The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 Annual External Audit is now available online as part of the synod’s ongoing commitment to transparency and faithful stewardship. The audit highlights more than $1.75 million in congregational and designated giving, support for ministries across the synod and ELCA, and an independent auditor’s clean opinion on the Synod’s financial statements.
The synod gives thanks for the generosity and trust of congregations and donors whose gifts support ministry throughout Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. Monthly financial statements are also available upon request.
Registration is open for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa, AZ), with a firm deadline of May 18—no late registrations will be accepted. Voting member registration is now $160. Congregations are encouraged to send full delegations, including youth, young adults, and diverse voices.
Through the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, one young voting member per congregation may attend free using code YOUTH2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” invites the whole church into shared discernment and leadership.
Rev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.
Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.
The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.
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.
Faith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a rare Vigil of Pentecost worship service on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. Featuring scripture, global Pentecost music, candle lighting, and prayerful reflection, the service invites worshipers to prepare for Pentecost in hope and anticipation of the Holy Spirit.
The liturgy will take place at 801 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix and is open to all.
Pastor Tim Wright’s wife, Jan Wright, died May 3, 2026. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 6, at 11 a.m. at Community of Grace Lutheran Church.
The Grand Canyon Synod invites the community to hold Pastor Tim Wright and his family in prayer during this time. Additional details will be shared as they become available.
This Mother’s Day (beginning May 7, 2026), Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join a cross-border effort delivering yellow flowers to detention centers and migrant shelters as a sign of compassion and solidarity. Participants can donate flowers or serve as Volunteer Site Leaders, helping coordinate local actions that lift up the dignity of those separated from their families.
Organized by partners including International Friendship Park and Border Church, this campaign reflects our Lutheran call to love our neighbor and seek justice. Learn how your congregation can take part in this meaningful witness of hope and shared humanity. View a PDF flyer here.
The deadline for the Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table recipe project is almost here. All recipes will be shared online, with a curated selection included in the printed Synod Assembly cookbook.
Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 and be part of a collection that reflects the shared life, faith, and community of our synod.
Nominations are open for leadership roles to be elected at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, including Synod Secretary, council members, and committee positions. Any member in good standing may nominate themselves or others, with all forms due by May 4, 2026.
This is an invitation to prayerfully discern how God may be calling leaders to serve in the life of the synod. Learn more about open positions and submit nominations today. Learn more and submit a nomination.
With SNAP participation in Arizona dropping by nearly half in the past year, Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer calls attention to the real human impact behind the numbers and urges leaders to ensure access to food assistance as budget decisions are made.
The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for Pastor Andrea Cain’s faithful service as Fiesta Conference Dean and welcomes Pastor Charles Newman, who will begin serving in the role on May 1, 2026. Conference Deans play a key role in connecting congregations, supporting leaders, and strengthening collaboration across the synod.
Pastor Newman brings more than 20 years of ministry experience and a deep commitment to the local church. Join us in giving thanks for Pastor Cain’s leadership and welcoming Pastor Newman into this important role.
The Grand Canyon Synod welcomes Rev. Cherlyne Beck as a Transition Coach. A former ELCA churchwide staff leader and Director of Candidacy, she brings decades of experience in leadership development, call processes, and congregational ministry.
Now based in Prescott Valley, Rev. Beck will support congregations and leaders in times of transition, continuing the church’s work of discernment and faithful change across the synod.
The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the ministry of Rev. Phil Gustafson as he concludes his role as Transition Coach while continuing interim service in Goodyear through June 30. With decades of experience in congregational leadership, coaching, and transition ministry, Pastor Phil has faithfully guided individuals and congregations through seasons of change.
We celebrate his contributions to the synod and give thanks for his steady leadership, spiritual insight, and commitment to God’s work in times of transition.
The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly will feature a Friday Night Variety Show on June 12, 2026, offering an evening of music, storytelling, humor, and creative performances from across the synod. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.
The planning team is currently inviting 5–7 minute family-friendly acts from individuals, groups, congregations, and families. Interested performers are encouraged to submit a short description of their act using the online form, with selected performers contacted prior to Assembly. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.
In an emergency, clarity saves time—and can save lives. This article highlights the importance of defining simple roles in advance: who calls 911, who meets first responders, and who communicates with the congregation.
Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers a practical step congregations can take to respond more calmly and effectively when it matters most.
Nominations are open for leadership roles to be elected at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, including Synod Secretary, council members, and committee positions. Any member in good standing may nominate themselves or others, with all forms due by May 4, 2026.
This is an invitation to prayerfully discern how God may be calling leaders to serve in the life of the synod. Learn more about open positions and submit nominations today. Learn more and submit a nomination.
