Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA
Cart 0
Home Find a Church Donate Report Misconduct
2025 Bishop's Fall Gathering Candidacy
The Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer Leadership Conferences Synod Council Strategic Plan History Financial Overview Publicly Engaged Church Constitution
News Blog Featured News Spotlight Church and Society Share Your News Jobs & Volunteers Prayers Get our newsletter
Calendar Volunteer: 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2025 Bishop's Fall Gathering Bearing Worthy Fruit retreat Featured Events
Contact Us Report Misconduct
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 Overview Stewardship in the Grand Canyon Synod
Grand Canyon Synod Grant Manna Grant
Cart 0
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
Communicate. Connect. Create.
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
Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31
Aug 21, 2025
Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31
Aug 21, 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod grant cycle opens Sept. 8 and closes Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight) for projects that advance our GCS Strategic Plan. Up to $15,000 per award (about $175,000 total available). Priority for innovative, collaborative proposals. Applicants should attend the September webinar (registration posted soon) and must submit the application (Word/PDF, proper file name), a Statement of Financial Position, and (for congregations) last year’s/current Mission Support. Decisions by Jan. 24, 2026; funding begins Feb. 2026. Apply: gcsynod.org/grants. Contact office@gcsynod.org / 602-957-3223.

Aug 21, 2025
Mission Support Grants Transform Lives Across Our Synod
Aug 21, 2025
Mission Support Grants Transform Lives Across Our Synod
Aug 21, 2025

In 2025, the Grand Canyon Synod awarded $108,900 in grants to 19 ministries, funded through your mission support. From Talking Circles in Phoenix to a revived Summer Day Camp in Sedona and regional MLK worship services in Las Vegas and Tempe, your gifts are transforming lives across our synod. Looking ahead, $175,000 in grant funding is available for 2026. Read more in the post or view as a letter in PDF.

Aug 21, 2025
Prayers and Support for Pastor Brian Weinberger’s Recovery
Aug 19, 2025
Prayers and Support for Pastor Brian Weinberger’s Recovery
Aug 19, 2025

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa shares that Pastor Brian Weinberger has made strides in recovery from hip and knee surgeries, though a recent setback has affected his healing. His wife, Bekkah, expresses deep gratitude for the prayers and support from across the synod. A Pastor Brian Recovery Fund has been established to support the family; contributions may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Please continue to keep Pastor Brian, Bekkah, their children, and the congregation in prayer.

Aug 19, 2025
From the Grand Canyon Synod to Wittenberg, Germany: A young adult’s travels into the global church
Aug 19, 2025
From the Grand Canyon Synod to Wittenberg, Germany: A young adult’s travels into the global church
Aug 19, 2025

NAU student and campus ministry leader Sarah Lee represented the Grand Canyon Synod at the International Seminar for Laypersons in Church Leadership in Wittenberg, Germany, and Geneva, Switzerland. From walking in Luther’s footsteps to advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and meeting global Lutheran leaders, Sarah’s journey was a transformative experience in faith and leadership. She returns with renewed vision for campus ministry and gratitude for the synod’s investment in young adult leaders.

Aug 19, 2025
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
Aug 19, 2025
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
Aug 19, 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.

Aug 19, 2025
2 Weeks Remaining: Register Now for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Aug 19, 2025
2 Weeks Remaining: Register Now for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Aug 19, 2025

Less than two weeks remain to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Rostered ministers and SAMs of the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and Wartburg Seminary leaders Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka for worship, learning, and fellowship centered on the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Onsite and commuter options are available; registration closes Friday, Sept. 5.

Aug 19, 2025
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Aug 18, 2025
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Aug 18, 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, 8/26/2025, 6-7pm MST.

Aug 18, 2025
Enhance Your Spiritual Journey: Diakonia’s New Courses Start 8/25/25
Aug 18, 2025
Enhance Your Spiritual Journey: Diakonia’s New Courses Start 8/25/25
Aug 18, 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.

