Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Now Hiring: Director for 5-Star Preschool at Esperanza Lutheran

Children of Hope Preschool, a ministry of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee, is hiring a full-time Preschool Director. This 5-star Quality First program seeks a leader with experience in early childhood education and a passion for Christian formation. Salary starts at $42,000. Learn more in this PDF and apply by sending a resume and cover letter to esperanza@myesperanza.org.

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Big Month for Lutheran Men in Mission: Ordination, Bold Gathering, and What’s Next

From ordinations to online gatherings, Lutheran Men in Mission is on the move this spring. Celebrate Kevin Burke’s ordination, preview their refreshed website, catch up on the Bold Gathering, and discover ways to get involved—from retreats and Bible studies to sharing your own story in their quarterly Foundations newsletter. Read the full newsletter »

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Step Boldly Into Leadership: School for Lay Ministry Launches May 17

The 2025 School for Lay Ministry launches May 17! This 12-month program equips lay leaders with theological grounding, spiritual depth, and practical skills—from preaching and pastoral care to worship planning and administration. Download the info sheet and learn how to enroll or seek support from your congregation. Tuition is $600 with scholarships available. Learn more at faithlead.org/school-for-lay.

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From “I” to “We”: A New Vision for Church Leadership and Community

How can we lead the church when old models no longer fit? Join Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Rev. Blair Pogue on June 2 for a free Faith+Lead webinar exploring how congregations can blend tradition and innovation in partnership with their neighbors. Learn practical ways to reimagine leadership, find encouragement, and embrace the mixed ecology of church today. Replay available for all registrants.

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Churchwide Assembly 2025: Congregation Observers Invited to Participate

Each ELCA congregation is invited to register one observer for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Observers receive access to all assembly materials and reserved seating but do not vote. Registration is $125 and closes May 31. Learn more about lodging, travel, and how to be part of this unique gathering of our wider church.

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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.

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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!

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Ordination celebrations: May 16-22, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Jonathan Heilner, who celebrates 50 years on May 18.

  • Rev. Greg Hartman, New Spirit, Tucson, who celebrates 6 years on May 18.

  • Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 24 years on May 19.

  • Rev. Richard Glover, who celebrates 66 years on May 20.

  • Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 62 years on May 20.

  • Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 58 years on May 21.

  • Deacon Laura Book, Williams Field High School, Gilbert, who celebrates 15 years on May 21.

  • Rev. Carl Zimmermann, who celebrates 48 years on May 22.

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Practicing Resurrection with the Endangered: A Holy Vigil in the Easter Season

As we approach Endangered Species Day on May 19, Avery Davis Lamb reflects on the deep spiritual resonance of sitting with Michaux’s sumac, a small endangered shrub. This act of presence becomes a holy vigil, inviting us to recognize the wounds of creation—and to wonder whether resurrection extends not just to humanity, but to all living things. In the Easter season, could practicing resurrection mean bearing witness to extinction with reverence, grief, and hope? Click here to read the full reflection on practicing resurrection in the presence of an endangered species.

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Standing Up to Christian Nationalism: Stories of Local Action and National Impact

This month’s Faith and Freedom Dispatch highlights local efforts to counter Christian nationalism, BJC’s legal advocacy at the Supreme Court, and practical tools for public engagement from the Respecting Religion podcast. See how people of faith are changing the narrative and learn how you can get involved. Read more.

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Building Safer Congregations: Creating Your Own Safe Church Policy

Every congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod is encouraged to create written Safe Church guidelines to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults. This blog post outlines who should be on your policy-writing team, what legal and insurance steps to follow, and includes dozens of helpful links, resources, and sample policies from across the ELCA

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Register by 5/19/2025 for Synod Assembly 2025 in Las Vegas

Registration continues for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 12–13 in Las Vegas. Voting members, visitors, and exhibitors can register now on our website by May 19. New voting member guidelines are in place, and each congregation can register one youth or young adult for free using code YOUTH2025. Join us as we “Build up the Body” together!

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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.

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In Memoriam: Deacon Ardie Senft

We pray for the friends and family of Deacon Ardie Senft passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 79. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Ardie served faithfully for over 30 years as a diaconal minister in the ELCA, embodying Christ’s call to serve others through teaching, pastoral care, and community leadership. Memorials may be directed to Arizona Faith Network and Feed My Starving Children.

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