Those wishing to submit a resolution for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly must do so by Monday, April 27, 2026, by sending an editable electronic file to Kathye Hamm (khamm@gcsynod.org). Resolutions must comply with the ELCA and Grand Canyon Synod governing documents, Robert’s Rules of Order, and the assembly’s rules and agenda. More info here.
The Reference and Counsel Committee will review submissions and publish a report—including recommendations—on the synod website by May 22, 2026. While all submitted resolutions will appear in the report, the assembly’s agenda and rules determine whether they are discussed or voted on during the gathering.
Recipes are already coming in for the Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project, including dishes like tabbouli, chicken pot pie, oatmeal cookies, waffles, and bread pudding from congregations across the synod. Each submission reflects the stories, cultures, and communities that shape our shared life.
There’s still time to contribute—submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 to be part of the online collection and possible inclusion in the Synod Assembly cookbook.
Recipes carry more than ingredients—they carry stories of faith, family, and community. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share not only a recipe, but the story behind it.
Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026, and help build a collection that reflects the lived experiences and memories that shape our life together.
Pastor Brian Weinberger of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa continues his recovery following recent surgeries, which overall have gone well. He shares gratitude for the prayers surrounding him and is healing with minimal pain as he returns home. The synod invites continued prayers for Pastor Brian, his family, and the Bethlehem community as his recovery continues in the hope of the Easter season.
Carly Chamberlain will be ordained to Word and Service at Faith-La Fe Lutheran Church (801 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014), Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 am. She will be installed at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church at a later date. Rostered ministers are invited to robe and process, color of the day is red. Pastor Jonathan Linman will preach, Bishop Hutterer will preside.
A reception will follow immediately in the parish hall. The service will be live streamed on the Faith Lutheran Facebook page.
Every congregation has that one dish—the recipe that shows up at every potluck, from Jell-O salads to funeral potatoes and church basement favorites. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share the recipe that defines your community.
Submit your potluck classic by May 1, 2026. All recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in the Synod Assembly cookbook.
The Grand Canyon Synod’s Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) is launching The SYAT Collective, a new monthly Zoom gathering for those serving in next generation ministry. Open to staff and volunteers working with children, youth, and young adults, the Collective offers practical training, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection.
Meeting monthly on Thursdays at alternating times, each session will focus on real ministry topics like camp preparation, event planning, and supporting young people through life’s challenges. Join this new space to learn, ask questions, and connect—because we are better when we lead together.
Pastor Bill Dowling died March 31, 2026. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held Friday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow and a livestream available.
Those wishing to send condolences may contact the synod office for details. Please keep Pastor Dowling’s family and all who mourn in your prayers, trusting in the promise of resurrection in Christ.
More than 400 participants across ELCA Region 2 joined this year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, reflecting on Matthew 25 and responding through prayer, devotion, and generosity. The online giving portal for ELCA World Hunger remains open through May 31, offering continued opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate.
Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. Donate online or give by check using Appeal Code R2LENT2026 as this shared Lenten witness continues beyond the season.
The final 2026 Spring Gathering will be held Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. All are invited—rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members—from across the synod. No registration is required.
Centered on the theme Rooted in God’s Story, this gathering offers a chance to reconnect, reflect, and be renewed in our shared calling. If you haven’t yet participated this season, this is your opportunity to join the synod in person.
The Grand Canyon Synod is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2026 Synod Assembly. Workshops are one-hour sessions designed to equip rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical tools, theological insights, and ministry resources aligned with this year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story.”
Proposals must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2026, with presenters notified by mid-April. Submit your workshop title, description, audience, presenter information, and technology needs through the synod’s online proposal form.
Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Beginning with a new fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle, the service moves through scripture, song, and sacrament, culminating in the first Eucharist of Easter, the affirmation of baptism, and the welcome of new members.
Held at 801 E Camelback Rd, this powerful and ancient liturgy proclaims the resurrection story in full, inviting all into the hope and promise of new life in Christ.
In her 2025–2026 Annual Report, Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer reflects on a year marked by transition, resilience, grief, creativity, and hope across the Grand Canyon Synod. Grounded in Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear for I am with you” — the report highlights the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, a record number of ordinations, emerging models of ministry, and the faithful work of congregations navigating change with courage and trust in God’s leading.
The report also names difficult realities facing the church and wider community, while celebrating the dedication of synod staff, council leaders, rostered ministers, and lay leaders throughout Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. Bishop Hutterer invites the synod to continue proclaiming the gospel, supporting one another, and trusting that we are part of God’s unfolding story together.