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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
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
Santa Cruz Lutheran Marks 40 Years with Worship, Music, and Community
Sep 29, 2025
Santa Cruz Lutheran Marks 40 Years with Worship, Music, and Community
Sep 29, 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 29, 2025
Celebrate 80 Years of Ministry with Faith–La Fe in Phoenix
Sep 29, 2025
Celebrate 80 Years of Ministry with Faith–La Fe in Phoenix
Sep 29, 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 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.

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
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Sep 22, 2025
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Sep 22, 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, 9/30/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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
One Spirit, Many Leaders: Preparing for a Year of Renewal and Momentum
Sep 17, 2025
One Spirit, Many Leaders: Preparing for a Year of Renewal and Momentum
Sep 17, 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod enters the new year with strong leadership, clear plans, and a shared theme of being Rooted in Story. At our recent staff retreat, we prepared both for the year ahead and for Bishop Hutterer’s upcoming sabbatical. During that time, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop, while our new synod council begins its work.

Together, we are pacing ourselves for a season of stability, renewal, and shared leadership as we move faithfully toward 2026.

Sep 17, 2025
Rev. Mike Girlinghouse to Serve as Acting Bishop During Sabbatical
Sep 17, 2025
Rev. Mike Girlinghouse to Serve as Acting Bishop During Sabbatical
Sep 17, 2025

This fall, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop while Bishop Hutterer is on sabbatical. A former bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod (2011–2023) and now Chaplain at LCM Canterbury at NAU in Flagstaff, Pastor Mike brings decades of leadership experience and will meet weekly with our Office of the Bishop staff.

We are grateful for his steady presence and pastoral care during this sabbatical season, and we invite your prayers for him, Bishop Hutterer, and our synod’s continued ministry.

Sep 17, 2025
Preparing for Renewal: Bishop Hutterer’s Upcoming Sabbatical
Sep 17, 2025
Preparing for Renewal: Bishop Hutterer’s Upcoming Sabbatical
Sep 17, 2025

This fall, Bishop Deborah Hutterer will begin her first sabbatical, traveling to Malta with her husband Alan and continuing through January 2026. Sabbaticals are a best practice in the church, offering time for renewal, prayer, and grounding in God’s Word.

Our synod is well prepared for this season with strong leadership, stable systems, and Rev. Mike Girlinghouse on call for emergencies. Please keep Bishop Hutterer in prayer as she prepares for this sabbatical journey of rest, renewal, and hope.

Sep 17, 2025
Rooted in God's Story: Our Theme for 2026
Sep 17, 2025
Rooted in God's Story: Our Theme for 2026
Sep 17, 2025

Our theme for 2026 is Rooted in God’s Story. This theme will guide our Spring Gatherings, the 2026 Synod Assembly, and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, inviting us to tell and live the story of God’s love with clarity and hope.

Sep 17, 2025
New Season, Shared Calling: Meet Your Synod Council
Sep 17, 2025
New Season, Shared Calling: Meet Your Synod Council
Sep 17, 2025

Meet the 2025–2026 Synod Council—including new Vice President Mark Myers and new members Ron Fraass, Dr. Richard Green, and Bruce Rianda—as they gather for their opening retreat and begin the work entrusted to them by our Synod Assembly.

Sep 17, 2025
Summer Day Camp Returns to Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona 
Sep 16, 2025
Summer Day Camp Returns to Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona 
Sep 16, 2025

Mission support at work in Sedona: A Grand Canyon Synod grant helped Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) relaunch Summer Day Camp for K–5 campers with LRCC counselors, community partners, and Bible stories that “planted” faith—literally and spiritually. This ministry was made possible by your mission support and the Synod Grants Program.

Thinking about a new ministry? The 2025 Grants application window is open Sept 8–Oct 31 (up to $15,000). Find details/applications at gcsynod.org/grants.

