Across Synod Lines: Theresa Thornburgh and Amy Birchard Support Rocky Mountain Synod

Two members of the Grand Canyon Synod staff are extending their gifts beyond our synod as part of a new partnership with the Rocky Mountain Synod. Theresa Thornburgh, Director for Administration and Events, and Amy Birchard, Finance Administrator, are providing interim finance support to the Rocky Mountain Synod during a season of staff transition.

Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni announced the partnership as part of several interim staffing arrangements designed to provide continuity while the synod discerns its future administrative and financial staffing needs.

“We are especially grateful for a new partnership with our siblings in the Grand Canyon Synod,” Bishop Aelabouni wrote in announcing the transition. “Theresa and Amy already work closely together in the Grand Canyon Synod, and we are grateful to welcome them into this shared ministry with us.”

Theresa has served the Grand Canyon Synod as Director for Administration and Events since 2019. Her background includes nonprofit administration, education and retail management, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in secondary education from Arizona State University.

Amy serves as the Grand Canyon Synod’s Finance Administrator and brings extensive financial experience to the partnership. She holds an MBA with an emphasis in accounting and previously worked as an analyst with Apple’s Worldwide Financial Planning & Analysis team.

Theresa and Amy join Deacon Gail Britt, who is serving the Rocky Mountain Synod as Interim Office Administrator. Former Rocky Mountain Synod staff members Jon Johnson and Yvonne Wilken will also continue some contracted work to provide continuity during the transition.

This partnership is a tangible expression of our life together as the church. Synods may serve distinct geographic areas, but our ministry is shared. When gifts, experience and resources can cross those boundaries to strengthen the work of our siblings in Christ, the whole church benefits.

We give thanks for Theresa and Amy, for their willingness to serve, and for the partnership between the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain synods. We join our Rocky Mountain Synod siblings in praying for God’s guidance as they move through this season of transition and discernment.