Aug 18, 2025
Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson
Aug 18, 2025
Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson
Aug 18, 2025

Kylee Bestenlehner will be ordained at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2 S Pecos Rd, Henderson, NV 89074) on Saturday, 9/13/2025, at 2pm. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will preach.

Clergy and seminarians are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Click here to RSVP. The service will be streamed over Zoom, link will be shared after you RSVP.

Aug 18, 2025
Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale
Aug 18, 2025
Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale
Aug 18, 2025

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.

Aug 18, 2025
Classic Notes: Piano & Voice Recital to Benefit Navajo Mission – Aug. 24 at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Aug 15, 2025
Classic Notes: Piano & Voice Recital to Benefit Navajo Mission – Aug. 24 at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Aug 15, 2025

Enjoy Classic Notes on Aug. 24 at 3:00 PM at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring ASU graduate students in piano and voice. A light dessert reception follows, with a freewill offering supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission. Jazz Vespers with Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum follows Sept. 14.

Aug 15, 2025
Bishop Eaton Urges U.S. Leaders to Act Swiftly for Peace in Gaza
Aug 15, 2025
Bishop Eaton Urges U.S. Leaders to Act Swiftly for Peace in Gaza
Aug 15, 2025

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has sent a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress expressing support for Jewish-American and Israeli communities affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, while voicing profound horror over the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza. Citing famine, mass displacement, and civilian deaths, Eaton urges U.S. leaders to leverage their influence to halt the war, ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid, and pursue a just peace for all in the Holy Land. To read Bishop Eaton’s full letter, click here.

“For the love of God, the sake of our shared humanity and the future of our Palestinian siblings of all faiths, your swift action may be the best and perhaps only way to stop the war and plant seeds of peace in the Holy Land.” — Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Aug 15, 2025
Update on Pastor Brian Weinberger: Recovery Progress and Support Fund
Aug 14, 2025
Update on Pastor Brian Weinberger: Recovery Progress and Support Fund
Aug 14, 2025

Pastor Brian Weinberger of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mesa, continues to make steady progress in his recovery, uplifting others with his humor and hope. The Bethlehem council has established a Pastor Brian Recovery Fund to support the family during this time. Contributions can be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2745 N 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ 85213, with “Pastor Brian Recovery Fund” in the memo line. Unused funds will go toward the church’s sabbatical fund. Please continue to keep Pastor Brian, his family, and the Bethlehem congregation in your prayers.

Aug 14, 2025
Campformation: 60+ Years of Faith, Friendship, and Fun in the Great Outdoors
Aug 13, 2025
Campformation: 60+ Years of Faith, Friendship, and Fun in the Great Outdoors
Aug 13, 2025

For over 60 years, Campformation has nurtured faith, friendships, and leadership among youth in grades 6–12. This summer, campers Hunter, Annie, and Stella shared how worship, community, and adventure shaped their faith journeys. Past campers often return as leaders, continuing the cycle of ministry. Read their stories and learn how to share your own memories of Campformation.

Aug 13, 2025
Not Just Camp: Leadership Lab Transforms Lives and Builds Christ-Centered Leadership
Aug 13, 2025
Not Just Camp: Leadership Lab Transforms Lives and Builds Christ-Centered Leadership
Aug 13, 2025

This summer, seven congregations from the Grand Canyon Synod made the long journey from Arizona and Nevada to Rock Island, Illinois, for a week that would shape hearts, minds, and futures. Leadership Lab—hosted on the campus of Augustana College—is more than a summer program. It’s a living laboratory where faith meets leadership, tradition embraces innovation, and young voices discover their calling.

Aug 13, 2025
Your Support Brings Water Security to Senegal
Aug 13, 2025
Your Support Brings Water Security to Senegal
Aug 13, 2025

A new water tank now serves the Dodji site of the Fedannde Jolof program in Senegal, thanks to the support of the Grand Canyon Synod. Installed by Senegalese Lutheran Development Services, the tank provides a secure water source for community agricultural activities. Leaders and residents alike express deep gratitude for this gift, which will help sustain livelihoods and offer hope for the future.

Aug 13, 2025
Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson
Aug 13, 2025
Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson
Aug 13, 2025

Kylee Bestenlehner will be ordained at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2 S Pecos Rd, Henderson, NV 89074) on Saturday, 9/13/2025, at 2pm. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will preach.

Clergy and seminarians are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Click here to RSVP. The service will be streamed over Zoom, link will be shared after you RSVP.

Aug 13, 2025
$25 Can Change a Life: Help Students in Fatick Get the Books They Need
Aug 12, 2025
$25 Can Change a Life: Help Students in Fatick Get the Books They Need
Aug 12, 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.

Aug 12, 2025
New Youth & Family Ministry Hub Launches: Explore, Equip, Empower
Aug 11, 2025
New Youth & Family Ministry Hub Launches: Explore, Equip, Empower
Aug 11, 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. 

Aug 11, 2025
Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale
Aug 11, 2025
Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale
Aug 11, 2025

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.

Aug 11, 2025
Enhance Your Spiritual Journey: Diakonia’s New Courses Start 8/25/25
Aug 11, 2025
Enhance Your Spiritual Journey: Diakonia’s New Courses Start 8/25/25
Aug 11, 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.

Aug 11, 2025
Prayers for Pastor Brian Weinberger and the Bethlehem Lutheran Community
Aug 7, 2025
Prayers for Pastor Brian Weinberger and the Bethlehem Lutheran Community
Aug 7, 2025

Pastor Brian Weinberger was seriously injured in a car accident on Tuesday and is currently hospitalized, undergoing multiple surgeries. Please keep Pastor Brian, his wife Bekkah, their children, and the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa in your prayers. We invite you to read a prayer and join the synod in lifting them up in love and support.

Aug 7, 2025
Camp ALOMA Turns Moments into Memories—And Kids into Leaders
Aug 6, 2025
Camp ALOMA Turns Moments into Memories—And Kids into Leaders
Aug 6, 2025

Camp ALOMA’s 2025 summer season brought joy, spiritual growth, and unforgettable moments to children across our synod. From first canoe rides and faith-filled Bible studies to hilarious cabin moments and deepening friendships, campers returned home transformed. Read stories from Anna-Belle, Mae, Lucas, Maddie, and Reagan as they reflect on a season of God’s presence, laughter, and learning in the woods.

Aug 6, 2025
Youth Leadership in Action: Kenny Represents Grand Canyon Synod at 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
Aug 6, 2025
Youth Leadership in Action: Kenny Represents Grand Canyon Synod at 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
Aug 6, 2025

Seventeen-year-old Kenny from Love of Christ in Mesa served as both a voting member and Election Committee member at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Invited by Bishop Hutterer, Kenny brought energy, thoughtfulness, and leadership to a week of worship, decision-making, and hope for the future of the ELCA.

Aug 6, 2025
Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix
Aug 4, 2025
Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix
Aug 4, 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.

Aug 4, 2025
Installation of Deacon Emma Janzen
Aug 4, 2025
Installation of Deacon Emma Janzen
Aug 4, 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.

Aug 4, 2025
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15
Aug 1, 2025
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15
Aug 1, 2025

The 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.

Aug 1, 2025
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
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
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

 

Connect

Blog
Find a Church
Navajo Lutheran Mission
Women of the GCS

Greater ELCA
Women of the ELCA
Lutheran Men in Mission
Global Engagement

Communicate

Contact
Email: office@gcsynod.org
Phone: 602-957-3223

Grand Canyon Synod Office
1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110
Phoenix, AZ 85020

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Weekly Newsletter

Sign up to receive news and updates.

Thank you!

create

Donate
Share News
Site Feedback
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