In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.
Read MoreThe ELCA has released a playlist of short videos for synods and congregations to use during synod assemblies and beyond. Explore stories of ministry, justice, disaster response, Navajo mission, youth ministry, Mission Support, and more—and see how God is at work through our wider church. View the playlist here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Congregations in Transition Team reports both challenge and hope as congregations across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation continue discerning new leadership. Even amid a shortage of rostered ministers, the synod celebrates newly called leaders, active call processes, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in congregations moving boldly into the future. Read the report here.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest shares Ramon Miranda’s story, who feels LSS-SW is part of his family as they provide home care for him and his wife. Watch the story here.
Read MoreLutheran Campus Ministry at University of Arizona shares their 2026 Annual Report as an online slideshow. Click here to view the slideshow and be sure to click the slides to move forward.
Read MoreChrist Lutheran Church in Sedona shares a video about their Day Camp as part of their annual report for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Watch here.
Read MoreFrom Lutheran Lobby Day in Carson City to advocacy on housing, climate, and care for vulnerable communities, LEAN’s 2025 annual report highlights how Lutherans and partners across Nevada are putting faith into action for the sake of their neighbors.
Read MoreIn his annual report, Rev. David Pavesic reflects on a year and a half of ministry as Director for Evangelical Mission, highlighting congregational collaboration, vitality efforts, new ministry developments, and opportunities to be “church together” across our large and diverse synod.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary shares their video 2026 Annual Report. Watch here.
Read MoreFrom candidacy and first-call accompaniment to youth leadership, campus ministry, and Synodical Authorized Ministry, Rev. Jacqui Pagel’s annual report highlights a year of equipping leaders and strengthening ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod. Five new pastors were ordained, youth initiatives expanded, and congregations continued to be supported in faithful leadership development.
Read MoreIn a year marked by uncertainty and growing need, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) continued equipping Lutherans across Arizona for faithful public witness rooted in justice, mercy, and neighbor love. From hunger advocacy and health care access to civic engagement, immigration, public schools, and Lutheran Day at the Legislature, LAMA partnered with congregations and advocates throughout the Grand Canyon Synod to bring faith into the public square in meaningful ways.
Read highlights from LAMA’s 2025–26 ministry year, including updates on the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network, congregational advocacy, legislative engagement, and new opportunities for faithful action. Read the full ministry report.
Read MoreIn his first year as Vice President of the Grand Canyon Synod, synod leadership focused on four priorities: congregational vitality, Reconciling in Christ discernment, storytelling, and increasing youth participation in synod life. The report reflects on progress made, partnerships strengthened, and the shared ministry shaping the future of the synod while honoring leaders whose faithful service is deeply missed.
Read MoreFor nearly a decade in the Grand Canyon Synod, the Growing in Faith: Diakonia Program has equipped lay leaders through theological education, spiritual formation, and vocational discernment. With registration now open for the 2026–2027 course year, upcoming retreats, graduate celebrations, and expanded opportunities for Synodically Authorized Ministers, the ministry continues to nurture disciples for service in Christ’s church.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team continues to strengthen relationships across borders through companion synod partnerships in Senegal and Mexico, support for the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, and global ministries rooted in accompaniment. From funding school supplies and water access to walking alongside migrant ministries and young adults in service, discover how our synod participates in God’s work around the world. View this report as a PDF.
Read MoreSince selling its church property in 2021, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church has embraced creative new ways of sharing the gospel. Through Mobile Ministry, Mission Coffee & Tea, and the newly launched Southeast Valley Children’s Choir, the congregation is building relationships, serving neighbors, and creating welcoming spaces rooted in hospitality, connection, and Christ’s love. View this report as a PDF or in our blog post.
Read MoreWhen a longtime rummage sale ended during the pandemic, members of Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson reimagined what ministry could look like. Today, Household Blessings collects and redistributes donated household goods, clothing, linens, furniture, and children’s items to 56 local agencies serving veterans, refugees, families in crisis, unhoused neighbors, and more. Discover how one congregation is turning everyday essentials into tangible expressions of Christ’s love.
Read MoreIn her 2025–2026 Annual Report, Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer reflects on a year marked by transition, resilience, grief, creativity, and hope across the Grand Canyon Synod. Grounded in Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear for I am with you” — the report highlights the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, a record number of ordinations, emerging models of ministry, and the faithful work of congregations navigating change with courage and trust in God’s leading.
The report also names difficult realities facing the church and wider community, while celebrating the dedication of synod staff, council leaders, rostered ministers, and lay leaders throughout Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. Bishop Hutterer invites the synod to continue proclaiming the gospel, supporting one another, and trusting that we are part of God’s unfolding story together.
Read MoreThe FY2025–2026 Annual Report from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, highlights a year of storytelling, stewardship, donor engagement, and mission support across the Grand Canyon Synod. From celebrating seven ordinations and launching the synod’s first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign to granting $363,100 through the Mission & Ministry Fund, the report reflects how shared generosity continues to strengthen ministries across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.
The report also highlights new storytelling initiatives, congregation visits, leadership coaching, and expanded tools for mission support engagement, all rooted in the synod’s shared calling to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities.
Read MoreCommunications in the Grand Canyon Synod is about more than sharing information—it’s about telling the story of God’s work among us. In this year’s report, Brian Flatgard reflects on how a steady rhythm of communication builds connection, trust, and clarity across the synod, and how those systems support the church in both everyday ministry and critical moments.
Read MoreELEA invites congregations and synods to share a short, two-minute video introducing its work across the ELCA. The video highlights the Nurturing Faith Study Series—a resource designed for all congregations—and offers a simple way to connect with tools and support for faith formation. Watch and share to learn more.
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