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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
Statement from Bishop Deborah Hutterer of the Grand  Canyon  Synod
Oct 21, 2025
Statement from Bishop Deborah Hutterer of the Grand  Canyon  Synod
Oct 21, 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has released the following statement from Bishop Deborah Hutterer regarding recent news reports involving a former youth ministry leader. View as a PDF here or in this blog post.

Oct 21, 2025
Walking Through History: Our Saviour’s Tucson Marks 80 Years of Ministry
Oct 20, 2025
Walking Through History: Our Saviour’s Tucson Marks 80 Years of Ministry
Oct 20, 2025

Celebrate 80 years of ministry with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson during a History Walk on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. Walk through key spaces on campus as congregation members reenact moments from the church’s story, followed by a celebratory luncheon. Free and open to the public. For details or luncheon RSVPs, contact 520-327-6521 or oslc@lutherantucson.org.

Oct 20, 2025
Celebrate 80 Years of Ministry with Faith–La Fe in Phoenix
Oct 20, 2025
Celebrate 80 Years of Ministry with Faith–La Fe in Phoenix
Oct 20, 2025

Join Faith–La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a joyful 80th Anniversary Celebration, October 24–26, 2025. The weekend includes worship, music, fellowship, and food. RSVP by Sept. 14 by phone, email, or online. Contributions are welcome toward the restoration of the pipe organ and church beautification.

Faith–La Fe en Phoenix celebrará su 80.º aniversario del 24 al 26 de octubre con un fin de semana de adoración, música y compañerismo. Confirme su asistencia antes del 14 de septiembre por teléfono, correo electrónico o en línea. Se agradecen donaciones para apoyar proyectos de restauración y embellecimiento del templo. (PDF)

Oct 20, 2025
Lend Your Voice to Our MLK Celebration: Rehearsals Begin Jan. 3
Oct 20, 2025
Lend Your Voice to Our MLK Celebration: Rehearsals Begin Jan. 3
Oct 20, 2025

Join the synodwide choir for our 2026 MLK Celebration at King of Glory, Tempe. Rehearsals: Jan 3, 10, 15, 17; Service: Sun, Jan 18 at 3:00pm (call 2:00pm). Concert black attire; practice recordings and full service details coming soon.

Oct 20, 2025
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Oct 20, 2025
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Oct 20, 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, 10/28/2025, 6-7pm MST.

Oct 20, 2025
Grand Canyon Synod Grants: Apply by Oct. 31 for up to $15,000
Oct 20, 2025
Grand Canyon Synod Grants: Apply by Oct. 31 for up to $15,000
Oct 20, 2025

Apply now for Grand Canyon Synod grants—up to $15,000 per project; ≈ $175,000 total available this fall. Applications open Sept. 8 and are due Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight). Projects aligned with the GCS Strategic Plan and collaborating with another ELCA ministry receive priority. Funding begins Feb. 2026.

Oct 20, 2025
Synod Alert: Sophisticated Scam Targets GCS Rostered Minister
Oct 17, 2025
Synod Alert: Sophisticated Scam Targets GCS Rostered Minister
Oct 17, 2025

A rostered minister in our synod was recently targeted by a sophisticated phone scam using AI-generated voices to mimic a loved one in distress. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but the experience serves as a sobering reminder that scams are becoming more realistic and personal. Learn how to recognize and avoid these emerging threats, and find helpful resources.

Oct 17, 2025
Installation of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry: A Joyful Day for the ELCA
Oct 17, 2025
Installation of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry: A Joyful Day for the ELCA
Oct 17, 2025

The ELCA celebrated the installation of the Rev. Yehiel Curry as Presiding Bishop on October 4, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Watch the 4-minute highlight video capturing this historic and joy-filled moment of worship, music, and prayer: Watch on YouTube.

Oct 17, 2025
ELCA Bishops Convene in Minneapolis — Bishop Hutterer Begins Her Term as Chair
Oct 15, 2025
ELCA Bishops Convene in Minneapolis — Bishop Hutterer Begins Her Term as Chair
Oct 15, 2025

The ELCA Conference of Bishops gathered in Minneapolis Oct. 5–7, following the installation of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry. Bishop Curry announced that his first-year focus will be on building “a connected church,” drawing from the image of Christ as the vine and the church as the branches. During the meeting, Bishop Hutterer began her term as chair of the conference. Bishops discussed communication and unity amid political polarization, received updates on task forces and global partnerships, and reflected on how to live faithfully as a connected, sustainable church.

Read the full ELCA news release here: ELCA Conference of Bishops Gathers in Minneapolis ›

Oct 15, 2025
SYAT Retreat at Camp Pinerock Charts Next Steps for Youth & Family Ministry
Oct 14, 2025
SYAT Retreat at Camp Pinerock Charts Next Steps for Youth & Family Ministry
Oct 14, 2025

The Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) met Oct 10–11 at Camp Pinerock, Prescott to review first-year goals, plan budgets and collaboration, welcome Pr. Amy Janssen (Tucson), and pray together for the work ahead. In the coming weeks and months, SYAT expects to announce scholarships and new resources for children’s, youth, and young adult ministry and will reach out to every congregation to learn more about local needs.

