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Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Comment

Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod

Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod

God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Comment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 53 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 57 years on June 15.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Office of the Bishop Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

Office of the Bishop Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. We give thanks for liberation and recommit to the ongoing work of racial justice and freedom.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 62 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, Shepherd of the Hills, Flagstaff, who celebrates 28 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 45 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 62 years on June 14.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 14, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Harold Aasland, who celebrates 72 years on June 13.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 13, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Pivot #181: How to Create Community in Church When Culture Works Against It

Pivot #181: How to Create Community in Church When Culture Works Against It

In the latest Pivot podcast, hosts Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm reflect on a full season of conversations.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 12, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on June 12.
Rev. Bernard Carl, who celebrates 49 years on June 12.
Rev. Scott Klimke, American, Sun City, who celebrates 22 years on June 12.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 12, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Books, Hope, and Partnership: New Photos from Martin Luther School in Senegal

Books, Hope, and Partnership: New Photos from Martin Luther School in Senegal

New photos and a heartfelt message from Pastor Latyr Diouf of the Lutheran Church in Senegal show the impact of the Grand Canyon Synod’s partnership with Martin Luther School in Fatick. Thanks to synod support for books and school supplies, the school served 144 students this year, with growth expected next year.

The update highlights how our shared ministry continues to make a difference—equipping students for learning while strengthening relationships with Lutheran siblings across the globe.

Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Lutheran Church of Senegal, Global Engagement TeamComment

Protecting Democracy, Caring for Neighbors: This Week from AFN

Protecting Democracy, Caring for Neighbors: This Week from AFN

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features Election Protection volunteer opportunities, extreme heat advocacy, interfaith dialogue events, meditation gatherings, and summer service opportunities. Explore the full newsletter for upcoming events, trainings, and practical ways to live out faith in public life.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment

From Voting to Hunger Advocacy: What Lutherans Need to Know This Week

From Voting to Hunger Advocacy: What Lutherans Need to Know This Week

This week’s LAMA newsletter includes voter registration reminders ahead of Arizona’s July primary, hunger and immigration advocacy opportunities, poll chaplain training, and new ways Lutherans can engage faithful public witness. Read the full newsletter for upcoming events, action alerts, and resources for advocacy across the synod.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

70 Years of Ministry: Pastor Lester Hoffmann Reflects on a Lifetime of Calling

70 Years of Ministry: Pastor Lester Hoffmann Reflects on a Lifetime of Calling

Pastor Lester Hoffmann will celebrate 70 years of ordained ministry on Saturday, June 13 at 1 p.m. with a special presentation and worship service, “70 Years of Ministry: Called and Sent!”, at the Vi at Silverstone in North Scottsdale. Following reflections on seven decades of ministry and mission, attendees are invited to a reception with light refreshments.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Carl Jensen, who celebrates 54 years on June 11.
Rev. James Slater, who celebrates 48 years on June 11.
Rev. Karl Guhn, Trinity, Phoenix, who celebrates 44 years on June 11.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Growing Faith Together: Supporting Young Families with Creativity and Care

Growing Faith Together: Supporting Young Families with Creativity and Care

Last week’s SYAT Collective gathering with Pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller offered practical, hope-filled ideas for supporting young families in faith. From blessings for expectant parents and meal trains to mentor pairings, family service projects, and devotional resources, participants explored how congregations can help faith take root through presence, creativity, and community. Read more and revisit the Zoom recording.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

It’s a week of reflection, follow-up, and faithful momentum at the Office of the Bishop as staff attend and then wrap up the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, continue preaching, ministry support, and administrative work, and begin preparing for the months ahead. From donor and ministry follow-up to communications planning, financial reporting, and regional gatherings, the synod staff continues walking alongside congregations and leaders across our territory.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Luther Tolo, who celebrates 64 years on June 10.
Rev. Lester Hoffmann, who celebrates 70 years on June 10.
Rev. Ronald Rude, who celebrates 47 years on June 10.
Rev. Thomas Rogers, who celebrates 47 years on June 10.
Rev. John Elverum, who celebrates 64 years on June 10.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2026GCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, ELCA Foundation, 2026 Assembly StoriesComment

In Memoriam: Rev. Richard John Mauthe

In Memoriam: Rev. Richard John Mauthe

The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard John Mauthe, beloved pastor, teacher, and longtime Diakonia instructor, who died May 14 at age 77. Known to many in our synod for teaching Old and New Testament courses, Rev. Mauthe faithfully formed leaders and shared a lifelong love of scripture and Lutheran theology.

A memorial service will be held June 14 at 11 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, with a second service July 11 in Pennsylvania.

In Memoriam, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2026Diakonia Comments

Faith, Fellowship, and Food: Join June 14 Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives

Faith, Fellowship, and Food: Join June 14 Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives

Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church on June 14 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman, Diana Lee, and Steven Powell. As the congregation serves nearly 300 families weekly through its food closet, this “Music for Food” ministry continues to respond to growing hunger across Arizona.

Come for worship, live jazz, and fellowship—and support neighbors in need through this ongoing ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2026Capital Conference, Hunger, Mount of Olives PhoenixComment

Supporting Leaders by Supporting Rest: Rev. Jacqui Pagel’s Sabbatical Begins June 14

Supporting Leaders by Supporting Rest: Rev. Jacqui Pagel’s Sabbatical Begins June 14

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation, will take a sabbatical from June 14–September 14, 2026, for a season of travel, family time, and renewal. The Office of the Bishop has plans, designated staff, and clear processes in place to ensure candidacy, leadership development, and faith formation ministries continue smoothly during her absence.

As a synod, we give thanks for the gift of sabbath and for leaders who return refreshed for ministry. We look forward to welcoming Pastor Jacqui back this fall, renewed and ready to continue building up leaders for the church.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2026 Comment