Bishop Hutterer: Rooted in God’s Story, Gathered by the Spirit
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Photo by Serge Taeymans on Unsplash
As we move toward Synod Assembly, we do so in a season of the church year that reminds us who we are.
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gathered people from many places, many languages, and many walks of life—and formed them into the church. What began as a moment became a movement: a people rooted in God’s story and sent into the world.
That same Spirit continues to gather us today.
In many ways, our Synod Assembly is a small but real expression of Pentecost. We come together from across Arizona, southern Nevada and Utah, and the Navajo Nation—not simply to conduct business, but to listen, to discern, to worship, and to be shaped together for the sake of the gospel.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” invites us to remember that we are not starting something new. We are stepping into something ongoing. We are part of a story that began long before us and will continue long after us—and yet, this moment matters. Our life together, our decisions, and our shared ministry are all part of how that story unfolds now.
At this year’s assembly, we will also look ahead as we present and reflect on the Proposed Mission Plan for 2027–2028. I encourage you to take part in these conversations as you are able. These are not simply planning documents—they are expressions of how we believe the Spirit is calling us forward together.
Most importantly, assembly is a time to be together. To worship. To reconnect. To meet new people.
To share stories of what God is doing in your congregation and community.
In a time when much in our world can feel fragmented or uncertain, there is real strength in gathering as the church—rooted, grounded, and open to the Spirit’s leading.
I invite you to come with a spirit of curiosity, generosity, and joy. Come ready to listen, to participate, and to be part of what God is doing among us.
I look forward to being with you.
With you in Christ,
The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA
