2021 Bishop elections

With numerous bishop elections, we’re using this page to keep a running list of newly-elected Bishops in the ELCA.

Brenda Bos elected bishop of ELCA Southwest California Synod
Megan Rohrer elected bishop of ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod
Kevin Jones elected bishop of ELCA Northeastern Iowa Synod
Paula Schmitt elected bishop of ELCA Allegheny Synod
Timothy Smith reelected bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod
Lee Miller II elected bishop of ELCA Upstate New York Synod
Felix Malpica elected bishop of ELCA La Crosse Area Synod
Dee Pederson elected bishop of ELCA Southwestern Minnesota Synod

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2021Region 2, Southwest California Synod, Sierra Pacific SynodComment

Greetings from President Adama Faye

Listen to greetings to our 2021 Assembly from President Adama Faye, Lutheran Church of Senegal.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 20212021 Assembly, Adama Faye, Lutheran Church of Senegal, SenegalComment

The Grand Canyon Synod Virtual Choir sings I Love to Tell the Story

We’re delighted to present the 44 members of the Grand Canyon Synod who sang in our 2021 Assembly’s virtual choir. Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas was greatly represented by Philip Fortenberry as pianist, Director Bruce Ewing, and preparation assistance from Chuck Berg.

We also thank the full choir in this post.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 20212021 Assembly, Community Las Vegas, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Rev. Albert Starr: Sermon and Gospel reading

Rev. Albert Starr, our Churchwide representative for our 2021 Synod Assembly, delivered the Gospel reading and sermon for our worship service. He is the ELCA's Director of Multi-Ethnic Ministry Development.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 20212021 AssemblyComment

Charitable Remainder Trust Spotlight: Mike And Rita Hartzog’s Legacy Plan

For many individuals and families, real estate is a cherished and much-utilized asset. Real estate can be a great way to make a gift to your congregation and the ministries that matter the most to you.

Our ELCA Foundation regional gift planners, Lisa Marie Higginbotham and Josh Kerney, are available to answer any questions you may have on how a gift of real estate can benefit you and the ministries that mean the most to you!

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 14, 2021ELCA FoundationComment

Freedom

Vocalist Nicole Pryor and percussionist Brett Barnes perform Freedom as part of the 2021Grand Canyon Synod Assembly worship service, recorded at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 14, 20212021 Assembly, Community Las Vegas, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Bishop's Fall Gathering set for October, 2021 in Phoenix

All active Rostered Ministers or retired ministers serving as interim pastors are invited to the Bishop’s Fall Gathering to be held on October 18-20, 2021 in Phoenix. Bishop Eaton will be our guest for this event. More details are on the way.

Growing Generosity Appeal receives $281,656 in gifts and pledges

As part of the Synod Council and Bishop Report of our 2021 Assembly, Bishop Deborah Hutterer shared some exciting news about our new appeal, Growing Generosity. We are already over halfway to our $500,000 goal, with $281,656 in gifts and pledges!

With a 100% participation rate from the Growing Generosity leadership team, Synod Council, and Office of the Bishop staff, we have already received leadership gifts from three congregations: New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, UT; Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson; and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley. Read her report and learn how you can join us in growing generosity in our synod.

Growing Generosity Appeal video available

We are pleased to share a video promoting our new Growing Generosity Appeal. The video premiered at our 2021 assembly.

Thanks to Pat Gary for all of his work producing this video. We also thank those who gave time to appear in the video: Pastor Mateo Chavez with San Juan Bautista in Tucson; Solomon Kuch with Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran in Glendale, Pastor Lars Hammar with Lord of Grace and Open Space in Tucson; Pastor Rebecca Boardman with University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry; Mark Engel with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona; Terri Polk with American Lutheran in Sun City; and Pastor Jeremy Nausin with Holy Spirit Lutheran in Las Vegas.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 13, 2021Growing Generosity AppealComment

New resources available for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday

As you explore opportunities to participate in our dedicated day of service, visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for helpful planning resources: Planning toolkit, “Service in the Time of COVID-19”, posters, postcards and social media graphics, promotional items, videos, special hymn text, music and recording.

ELCA, News, ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 13, 2021God's Work Our Hands SundayComment

Prayers for All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix

We pray for Rev. Daniel Hoeger, Rev. Kristin Rice and the people of All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference. Visit their site at allsaintsphoenix.org, and their social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 12, 2021All Saints Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Synod assembly worship recording and sermon available

Our entire worship service is available for use by congregations and individuals. The service is provided by our assembly hosts at Community Lutheran in Las Vegas, including Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Rev. Brian Ward, and Bruce Ewing. Download on our Vimeo page.

Rev. Albert Starr's sermon is part of this worship service. His sermon is also available as a standalone file to download or view at bit.ly/starr-sermon.

Prayers for Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas

We pray for Rev. William Phillips and the people of Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at christlasvegas.org, and their social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2021Christ Las Vegas, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Tech training for voting members at 2021 Assembly

A Zoom recording of our third tech check training for voting members at our 2021 assembly is available for review. We also present slides and other helpful information in this post to help prep for a smooth day on June 12, 2021.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 8, 20212021 AssemblyComment

Prayers for American Lutheran Church in Sun City

We pray for Rev. Lowell Nelson, Rev. Judith Rainforth, Rev. Gary Ulrich, and the people of American Lutheran Church in Sun City, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at alcsuncity.org, and their social media pages on Facebook and YouTube.

Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 7, 2021American Sun City, Cactus ConferenceComment

Office of the Bishop closed Monday and Tuesday, June 14-15, 2021

After a long assembly week, the Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, June 14, 2021. Enjoy your Flag Day as well.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 7, 20212021 AssemblyComment

ELCA AMMPARO update: A wholistic approach to migration

Giovana Oaxaca, program director for Migration Policy and Mary Campbel, program director for AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) share updates on the current situation and work being done by the ELCA to address change. Learn more and get involved at ELCA.org/AMMPARO.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJune 6, 2021AMMPARO, Immigration and RefugeesComment

2021 Assembly reports and updates available

As we gather for our 2021 assembly, it’s a good time to reflect our collective experience in a pandemic year. We’re proud to provide these updates from your synod and our many ministry and mission partners.

We’re adding reports as we receive and process them. Review them on our 2021 assembly report page and this collection of blog posts.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 5, 20212021 AssemblyComment

University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry 2021 Update

As our world fundamentally shifted this year, so did our campus ministry! Our U of A students completed about 95% of their classwork online—-which often left them isolated and exhausted by screen time.

Therefore, we shifted our programming to shorter discussion groups online about various faith topics AND added Thursday “take-out/patio” dinners. The beautiful Arizona weather allowed for socially-distanced outdoor meals the entire year and our new community to thrive.

Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 5, 20212021 Assembly ReportsComment

Portico 2021 Update

Portico Benefit Services is a holistic benefits ministry serving those who serve — from rostered ministers and their families to staff at social ministry organizations.

View a video message from our regional representative, Andrea Arey, as well as a written update.

Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 5, 20212021 Assembly ReportsComment

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