Leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod
We took some time during our 2021 assembly to recognize and thank some of the leaders of the Grand Canyon Synod by name. This is by no means a complete list. In the rush of the last year, many leaders and informal groups stepped up in numerous ways.
But while we have this list in one place and at one point in time, we thought we’d share it.
Office of the Bishop staff
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Director for Evangelical Mission and Bishop’s Associate for Congregational Vitality
Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation
Dr. Jerry Kingston, Special Bishop’s Associate for Mobility
Ms. Theresa Thornburgh, Director of Administration and Events
Mr. Brian Flatgard, Director of Communication
Mr. Clint Wasser, Director for Finance
Lisa Marie Higginbotham, ELCA Foundation planner
Josh Kerney, ELCA Foundation planner
Rev. Doris Nolan, Congregation Coach
Rev. Pat Reed, Congregation Coach
Rev. Sarah Moening, Director of Congregation Transition + Rocky Mountain and Grand Canyon Synods
William Ledford, Director, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada
Solveig Muus, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)
Ministry partners
Joel Wudel is our connection with the Mission Investment Fund and Andrea Arey is our Portico Benefits representative.
Synod Council
Executive Committee
Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer, Bishop
Mr. Paul Gryniewicz, Vice-President
Mr. Erik Rehms, Treasurer
Rev. David Brandfass, Secretary
Mr. Roger Bailey
Ms. Barbara Carl
Ms. Sue Jensen
Synod Council Members
Ms. Hannah Manzanares
Mr. Glenn Austad
Ms. Twila Burdick
Ms. Nancy Davis
Ms. Laura Musfeldt
Ms. Lisa Parrish
Ms. Janis Richert
Rev. Daniel Valasako
Rev. Tina Mills
Conference Deans
Pastor Don Lorfing, Colorado River Conference
Pastor Sharon Brown, High Country
Pastor Steven Crittenden, Rio Salado
Pastor Sarah Stadler, Capital Conference
Pastor Peter Perry, Cactus Conference
Pastor Christine Stoxen, Fiesta Conference
Pastor Michael Johnson, NE Conference
Pastor David Pavesic, Sunrise and Santa Cruz Conferences
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona (LAMA)
Rev. Conrad Braaten
Mark Engel
Melanie Hobden
Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Elaine Kraemer
Solveig Muus
Sarah Payne Naylor
Connie Phillips
Gerd Renno
Joaquin Rios
Rev. Sarah Stadler
Lutherans Engaged in Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN)
Bill Ledford
Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel
Dr. Ed Cotton
Sheila Freed
Rev. Mike Patterson
Vic Williams
Candidacy Committee
Currently serving on the Candidacy Committee are:
Chairwoman Mary Beth Baron – Gloria Dei, Paradise Valley
Paul Gryniewicz – Desert Cross, Tempe
Pr. Tricia Lowe - Emmanuel Lutheran, Prescott
Pr. Jeremy Nausin – Holy Spirit, Las Vegas
Pr. Tim Nybroten – Resurrection, Oro Valley
Pastor Jacqui Pagel
Nick Pegelow – Faith/La Fey, Phoenix
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath – Esperanza, Phoenix
Previously served:
Karen Austad – Lord of Life, Sun City
Mari Johnson – Desert Cross, Tempe
Pr. Terry Pletkovich (ret) – University Lutheran, Tempe
Pr. Chris Stoxen – Holy Trinity, Chandler
