Office of the Bishop Updates

It’s a week of reflection, follow-up, and faithful momentum at the Office of the Bishop as staff attend and then wrap up the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, continue preaching, ministry support, and administrative work, and begin preparing for the months ahead. From donor and ministry follow-up to communications planning, financial reporting, and regional gatherings, the synod staff continues walking alongside congregations and leaders across our territory.

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer

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

Rev. David Pavesic
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM)

  • Meeting with the Latine Cohort after Synod Assembly.

  • Preaching at Pr. Richard Mauthe's funeral on Sunday.

  • Meeting with DEMs and some coaches to discuss possible collaborative opportunities.

Rev. Dan Potaznick
Director of Generosity and Strategic Development

  •  Follow-up from all the connections I made at Synod Assembly

  • Update donor database with new contacts, notes, and giving interests from Assembly 

  • Send personalized thank-you notes to assembly attendees and key supporters 

Theresa Thornburgh
Director for Administration and Events

  • Preparing for upcoming meetings and events

  • Providing information and support to Grand Canyon Synod stakeholders

  • Performing administrative duties of the Synod Office

Brian Flatgard
Director of Communication

  • Weekly news posts and newsletter

  • 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 11, 2026 – June 13, 2026

  • Create and pre-schedule blog posts and newsletters for July and mid-August

Amy Birchard
Finance Administrator

  • Prepare and send Pledge vs. Actual - Mission Support to team for May

  • Create and prepare Mission Partner Payables.

  • Continue working on month end closing procedures for May 2026.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment