Our 2025 Synod Assembly was made possible by the faithful service of volunteers, leaders, and congregations across our synod. From hospitality and worship to technology and planning, every contribution helped shape a Spirit-filled gathering centered on connection, discernment, and shared mission. We extend deep thanks to all who served—named and unnamed—and celebrate the many ministries and partners who made our time together possible.
Read MoreNearly 300 gathered in Las Vegas for the 2025 Synod Assembly, celebrating new congregations, electing leaders including Vice President Mark Myers, and hearing inspiring messages from Bishop Hutterer and David Scherer. Read more for key decisions, ministry updates, and highlights from this year’s theme: Build Up the Body.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels for work and vacation while wrapping up the final details from our 2025 Synod Assembly. Thanks to all of you who made our gathering such a joyful success.
Read MoreIn honor of Juneteenth, the Office of the Bishop is closed today, June 19, 2025. We mark this federal holiday with reverence, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. and recommitting ourselves to racial justice. Join us in a prayer for liberation and healing.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 59 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 65 years on June 19.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 37 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 36 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 47 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 57 years on June 18.
Join Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club for a two-part discussion of How We Learn to Be Brave by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Thursdays, June 12 and 26 at 12:00 PM AZ time. Explore faithful courage in life’s turning points through a book that blends Scripture, story, and personal reflection. Registration now open.
Read MoreOver 80 youth from across the synod will attend Lutheran Campformation at Pinerock from June 30–July 4, exploring faith through worship, study, and fellowship. This year features a new focus on Creation theology. You can support this ministry by sponsoring meals, camper days, scholarships, or giving to the Gerald Manlove Memorial Camp Fund.
Read MoreJoin a free, one-hour webinar on June 25, Prepare to Quit: Equipping Others for Readiness to Change, hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Author and coach Rose Ann Forte offers a biblically grounded, neuroscience-informed approach to support those exploring recovery from alcohol and substance use. This resource is ideal for ministry leaders, lay leaders, and anyone walking with others through the preparation stage of change. Register now to gain tools that empower without shame.
Read MoreYouth from the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Leadership Lab 2025, a weeklong Lutheran leadership experience for grades 8 through age 24, held June 23-28 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Rooted in faith and friendship, Leadership Lab helps young people grow as disciples and leaders. Register now at leadershiplab.net.
Read MoreReady for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 46 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 69 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 52 years on June 17.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. James Vadis, who celebrates 57 years on June 16.
Rev. Corrine Chilstrom, who celebrates 40 years on June 16.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 52 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 56 years on June 15.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 61 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, who celebrates 27 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 44 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 61 years on June 14.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Harold Aasland, who celebrates 71 years on June 13.
Read MoreJoin BJC, Bread for the World, and NETWORK for a live webinar on Monday, June 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET to learn how the “Big Beautiful Bill” could harm education, health care, and food assistance—and how you can take faithful action. This 45-minute event includes expert speakers, Q&A, and practical steps for advocacy. Register now to receive your Zoom link.
Read MoreA full week of interfaith learning and service lies ahead, with online and in-person opportunities from Arizona Faith Network. Highlights include a Bolivian youth-led climate presentation, an Islamic perspective on science and faith, election protection volunteer training, heat relief packing events, and more. Read the full AFN newsletter and RSVP for events at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreWorld-class organists will perform across the Phoenix area June 16–19 in a series of free recitals presented by the American Guild of Organists. Several Lutheran churches are among the venues. No tickets required; freewill offerings encouraged. Full schedule at phxago2025.org. View PDF here.
Read MoreCelebrate the 2025 Diakonia graduates (view grads in this PDF) with us on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM MST at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson, or online via YouTube. This joyful service and luncheon, featuring a message from Bishop Hutterer, honors those completing one or two years of faith formation through the Diakonia program. RSVP by June 15 to tinag963@yahoo.com or watch the livestream.
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