Children ages 9–12 offer creative and thoughtful reflections on Jesus, church, and community in this third installment of our synod-wide Jesus, Church, and Me art project. Their work will be shared at Synod Assembly and as commemorative postcards.
Read MoreExplore how children ages 6 to 8 across the Grand Canyon Synod depict Jesus, church, and community in bold, faith-filled art. Part of our Jesus, Church, and Me series leading up to the 2025 Synod Assembly. View the full gallery and be inspired.
Read MoreFor our 2025 assembly, we are reposting a great symposium on Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order by David Swartling. View the PDF handout here, and the presentation is available for viewing here with passcode: TQgC5E!7
Special thanks to our amazing guest, David Swartling, for providing this valuable information.
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 MoreRegistration is closed, and the 2025 Synod Assembly is almost here! Join us June 12–13 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. This blog post includes everything pre-registered attendees need to know—check-in times, electronic voting details, childcare, what to bring, and links to the agenda, Mission Plan presentations, worship offering, and more. Review maps, prep for tech support, and preview highlights like our Thursday service project, fellowship time, and evening concert. Visit gcsynod.org/2025/assembly for updates.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luther Tolo, who celebrates 63 years on June 10.
Rev. Lester Hoffmann, who celebrates 69 years on June 10.
Rev. Ronald Rude, who celebrates 46 years on June 10.
Rev. Thomas Rogers, who celebrates 46 years on June 10.
Rev. John Elverum, who celebrates 63 years on June 10.
Join us at Synod Assembly 2025 in a special service project to assemble 200 hygiene kits for individuals in need! We’ve set up an Amazon Gift List where you can purchase needed items, which will be shipped directly to our host church, Community Lutheran. Help us reach our goal—donate by June 1, 2025, and join us on June 12 during check-in to pack the kits. Let’s build up the body of Christ together! Shop the Gift List here.
Read MoreThose who aren’t registered voters or visitors can join us online for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, livestreamed from Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, June 12–13. With the theme “Build Up the Body,” this year’s gathering invites the whole synod to connect in worship, discernment, and celebration. View the full schedule and livestream link at communitylv.org/media/live.
Read MoreThe Proposed Mission Plan for 2026–2027 is now available for review ahead of the 2025 Synod Assembly. Watch the recorded webinars, download the presentation slides, and read the full plan to prepare for conversation and discernment as we chart our shared path forward across the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, June 16 for post-Assembly rest and recovery. After a Spirit-filled weekend in Las Vegas, we pause to reflect and renew before returning to ministry. We’ll reopen on Tuesday, June 17.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Andy Root shows us how to evangelize through what he calls "a theology of consolation" - being present with people in their sadness and brokenness, because that's where Jesus shows up.
Read MoreThe Malagasy Lutheran Church is preparing for a historic vote on women’s ordination in 2028, beginning synod-wide conversations and Bible studies. In her June update, ELCA missionary Pastor Kristin Engstrom shares how the church is responding to hurricanes, promoting gender justice, and putting faith into action. Read her full newsletter and join in prayer for this season of discernment.
Read MoreJoin Luther Seminary’s 2025 Aus Memorial Lecture on June 17 with Bishop Will Willimon as he explores what it means to share Jesus meaningfully in today’s world. Offered both in-person and online, this free event equips pastors and leaders to engage culture with authentic Christian witness. Register now to attend live or receive the recording: faithlead.org/2025-aus-evangelism-salon.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Don Lorfing, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 29 years on June 9.
Rev. John Serkland, who celebrates 62 years on June 9.
Rev. Philip Gustafson, who celebrates 46 years on June 9.
Rev. John Hackler, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 40 years on June 9.
Rev. Lisa Hackler, American, Sun City, who celebrates 40 years on June 9.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Donald Liles, who celebrates 39 years on June 8.
Rev. Bennett Henrikson, who celebrates 56 years on June 8.
Rev. Melinda Gapen, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 11 years on June 8.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Adam Barnhart, Shepherd of the Hills, Flagstaff, who celebrates 16 years on June 7.
Rev. Stoney Bowen-Weiszmann, Banner Del E Webb Medical Center, Sun City West, who celebrates 17 years on June 7.
Rev. Tim Eighmy, Community, Bullhead City, who celebrates 33 years on June 7.
Rev. John Lundering, who celebrates 66 years on June 7.
Rev. David Miller, who celebrates 55 years on June 7.
Rev. Donald Legacie, who celebrates 38 years on June 7.
Rev. Ronald Hedwall, who celebrates 61 years on June 7.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Arlyn Saathoff, who celebrates 60 years on June 6.
Rev. Vern Barlow, who celebrates 60 years on June 6.
Rev. Daniel Carlson, who celebrates 43 years on June 6.
We pray for the family and friends of Reverend Dr. Nicholas K. Mays, beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, who passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30th, at the age of 84, in Toledo, OH.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. The service will be held at Faith United Lutheran Church, 4543 Douglas Road, Toledo, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Faith United Lutheran Church or Bittersweet Farms, 12660 Archbold Whitehouse Road, Whitehouse, OH 43571.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church in Kingman shares their 2025 synod assembly report through the story of their weekly community lunch, supported by the Manna Grant. With help from Ascension Lutheran Church, Grace now serves a weekly meal and offers fresh produce to anyone in need—an act of hospitality and faith that continues to nourish their wider community.
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