2019 Synod Assembly recap

Under the theme “Sing a New Song,” 385 attendees from Arizona, Nevada, and Utah gathered at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, for the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

After a year’s work and discernment, the Synod council and Bishop Hutterer presented a new strategic plan which can be summarized as “Communicate Jesus, Connect People, and Create Possibilities.” This plan will guide and focus us in the coming years.

Other highlights included:

  • $4,636 collected in worship offerings, to be split equally between the ELCA Campaign and the Bishop’s Leadership Fund

  • Churches and individuals donated a truckload of in-kind donations for families seeking asylum

  • Elected new Synod Council members

  • Adopted the 2020/2021 Mission Spending Plan

  • Video reports from over a dozen mission and ministry partners

  • Wasabi-flavored communion wafers to bring the fiery spirit of Pentecost into our midst

  • Installation of the Synod staff and council

  • Celebration of pastoral milestones and retirements

  • Remembrance of pastors who passed away this year

  • Breakout and discussion sessions to discuss the new strategic plan and to hear from a variety of presenters

  • Diakonia Graduation & Dinner

  • Bishop Deborah’s report and sermon

Thanks to the people of Love of Christ Lutheran—Dick Beckman, Pastor Steve Talmage, and the brigade of volunteers—who warmly welcomed and graciously fed their Synod brothers and sisters. 

Thanks to the musical team from Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson, Nevada for providing the music and to Pastor Dave Drach-Meinel for writing 26 new songs(!) to drive home our theme.

Thanks to the assembly planning team for their work in creating a new way of assembling: Bishop Deborah Hutterer, Pastor David Brandfass, Pastor Dave Drach-Meinel, Pastor Steve Springer, Norine Floyd, Brian Flatgard, Dick Beckman, and Paul Gryniewicz.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2019 AssemblyComment