Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA
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HomeFind a Church About GCS The Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer Leadership Conferences Synod Council Strategic Plan History Financial Overview Publicly Engaged Church Constitution News News Blog Featured News Spotlight Church and Society Share Your News Jobs & Volunteers Prayers Get our newsletter Events Calendar Volunteer: 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 Bishop's Fall Gathering Bearing Worthy Fruit retreat Featured Events Donate Contact Contact Us Report Misconduct Report Misconduct
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA
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2025 Bishop's Fall Gathering Congregation Resources Resources Overview Mission Support Intent Congregations in Transition Call Process Listing Congregational Vitality Youth & Family Ministry Compensation Information Guidelines for congregations discerning their future Part-time ministry guidelines Forms Simon's Project Diakonia Rostered Leader Reviews Legal Information Spiritual Directors Stewardship Stewardship Overview Stewardship in the Grand Canyon Synod Grants Grand Canyon Synod Grant Manna Grant Candidacy
Featured
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry
Jul 31, 2025
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry
Jul 31, 2025

Bishop Yehiel Curry has been elected the fifth presiding bishop of the ELCA, marking a historic first as the denomination’s first bishop of African descent. A former teacher and social worker turned pastor and synod bishop, Curry brings a deep passion for lay leadership, community-rooted ministry, and faithful embodiment of the church’s call. His story is one of discernment, hope, and gratitude for the church’s investment in emerging leaders. Curry will be installed October 4 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Click here to read the full story on Living Lutheran.

Jul 31, 2025
New Youth & Family Ministry Hub Launches: Explore, Equip, Empower
Jul 31, 2025
New Youth & Family Ministry Hub Launches: Explore, Equip, Empower
Jul 31, 2025

Our new Youth and Family Ministry page is live! Discover resources for faith formation, summer programs, Safe Church policies, and national initiatives like TENx10. Meet our Synod Youth Advisory Team and explore how we equip young people and families to grow in faith and leadership. Visit gcsynod.org/youth-family to get started. 

Jul 31, 2025
$25 Can Change a Life: Help Students in Fatick Get the Books They Need
Jul 30, 2025
$25 Can Change a Life: Help Students in Fatick Get the Books They Need
Jul 30, 2025

Help the students of our companion synod in Fatick, Senegal, by donating $25 to provide a full set of schoolbooks. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team invites your support by August 20. Every gift equips a child for success. Contact Cheryl Jones at 480-620-8126 to learn more.

Jul 30, 2025
Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix
Jul 30, 2025
Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix
Jul 30, 2025

Jazz with a purpose! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Sunday, August 10 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman and Kimberly Weston. This free concert supports the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Refreshments follow, and the series continues September 14—guest artist to be announced.

Jul 30, 2025
Enhance Your Spiritual Journey: Diakonia’s New Courses Start 8/25/25
Jul 30, 2025
Enhance Your Spiritual Journey: Diakonia’s New Courses Start 8/25/25
Jul 30, 2025

Diakonia’s new 2025-2026 Foundation Year courses begin on August 25, 2025. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.

Jul 30, 2025
Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale
Jul 30, 2025
Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale
Jul 30, 2025

Pending a congregational vote on August 3, Solomon Kuch will be ordained and installed at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301) on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1 pm. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. The color of the day is red.

The service will be live-streamed on the Emannuel Sudanese Facebook page.

Jul 30, 2025
Ordination of Kevin Anderson at Love of Christ in Mesa
Jul 30, 2025
Ordination of Kevin Anderson at Love of Christ in Mesa
Jul 30, 2025

Kevin Anderson will be ordained Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1:30 pm. The service will be in the Sanctuary at Love of Christ Lutheran Church (1525 N. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205). Pastor Steve Talmage will be serving as Assisting Minister. Pastor Nanette Christofferson will be preaching. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will be presiding. The service will be live-streamed at on the church website, on Facebook and YouTube.

Rostered Ministers are invited to process, robes are encouraged. The color of the day is red. A light reception will be offered after the service in Love of Christ’s Center of Compassion. If clergy would RSVP, that would be helpful so we can know how many seats to reserve.

Jul 30, 2025
Installation of Deacon Emma Janzen
Jul 30, 2025
Installation of Deacon Emma Janzen
Jul 30, 2025

Deacon Emma Janzen will be installed Sunday, 8/10/2025, 10:45 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, livestream here), with Pastor Jacqui Pagel preaching and presiding.

Rostered ministers and candidates for rostered ministry are invited to process and wear their albs. Color of the day is green.

Jul 30, 2025
Church and State: ELCA Responds to IRS Ruling on Political Activity
Jul 24, 2025
Church and State: ELCA Responds to IRS Ruling on Political Activity
Jul 24, 2025

In response to a recent IRS court filing, the ELCA reaffirms its support of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. The church warns that loosening these protections could compromise gospel clarity and introduce partisanship into congregational life. The ELCA encourages faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement rooted in Lutheran theology.

Jul 24, 2025
Ordinary and Extraordinary: A Daughter Reflects on Bishop Eaton’s Ministry
Jul 22, 2025
Ordinary and Extraordinary: A Daughter Reflects on Bishop Eaton’s Ministry
Jul 22, 2025

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s daughter, Beckah Selnick, offers a heartfelt reflection on a life and ministry rooted in the sacred intersection of the ordinary and extraordinary. From late nights in the sacristy to leadership on the global stage, Bishop Eaton has modeled a ministry of presence, resilience, and grace. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran: Ordinary and extraordinary.

Jul 22, 2025
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Jul 21, 2025
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Jul 21, 2025

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, 7/29/2025, 6-7pm MST.

Jul 21, 2025
Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries
Jul 21, 2025
Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries
Jul 21, 2025

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.

Jul 21, 2025
Pray and Support: Responding to Texas Flood Devastation
Jul 17, 2025
Pray and Support: Responding to Texas Flood Devastation
Jul 17, 2025

Catastrophic flash floods in South Central Texas have caused heartbreaking loss of life and widespread destruction. Bishop Sue Briner calls us to fervent prayer for those affected. Join the Grand Canyon Synod in supporting survivors through Lutheran Disaster Response, which is providing both immediate aid and long-term recovery. Give today.

Jul 17, 2025
Final Push for Churchwide Assembly Volunteers: See Where We Still Need You
Jul 15, 2025
Final Push for Churchwide Assembly Volunteers: See Where We Still Need You
Jul 15, 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod is making a final push to fill open volunteer roles for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to assist with tech, hospitality, support, and more. Learn how you can help welcome the wider church and be part of this historic event. Sign up today and join the team that makes it all happen.

Jul 15, 2025
Join the Growing Network of Creation Care Ministries 
Jul 11, 2025
Join the Growing Network of Creation Care Ministries 
Jul 11, 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod is already represented on the national Lutherans Restoring Creation map—and your ministry can be too. Whether through gardens, green teams, outdoor worship, or advocacy, congregations across our synod are invited to share their creation care efforts and connect with others doing this vital work across the ELCA. The Stewardship team invites you to add your ministry at www.LutheransRestoringCreation.org and help highlight how we care for creation in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

Jul 11, 2025
Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC) Kicks Off Second Annual Heat Respite Project
Jul 11, 2025
Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC) Kicks Off Second Annual Heat Respite Project
Jul 11, 2025

Ascension Lutheran, Scottsdale (top photos) and New Journey, Fountain Hills (lower photos) launched the second year of NEVC provision of lunches, water pallets, and electrolyte powder to Arizona Faith Network (AFN) cooling centers. Christ the Lord in Carefree, plus Living Water and New Covenant Lutheran Churches in Scottsdale join in the summer calendar of lunch packs.

Jul 11, 2025
Final Push for Churchwide Assembly Volunteers—See Where We Still Need You
Jul 9, 2025
Final Push for Churchwide Assembly Volunteers—See Where We Still Need You
Jul 9, 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod is making a final push to fill open volunteer roles for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to assist with tech, hospitality, support, and more. Learn how you can help welcome the wider church and be part of this historic event. Sign up today and join the team that makes it all happen.

Jul 9, 2025
Obispa Hutterer: Dando la bienvenida a la ELCA en Phoenix para la Asamblea de toda la Iglesia 2025
Jul 9, 2025
Obispa Hutterer: Dando la bienvenida a la ELCA en Phoenix para la Asamblea de toda la Iglesia 2025
Jul 9, 2025

La Asamblea de toda la Iglesia de la ELCA 2025 se llevará a cabo en Phoenix del 28 de julio al 2 de agosto. La Obispa Hutterer invita a nuestro sínodo a orar, aprender y ofrecerse como voluntarios mientras damos la bienvenida a casi 1,000 personas de toda la ELCA. Lea sobre qué esperar, cómo participar y por qué este momento es importante para la vida del mundo.

Jul 9, 2025
Bishop Hutterer: Welcoming the ELCA to Phoenix for Churchwide Assembly 2025
Jul 8, 2025
Bishop Hutterer: Welcoming the ELCA to Phoenix for Churchwide Assembly 2025
Jul 8, 2025

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place in Phoenix from July 28 to August 2. Bishop Hutterer invites our synod to pray, learn, and volunteer as we welcome nearly 1,000 people from across the ELCA. Read about what to expect, how to get involved, and why this moment matters for the life of the world.

Jul 8, 2025
Building up the Body: The Impact of Our 2025 Synod Assembly Offering
Jul 8, 2025
Building up the Body: The Impact of Our 2025 Synod Assembly Offering
Jul 8, 2025

Your generosity during the 2025 Synod Assembly raised $3,365.80, now supporting wildfire recovery in Southern California and essential services in Las Vegas through Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Nevada. It’s not too late to give—join us in building up the body of Christ and making a lasting impact in our region and beyond.

