Help Make Churchwide Assembly Happen!

The Grand Canyon Synod is honored to host the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the primary decision-making gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This important event brings together leaders and representatives from across the church for communal discernment, worship, and policy decisions that shape the future of our ministry.

We need up to 100 volunteers to help make this gathering a success! Whether you assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, or tech support, your time and talents will make a difference.

💡 Read through the volunteer roles below before you sign up to be part of this meaningful event!

Learn more in our webinar

If you missed our Volunteer Information Meetings, you can now watch the recording at your convenience:

📺 Recording Link: Watch Here

🔑 Passcode: 5N3M!&sW

In this session, Mary Beth Baron, our Volunteer Coordinator, provides an overview of the assembly, walks through various volunteer roles, and answers key questions. Check it out and sign up today!

  • Scroll down to the bottom of the page for volunteer FAQs.

What is the ELCA Churchwide Assembly?

The ELCA Churchwide Assembly meets every three years to:

  • Worship together as one body of faith.

  • Hear reports on churchwide initiatives and activities.

  • Elect officers, board members, and key leaders.

  • Establish churchwide policies and budgets.

  • Make decisions that shape the ELCA’s mission for the future.

This assembly is an opportunity for us to come together in faith and action—and as the host synod, we have a unique role in welcoming attendees and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Volunteer Roles & Descriptions

Below is a list of our available volunteer roles. Volunteers will be at the Phoenix Convention Center, the Sheraton and Hyatt Regency hotels in downtown Phoenix, or Sky Harbor Airport.

Quick Overview of Volunteer Roles and Shifts

  • Pre-Assembly Registration – Assist with pre-assembly attendee check-in.

    • Sunday, July 27 → 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Pre-Assembly Prep Team – Help prepare assembly bags and floor setup.

    • Sunday, July 27 → 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

  • Pre-Assembly Voting Setup – Set up voting machines and seating for delegates.

    • Shift: Monday, July 28 → 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Airport Greeters – Welcome attendees at Sky Harbor Airport and assist with luggage.

    • Saturday, July 26 → 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    • Sunday, July 27 → 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    • Monday, July 28 → 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

  • Hotel Greeters – Greet and assist attendees at the event hotels.

    • Monday, July 28 → 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

  • Convention Center Greeters – Direct attendees upon arrival at the convention center.

    • Monday, July 28 → 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

  • Registration Volunteers – Help guests check in and collect materials.

    • Monday, July 28 → 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

  • Worship Support: Morning Prayer – Assist with ushering and worship preparation.

    • Tuesday, July 29 → 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

    • Thursday, July 31 → 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

  • Worship Support: Holy Communion – Help with ushering, cleanup, and vessel washing.

    • Monday, July 28 → 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

    • Wednesday, July 30 → 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

    • Saturday, August 2 → 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

  • Tech & Distribution Support – Assist with iPads and distribute materials in the plenary hall.

    • Monday, July 28 → 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    • Tuesday, July 29 → 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM

    • Wednesday, July 30 → 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

    • Thursday, July 31 → 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM

    • Friday, August 1 → 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM

    • Saturday, August 2 → 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

  • Microphone Pages – Help maintain order at microphones during sessions.

    • Shifts same as Tech & Distribution Support

  • Door Monitors – Ensure attendees are seated in designated areas.

    • Shifts same as Tech & Distribution Support

  • Dining Hosts – Help direct attendees to available seating during meals.

    • Monday, July 28 → 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

    • Tuesday, July 29 → 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM

    • Wednesday, July 30 → 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:45 PM - 6:30 PM

    • Thursday, July 31 → 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM

    • Friday, August 1 → 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

  • Prayer Vigil Support – Hand out water and assist attendees who may need help due to heat or other needs during the outdoor vigil.

    • Wednesday, July 30 → 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

  • General Volunteers – Be available for last-minute tasks as needed.

    • Shifts to be announced

Ready to Volunteer?

Sign up today and be part of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix!

FAQs

Where will I check in when I arrive for my volunteer shift?

All volunteers will check in at the Volunteer Check-In table, which will be on the 3rd floor of the convention center’s North building.  You will receive a volunteer name badge and receive additional directions to your assigned location.

What time should I arrive for my shift?

You will receive information specific to your shift(s) in the weeks leading up to the assembly.  The shift times are reflective of when we would like you to be in your assigned location, so please arrive at the Check-In Table 15 minutes prior to yourstated start time.

Light Rail

We encourage volunteers to consider using the Phoenix Light Rail to arrive at the Convention Center.   The Light Rail has a stop less than a block from the Convention Center.  You can download the Valley Metro app to plan your trip.

Parking

Parking costs for volunteers will be covered at the Convention Center by ELCA Churchwide.  Parking downtown is not inexpensive, so we ask if you are able, to carpool.  Also, there are no “in and out” privileges, so if you leave and return in the same day, it is considered two parking charges.  Please be conscious of this.

Hotel Accommodations

If volunteers would like to stay near the convention center, they can use this link for the Hilton Garden hotel where CW has a negotiated a favorable rate for visitors and volunteers. Hotel costs are NOT covered for volunteers. The rate is available from July 27th – August 3rd and must be reserved no later than June 13th.

Eating Options

Volunteers will be responsible for their own meals. We will have light snacks available at the Volunteer Check-In desk.  There are water stations throughout the Convention Center to refill your water bottle.

There are several fast casual restaurant options walkable from the convention center.

What should I wear?

Dress code is “business casual” yet comfortable. July temperatures in Phoenix are hot, but it will be cool/cold in the convention center. Please plan accordingly.

Will there be storage for my personal items?

There will not be secure storage for personal items.  We encourage volunteers to only bring only what is necessary and/or can be carried on your person.