Oct 14, 2025
Walking Through History: Our Saviour’s Tucson Marks 80 Years of Ministry
Oct 9, 2025
Walking Through History: Our Saviour’s Tucson Marks 80 Years of Ministry
Oct 9, 2025

Celebrate 80 years of ministry with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson during a History Walk on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. Walk through key spaces on campus as congregation members reenact moments from the church’s story, followed by a celebratory luncheon. Free and open to the public. For details or luncheon RSVPs, contact 520-327-6521 or oslc@lutherantucson.org.

Oct 9, 2025
New Leadership, Same Call: Bishop Yehiel Curry Installed as Presiding Bishop
Oct 9, 2025
New Leadership, Same Call: Bishop Yehiel Curry Installed as Presiding Bishop
Oct 9, 2025

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America celebrated the installation of Bishop Yehiel Curry as its new presiding bishop on October 5, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The service—led by former Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton—featured a diverse assembly of leaders, choirs, and guests from across the ELCA and beyond. Rooted in joy and call, the celebration emphasized God’s invitation to serve in every context. Curry, formerly bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, succeeds Bishop Eaton in a six-year term.

Read the full story and watch highlights of the installation on Living Lutheran: Answering the Call.

Oct 9, 2025
Bishop Hutterer: Stepping into Sabbath
Oct 7, 2025
Bishop Hutterer: Stepping into Sabbath
Oct 7, 2025

Bishop Deborah Hutterer shares her gratitude for the people and ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod as she prepares for a sabbatical in November and continuing through January 2026. During this time of prayer and renewal, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop, working closely with synod staff to ensure continuity. Bishop Hutterer invites prayers for renewal and guidance as our synod enters this season of reflection and preparation for the work ahead.

Oct 7, 2025
When Contractors Disappear: Lessons from Recent Congregational Projects
Oct 7, 2025
When Contractors Disappear: Lessons from Recent Congregational Projects
Oct 7, 2025

Several congregations in our synod have recently lost funds to contractors who took payment upfront and disappeared before completing work. To help others avoid similar losses, we share practical steps for contracting wisely—such as limiting deposits, verifying licenses, and ensuring written agreements. Learn how to protect your congregation’s resources and practice faithful stewardship when hiring contractors.

Oct 7, 2025
Save the Dates: 2026 Synod Assembly and Bishop’s Fall Gathering Announced
Oct 7, 2025
Save the Dates: 2026 Synod Assembly and Bishop’s Fall Gathering Announced
Oct 7, 2025

Mark your calendars for two major 2026 Grand Canyon Synod events: Synod Assembly, June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, and the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 19–21 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Our 2026 theme, Rooted in God’s Story, invites us to ground our shared ministry in God’s enduring promise.

Oct 7, 2025
Jazz Vespers Returns October 12: Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde in Concert
Oct 7, 2025
Jazz Vespers Returns October 12: Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde in Concert
Oct 7, 2025

Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church for Jazz Vespers on Sunday, October 12 at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde. Last month’s concert raised $850, helping the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry serve 238 families. Enjoy an evening of jazz and generosity that feeds both body and spirit. 

Oct 7, 2025
Celebrating Leadership and Faith: Bishop Curry’s Installation Service Now Online
Oct 6, 2025
Celebrating Leadership and Faith: Bishop Curry’s Installation Service Now Online
Oct 6, 2025

The video of the installation of Rev. Yehiel Curry as Presiding Bishop of the ELCA—held on October 4, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—is now available to watch online. The service celebrates Bishop Curry’s leadership and the ELCA’s shared mission to proclaim Christ in the world. Watch the installation service on YouTube.

Oct 6, 2025
Santa Cruz Lutheran Marks 40 Years with Worship, Music, and Community
Oct 6, 2025
Santa Cruz Lutheran Marks 40 Years with Worship, Music, and Community
Oct 6, 2025

Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson will celebrate its 40th Anniversary October 11–12, 2025. Saturday includes greetings, lunch, video presentations, history displays, cake, and mariachi music. Sunday’s worship, with Bishop Hutterer preaching, will bless a new youth-created banner and pray for future generations. Join in giving thanks for 40 years of ministry!

Oct 6, 2025
Honoring Orange Shirt Day: Remembering Indigenous Children of Boarding Schools
Sep 30, 2025
Honoring Orange Shirt Day: Remembering Indigenous Children of Boarding Schools
Sep 30, 2025

September 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This annual observance honors Indigenous children taken from their families and placed in U.S. and Canadian boarding schools, where many suffered abuse and cultural erasure. The day is named for Phyllis Webstad’s story of surrendering her orange shirt on her first day at a residential school.

The ELCA invites us to join the Truth and Healing Movement, a commitment to confronting this painful history and standing with Indigenous siblings in Christ. Learn more at Living Lutheran: Orange Shirt Day article.

Sep 30, 2025
Grand Canyon Synod Grants: Apply by Oct. 31 for up to $15,000
Sep 30, 2025
Grand Canyon Synod Grants: Apply by Oct. 31 for up to $15,000
Sep 30, 2025

Apply now for Grand Canyon Synod grants—up to $15,000 per project; ≈ $175,000 total available this fall.Applications open Sept. 8 and are due Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight). Projects aligned with the GCS Strategic Plan and collaborating with another ELCA ministry receive priority. Funding begins Feb. 2026.

Sep 30, 2025
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4
Sep 30, 2025
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4
Sep 30, 2025

The Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central (12 p.m. MST) at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Curry, the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA, was elected during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The service is open to the public, with livestream access available here: ELCA Installation of the Presiding Bishop.

Sep 30, 2025
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
Sep 29, 2025
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
Sep 29, 2025

All rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.

Sep 29, 2025
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4
Sep 25, 2025
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4
Sep 25, 2025

The Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central (12 p.m. MST) at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Curry, the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA, was elected during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The service is open to the public, with livestream access available here: ELCA Installation of the Presiding Bishop.

Sep 25, 2025
Installation of Rev. Ryan Marsh at Crossroads Lutheran in San Tan Valley
Sep 25, 2025
Installation of Rev. Ryan Marsh at Crossroads Lutheran in San Tan Valley
Sep 25, 2025

Rev. Ryan Marsh will be installed at Crossroads Lutheran (2769 E Combs Rd, Building D, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140) on Sunday, 10/26/2025 at 2pm. Rev. Tina Mills will preach and preside. View live-stream on the Crossroads YouTube channel.

Following the installation service, there will be an angel food cake dessert celebration.

Sep 25, 2025
Remembering the Children: Sept. 30 National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools
Sep 23, 2025
Remembering the Children: Sept. 30 National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools
Sep 23, 2025

Sept. 30 marks the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, honoring the children impacted by these institutions and acknowledging the church’s role in their harm. Congregations are encouraged to participate by offering prayer, wearing orange, and engaging in ELCA resources. Join us Sunday, Sept. 28 or nearby, as we remember, repent, and commit to healing. Resources and suggested liturgy available at elca.org/IndianBoardingSchools.

Sep 23, 2025
Santa Cruz Lutheran Marks 40 Years with Worship, Music, and Community
Sep 23, 2025
Santa Cruz Lutheran Marks 40 Years with Worship, Music, and Community
Sep 23, 2025

Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson will celebrate its 40th Anniversary October 11–12, 2025. Saturday includes greetings, lunch, video presentations, history displays, cake, and mariachi music. Sunday’s worship, with Bishop Hutterer preaching, will bless a new youth-created banner and pray for future generations. Join in giving thanks for 40 years of ministry!

Sep 23, 2025
Celebrate 80 Years of Ministry with Faith–La Fe in Phoenix
Sep 23, 2025
Celebrate 80 Years of Ministry with Faith–La Fe in Phoenix
Sep 23, 2025

Join Faith–La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a joyful 80th Anniversary Celebration, October 24–26, 2025. The weekend includes worship, music, fellowship, and food. RSVP by Sept. 14 by phone, email, or online. Contributions are welcome toward the restoration of the pipe organ and church beautification.

Faith–La Fe en Phoenix celebrará su 80.º aniversario del 24 al 26 de octubre con un fin de semana de adoración, música y compañerismo. Confirme su asistencia antes del 14 de septiembre por teléfono, correo electrónico o en línea. Se agradecen donaciones para apoyar proyectos de restauración y embellecimiento del templo. (PDF)

Sep 23, 2025
Updated Agenda & Full Session Descriptions Now Available for Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Sep 22, 2025
Updated Agenda & Full Session Descriptions Now Available for Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Sep 22, 2025

The full agenda and session descriptions are now posted for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, taking place September 29–October 1 in Scottsdale. Join Bishop Hutterer and guest speakers from Wartburg Seminary as we explore Bonhoeffer’s Life Together and themes of lament, love, and Christian hope.

Sep 22, 2025
$6,000 Gift Supports Students in Senegal: A Testament to Global Partnership
Sep 22, 2025
$6,000 Gift Supports Students in Senegal: A Testament to Global Partnership
Sep 22, 2025

A $6,000 gift from our Grand Canyon Synod—collected through donations and a contribution from the Global Engagement Team—is providing books for 180 students at our companion synod’s primary school in Fatick, Senegal. This tangible act of partnership ensures every child begins the school year equipped to learn.

Sep 22, 2025
Pastor Brian Weinberger Returns Home: Continued Prayers and Gratitude
Sep 17, 2025
Pastor Brian Weinberger Returns Home: Continued Prayers and Gratitude
Sep 17, 2025

Pastor Brian Weinberger is home and continuing his recovery with the support of his family and congregation. His wife shares that having him back has been “wonderful for our entire family,” even as their days are now filled with ongoing appointments and long-term recovery needs. We give thanks for the prayers, encouragement, and financial gifts that have surrounded the Weinbergers and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and we invite continued prayer for Pastor Brian’s healing and strength.

Sep 17, 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