“Do Not Fear”: Bishop Hutterer Reflects on a Year of Change, Hope, and Faithfulness
View reports for our 2026 assembly on our assembly mission and ministry stories page or in this collection of blog posts.
Synod Annual Report 2025-2026 (view as PDF)
Bishop Deborah Hutterer
“Do not fear for I am with you.”
Dear Beloved in Christ,
A theme that surfaces repeatedly in prayer, in conversation, and in the life of our congregations is Scripture’s repeated promise, “Do not be afraid.” In these times of uncertainty and transition, that promise remains our center. God is present, active, and calling us forward.
This past year included a sabbatical for which I am deeply grateful. It was a time to return to prayer, Scripture, rest and reflection. I am thankful for Pastor Mike Girlinghouse, who served as Acting Bishop, and for our synod staff and council leaders who kept the work moving with steadiness and care. Upon returning, conversations with leaders across the synod confirmed what I continue to witness: a deep, abiding commitment to the gospel.
Hosting the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix was one of the year’s most significant moments. The hospitality offered by hundreds of synod volunteers, and the presence of those across the wider church, were a vivid witness to the body of Christ in action—a reminder that what we do locally is always part of something much larger. In addition to the business of the larger church we witnessed the historic election of Presiding Bishop Curry and Secretary Mills. A joyful day for this church.
The growing number of clergy retirements is reshaping how we think about pastoral leadership, but there are real signs of hope. A record number of ordinations this year—SEVEN—including the ordination of deacons and leaders in diverse ministry settings, remind us that God keeps calling people forward. The ministry of Pastor Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church and Pastor Wanda Frenchman are testimonies to faithful, resilient leadership in diverse community contexts. New forms of shared and contextual leadership are emerging, and this is both a challenge and an invitation to listen and watch where the Spirit is leading, so we can respond.
Congregations across the synod are meeting change with creativity and faith. The formation of Peace in the Desert, a merger of a Lutheran and a United Methodist congregation, shows what discernment and trust can produce. In Yuma, Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs) have turned a season of uncertainty into a sustainable, growing model of ministry. The church is being reshaped, and new possibilities are opening.
We must also name hard realities. We grieve the deaths of Roger Bailey and his wife Kristine. Roger served on the Synod Council, Congregation Vitality Team and Global Engagement Team. We continue to pray for the Goslin family and those in our synod and wider church who worked with him.
This year brought instances of crisis and disruption, safety concerns, mental health strain, and community stress reflecting broader pressures across our region. We have encouraged congregations to review safety practices and strengthen support systems. These challenges shape our context but do not define us; they call us to be both welcoming and wise.
In the midst of all these experiences—gatherings, transitions, challenges, and new beginnings—one constant remains: the faithfulness of God’s people. In my travels and visits this year, I have been reminded again and again that the strength of this church is not found in any single program or structure, but in the daily faithfulness of its people. Each congregation, regardless of size or setting, is a unique expression of the body of Christ.
The questions before us are real: How do we raise up the next generation of leaders? What will ministry look like in changing communities? How do we proclaim the gospel in an uncertain world? These have no simple answers, and we trust God is already at work. The stories of this year are not isolated events. They are part of God’s unfolding story among us.
The day-to-day work of this synod depends on reliable people. The Office of the Bishop staff includes Brian Flatgard, Theresa Thornburgh, Pastor Jacqui Pagel, Solveig Muus, Pastor Dan Potaznick, and Pastor David Pavesic, as well as our contract and hourly partners: Pastor John Maroni, Pastor Pat Reed, Deacon Laura Book, Kathye Hamm, and Amy Birchard. Each one brings their gifts in service to our congregations and leaders, for this I am extremely grateful.
Special thanks to Transition Coach Pastor Phil Gustafson. His past 30 months of service concluded April 30. We extend a warm welcome to Pastor Cherlyne Beck, who began her work as Transition Coach on May 1. Synod Council leaders, especially the Executive Committee, Vice President Mark Myers, Secretary Pastor Stephen Springer, Treasurer Erik Rehms, Pastor Lourdes Olson, and Lynn Davis for their steady partnership. The Council is active and dedicated to serve Jesus through the Grand Canyon Synod without pay or much recognition.
Thank you for your faithfulness in communicating Jesus, connecting people, and creating possibilities for the sake of the gospel.
Do not fear for I am with you. —Isaiah 41:10
This promise does not remove uncertainty—but it grounds us in the assurance that we do not face it alone. We are called to be a courageous witness in a challenging world, pointing always to Jesus. As a synod, we press on: proclaiming the gospel, supporting one another, listening for the Spirit, and trusting we are part of God’s story.
With you in Christ,
The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA
