Rev. Stephen R. Herr of Gettysburg was elected June 7 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. He will take office Sept. 1 with installation set for Oct. 25 in Hanover, Pa. Click here for more.
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The Rev. Melissa L. Stoller was elected June 13 as bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. A longtime leader in mission and ministry, she will take office Sept. 1 and be installed Oct. 18 in Pittsburgh. Click here to read the full announcement: click here
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A new report from ELCA Disability Ministries highlights how congregations across the country are expanding access and welcome to people with disabilities—and where challenges remain. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 10 churches, the report outlines successes, barriers, and recommendations for a more inclusive church. This is a vital read for leaders seeking to reflect God’s radical welcome in real, practical ways. Click here for more.
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June 17 marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of the Emanuel Nine—nine Black disciples gathered for Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. The ELCA commemorates this day as a time of repentance and renewed commitment to racial justice. Resources are available for use in worship, study, and personal reflection. Click here to explore materials and read the full remembrance from Presiding Bishop Eaton.
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In a major ecumenical step, a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) has been approved to address anti-Jewish interpretations in Christian worship. The changes, which will be tested over a three-year period beginning Advent 2025, reconsider how Passion narratives and Easter readings are proclaimed—emphasizing readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and delaying Acts readings until after Pentecost. The ELCA encourages congregations to engage these updates thoughtfully and offer feedback. To read the full announcement and access resources, click here.
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The ELCA Disability Ministries team has released new worship resources for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled. Free tools such as refreshable Braille eReaders, talking-book players, and access to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship in electronic Braille and large-print formats are now available. Listen to an insightful interview with Braille proofreader Terry Gorman, and explore accessible editions of the Bible and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Click here to read the full article and access the full list of resources.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 37 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 36 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 47 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 57 years on June 18.
Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 6/24/2025, 6-7pm MST.
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Join Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club for a two-part discussion of How We Learn to Be Brave by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Thursdays, June 12 and 26 at 12:00 PM AZ time. Explore faithful courage in life’s turning points through a book that blends Scripture, story, and personal reflection. Registration now open.
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Over 80 youth from across the synod will attend Lutheran Campformation at Pinerock from June 30–July 4, exploring faith through worship, study, and fellowship. This year features a new focus on Creation theology. You can support this ministry by sponsoring meals, camper days, scholarships, or giving to the Gerald Manlove Memorial Camp Fund.
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Join a free, one-hour webinar on June 25, Prepare to Quit: Equipping Others for Readiness to Change, hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Author and coach Rose Ann Forte offers a biblically grounded, neuroscience-informed approach to support those exploring recovery from alcohol and substance use. This resource is ideal for ministry leaders, lay leaders, and anyone walking with others through the preparation stage of change. Register now to gain tools that empower without shame.
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Youth 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.
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Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 46 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 69 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 52 years on June 17.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. James Vadis, who celebrates 57 years on June 16.
Rev. Corrine Chilstrom, who celebrates 40 years on June 16.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 52 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 56 years on June 15.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 61 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, who celebrates 27 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 44 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 61 years on June 14.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Harold Aasland, who celebrates 71 years on June 13.
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In observance of the 10th anniversary of the tragic shooting of nine martyrs at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Bishop Eaton calls on us to “lament the wounds of the sin of racism that sow seeds of fear, division, and hatred. Remembering the nine murders in Charleston is a commitment that our church must never forget. As the ELCA, our story is forever bound to the story, people, and community of Mother Emanuel AME. They are us, and we are them.” Watch the video here, download: https://bit.ly/4dXdmrx
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