Office of the Bishop Updates
The Office of the Bishop starts the 2026 assembly planning process with our first meeting, prepares for Bishop Hutterer’s brief break in her sabbatical, visits congregations in Mesa and Flagstaff, and works on year-end projects.
On sabbatical—back for one week in December before returning February 1.
Rev. Jacqueline Pagel
Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation
Visit St. John's, Williams
Visit LCM/Canterbury @ NAU
Participate in the Ordination/Installation of Wanda Frenchman @ Grace, Phoenix
Rev. David Pavesic
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM)
Preach and present Congregational Vitality Survey results to Spirit of Grace Lutheran in Surprise.
Presenting on Church Organization Styles and Healthy Communication to Trinity Lutheran in Phoenix.
ELCA LeadNet Training Day and All Churchwide Staff Convocation on Zoom.
Rev. Dan Potaznick
Director of Generosity and Strategic Development
Worshipping with Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa as well as meeting with council leaders
Wrapping up projects before parental leave begins on December 15th
Theresa Thornburgh
Director for Administration and Events
Preparing for upcoming meetings and events
Facilitating GCS grants process
General administrative duties of the Synod office
Brian Flatgard
Director of Communication
Weekly news posts and newsletter (41 this week)
Assembly planning meeting
Finish security page and plan year’s worth of security blog posts
Amy Birchard
Finance Administrator
Begin books review in preparation for the close of November 2025.
