Explore how children ages 6 to 8 across the Grand Canyon Synod depict Jesus, church, and community in bold, faith-filled art. Part of our Jesus, Church, and Me series leading up to the 2025 Synod Assembly. View the full gallery and be inspired.
Read MoreFor our 2025 assembly, we are reposting a great symposium on Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order by David Swartling. View the PDF handout here, and the presentation is available for viewing here with passcode: TQgC5E!7
Special thanks to our amazing guest, David Swartling, for providing this valuable information.
Read MoreFor the upcoming Assembly week, the Grand Canyon Synod homepage will transform into a comprehensive digital hub. Just visit gcsynod.org and you’re there! This enhanced homepage will feature quick access links and real-time updates to keep you informed throughout the event. Accessible on any device, our goal is to make your Assembly experience as seamless and engaging as possible. Stay connected with us and check back regularly for the latest news!
Read MoreA recent May term course brought together seminary students across ELCA institutions to explore a theology of disability and the practical work of building accessible, anti-ableist ministry. Through models of disability, disability justice history, inclusive worship practices, and leadership by those with lived experience, the course offered powerful formation for future church leaders.
From dynamic guest speakers to real-life case studies, the experience highlighted both the urgent need and hopeful promise of churches committed to inclusion. Click here to read the full reflection at ELCA.org.
Read MoreRegistration is closed, and the 2025 Synod Assembly is almost here! Join us June 12–13 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. This blog post includes everything pre-registered attendees need to know—check-in times, electronic voting details, childcare, what to bring, and links to the agenda, Mission Plan presentations, worship offering, and more. Review maps, prep for tech support, and preview highlights like our Thursday service project, fellowship time, and evening concert. Visit gcsynod.org/2025/assembly for updates.
Read MoreApplications are now open for the ELCA Disability Ministry Grants, with up to $35,000 in total funding available for 2025. Individual ministries may apply for grants up to $10,000 through July 31. Projects must demonstrate active engagement with people with disabilities and align with one or more core goals of the Disability Ministry. To learn more and access the application, click here.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luther Tolo, who celebrates 63 years on June 10.
Rev. Lester Hoffmann, who celebrates 69 years on June 10.
Rev. Ronald Rude, who celebrates 46 years on June 10.
Rev. Thomas Rogers, who celebrates 46 years on June 10.
Rev. John Elverum, who celebrates 63 years on June 10.
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.
Read MoreThose who aren’t registered voters or visitors can join us online for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, livestreamed from Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, June 12–13. With the theme “Build Up the Body,” this year’s gathering invites the whole synod to connect in worship, discernment, and celebration. View the full schedule and livestream link at communitylv.org/media/live.
Read MoreThe Proposed Mission Plan for 2026–2027 is now available for review ahead of the 2025 Synod Assembly. Watch the recorded webinars, download the presentation slides, and read the full plan to prepare for conversation and discernment as we chart our shared path forward across the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, June 16 for post-Assembly rest and recovery. After a Spirit-filled weekend in Las Vegas, we pause to reflect and renew before returning to ministry. We’ll reopen on Tuesday, June 17.
Read MoreIn her Pride Month message, Bishop Eaton urges us affirm every person, every body and join together as one in the body of Christ. "Our unity doesn’t come from all being the same. It comes from being joined in Christ, who gathers every member, every body, into one." Sign the Interfaith Alliance pledge to Recommit to Pride: Sign the Interfaith Alliance pledge to Recommit to Pride. More info at interfaithalliance.org. Download video here.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement opposing the Trump administration’s newly announced travel ban affecting immigrants from 12 countries. Citing both scripture and Lutheran commitments to hospitality, interfaith solidarity, and refugee resettlement, Bishop Eaton urges the church to speak out and stand with those impacted. The ELCA’s partnerships with affected communities and churches call us to advocacy, accompaniment, and action. Click here to read the full statement.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Andy Root shows us how to evangelize through what he calls "a theology of consolation" - being present with people in their sadness and brokenness, because that's where Jesus shows up.
Read MoreThe Malagasy Lutheran Church is preparing for a historic vote on women’s ordination in 2028, beginning synod-wide conversations and Bible studies. In her June update, ELCA missionary Pastor Kristin Engstrom shares how the church is responding to hurricanes, promoting gender justice, and putting faith into action. Read her full newsletter and join in prayer for this season of discernment.
Read MoreJoin Luther Seminary’s 2025 Aus Memorial Lecture on June 17 with Bishop Will Willimon as he explores what it means to share Jesus meaningfully in today’s world. Offered both in-person and online, this free event equips pastors and leaders to engage culture with authentic Christian witness. Register now to attend live or receive the recording: faithlead.org/2025-aus-evangelism-salon.
Read MoreYouth 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.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Don Lorfing, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 29 years on June 9.
Rev. John Serkland, who celebrates 62 years on June 9.
Rev. Philip Gustafson, who celebrates 46 years on June 9.
Rev. John Hackler, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 40 years on June 9.
Rev. Lisa Hackler, American, Sun City, who celebrates 40 years on June 9.
