Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan

As we enter a new year of ministry, the Grand Canyon Synod invites all congregations to ground their shared mission in our 2026 theme: Rooted in God’s Story. Just as trees with deep roots draw strength from what cannot be seen, our mission grows from the faithful generosity of communities across our synod. Your congregation’s Mission Support enables ministries far beyond what any single congregation could do on its own—forming leaders, strengthening partnerships, accompanying vulnerable ministries, advocating for justice, and supporting global and local neighbors in need.

Mission Support Intent Form Due March 1, 2026

All congregations are asked to complete and return their 2026–2027 Mission Support Statement of Intent by March 1, 2026 to office@gcsynod.org.

The Synod Council encourages congregations to consider a 10% share of regular offerings as Mission Support.

You may download and review the materials below:

These documents explain how Mission Support dollars are stewarded across the synod and the ELCA. As the infographic on page 2 of the Mission Support Letter shows, for every $1 your congregation shares, 25 cents supports local ministries and partnerships, 25 cents strengthens synod leadership and congregational support through the Office of the Bishop, and 50 cents fuels ELCA ministries nationwide and globally—including disaster response, hunger ministries, Young Adults in Global Mission, and more.

Share Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video

We invite congregations to download and share Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer’s Thank You Video, available here.

You may use the video freely in worship, council meetings, newsletters, or social media to help celebrate our shared ministry.

Rooted in Abundance, Partnership, and Hope

Mission Support is more than a financial practice—it is a theological statement. It proclaims that we are rooted in God’s abundance rather than scarcity, partnership rather than isolation, and hope rather than fear. As church together, we invest in ministries that form leaders, accompany congregations in transition, strengthen justice advocacy, nurture youth and young adults, and connect us to global companions.

Your congregation’s Statement of Intent makes responsible planning possible and ensures that our synod can continue investing faithfully in mission for the sake of the Gospel.

Next Steps

  • Download Bishop Hutterer’s video

  • Review the Mission Support Letter (download/view as PDF)   

  • Complete the Statement of Intent Form (download/view as fillable PDF) and consider a 10% Mission Support commitment

  • Return the form by March 1, 2026 to office@gcsynod.org

  • Questions? Call the synod office at 602-957-3223

Thank you for your faithful partnership, generosity, and leadership across the Grand Canyon Synod.

Together, we are rooted in God’s story—a story of grace, hope, and abundant life that continues to grow through congregations like yours.

Rooted together in Christ,

Rev. Dan Potaznick, CFRE
Director of Generosity & Strategic Development

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment