Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 71 years on May 23.
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Rev. Patsy Koeneke will be installed Sunday, 6/7/2025, at 9:30 am at Epiphany of Christ Lutheran (1050 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ 85120). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook and on YouTube. Everyone is welcome to stay for fellowship after the service.
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Next week, the Office of the Bishop will continue preparations for Synod Assembly through planning, meetings, and behind-the-scenes coordination, while also supporting candidacy, mission planning, worship partnerships, communications, finance, and upcoming synod events. Bishop Deborah Hutterer and staff will remain engaged in conversations, presentations, and administrative work to support congregations and ministries across the synod.
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This week, Office of the Bishop staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing work related to candidacy, congregational support, Synod Assembly preparations, communications, mission planning, finance, and ongoing ministry across the synod. Bishop Hutterer will also participate in Synod Council, candidacy interviews, and ministry at New Journey Lutheran Church.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jonathan Heilner, who celebrates 51 years on May 18.
Rev. Greg Hartman, New Spirit, Tucson, who celebrates 7 years on May 18.
Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 25 years on May 19.
Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 63 years on May 20.
Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 59 years on May 21.
Deacon Laura Book, who celebrates 16 years on May 21.
Rev. Roy Olson, who celebrates 58 years on August 22.
Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer accompanies visits with Iglesia Mexicana Luterana, AMEXTRA, and Young Adults in Global Mission partners while continuing meetings and preparations for the upcoming Synod Assembly.
Synod staff will continue supporting candidacy and faith formation work, preparing Assembly communications and storytelling projects, assisting congregations and ministry partners, managing administrative and financial responsibilities, and coordinating upcoming meetings and events across the Grand Canyon Synod.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 26 years on May 9.
Rev. Timothy Perlick, Mount of Olives, Phoenix, who celebrates 3 years on May 13.
Rev. Christine Stoxen, Holy Trinity, Chandler, who celebrates 26 years on May 14.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Melissa Harr, who celebrates 15 years on May 1.
Deacon Don Burgess, who celebrates 21 years on May 1.
Deacon Emma Janzen, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 1 year on May 3.
Next week, the Office of the Bishop staff will be engaged in a wide range of ministry—from international visits and leadership development to storytelling for Synod Assembly, administrative support, and ongoing communications. Alongside this work, the team continues preparations for upcoming events, financial reporting, and key synod initiatives while also taking time for renewal and rest.
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Next week, the Office of the Bishop is engaged in worship leadership across Tucson and Phoenix, supporting congregations through preaching, installations, and vitality conversations, while also preparing reports and continuing mission support and leadership development work. At the same time, staff are advancing preparations for Synod Assembly—including communications, storytelling, logistics, and financial oversight—ensuring the synod is ready for the work ahead.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen J. Hammer, who celebrates 44 years on April 25.
Rev. Debra Slifer, who celebrates 39 years on April 25.
Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel, Christ the Servant, Henderson, who celebrates 39 years on April 26.
Rev. David Drach-Meinel, who celebrates 39 years on April 26.
Rev. Kevin Meyer, LSS-SW, Phoenix, Covenant, Quartzsite, who celebrates 31 years on April 30.
Deacon Sally Almen, who celebrates 39 years on April 30.
Next week, synod staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing key leadership, ministry, and administrative work across the synod. Highlights include Deborah K. Hutterer and staff participating in the Ordination of Carly Chamberlain at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix, Apr 18, 2026, 10:30 AM, advancing assembly and audit preparations, collaborating with churchwide and conference leaders, and supporting congregations through preaching, stewardship conversations, and ongoing communications. We also share photos from the Region 2 First Call Accompaniment gathering at Franciscan Renewal Center.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Mary Jayne Baker, who celebrates 14 years on April 22.
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Pastor Brian Weinberger of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa continues his recovery following recent surgeries, which overall have gone well. He shares gratitude for the prayers surrounding him and is healing with minimal pain as he returns home. The synod invites continued prayers for Pastor Brian, his family, and the Bethlehem community as his recovery continues in the hope of the Easter season.
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