Jul 8, 2025
CWA Volunteer Zoom Meeting Set for July 16—Mark Your Calendar
Jul 8, 2025
CWA Volunteer Zoom Meeting Set for July 16—Mark Your Calendar
Jul 8, 2025

Help us welcome the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to Phoenix in 2025! Volunteers are invited to an informational Zoom meeting on Wednesday, July 16 at 4:30 PM Arizona time to learn about available shifts, roles, and expectations. Can’t attend live? The session will be recorded. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at gcsynod.org/cwa.

Jul 8, 2025
Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen and Rev. Dr. Helen Chukka Lead Fall Retreat for Rostered Ministers
Jul 7, 2025
Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen and Rev. Dr. Helen Chukka Lead Fall Retreat for Rostered Ministers
Jul 7, 2025

Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen and Rev. Dr. Helen Chukka of Wartburg Seminary for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1 in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, invites rostered ministers to explore how Christian community can respond faithfully to division and despair. Registration is open through September 5.

Jul 7, 2025
Music That Feeds: Summer Jazz Concerts Support Olive Branch Pantry
Jul 7, 2025
Music That Feeds: Summer Jazz Concerts Support Olive Branch Pantry
Jul 7, 2025

Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for their final free summer jazz concerts—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.

Jul 7, 2025
Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries
Jul 7, 2025
Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries
Jul 7, 2025

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.

Jul 7, 2025
Bishop’s Fall Gathering Returns Sept. 29–Oct. 1 with Wartburg Seminary Leaders
Jul 3, 2025
Bishop’s Fall Gathering Returns Sept. 29–Oct. 1 with Wartburg Seminary Leaders
Jul 3, 2025

Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests from Wartburg Theological Seminary for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Under the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, rostered ministers will explore faithful community amid division with Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka. Registration is open through September 5. Scholarships available.

Jul 3, 2025
Inside Out Network Launches New Reentry Vodcast for Arizona Prisons
Jul 2, 2025
Inside Out Network Launches New Reentry Vodcast for Arizona Prisons
Jul 2, 2025

ION’s Summer 2025 newsletter is out now! Highlights include a new vodcast partnership with Arizona prisons, expansion to Oregon prison tablets, and growing momentum in Arizona and Montana. Meet new board member Sarah Estes, celebrate Maddi Briguglio’s ASU award, and check out ION’s new book on reentry ministry for congregations. Read the full ION Summer Newsletter.

Jul 2, 2025
A Roadmap for ELCA Congregations: Understanding Bylaws & Continuing Resolutions
Jun 23, 2025
A Roadmap for ELCA Congregations: Understanding Bylaws & Continuing Resolutions
Jun 23, 2025

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.

Jun 23, 2025
Pray Without Ceasing: A Movement Rooted in Hope and Resilience
Jun 23, 2025
Pray Without Ceasing: A Movement Rooted in Hope and Resilience
Jun 23, 2025

Join the Pray Without Ceasing movement—a Spirit-led call to prayer spreading across the ELCA. Weekly Zoom gatherings on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central connect prayer leaders and participants from around the country. Pray for peace, for renewal, and for your neighbors. Learn more and receive the Zoom link to join in: pray-without-ceasing.org

If you have created a group, or would like more information, please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission, Pr. David Pavesic at david.pavesic@elca.org.

Jun 23, 2025
From Curiosity to Commitment: Meet Our Diakonia Grads
Jun 23, 2025
From Curiosity to Commitment: Meet Our Diakonia Grads
Jun 23, 2025

Celebrate the 2025 Diakonia graduates (view grads in this PDF) with us on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM MST at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson, or online via YouTube. This joyful service and luncheon, featuring a message from Bishop Hutterer, honors those completing one or two years of faith formation through the Diakonia program. RSVP by June 15 to tinag963@yahoo.com or watch the livestream.

Jun 23, 2025
Apply Now: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Delegation at the 2025 ELCA Hunger Gathering
Jun 20, 2025
Apply Now: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Delegation at the 2025 ELCA Hunger Gathering
Jun 20, 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, taking place September 18–21 in Columbus, Ohio. Centered on Micah 6:8, the gathering will unite leaders to collaborate on ending hunger and its root causes. Thanks to a sponsorship from the Northeast Valley Consortium, the Grand Canyon Synod will fully sponsor three participants. If you’re interested in attending as a representative, do not register online—instead, contact Solveig at director@lamaz.org to be considered.

This is a key opportunity to reflect, connect, and act in our shared ministry for a world without hunger. Click here for full event details.

Jun 20, 2025

 

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Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA
1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110,
Phoenix, AZ, 85020,
United States
602-957-3223 office@gcsynod.org
Hours
Mon 9 am - 5 pm
Tue 9 am - 5 pm
Wed 9 am - 5 pm
Thu 9 am - 5 pm
Fri Closed