Posts in News
Ordination celebrations: 5/20-5/26/2022

This week we celebrate the following ordination anniversaries:

  • Rev. Richard Glover, who celebrates 63 years on May 20.

  • Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 59 years on May 20.

  • Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 55 years on May 21.

  • Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 21 years on May 21.

  • Deacon Laura Book, who celebrates 12 years on May 21.

  • Rev. Daniel Olson, who celebrates 59 years on May 22.

  • Rev. Raymond Stiffler, who celebrates 62 years on May 22.

  • Rev. Carl Zimmermann, who celebrates 45 years on May 22.

  • Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 67 years on May 23.

  • Rev. Keith Lingwall, Abounding Grace, Tucson, who celebrates 55 years on May 23.

  • Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 59 years on May 24.

  • Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 53 years on May 25.

  • Rev. David Swanson, ,who celebrates 58 years on May 26.

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North/West Lower Michigan Synod Task Force for Disability Ministry

Pastor Clay Bates, chair of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod Task Force for Disability Ministry, shares how his vision of a synodical task force to promote ministry with people with disabilities began with the conviction that people with disabilities belong in worship and the life of a congregation as full participants, and every person with a disability has a right to access the sacraments, Christian learning, and spiritual guidance.

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William Gohl reelected bishop of ELCA Delaware-Maryland Synod

The Rev. William J. Gohl Jr., Baltimore, was reelected May 12 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Delaware-Maryland Synod.

Gohl has served as bishop of the Delaware-Maryland Synod since 2016. Prior to becoming bishop, he served as pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church of Baltimore from 2007 to 2016, as evangelism coordinator for the synod from 2004 to 2010, and as pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Glen Burnie, Md., from 2000 to 2007.

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2023-2024 mission spending plan presentations

All members of the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to participate in a Q-&-A Zoom presentation of the 2023-2024 Mission Spending Plan, hosted by Erik Rehms, the Synod Treasurer. Each session is the same, with two dates to choose from.

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Be a part of something bigger through Thrivent

At Thrivent you are a part of something bigger. Through their generosity programs you help support the congregations, communities and causes you care about. So far this year, through the Thrivent Choice® program, Grand Canyon Synod ELCA has received $437.

Considering the Grand Canyon Synod for your Thrivent Choice Dollars? Visit the GCS page to give through Thrivent Choice.

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War in Ukraine: Regional Conflict, Global Hunger

Millions of people are suffering the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine. As devastation sweeps the region and millions are forced to flee their homes, we are beginning to see the long-term consequences the war will have for food security in Ukraine and around the globe.

In this video, the Rev. Daniel Rift talks with Rev. Rachel Eskesen and Dr. Ryan Cummingabout conflict, hunger and the ELCA’s response in Eastern Europe.

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Best Skills, Best Churches Program open to 20 synod leaders

Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain Synods announce a Lutheran cohort for ASU Lodestar Center’s Best Skills Best Churches certificate program starting in July. View a PDF brochure for more info and click here to register.

Thanks to the Lilly Endowment and funding from our Growing Generosity appeal, we provide this opportunity for rostered and lay leaders for only $150 per student. Act now: space is limited to 20 students from our synod and the deadline to register is June 13, 2022.

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ELCA Coaching Courageous Leadership: Navigating the Gottmans' Four Horsemen

From the work of psychologists Drs. John & Julie Gottman we will explore the concept of the Four Horsemen, first published in the book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. We also welcome The Rev. Sara Cutter, Senior Director for Operational Effectiveness in the Christian Community and Leadership Home Area of the ELCA’s churchwide organization. Join us May 18, 2022, 11 am MST/PDT, 12pm MDT, (and every Wednesday). The login information can be found on the ELCA Coaching website.

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Resources from webinar on security in houses of worship

The Office of the Bishop organized an online presentation from the Phoenix Police Department and FBI Phoenix Field Office on security in houses of worship. We thank Tom Vega from Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix for all his great work in making this possible.

In this post we share a wealth of great resources provided by our presenters. Click here to view a recording of the webinar, and use this passcode: ^^8$%JXX

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