Bishop Deborah Hutterer Annual Report: 2025
Bishop Deborah Hutterer Annual Report: 2025

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer’s 2025 Annual Report celebrates a year of Spirit-led ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, including six ordinations, expanded lay leadership initiatives, and deepening global partnerships with companion synods. From over 45 congregation visits to the launch of a new Lay Leadership Program, the report highlights the collaborative strength of our synod. With gratitude for dedicated staff, ministry partners, and faithful communities, Bishop Hutterer shares her plans for a first sabbatical and invites us to continue discerning how to be church in a changing world. Read the full report in this PDF.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Bishop HuttererBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Office of the Bishop, Bishop Hutterer LettersComment
Turning Foam into Faithful Action: An Oklahoma Church Recycles for Creation
Turning Foam into Faithful Action: An Oklahoma Church Recycles for Creation

What happens when a faithful few decide they’ve had enough of throwing away plastic foam? At University Lutheran Church in Norman, Oklahoma, an environmental ministry sparked by Sunday morning trash bags has grown into a unique and impactful recycling operation—complete with a “densifier” machine, student volunteers, and community partnerships. This one-of-a-kind program has now sold over 20,000 pounds of compressed foam logs for reuse, showing what’s possible when a congregation puts their faith into earth-friendly action. Click here to read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2025
Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2025

Rev. Jacqui Pagel shares a powerful year in the life of the Grand Canyon Synod, highlighting key milestones from June 2024–May 2025. Nineteen people are currently in candidacy, we celebrated our first deacon ordination in 14 years, and launched our first cohort of Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs). First Call Accompaniment regional retreats are now underway, and new efforts in faith formation are thriving through youth leadership, vibrant campus ministries, and fresh expressions of ministry.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment
Grand Canyon Synod Leader Helps Shape New Filioque Study Guide
Grand Canyon Synod Leader Helps Shape New Filioque Study Guide

A new study guide on The Common Statement on the Filioque is now available, helping Lutherans reflect on Trinitarian theology and deepen dialogue with Orthodox siblings. Authored by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Linman of Faith Lutheran in Phoenix, the guide marks a major ecumenical milestone on the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. To learn more and access the study guide, click here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFaith Phoenix, Capital Conference, ELCA Worship, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Rachel’s Day: Honoring Our Children, Confronting Violence
Rachel’s Day: Honoring Our Children, Confronting Violence

Rachel’s Day, observed the first Sunday in May, invites congregations to mourn the loss of children to violence and to renew our commitment to hope and action. New resources for Rachel’s Day 2025 are available to help your congregation pray, mourn, and act against the forces of fear and violence in our communities. Join us in lifting up the promise of Jeremiah 31:15–17: there is hope for your future.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardGun ViolenceComment
Hit the Greens, Support the Mission: MVLC’s Golf Fundraiser at Bear Creek
Hit the Greens, Support the Mission: MVLC’s Golf Fundraiser at Bear Creek

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bear Creek Golf Course in Chandler for a 50th Anniversary Golf Fundraiser supporting MVLC’s Mission & Outreach! Registration is $145 per player and includes golf, a banquet, contests, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. View a PDF flyer here. Sign up today at MVLC’s event page!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA
Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Pray Without Ceasing, a weekly prayer initiative launching May 1. Each community is encouraged to host a regular, welcoming prayer gathering and invite two others to do the same. Resources and optional Zoom gatherings will support participants throughout. View a PDF of FAQs here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardComment
Camp Pinerock Awaits: Register Now for Campformation, June 30–July 4)
Camp Pinerock Awaits: Register Now for Campformation, June 30–July 4)

Registration is now open for Campformation 2025, happening June 30–July 4 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, AZ. Youth entering grades 6–10 are invited for a week of mountain hikes, ropes courses, and spiritual growth alongside peers from across the synod. Don’t miss this sacred summer tradition—register today at www.lutherancampformation.com.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Campformation, Camp PinerockComment
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law

Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Tacos, Testimonies, and Togetherness: Mexico Mission Reunion at Mountain View Lutheran
Tacos, Testimonies, and Togetherness: Mexico Mission Reunion at Mountain View Lutheran

Reconnect with fellow missioners at the Mexico Mission Reunion Celebration on Saturday, May 4 at 5:30 PM at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Enjoy a taco bar from Los Taquitos, hear a special message from Pastor Don Liles, and reflect on the impact of our shared work in Mexico. Register now at bit.ly/mvlcmexicomissionreunion. Kids eat free!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Three Mosaic Volunteers Exemplify the Meaning of National Volunteer Appreciation Week
Three Mosaic Volunteers Exemplify the Meaning of National Volunteer Appreciation Week

It’s National Volunteer Week, a week-long celebration that recognizes and thanks volunteers for their contributions that positively impact their communities. Three Mosaic volunteers, Joyce Finnell, Pastor Rachel Thorson Mithelman and Tonya Bagwell, describe their experiences giving back. The post Three Mosaic Volunteers Exemplify the Meaning of National Volunteer Appreciation Week appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
April 2025 Mission Support Memo: Stories Bring Us Together
April 2025 Mission Support Memo: Stories Bring Us Together

ELCA’s April  2025 Mission Support Memo reflects on the Northwest Intermountain Synod Council Retreat at beautiful Lutherhaven Camp. Throughout the time together, council members and synod leaders meditated on our stories and sought to embody the stories that God has entrusted to each of one to hear, empower, and share. Explore the memo to find out ways we can connect with councils, leaders, and congregations. Also, learn about how you and others can join on May 8th in a online session to wonder about "Why People Give: Love Letters to Our Church”. 

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Mission Support Team, Mission SupportComment
May 5 Is MMIW Awareness Day: Honoring and Advocating Together
May 5 Is MMIW Awareness Day: Honoring and Advocating Together

May 5 is National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) Awareness Day—a time to honor the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and relatives who have gone missing or been murdered at alarmingly high rates. In line with the ELCA’s Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People, congregations are invited to wear red, host prayer vigils, include MMIWGR in worship, and build relationships with local Indigenous leaders and musicians. Click here to learn more and access resources from the ELCA.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMMIW, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment