Al prepararnos para reunirnos en la Asamblea del Sínodo del Gran Cañón de 2025, mi corazón está lleno de gratitud y esperanza. El tema de este año, “Edificar el Cuerpo,” nos recuerda que nuestros ministerios no son esfuerzos aislados, sino que están entretejidos en el diseño más grande de Dios para la iglesia y el mundo. Cada uno de ustedes aporta una voz, un don y una presencia únicos que fortalecen nuestra misión compartida como cuerpo de Cristo.
As we prepare to gather for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, my heart is full of gratitude and hope. This year’s theme, “Build Up the Body,” reminds us that our ministries are not isolated efforts but woven together in God’s greater design for the church and the world. Each of you brings a unique voice, gift, and presence that strengthens our shared mission as the body of Christ.
We gather in Las Vegas at Community Lutheran Church for our 37th synod assembly. Whether you are attending as a voting member, a ministry partner, or a visitor, you are part of a Spirit-led community that believes God is not done with the church.
Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.
Now accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.
Youth from the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Leadership Lab 2025, a weeklong Lutheran leadership experience for grades 8 through age 24, held June 23-28 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Rooted in faith and friendship, Leadership Lab helps young people grow as disciples and leaders. Register now at leadershiplab.net.
Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.
Room 9 is the heart of connection at the 2025 Synod Assembly! Meet our ministry exhibitors—including campus ministries, camps, justice organizations, and more—on the lower level of Community Lutheran Church. Enjoy snacks and fellowship while exploring the work of partners who embody the ELCA’s mission across our synod and beyond.
Thursday evening at Assembly is our one featured time to connect as a synod. Join us for appetizers and conversation at 5:00 p.m., followed by a spectacular concert at 7:00 p.m. hosted by Community Lutheran—no need to head to the Strip when something this good is happening right here!
The Grand Canyon Synod is sharing the proposed 2026-2027 Mission Plan, available as a PDF here, and we invite you to be part of the conversation! Sign up for a Mission Plan presentation webinar on May 28 at 5:30 PM or May 31 at 9:00 AM to learn more and ask questions.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held July 28–August 2 in Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon Synod is seeking up to 100 volunteers to help welcome the church! From greeters and registration support to worship ushers, tech help, and a special Prayer Vigil Support role on July 30, there’s a meaningful way for everyone to serve. Sign up, watch the volunteer info session, and help us extend warm hospitality to our ELCA siblings. Learn more at gcsynod.org/cwa.
Each ELCA congregation is invited to register one observer for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Observers receive access to all assembly materials and reserved seating but do not vote. Registration is $125 and closes May 31. Learn more about lodging, travel, and how to be part of this unique gathering of our wider church.
Registration is closed, and the 2025 Synod Assembly is almost here! Join us June 12–13 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. This blog post includes everything pre-registered attendees need to know—check-in times, electronic voting details, childcare, what to bring, and links to the agenda, Mission Plan presentations, worship offering, and more. Review maps, prep for tech support, and preview highlights like our Thursday service project, fellowship time, and evening concert. Visit gcsynod.org/2025/assembly for updates.
Pending a congregational vote, Vicar Jarrod Iversen will be ordained and installed Saturday, 6/7/2025, at 1pm at Central Lutheran Church, (12921 S. Sunland Gin Road., Arizona City, AZ 85123). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preside. Service will be posted to YouTube afterwards.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Reception will follow, please RSVP to RSVP@centrallutheranaz.org.
Navigating church governance can be complex, but a new resource from Pastor David Brandfass and Pastor Dan Potaznick clarifies the role of bylaws and continuing resolutions in ELCA congregations. This How-To Guide helps church leaders align their governing documents with ELCA best practices while maintaining flexibility for ministry needs. Available now at www.gcsynod.org/congregations, this resource is essential for congregational councils and leadership teams.
The Grand Canyon Synod is sharing the proposed 2026-2027 Mission Plan, available as a PDF here, and we invite you to be part of the conversation! Sign up for a Mission Plan presentation webinar on May 28 at 5:30 PM or May 31 at 9:00 AM to learn more and ask questions.
Join us at Synod Assembly 2025 in a special service project to assemble 200 hygiene kits for individuals in need! We’ve set up an Amazon Gift List where you can purchase needed items, which will be shipped directly to our host church, Community Lutheran. Help us reach our goal—donate by June 1, 2025, and join us on June 12 during check-in to pack the kits. Let’s build up the body of Christ together! Shop the Gift List here.
Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 3/25/2025, 6-7pm MST.
The 2025 Synod Assembly Nominees page is now live. In addition to electing our next Synod Vice President, voting members will choose leaders for the Consultation Committee and Committee on Discipline. Learn more about the nominees—including bios and reflections—online.
Every congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod is encouraged to create written Safe Church guidelines to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults. This blog post outlines who should be on your policy-writing team, what legal and insurance steps to follow, and includes dozens of helpful links, resources, and sample policies from across the ELCA
Registration continues for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 12–13 in Las Vegas. Voting members, visitors, and exhibitors can register now on our website by May 19. New voting member guidelines are in place, and each congregation can register one youth or young adult for free using code YOUTH2025. Join us as we “Build up the Body” together!
We pray for the friends and family of Deacon Ardie Senft passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 79. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Ardie served faithfully for over 30 years as a diaconal minister in the ELCA, embodying Christ’s call to serve others through teaching, pastoral care, and community leadership. Memorials may be directed to Arizona Faith Network and Feed My Starving Children.
Rev. Tina Mills will be installed Sunday, 5/18/2025, at 3pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus (612 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, AZ 85208). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside.
The color of the day is white. There will be a reception following, and the service will be live-streamed on the church’s website and social media.
Childcare will be provided at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University. This initiative helps make the assembly more accessible for families and reflects our shared Lutheran commitment to hospitality and inclusion.
Half of all nursing home residents in the U.S. have no visitors. Pathways in Compassion is a nursing home ministry started by St. John Lutheran Church in Michigan to bring care and connection to those who have been forgotten. Learn how your congregation can get involved or start your own team using their free guide and support.
Join us at Synod Assembly 2025 in a special service project to assemble 200 hygiene kits for individuals in need! We’ve set up an Amazon Gift List where you can purchase needed items, which will be shipped directly to our host church, Community Lutheran. Help us reach our goal—donate by June 1, 2025, and join us on June 12 during check-in to pack the kits. Let’s build up the body of Christ together! Shop the Gift List here.
Youth from the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Leadership Lab 2025, a weeklong Lutheran leadership experience for grades 8 through age 24, held June 23-28 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Rooted in faith and friendship, Leadership Lab helps young people grow as disciples and leaders. Register now at leadershiplab.net.
Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Pray Without Ceasing, a weekly prayer initiative launching May 1. Each community is encouraged to host a regular, welcoming prayer gathering and invite two others to do the same. Resources and optional Zoom gatherings will support participants throughout. View a PDF of FAQs here.
David Scherer of JUSTmove will join us at the 2025 Synod Assembly to lead daily intercultural development sessions and shape our worship experience. With a creative, embodied, and invitational approach grounded in Lutheran values, Scherer brings years of experience in helping communities grow in cultural humility.
Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 4/29/2025, 6-7pm MST.
We offer our heartfelt prayers for the friends and family of Pastor Dan Olson and his beloved wife, Barbara Olson. May God’s comforting presence be with all who mourn their passing and celebrate their faithful lives.
Pastor Dan Olson passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death just a couple of months earlier, on December 30, 2024. Their lives of faith and service will be honored in a joint memorial service at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (15820 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise, AZ 85374) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Pastor Dan’s brother, Paul Olson, a retired ELCA pastor, will join in leading this service of remembrance and thanksgiving.
Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for two free summer jazz concerts—June 8 with Beth Lederman & Hope Morgan, and July 13 with Beth Lederman & Dennis Rowland. Held at 5:30 PM, these Music for Food events support the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Come for the music, stay for the mission.