On this page you’ll find featured events from our calendar.
Join us for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly as we gather under the theme Rooted in God’s Story. We’ll come together for worship, learning, connection, and the business of the church as we celebrate how God continues to work through our synod. Watch live on Love of Christ Lutheran’s Facebook Page. Get full info on our 2026 Assembly home page.
The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard John Mauthe, beloved pastor, teacher, and longtime Diakonia instructor, who died May 14 at age 77. Known to many in our synod for teaching Old and New Testament courses, Rev. Mauthe faithfully formed leaders and shared a lifelong love of scripture and Lutheran theology.
A memorial service will be held June 14 at 11 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, with a second service July 11 in Pennsylvania.
Join the Growing in Faith/Diakonia community on Saturday, June 27 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix as five graduates are celebrated for their commitment to faith formation and service. Through learning, discernment, and spiritual growth, these graduates reflect how God continues to equip leaders for ministry across the synod. View as PDF here.
The 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering will take place July 6–9 in Indianapolis, inviting pastors, deacons, bishops, and candidates for call into a time of renewal, connection, and reflection under the theme “Woven Together.” Registration is open through June 5, with early and regular pricing available.
Featuring worship, workshops, keynote speakers, and opportunities for fellowship, the gathering offers space to reconnect with colleagues and be renewed for ministry. Participants may also contribute to a shared fabric art project, symbolizing the diverse stories woven together across the ELCA.
Rev. Jeff Hackler will be installed Sunday, 7/12/2026, during the 9am worship service at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (918 S Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ. 85338). Rev. Cherlyne Beck, Grand Canyon Synod Transition Coach will preside and install. Pastor Lisa Hackler, Pastor Jeff’s wife, will preach.
Liturgical color is green. All are welcome and will be seated as part of the congregation. No procession or robes required for clergy. Reception immediately following the service, no RSVP required.
The installation service is available at either the church YouTube channel or christgoodyear.org.
The Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team invites you to “Mastering Money: Budgeting, Planning, and Living Generously” on July 15, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM (AZ/NV). Presenter Duane Gilson of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church, Mesa, will share practical and faith-centered insights on budgeting, planning, and generous living. Register today for this free webinar.
Join ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.
Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.
Mark your calendar for next year’s Bishop’s Fall Gathering—a time of rest, renewal, and community for rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. This retreat will continue our 2026 theme, Rooted in God’s Story.
Times: Approximate and to be determined. First Call Accompaniment will be on October 14 and 15.
Additional details, registration information, and session themes can be found on our 2026 Bishop's Fall Gathering page.