and will notify you as soon as everything is back up and running.

In the meantime, please contact the Synod office by phone at 918-492-4288 or Bishop Becca and Sara's cell phones.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

05/12/2026

⚠️ Important Notice ⚠️

The Synod staff email accounts and website are currently down. We are actively working to resolve the issue and will notify you as soon as everything is back up and running.

In the meantime, please contact the Synod office by phone at 918-492-4288.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

05/05/2026

Such a simple, yet impactful ministry