The Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly and celebrates the Installation of Rev. Tina Mills at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus, May 18, 2025, 3:00 PM.
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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!
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Rev. David Pavesic shares reflections from his first year as Director for Evangelical Mission in the Grand Canyon Synod. From site visits and preaching engagements to supporting new ministry efforts like “Fresh Expressions” and joining the “Pray Without Ceasing” initiative, his journey has been one of deep learning and faithful connection. Read his full update on how congregations across our synod are building community, exploring collaborative ministry, and taking the gospel beyond church walls.
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The Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly and attends meetings with various ministries of our synod. We also share photos from the Ordination of Deacon Emma Janzen and Bishop Hutterer’s visit to St. Raphael in the Valley in Benson.
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The Office of the Bishop gathers for the Ordination of Deacon Emma Janzen at Prince of Peace in Peoria, May 3, 2025, 11:00 AM, and preaches at and celebrates with churches around the synod.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Office of the Bishop Staff visits congregations around the synod for farewells to pastors, and prepares for our annual audit.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting and prepares for our synod assembly in June.
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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.
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