Camp ALOMA Annual Report: 2025

In their 2025 Annual Report, Camp ALOMA, your Lutheran camp and retreat center in Prescott, Arizona, invites youth, families, and congregations to participate in its 2025 summer camps, retreats, and annual events. With sessions running from June 1 to July 18 for campers in grades 1–12, and opportunities for staff and volunteers of all ages, Camp ALOMA continues to offer “places and programs pointing to Christ.” Retreat options are available year-round for groups of all sizes, with affordable rates and welcoming facilities.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2025Camp ALOMA, Outdoor Ministry, 2025 Assembly StoriesComment

Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) Annual Report: 2025

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church has released its final report ahead of the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, outlining 13 recommendations for renewing the ELCA’s purpose, structure, and governance. Pastor Carla Christopher and Leon Schwartz have shared a presentation for our synod assembly, highlighting key calls to action on dismantling racism, increasing accountability, empowering lay leadership, and continuing the work through new task forces. View the full report as a PDF or as images in our blog post.

Grand Canyon Synod Coaching Ministry Annual Report: 2025

Coaching is a transformative ministry resource available to rostered and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether you’re navigating a call transition, facing burnout, leading a congregation, or exploring spiritual growth, trained ELCA coaches—including several right here in our synod—are ready to walk with you. In 2024, GCS coaches logged 153 hours across 39 clients, and we’re aiming to double that in 2025.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2025Coaching, Grand Canyon Synod Coaching MinistryComment

Rev. David Pavesic, Director For Evangelical Mission, Annual Report: 2025

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.

Synod Vice President Barbara Carl Annual Report: 2025

Grand Canyon Synod Vice President Barbara Carl shares reflections on her four years of service as she prepares to complete her term on August 31, 2025. In this annual report, she highlights the Synod Council’s ongoing work to support congregational vitality, improve communication across the synod, expand Spanish-language resources, and train the first cohort of Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAMs). With gratitude for the journey and hope for what lies ahead, she offers prayers for the next Vice President and Council.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 9, 20252025 Assembly StoriesComment

Northeast Valley Consortium Annual Report: 2025

We share the video annual report from Northeast Valley Consortium as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

Last Call for Young Artists—Submit by May 9 to Be Featured at Assembly

Youth artwork for the 2025 Synod Assembly is due by Friday, May 9! Children and youth across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to submit drawings, paintings, or digital art inspired by the theme “Build Up the Body.” All submissions will be displayed at the Assembly and featured online, with 25 pieces printed as postcards. Every participant will be entered into a drawing for art supplies. Submit at gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/art.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 8, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment

Installation of Rev. Tina Mills

Rev. Tina Mills will be installed Sunday, 5/18/2025, at 3pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus (612 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, AZ 85208). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside.

The color of the day is white. There will be a reception following, and the service will be live-streamed on the church’s website and social media.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 8, 2025Ordinations and Installations, Our Savior's MesaComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

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.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 8, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Nurturing Young Disciples: A New Course for Children and Youth Ministry

Build confidence and clarity in your children’s and youth ministry teams with a new online course from Faith+Lead. “Leading Faith Formation for Children and Youth” offers practical tools and theological grounding for volunteers, parents, and ministry leaders—just in time for summer planning. Enroll now for lifetime access and community support.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 7, 2025Youth and Young Adult, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Congregations in Transition Team Annual Report: 2025

Between May 2024 and May 2025, fifteen congregations in the Grand Canyon Synod welcomed new rostered leaders, even as many more remain in transition. Our Transition Team—coordinated by Rev. John Maroni and guided by Bishop Deborah Hutterer—continues to use the Transition Coach model to accompany congregations in discerning faithful next steps. With deep gratitude for interim leaders, Synodically Authorized Ministers, and all who support this work, we trust that God continues to raise up leaders for the church today and tomorrow. See the full list of congregations in transition and learn more about the evolving call process in our synod in the PDF report here.

Childcare Offered at Synod Assembly, Thanks to PLTS and CLU

Childcare will be provided at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University. This initiative helps make the assembly more accessible for families and reflects our shared Lutheran commitment to hospitality and inclusion.

Clergy Financial Resources Sponsors Synod Assembly and Offers Free Clergy Housing Guide

Clergy Financial Resources is a proud sponsor of the 2025 Synod Assembly, helping offset the cost of electronic voting. As part of their sponsorship, they’re offering a free download of their 2025 Clergy Housing Guide using coupon code GCS2025. Learn more about their tax, payroll, and bookkeeping services for churches and clergy in this PDF or at clergyfinancial.com.

Assembly 2025 video: Outreach Food Pantry Program at Christ Evangelical in Goodyear

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, AZ shares a video for their Outreach Food Pantry program. The CELC Outreach food pantry has been in existence since 2003 and continues to grow and serve the Goodyear (and surrounding) communities. We are a formal partner agency of St. Mary's Food Bank that provides food to over 65 households weekly.

Gen Z Spiritual Formation: Authentic Campus Ministry Approaches That Work

In the latest Pivot podcast, discover effective approaches to Gen Z spiritual formation in this insightful Pivot Podcast episode featuring Eric Huseth.

No One Should Be Alone: A Ministry of Presence in Nursing Homes

Half of all nursing home residents in the U.S. have no visitors. Pathways in Compassion is a nursing home ministry started by St. John Lutheran Church in Michigan to bring care and connection to those who have been forgotten. Learn how your congregation can get involved or start your own team using their free guide and support.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 6, 2025ElderlyComment

Spirit in the Desert Update: Garden Tribute, ThanksLiving Music Fest, and More

Honoring longtime mentor Jim Hanson, Spirit in the Desert is just $3,000 away from creating a new contemplative garden. Also in the works: the ThanksLiving Music Fest (Nov 28–Dec 1), building upgrades, and community events like book clubs, devotions, and the return of Community of the Wild Goose. Read the full newsletter.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 6, 2025Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Share Your Ministry’s Story by May 9 for Synod Assembly 2025

Share how your ministry is “Building Up the Body” through words, photos, or video. Email submissions to bflatgard@gcsynod.org by May 9, 2025. Select stories will be featured at the Assembly and across synod communications.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 6, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment

Ordination celebrations: May 9-15, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 25 years on May 9.
Rev. Timothy Perlick, Mount of Olives, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on May 13.
Rev. Christine Stoxen, Holy Trinity, Chandler, who celebrates 25 years on May 14.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 6, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

Flourishing Together: Online Bible Study with Rev. Brooke Petersen

Join the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA for an online Bible study event with Gather magazine author Rev. Brooke Petersen on Saturday, May 17 from 9–11am MST/PDT. Learn to lead the Summer 2025 study, “Where Two or More Are Gathered: Flourishing in Relationships.” Open to all—register now at www.GrandCanyonWomen.org. View PDF flyer here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 5, 2025Grand Canyon Women, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

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