Scores of photos from the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now available, including galleries from worship, business sessions, the Variety Show, candid moments, and Bishop Hutterer’s annual selfie. Most images were provided by Pastor Doug Dill. Browse the galleries and explore the full collection of Assembly wrap-up stories and ministry reports.
Read MoreAs part of our 2026 Synod Assembly wrap-up, explore a growing collection of mission and ministry reports, videos, and stories from across the Grand Canyon Synod and the wider ELCA. From advocacy and generosity to leadership development, global partnerships, and congregational innovation, these reports highlight how God is at work through our shared ministry.
Visit our mission and ministry story page to view the full collection and discover stories of faith, service, and hope from across our synod.
Read MoreThe 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly raised $3,702.84 to support the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), strengthening Lutheran ministry, education, and peacebuilding in the places where the Christian story first took root.
If you forgot to give during assembly, there is still time to participate through the synod’s Assembly Giving page.
Read MoreMore than 300 Lutherans gathered June 12–13 in Mesa for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story.” Worship, elections, discernment, leadership reports, workshops, and service shaped the gathering, including adoption of the 2027–2028 Mission Plan and the reception of Peace in the Desert into the synod.
Participants also celebrated new leaders, packed food for neighbors experiencing hunger, and were sent back to congregations grounded in worship, community, and shared mission.
Read MoreThe 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly was made possible by hundreds of faithful hands. From volunteers, planners, and worship leaders to host congregation members, exhibitors, technical teams, childcare sponsors, and voting members, we offer deep gratitude to all who helped bring this year’s gathering to life.
Read our full thank-you and celebration of the many people whose hospitality, leadership, generosity, and faithful service helped root this year’s assembly in God’s story.
Read MoreMore than 50 images from the 2026 Synod Assembly theme “Rooted in God’s Story” are now available to explore and download. Inspired by sacred desert landscapes and the story of faith unfolding through time, these visuals are available for congregations and ministries to use in worship, communications, and storytelling.
Read MoreMissed part of the 2026 Synod Assembly—or want to revisit it? Thanks to Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, livestream recordings from Friday and Saturday are available to watch online, including worship, reports, Assembly business, and recognitions.
Read MoreAs part of our 2026 Synod Assembly, we created Rooted at the Table—a community recipe book filled with recipes and stories from across the Grand Canyon Synod. Thank you to everyone who contributed; explore the collection and celebrate the memories, culture, and faith shared around our tables. View all recipes here.
Read MoreMexico is one of the Grand Canyon Synod’s global ministry partners, and a growing relationship with the Mexican Lutheran Church is opening new opportunities for shared ministry, learning, and accompaniment. Watch this Synod Assembly video update to hear how a May visit to Mexico City is already shaping future exchanges, friendships, and ministry across borders.
Read MoreIn the ELCA's 2026 Synod Assembly video (with Spanish captions) from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, he shares three stories from across the ELCA, including a story about a feeding program from South Carolina, a journey to the Holy Land for Bishop Imad Haddad's installation at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and a pastor's calling by his congregation in Washington State.
Read MoreAs the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly concludes, Bishop Deborah Hutterer reflects on a gathering rooted in worship, discernment, service, and shared ministry. Read her message of gratitude, hope, and invitation as we continue to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities together.
Read MorePlease note that the Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, June 15, 2026, following Synod Assembly to allow staff time for rest after the gathering. The office will also be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Read MoreVolunteers are needed to help prepare and reset spaces for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Opportunities include a Decorating Team on Wednesday, June 10 (11:00 AM–1:00 PM) and a Tear Down Team on Saturday, June 13 (12:00–1:00 PM). To volunteer, contact Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org.
Read MoreThe 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly offering will support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), a small but resilient Lutheran church serving congregations and schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and beyond. Congregations across the synod are invited to participate by collecting designated gifts before Assembly or contributing through the synod office.
The ELCJHL continues its witness of faith, education, and reconciliation in the region where Christianity began. Through this year’s Assembly offering, our synod will stand in solidarity with our global Lutheran partners, supporting ministries rooted in hope and steadfast faith in the Holy Land.
Read MoreJoin the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly online! Tune in live on June 12, 2026, via the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. This livestreaming opportunity ensures all our members, from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, can partake in our assembly’s key moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay connected and involved in our community’s important decisions and celebrations. Watch here.
Read MoreFor the upcoming Assembly week, the Grand Canyon Synod homepage will transform into a comprehensive digital hub. Just visit gcsynod.org and you’re there! This enhanced homepage will feature quick access links and real-time updates to keep you informed throughout the event. Accessible on any device, our goal is to make your Assembly experience as seamless and engaging as possible. Stay connected with us and check back regularly for the latest news!
Read MoreThe 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly is almost here! Find everything you need to prepare for June 11–13 in Mesa, including schedule highlights, voting information, workshops, livestreaming, the service project, special guest Rev. Tim Brown, and how our homepage will serve as your Assembly information hub throughout the week.
Read MoreThe Rules of Procedure for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are available online. Voting members and attendees are encouraged to review the document ahead of the June 11–13 assembly in Mesa, including important details about resolutions, debate limits, electronic voting, and assembly participation.
The rules outline how the assembly will conduct business while emphasizing respectful Christian community grounded in Galatians 5 and the shared work of discernment, governance, and ministry together.
Read MoreThe timeline and full agenda for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa) are now available. Highlights include opening worship with Bishop Hutterer, keynote leadership from Rev. Tim Brown, workshops, assembly business, and a Friday evening variety show.
Participants are encouraged to review the full schedule in advance and plan for key moments including voting, workshops, and worship. View the complete agenda and begin preparing for our time together as a synod rooted in God’s story.
Read MoreWorkshops for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now set. On Friday, June 12, participants can choose from two sessions featuring topics like AI in ministry, youth voices, congregational safety, conflict resolution, and more—led by presenters from across the synod.
Review the full workshop lineup, including presenters and room locations, and plan your afternoon of learning at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.
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