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, 7/28/2026, 6-7pm MST.

The Grand Canyon Synod raised $3,702.84 during the 2026 Synod Assembly to support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Now, following an urgent appeal from Bishop Imad Haddad, the need is even greater as the church faces a serious financial crisis affecting schools, congregations, and core ministries.

Learn how your congregation or household can continue supporting our Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land through prayer, solidarity, and financial gifts.

The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Pastor John E. Groh, who died on May 17, 2026. Please keep Nancy Groh and their family in your prayers as they mourn and celebrate a life of faithful service to Christ and the church.

Rev. Jen Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719).

Please check the calendar listing or lutherantucson.org for this event for up-to-date info and details.

Rev. Jose Valenzuela, called to serve University Lutheran and ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 9/20/2026, during 10 am worship at University Lutheran Church (340 E. 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281).

Please check the calendar listing or ulctempe.org for this event for up-to-date info and details.

Save the date for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s Rooted in God’s Story gathering will feature Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, theologian and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain, alongside worship, synod conversations, ministry stories, and time for renewal and connection.

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.

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’s 2025–2026 Impact Report highlights a year of faithful ministry across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. From ordinations and ministry grants to hunger work, refugee support, congregational accompaniment, and leadership development, the report shows how mission support helps us communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities together.

Explore the numbers, stories, and shared impact of ministry across the synod as we continue living rooted in God’s story.

Rev. Annemarie Burke will be installed Sunday, 8/16/2029 at the 9 am service at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (7570 North Thornydale Road, Tucson, AZ 85741).

Please check the calendar listing or beautifulsavior.net for this event for up-to-date info and details.

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.

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, 6/30/2026, 6-7pm MST.

Please keep Pastor Nanette Christofferson of Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa in your prayers as she undergoes surgery this week and begins her recovery.

As the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly concludes, Bishop Deborah Hutterer reflects on a gathering rooted in worship, discernment, service, and shared ministry. Read her message of gratitude, hope, and invitation as we continue to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities together.

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. We give thanks for liberation and recommit to the ongoing work of racial justice and freedom.

Pastor Lester Hoffmann will celebrate 70 years of ordained ministry on Saturday, June 13 at 1 p.m. with a special presentation and worship service, “70 Years of Ministry: Called and Sent!”, at the Vi at Silverstone in North Scottsdale. Following reflections on seven decades of ministry and mission, attendees are invited to a reception with light refreshments.

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.

For the upcoming Assembly week, the Grand Canyon Synod homepage will transform into a comprehensive digital hub. Just visit gcsynod.org and you’re there! This enhanced homepage will feature quick access links and real-time updates to keep you informed throughout the event. Accessible on any device, our goal is to make your Assembly experience as seamless and engaging as possible. Stay connected with us and check back regularly for the latest news!

The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly is almost here! Find everything you need to prepare for June 11–13 in Mesa, including schedule highlights, voting information, workshops, livestreaming, the service project, special guest Rev. Tim Brown, and how our homepage will serve as your Assembly information hub throughout the week.

The timeline and full agenda for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa) are now available. Highlights include opening worship with Bishop Hutterer, keynote leadership from Rev. Tim Brown, workshops, assembly business, and a Friday evening variety show.

Participants are encouraged to review the full schedule in advance and plan for key moments including voting, workshops, and worship. View the complete agenda and begin preparing for our time together as a synod rooted in God’s story.

Workshops for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now set. On Friday, June 12, participants can choose from two sessions featuring topics like AI in ministry, youth voices, congregational safety, conflict resolution, and more—led by presenters from across the synod.

Review the full workshop lineup, including presenters and room locations, and plan your afternoon of learning at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.

In a new monthly series titled All Together in One Place, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry reflects on faith, division, justice, and Christian unity in a complex time. Rooted in Pentecost and Lutheran theology, the series aims to offer a pastoral word grounded in Scripture, deep listening, and shared life in Christ. Read Bishop Curry’s message.

The Grand Canyon Synod will present its Proposed 2027–2028 Mission Plan in two Zoom sessions on May 30 (9 AM) and June 2 (5 PM, Arizona/Nevada time). Participants will receive an early overview, ask questions, and help shape the future direction of synod ministry. View the Proposed Mission Plan for 2027–2028 here as a PDF. A recording will be provided for those unable to attend live.

Voting members will also have the opportunity to practice voting ahead of assembly. All are encouraged to participate and engage in this shared work of discernment.

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.

Rev. Patsy Koeneke will be installed Sunday, 6/7/2025, at 9:30 am at Epiphany of Christ Lutheran (1050 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ 85120). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook and on YouTube. Everyone is welcome to stay for fellowship after the service.

As Synod Assembly approaches, Bishop Hutterer reflects on Pentecost, our shared calling, and the importance of gathering as church—rooted in God’s story and open to the Spirit’s leading.

The ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, inviting clergy and lay leaders to research and confront Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools. This growing effort focuses on uncovering historical records, educating the church, and supporting truth-telling and healing for Native communities impacted by this legacy.

Participants can contribute through research, education, and quarterly gatherings. All are welcome to get involved. Learn more and sign up at tstti.org.

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. We give thanks for lives of service and pray for peace and comfort for all who grieve.