Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop attends an in-person staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert and plans for the upcoming year.

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer

  • Staff Retreat for planning Bishop Sabbatical and 2026, Spirit in the Desert

  • LAMA Retreat for planning 2026

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel
Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation

  • Preach at New Spirit, Tucson

  • In Person Staff retreat @ Spirit in the Desert

  • Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. worship celebration planning meeting.

Rev. David Pavesic
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM)

  • Joining my fellow Synod colleagues at the Synod Staff Retreat.

  • Dreaming and discerning possibilities for collaborative ministry in an underserved area.

  • Working on the team to help develop lay leadership training for congregations.

Rev. Dan Potaznick
Director of Generosity and Strategic Development

  • Attend synod staff retreat

  • Work with congregations as 2026 Mission Planning ramps up

  • Giving thanks to God for New Promise, St. George, UT for their generosity, supporting Crossroads, San Tan Valley with a $10,000 gift from their mission endowment. We are church together!

Theresa Thornburgh
Director for Administration and Events

  • Preparing for upcoming meetings and events

    Facilitating GCS Grants Committee

  • General administrative duties of the Synod Office

Brian Flatgard
Director of Communication

  • Weekly news posts and newsletter

  • Communications plan for next year, including theme, sabbatical plans, scheduling

  • In Person Staff retreat @ Spirit in the Desert

Amy Birchard
Finance Administrator

  • Prepare the books for the close of August. Begin processes for preparation.