ELCA Denounces Gaza Hospital Attack: Bishop Eaton’s Urgent Call for Justice

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a strong statement condemning the recent attack on Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, a facility closely linked to the Lutheran World Federation through its partnership with Augusta Victoria Hospital. The ELCA joins its ecumenical partners in calling for accountability, an immediate ceasefire, and protection for all medical facilities under international law. We stand in prayerful solidarity with the injured, the grieving, and all who serve in places of healing. Click here to read the full statement.

Education, Health, and Hunger at Risk—Learn More in Monday’s Webinar

Join BJC, Bread for the World, and NETWORK for a live webinar on Monday, June 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET to learn how the “Big Beautiful Bill” could harm education, health care, and food assistance—and how you can take faithful action. This 45-minute event includes expert speakers, Q&A, and practical steps for advocacy. Register now to receive your Zoom link.

From the Andes to Arizona: Interfaith Events You Can Join This Week

A full week of interfaith learning and service lies ahead, with online and in-person opportunities from Arizona Faith Network. Highlights include a Bolivian youth-led climate presentation, an Islamic perspective on science and faith, election protection volunteer training, heat relief packing events, and more. Read the full AFN newsletter and RSVP for events at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Experience the Majesty of the Organ: Free Concert Series Across Phoenix

World-class organists will perform across the Phoenix area June 16–19 in a series of free recitals presented by the American Guild of Organists. Several Lutheran churches are among the venues. No tickets required; freewill offerings encouraged. Full schedule at phxago2025.org. View PDF here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2025Comment

From Curiosity to Commitment: Meet Our Diakonia Grads

Celebrate the 2025 Diakonia graduates (view grads in this PDF) with us on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM MST at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson, or online via YouTube. This joyful service and luncheon, featuring a message from Bishop Hutterer, honors those completing one or two years of faith formation through the Diakonia program. RSVP by June 15 to tinag963@yahoo.com or watch the livestream.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2025DiakoniaComment

On the Journey Together: The 2024–2025 Grand Canyon Synod Impact Report

The 2024–2025 Impact Report highlights how your support empowers ministry across our synod. From guiding congregations in transition to nurturing new leaders, advocating for justice, and forming faith in young people, your generosity fuels a church that walks together. Discover how we Communicate Jesus, Connect People, and Create Possibilities.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2025Stewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop celebrates our synod at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, takes a bit of time off, and gets right back to it in the coming days. We also share photos from the Ordination and Installation of Jarrod Iversen at Central Lutheran in Arizona City.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton: Our journey of faith together

Bishop Eaton shares her message for our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

Ordination celebrations: June 12, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on June 12.
Rev. Bernard Carl, who celebrates 48 years on June 12.
Rev. Lois Shuart, who celebrates 32 years on June 12.
Rev. Neal Snider, who celebrates 65 years on June 12.
Rev. Scott Klimke, American, Sun City, who celebrates 21 years on June 12.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination celebrations: June 11, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Carl Jensen, who celebrates 53 years on June 11.
Rev. James Slater, who celebrates 47 years on June 11.
Rev. Karl Guhn, Trinity, Phoenix, who celebrates 43 years on June 11.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

Bishop Kevin Strickland Reelected to Lead Southeastern Synod

The Rev. Kevin L. Strickland has been reelected to a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, receiving 224 votes on the first ballot during the synod assembly in Columbus, Georgia. Strickland, a former ELCA executive for worship, continues to serve a region spanning Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. To learn more about Bishop Strickland’s reelection and background, click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2025Comment

Bishop Bill Tesch Reelected in Northwestern Minnesota Synod

The Rev. William “Bill” Tesch has been reelected to a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA’s Northwestern Minnesota Synod. The vote took place May 31 during the synod assembly at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., with Tesch receiving 263 votes on the first ballot—meeting the 75% threshold. Tesch has served as bishop since 2019 and brings decades of ministry and mission experience. To read more about his reelection and service history, click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2025Comment

Bishop Yehiel Curry Reelected to Lead ELCA’s Metropolitan Chicago Synod

The Rev. Yehiel Curry has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod. The vote took place May 30 at the synod assembly in St. Charles, Illinois, where Curry was elected on the third ballot with 265 votes. A graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Curry brings years of pastoral and mission experience to this continued role of leadership. To read the full ELCA news release, click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2025Comment

Voices of the Future: Youth 13–18 Share Their Art and Faith

Our final Jesus, Church, and Me gallery features expressive, moving art by teens ages 13–18. Their work, part of our lead-up to the 2025 Synod Assembly, reveals a depth of faith and insight that inspires us all.

How Our Preteens See Faith: Jesus, Church, and Me (Ages 9–12)

Children ages 9–12 offer creative and thoughtful reflections on Jesus, church, and community in this third installment of our synod-wide Jesus, Church, and Me art project. Their work will be shared at Synod Assembly and as commemorative postcards.

Colorful Faith: Kids 6–8 Show Us the Church Through Their Eyes

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.

Parliamentary Procedure 101 available for review

For 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.

News, Grand Canyon Synod, ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 10, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment

Stay Informed During the Assembly: Our Homepage Transforms into Your Essential Guide

For 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!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 10, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment

Teaching Disability Theology: Forming Church Leaders for an Inclusive Future

A 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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2025Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

All You Need to Know for Synod Assembly 2025

Registration 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 10, 20252025 Synod AssemblyComment