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Posts tagged Office of the Bishop

Bishop Deborah Hutterer Annual Report: 2025

Bishop Deborah Hutterer Annual Report: 2025

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer’s 2025 Annual Report celebrates a year of Spirit-led ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, including six ordinations, expanded lay leadership initiatives, and deepening global partnerships with companion synods. From over 45 congregation visits to the launch of a new Lay Leadership Program, the report highlights the collaborative strength of our synod. With gratitude for dedicated staff, ministry partners, and faithful communities, Bishop Hutterer shares her plans for a first sabbatical and invites us to continue discerning how to be church in a changing world. Read the full report in this PDF.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardApril 29, 20252024 Assembly Stories, Office of the Bishop, Bishop Hutterer LettersComment

Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2025

Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2025

Rev. Jacqui Pagel shares a powerful year in the life of the Grand Canyon Synod, highlighting key milestones from June 2024–May 2025. Nineteen people are currently in candidacy, we celebrated our first deacon ordination in 14 years, and launched our first cohort of Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs). First Call Accompaniment regional retreats are now underway, and new efforts in faith formation are thriving through youth leadership, vibrant campus ministries, and fresh expressions of ministry.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 29, 20252024 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop travels for special events at congregations around the synod, and maintains daily and weekly operations. We also share photos from the First Call Accompaniment Region 2 Retreat, at Spirit in the Desert.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 24, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Brian Flatgard Annual Report: 2025

Brian Flatgard Annual Report: 2025

Director of Communications Brian Flatgard reflects on a year of connecting, sharing, and strengthening the synod through digital ministry. With over 84,000 website visits, nearly 1,700 newsletter subscribers, and 1,600+ blog posts in 2024, our communications ministry continues to support congregations and amplify the work of the wider church. Read the full report to learn about new initiatives for 2025 and how we’re building up the Body together.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 23, 20252024 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

As Easter people, we live in the promise that life is stronger than death and love is stronger than fear. May this season of resurrection renew our hope and ground our work in the joy of the risen Christ.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 17, 2025Office of the BishopComment

The Office of the Bishop Will Be Closed for Good Friday

The Office of the Bishop Will Be Closed for Good Friday

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday. We invite the whole synod to pause and reflect on the suffering and love of Christ.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 16, 20252024 Lent, Office of the BishopComment

One Body, Many Gifts: Strengthen Our Synod by Sharing Your Updates

One Body, Many Gifts: Strengthen Our Synod by Sharing Your Updates

Your ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 14, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff prepares for our synod assembly and continues preparation for hosting the churchwide assembly. We also share photos from the Synodically Authorized Minister (SAM) retreat.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 10, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Pastor Dan Potaznick Recertified as CFRE: A Commitment to Ethical Generosity

Pastor Dan Potaznick Recertified as CFRE: A Commitment to Ethical Generosity

Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development for the Grand Canyon Synod, has been recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). This globally recognized credential affirms his ongoing commitment to ethical, effective fundraising in service to the church.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 3, 2025Rev. Dan Potaznick, Stewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting, and travels to congregations around the synod.

We also share photos from the Farewell and Godspeed for Pastor Tim Wright, Community of Grace.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 3, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff visits congregations around the synod for farewells to pastors, and prepares for our annual audit.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 27, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff manages ongoing operations and attends the Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa, Mar 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

We share photos from the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 18, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff manages ongoing operations and attends the Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa, Mar 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

We share photos from the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 13, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff travels the synod to visit congregations and leaders, and attends the Installation of Rev. Mari Larson at St. Andrew Lutheran in Las Vegas, Mar 9, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. We also share a photo from our recent in-person staff meeting.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 6, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting and prepares for our synod assembly in June.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardFebruary 27, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Final Deadline: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025

Final Deadline: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025

A big thanks to the 75 rostered ministers who have submitted their rostered minister reports! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.

Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 24, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1

Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1

The Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 24, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff attends to daily operations and attends the Installation of Rev. Charles Newman at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe, Feb 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We also share photos from Shane Claiborne at New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson: Addressing Poverty Through Faith and the Ordination and Installation of Wendi Van Beek at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Tucson.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardFebruary 20, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Connect with Bishop Hutterer: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025

Connect with Bishop Hutterer: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025

Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.

Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1

Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1

The Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2025Office of the BishopComment