This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 39 years on November 12.
Rev. Ruby Myers, who celebrates 4 years on November 13.
The Grand Canyon Synod sent $6,000—raised by congregations and our Global Engagement Team—to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Senegal for the Martin Luther School in Fatick. The gift funded books for all 180 students, with remaining funds supporting teacher guides, classroom supplies, and repairs. This week, ELS President Pastor Latyr Diouf sent a heartfelt note of thanks and blessing, celebrating the companionship we share in Christ.
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This week, the Office of the Bishop is actively engaging across our synod and Churchwide—preaching and worshiping with congregations, meeting with youth and parents, developing mission and stewardship plans, collaborating with national partners, and tending to communication, finance, and event planning to support ministries across the synod.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Ward, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 15 years on October 31.
Rev. Thaddeus Book, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 16 years on November 1.
Deacon Anada Guse, who celebrates 35 years on November 4.
Rev. Conrad Braaten, who celebrates 53 years on November 5.
Join us for the Ordination for Wanda K. Frenchman on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside, and Vance Blackfox will preach. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Dinner will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Grace Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, with video later on the Native American Urban Ministry page. All are welcome.
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Explore a full month of free online events from ELCA Coaching, including sessions on beloved community, truth and healing, accessibility, decolonization, and the annual Vine Deloria, Jr. Theological Symposium. Several upcoming low-cost trainings begin in early 2026. View full details and registration links at elcacoaching.org/events.
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Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) is temporarily closed during the federal government shutdown due to suspended grant funding that supports food and senior meal programs. LSSN is an independent organization, separate from Grand Canyon Synod leadership.
In a letter in this post, Rev. Dr. Marta Poling Schmitt outlines the shutdown’s impact, long-term plans for a federally qualified health clinic on the Boulder Pines campus, and a year-end fundraising effort leading into LSSN’s 40th anniversary. Congregations are invited to learn more, host an update this fall, and pray for this important ministry.
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All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is currently seeking a part-time Property Manager to help support its mission of service and hospitality. Learn more and apply at AllSaintsPhoenix.org/job-openings.
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Apply now for Grand Canyon Synod grants—up to $15,000 per project; ≈ $175,000 total available this fall. Applications open Sept. 8 and are due Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight). Projects aligned with the GCS Strategic Plan and collaborating with another ELCA ministry receive priority. Funding begins Feb. 2026.
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The November newsletter features stories of Climate Ambassadors leading creation care efforts, opportunities to host trainings, apply for ecoAmerica’s 2026 Climate Leadership Awards, and spark Thanksgiving climate conversations. Explore the new Faith + Climate video project, read the 2025 Impact Report, and join Rev. Carol Devine in a month of gratitude. Read the full newsletter.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 4 years on October 23.
Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 45 years on October 26.
Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 29 years on October 26.
Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 22 years on October 26.
Rev. Verónica Alvarez, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 3 years on October 30.
The Office of the Bishop is navigating a difficult and tender time for our synod community. Even as we respond with care and transparency, the staff continues its steady work of supporting congregations, leaders, and ministries throughout our synod.
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The Youth Night of Connection planned for October 26, 2025, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, has been canceled. Organizers thank all who showed interest and hope to reschedule at a later date.
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Rev. Ryan Marsh will be installed at Crossroads Lutheran (2769 E Combs Rd, Building D, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140) on Sunday, 10/26/2025 at 2pm. Rev. Tina Mills will preach and preside. View live-stream on the Crossroads YouTube channel.
Following the installation service, there will be an angel food cake dessert celebration.
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The Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has released the following statement from Bishop Deborah Hutterer regarding recent news reports involving a former youth ministry leader. View as a PDF here or in this blog post.
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Region 2 partner Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (Reno, NV) seeks a full-time Director of Worship & Faith Formation ($65–80k + benefits). Role is 80% worship design/implementation and 20% faith formation; ELCA familiarity preferred; Good Shepherd is open and affirming (RIC). Apply by Nov. 1 (interviews early November); start Jan–Aug 2026. Details and application at goodshepherdreno.org; send materials to jobs@goodshepherdreno.org.
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Join Faith–La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a joyful 80th Anniversary Celebration, October 24–26, 2025. The weekend includes worship, music, fellowship, and food. RSVP by Sept. 14 by phone, email, or online. Contributions are welcome toward the restoration of the pipe organ and church beautification.
Faith–La Fe en Phoenix celebrará su 80.º aniversario del 24 al 26 de octubre con un fin de semana de adoración, música y compañerismo. Confirme su asistencia antes del 14 de septiembre por teléfono, correo electrónico o en línea. Se agradecen donaciones para apoyar proyectos de restauración y embellecimiento del templo. (PDF)
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A rostered minister in our synod was recently targeted by a sophisticated phone scam using AI-generated voices to mimic a loved one in distress. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but the experience serves as a sobering reminder that scams are becoming more realistic and personal. Learn how to recognize and avoid these emerging threats, and find helpful resources.
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