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.

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 29, 20252024 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment

Prayers for Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix

We uplift and pray for Rev. Karl Guhn and the people of Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardApril 29, 2025Trinity Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Prayers for Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Vista

We uplift and pray for Rev. Kurt Fangmeier and the people of Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Vista, part of the Kino Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardApril 29, 2025Sierra Lutheran Sierra Vista, Kino ConferenceComment

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.

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!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 28, 2025Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

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.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardApril 28, 2025Comment

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.

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.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 28, 2025Stewardship, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment

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!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 28, 2025Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

A Double Honor for Peace Lutheran Church: Best Church and Preschool in Peoria

Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria was voted Best Place to Worship in the Best of Peoria 2025 survey—and for the sixth year in a row, Peace Lutheran Preschool was named Best Preschool. These community-voted honors highlight Peace’s deep-rooted ministry in worship and early childhood education.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 25, 2025Peace Peoria, Fiesta ConferenceComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 25, 2025Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Meet Our Synod Assembly Guest: David Scherer of JUSTmove

David Scherer of JUSTmove will join us at the 2025 Synod Assembly to lead daily intercultural development sessions and shape our worship experience. With a creative, embodied, and invitational approach grounded in Lutheran values, Scherer brings years of experience in helping communities grow in cultural humility.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 25, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment

Your Guide to Good Order: 2025 Assembly Rules Released

The Rules of Procedure for the 2025 Synod Assembly, held June 12–13 in Las Vegas, are now available. These rules cover quorum, voting procedures, speaking guidelines, and submission deadlines. Review them in advance to participate fully and faithfully. Read now: gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/rules

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 24, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment

Grace-Centered Ministry: David Zahl on Finding Relief in a Worn-Out World

In the latest Pivot podcast, David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries and author of "The Big Relief," joins Pivot Podcast hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton to discuss grace-centered ministry in an exhausted world.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 24, 2025Pivot Podcast, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop travels for special events at congregations around the synod, and maintains daily and weekly operations. We also share photos from the First Call Accompaniment Region 2 Retreat, at Spirit in the Desert.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 24, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Remembering Pope Francis and Responding to the Heat: AFN’s April Update

Join Arizona Faith Network in honoring Pope Francis’s legacy through faithful action. This week’s newsletter highlights urgent needs for heat relief volunteers, the upcoming May Day March for justice, interfaith events on science and spirituality, and a powerful community moment of tree planting and service. Explore the full calendar and get involved at www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Desert Cross Choir Director Selected for Prestigious Music Ministry Apprenticeship

Carolyn Perkins, Choir Director at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert, AZ, has been selected as a music assistant for the 2025 Hearts, Hands and Voices summer camp in Michigan. Sponsored by Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the SE Michigan Synod, this acclaimed ELCA music ministry program nurtures children’s spiritual and musical growth. Perkins plans to bring what she learns back to enrich Desert Cross and its surrounding community.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 23, 2025Desert Cross Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Remembering the Climate Pope: A Call to Pray and Act

In a moving reflection, Rev. Carol Devine recounts her encounters with Pope Francis—from the White House lawn to Pentecost Mass in Rome—and his profound impact as a global moral leader on creation care. Though not Catholic, Devine highlights how Pope Francis, through the spirit of St. Francis, inspired interfaith climate action and compassion for the Earth and its most vulnerable. We’re invited to honor his legacy through prayer and renewed action to care for our common home. Click here to read the full tribute and call to action.

Faith and Freedom: The Urgent Case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia

In a special episode of the Respecting Religion podcast, faith leaders speak out on the urgent and unfolding case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador. The conversation, featuring Melissa Rogers, highlights profound concerns about due process, justice, and the rule of law—issues that deeply affect all who call this country home. Click here to listen and learn more about this critical moment for people of faith.

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