Sep 16, 2025
Celebrating the Life of Rev. Frank Nausin in Tucson
Sep 11, 2025
Celebrating the Life of Rev. Frank Nausin in Tucson
Sep 11, 2025

On Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10 a.m., the life of Rev. Frank Nausin will be honored in a memorial service at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church (8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749) where he faithfully served as Lead Pastor from 1982 until 2002, and again as Interim Pastor in 2016.

His son, Rev. Jeremy Nausin, pastor of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, will share words of comfort and hope. Join via livestream at tvlc.org/livestream. A fellowship luncheon will follow in the Nausin Family Life Center. Pastor Nausin passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Sep 11, 2025
Southern Arizona Clergy Unite in Public Witness for Justice and Compassion
Sep 11, 2025
Southern Arizona Clergy Unite in Public Witness for Justice and Compassion
Sep 11, 2025

Nearly 80 clergy from Southern Arizona have released an ecumenical statement titled For God So Loved the World: A Christian Witness Against Harm. The statement denounces unjust policies targeting immigrants, the poor, LGBTQ individuals, and God’s creation, while calling Christians to follow Jesus’ way of love, mercy, and compassion. Additional clergy from Southern Arizona may sign on, and others are invited to form local groups of witness in their own contexts: bearwitnessnow.org.

Sep 11, 2025
GCS Grants Are Open: Learn How to Apply at Our Sept. 17 Webinar
Sep 10, 2025
GCS Grants Are Open: Learn How to Apply at Our Sept. 17 Webinar
Sep 10, 2025

Grants Webinar—Sept. 17, 4:30 pm. Learn how to apply for up to $15,000 in Grand Canyon Synod grants; about $175,000 is available this fall. Priority goes to collaborative projects aligned with our Strategic Plan. Application window: Sept. 8–Oct. 31, 2025. Register for the webinar: Zoom registration. Full details and application at the Grants page.

Sep 10, 2025
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
Sep 8, 2025
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
Sep 8, 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 8, 2025
Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum in Concert to Benefit Food Pantry at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Sep 8, 2025
Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum in Concert to Benefit Food Pantry at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
Sep 8, 2025

Enjoy Jazz Vespers on Sept. 14 at 5:30 PM at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum. A freewill offering will benefit the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, feeding more than 150 families weekly.

Sep 8, 2025
Building Sacred Community One Circle at a Time
Sep 3, 2025
Building Sacred Community One Circle at a Time
Sep 3, 2025

Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix is creating sacred space through weekly Talking Circles that honor Indigenous traditions within a Christian setting. Supported by Grand Canyon Synod grants, these gatherings offer healing, community, worship, and hospitality to about 50 people each week. Read how this ministry embodies the love of Christ and why your congregation might consider applying for a synod grant to support innovative ministry in your community.

Sep 3, 2025
Register by Sept. 5: Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Franciscan Renewal Center
Sep 1, 2025
Register by Sept. 5: Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Franciscan Renewal Center
Sep 1, 2025

Registration for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering 2025 closes Friday, September 5. Join Bishop Hutterer, Wartburg Seminary President Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen, and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka, September 29–October 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, will explore faithful community in divided times.

Sep 1, 2025
Obispa Hutterer: Por el Bien del Mundo
Aug 27, 2025
Obispa Hutterer: Por el Bien del Mundo
Aug 27, 2025

La Obispa Hutterer comparte con gratitud sus reflexiones sobre la Asamblea de toda la Iglesia de la ELCA 2025, donde el Sínodo del Gran Cañón fue anfitrión. Destaca la dedicación de los voluntarios, las transiciones históricas de liderazgo en la ELCA y la alegría de ser una sola iglesia expresada en congregaciones, sínodos y en toda la organización eclesial.

Aug 27, 2025
Bishop Hutterer: For the Sake of the World
Aug 27, 2025
Bishop Hutterer: For the Sake of the World
Aug 27, 2025

Bishop Hutterer reflects with gratitude on the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, where the Grand Canyon Synod served as host. She lifts up the dedication of volunteers, the historic leadership transitions in the ELCA, and the joy of being one church expressed through congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization.

Aug 27, 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