One Spirit, Many Leaders: Preparing for a Year of Renewal and Momentum

As we prepare for 2026, the Grand Canyon Synod is moving forward with clarity, stability, and hope. During our recent Office of the Bishop staff retreat, we spent significant time planning not only for the year ahead, but also for the upcoming sabbatical season for Bishop Deborah Hutterer. Together, we focused on how to pace ourselves well, ensuring that our synod remains rested, resilient, and ready for the future.

This fall, Bishop Hutterer will begin her first sabbatical—a season of renewal in prayer, Scripture, and storytelling. During this time, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse, former bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and current Chaplain at LCM Canterbury in Flagstaff, will serve as Acting Bishop. Pastor Mike will meet weekly with Office of the Bishop staff to ensure our shared work continues without interruption.

At the same time, our newly elected synod council is beginning its term, providing fresh leadership and perspective. Their work, combined with our annual theme—Rooted in Story—grounds us in God’s ongoing work among us and prepares us to live faithfully into 2026.

The sabbatical season provides a natural pause between the Bishop’s Fall Gathering and the planning of our Spring Gatherings and Synod Assembly. With strong leaders, stable systems, and shared vision, we are well prepared to continue walking forward together, rooted in God’s story and open to what the Spirit is unfolding in our life as church.