“Do Not Fear”: Bishop Hutterer Reflects on a Year of Change, Hope, and Faithfulness

In 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.

Shared Generosity, Shared Mission: Annual Report Highlights Growth and Impact

The 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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 6, 20262026 Assembly Stories, Stewardship, m, Mission SupportComment

Telling the Story We Belong To: A Year in Synod Communications

Communications 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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 5, 20262026 Assembly StoriesComment

A Resource for Every Congregation: ELEA Video + Nurturing Faith Series

ELEA 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.

Rooted and Open: St. Olaf College Report

St. Olaf College continues to prepare students for lives of purpose through faith-centered education and global engagement. With strong outcomes, deep Lutheran identity, and upcoming events like the 2026 Worship Conference, St. Olaf remains a vital partner in forming leaders for church and world. Download the report.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 3, 20262026 Assembly Stories, St. Olaf CollegeComment

From Desert Land to Living Ministry: Living Water Lutheran Church

Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale shares its story through a short video—from the purchase of desert land 25 years ago to opening on Palm Sunday in 2003. Now nearing the completion of their mortgage, the congregation is looking ahead with a vision to “open the doors, do more.” Watch the video to learn more.

A Place of Healing in the Desert: Spirit in the Desert Report

Spirit in the Desert welcomed over 3,700 guests in 2025, offering a place of rest, healing, and spiritual renewal. Serving people from many faith traditions, this ministry creates sacred space where individuals reconnect with God, community, and themselves. Read the report.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 1, 20262026 Assembly StoriesComment

The Multiplication of Good: Mosaic’s Ministry of Inclusion

Mosaic continues to empower individuals with disabilities to live full, independent lives across the Grand Canyon Synod. Through direct support, advocacy, and inclusive worship initiatives, Mosaic’s work multiplies good across families, congregations, and communities. Read their 2026 Assembly report.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 29, 20262026 Assembly Stories, Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub

The Church Property Resource Hub is a new ELCA initiative offering tools, training, and shared wisdom to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully. Designed in response to real needs across the church, CPRH equips leaders to reimagine property as a resource for mission. Learn more about CPRH.

Advocating for Neighbors: LEAN 2025 Highlights

LEAN continues to mobilize Lutherans across Nevada for advocacy rooted in faith and justice. From legislative engagement to grassroots organizing, this ministry invites congregations to live out their faith publicly and boldly in service of their neighbors.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 27, 20262026 Assembly StoriesComment

For the Common Good: Luther College’s Ongoing Mission

Luther College continues to form students for lives of purpose through faith-centered liberal arts education. With a renewed mission focused on the common good, new leadership programs, and global engagement, Luther remains a vital partner in preparing leaders for the church and world.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 26, 20262026 Assembly Stories, Luther College, sem, ELCA SeminariesComment

Generosity into Legacy: ELCA Foundation Report for Synod Assembly

The ELCA Foundation helps individuals and congregations turn generosity into lasting ministry through gift planning, endowments, and faithful stewardship. In 2025 alone, the Foundation helped generate over $205 million in gifts and investment assets while supporting congregations and ministries across the ELCA.

As the 2026 Synod Assembly approaches, explore how this work—guided locally by Lisa Marie Higginbotham—is building a culture of generosity that sustains the church now and into the future.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 19, 20262026 Assembly Stories, ELCA FoundationComment

Bringing Ministry to Life: MIF’s Impact Across the ELCA

The Mission Investment Fund (MIF) continues to support congregations and ministries across the ELCA through loans, investments, and financial partnership. With more than $614 million in loans and over $10 million supporting ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod alone, MIF helps bring ministry visions to life.

Explore the report to see how faithful stewardship and shared investment are strengthening congregations, rebuilding communities, and supporting God’s work across the church.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 18, 20262026 Assembly Stories, ELCA Mission Investment FundComment

Faithful Financial Services: ELCA Federal Credit Union at Work

The ELCA Federal Credit Union provides banking, loans, and financial tools designed specifically for ELCA members and ministries. As a not-for-profit cooperative, it supports faithful stewardship while offering competitive and values-based financial services.

Programs like Resourceful Servants have helped more than 700 rostered leaders build over $1 million in savings, strengthening financial wellness across the church. Explore the report to learn more about how ELCA FCU supports individuals and ministries alike.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 17, 20262026 Assembly Stories, ELCA Federal Credit UnionComment

Nurturing Faith, Strengthening Community: ELEA’s 2026 Report

In the Grand Canyon Synod, where ministry takes many forms across diverse communities, ELEA’s work reminds us that faith formation is a shared calling. Whether through schools, early learning centers, or congregational life, we are all part of nurturing faith in the next generation.

As we gather for Synod Assembly, this report invites us to consider how we can continue to connect, develop, and inspire — rooted in God’s story and sent into the world.

Stronger Together: How Portico Supports the ELCA’s Shared Ministry

Portico Benefit Services shares its annual report highlighting the impact of the ELCA’s shared benefits ministry. Serving more than 52,000 members, Portico provides healthcare, retirement, and financial support that strengthens those called to serve across the church.

Explore the report and video to see how a connected community increases access to care, builds resilience, and supports the well-being of those carrying out God’s mission every day.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 12, 20262026 Assembly Stories, PorticoComment

Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

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.

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