Pending a congregational vote, Vicar Jarrod Iversen will be ordained and installed Saturday, 6/7/2025, at 1pm at Central Lutheran Church, (12921 S. Sunland Gin Road., Arizona City, AZ 85123). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preside. Service will be posted to YouTube afterwards.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Reception will follow, please RSVP to RSVP@centrallutheranaz.org.
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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.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 25 years on June 2.
Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.
Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.
Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 51 years on June 2.
Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.
Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 62 years on June 2.
Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 25 years on June 2.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 17 years on June 1.
Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Gilbert, who celebrates 17 years on June 1.
Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 41 years on June 1.
Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 67 years on June 1.
Rev. Douglas Moffat, who celebrates 51 years on June 1.
Deacon Ellen Schnack, who celebrates 34 years on June 1.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Lawrence Conway, who celebrates 45 years on May 31.
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Across the country, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are hard at work advocating for justice-rooted policies in areas like housing, healthcare, hunger, climate, and civic engagement. From Minnesota’s letter-writing campaigns and housing wins, to over 200 disciples gathering for Lutheran Day in Pennsylvania, to Texas Lutherans standing against religious extremism, the spring updates reflect faithful witness in action.
Read the latest state-by-state highlights and explore how you and your congregation can stay involved in policy that reflects our shared Lutheran values. Click here for the full Spring State Policy Update from ELCA Advocacy.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Randall Olson, Honor Health, Scottsdale, who celebrates 49 years on May 30.
Rev. Dennis R. Nelson, who celebrates 54 years on May 30.
Rev. Kenneth Miller, Grace, Kingman, who celebrates 21 years on May 30.
Grace Lutheran in Phoenix shares their annual report as part of our 2025 Synod Assembly.
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Start your summer with compassion in action. This month’s Arizona Faith Network newsletter includes invitations to interfaith meditation, events on faith and science, and youth-led climate action in Bolivia. Most urgently, join AFN in packing Bags of Hope for heat-vulnerable neighbors in Tucson and Tempe. Find the full list of programs and RSVP links at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
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The Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting, and also presents the Grand Canyon Synod Proposed Mission Plan Webinar on May 31, 2025, 10 AM. And of course we are completely focused on our upcoming assembly.
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On a Southern California beach and around a campus firepit, Concordia College campus pastors David and Kim Adams witnessed the sacred emerge in the ordinary. In this moving reflection, they share stories of student encounters with God—through Ash Wednesday ashes in a parking lot, communion shared under autumn skies, and raw conversations sparked by tragedy and trust. These moments remind us that campus ministry continues to be a vital space for hospitality, spiritual exploration, and hope. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.
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University Lutheran Campus Ministry shares their annual report as part of our 2025 Synod Assembly.
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Youth 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.
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Room 9 is the heart of connection at the 2025 Synod Assembly! Meet our ministry exhibitors—including campus ministries, camps, justice organizations, and more—on the lower level of Community Lutheran Church. Enjoy snacks and fellowship while exploring the work of partners who embody the ELCA’s mission across our synod and beyond.
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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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Thursday evening at Assembly is our one featured time to connect as a synod. Join us for appetizers and conversation at 5:00 p.m., followed by a spectacular concert at 7:00 p.m. hosted by Community Lutheran—no need to head to the Strip when something this good is happening right here!
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The Grand Canyon Synod is sharing the proposed 2026-2027 Mission Plan, available as a PDF here, and we invite you to be part of the conversation! Sign up for a Mission Plan presentation webinar on May 28 at 5:30 PM or May 31 at 9:00 AM to learn more and ask questions.
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The Rev. Julie E. Schneider-Thomas has been elected bishop of the ELCA North/West Lower Michigan Synod during their synod assembly held May 18–20 in Mount Pleasant, Mich. She was elected on the fifth ballot and will begin her six-year term on September 1, succeeding Bishop Craig Satterlee. Schneider-Thomas currently serves as pastor of Zion Lutheran in Comstock Park and Hope Lutheran in Rockford, Mich. Installation details are forthcoming.
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The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held July 28–August 2 in Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon Synod is seeking up to 100 volunteers to help welcome the church! From greeters and registration support to worship ushers, tech help, and a special Prayer Vigil Support role on July 30, there’s a meaningful way for everyone to serve. Sign up, watch the volunteer info session, and help us extend warm hospitality to our ELCA siblings. Learn more at gcsynod.org/cwa.
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