Building Up the Body: A Spirit-Filled 2025 Synod Assembly
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
Nearly 300 Gather for Spirit-Led 2025 Synod Assembly in Las Vegas
More than 275 registered voting members and visitors gathered June 12–13 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas for the 2025 Synod Assembly of the Grand Canyon Synod. Under the theme Build Up the Body, participants came from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation to worship, vote, learn, and connect.
The assembly opened with Holy Communion, the installation of Pastors David Pavesic and John Maroni, and the formal reception of three congregations into full standing within our synod:
St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church, Williams
St. Raphael in the Valley Episcopal-Lutheran Church, Benson
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe
After hearing from both nominees—Dr. Richard Green and Mr. Mark Myers—the voting members elected Mark Myers to serve as Vice President. Other leaders elected included:
Joy Smiley – Committee on Discipline (Lay)
Annette Chavez – Consultation Committee (Lay)
Rev. Thaddeus Book and Rev. Jill Doherty – Consultation Committee (Rostered
Wendy Weiske, Capital Conference representative
Ron Fraass, Colorado River Conference representative
Bruce Rianda, Kino Conference representative
In her bishop’s address, Bishop Deborah Hutterer named the challenges of pastoral shortages, yet lifted up the creative witness and resilience of our congregations: “This is God’s church,” she reminded us, “and our bones are good.”
The Synod Council Report, presented with Vice President Barbara Carl, emphasized key priorities:
Launching the first cohort of Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAMs)
Supporting Spanish-language ministry through expanded translation and training
Investing in youth and young adult leadership, including record participation in Leadership Lab
Deepening connections with companion churches in Mexico and Senegal
Guest presenter David Scherer of JUSTmove offered three sessions combining music, movement, and storytelling, drawing on intercultural theology and the Gospel’s call to community. He also participated in worship and led Bible study.
Additional highlights included:
A concert hosted by Community Lutheran Church’s music ministry
A, ELCA update from Pastor Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Senior Director for New Ministry Development and Evangelism at the Churchwide Office of the ELCA, and our former DEM
Celebration of newly ordained ministers, milestone anniversaries, and congregational transitions
Adoption of the 2026–2027 Mission Plan, with a focus on leadership development and direct congregational support
Elections were conducted through electronic voting, made possible by the sponsorship of Clergy Financial Resources, and supported on-site by Vicar Kylee Bestenlehner and the Office of the Bishop team.
Photography was provided by Pastor Lars Hammar, who completed his final assembly with us before his new call in Washington. His work documenting synod life since 2016 was warmly honored.
We extend our deepest thanks to the pastors, volunteers, and members of Community Lutheran Church and the Assembly Planning Team, chaired by Kathye Hamm, for their hospitality and service.
Together, we leave this assembly strengthened in mission, united in faith, and committed to Communicate Jesus, Connect People, and Create Possibilities.
