Bette Bieber shares a classic cherry cheesecake recipe with a homemade cookie crust and creamy cherry topping—a simple dessert tradition worth passing along.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 26 years on June 2.
Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.
Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 52 years on June 2.
Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 63 years on June 2.
Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 26 years on June 2.
Bette Bieber shares a pumpkin bread recipe so beloved it was “worn out” from repeated use. A comforting favorite made for sharing with family and friends.
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Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications, will take a sabbatical from June 27–August 9, 2026, spending most of the time in Japan with family, friends, and periods of exploration and renewal. Weekly newsletters, blog posts, and Facebook updates will continue during this time, though at a lighter pace.
Please submit any news, events, or announcements for summer communications by June 15 whenever possible. The synod has continuity and crisis communication plans in place, and regular communication with rostered leaders through the Office of the Bishop will continue as needed.
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Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation, will take a sabbatical from June 14–September 14, 2026, for a season of travel, family time, and renewal. The Office of the Bishop has plans, designated staff, and clear processes in place to ensure candidacy, leadership development, and faith formation ministries continue smoothly during her absence.
As a synod, we give thanks for the gift of sabbath and for leaders who return refreshed for ministry. We look forward to welcoming Pastor Jacqui back this fall, renewed and ready to continue building up leaders for the church.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 18 years on June 1.
Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Chandler, who celebrates 18 years on June 1.
Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 42 years on June 1.
Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 68 years on June 1.
Deacon Ellen Schnack, who celebrates 35 years on June 1.
Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church on June 14 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman, Diana Lee, and Steven Powell. As the congregation serves nearly 300 families weekly through its food closet, this “Music for Food” ministry continues to respond to growing hunger across Arizona.
Come for worship, live jazz, and fellowship—and support neighbors in need through this ongoing ministry.
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Grace Lutheran Church and First United Church of Christ are partnering once again to provide Heat Relief ministry from June 1–August 24, offering cooling space, water, snacks, and hospitality for vulnerable neighbors during the hottest months of the year. Congregations are invited to support the effort through donations of water, snacks, pet food, cooling supplies, and frozen burritos. Read a letter from Pastor David Sivecz here.
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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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Pastor Tim Wright’s wife, Jan Wright, died May 3, 2026. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 6, at 11 a.m. at Community of Grace Lutheran Church.
The Grand Canyon Synod invites the community to hold Pastor Tim Wright and his family in prayer during this time. Additional details will be shared as they become available.
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Join CONNECTIONS for a special Campformation fundraiser on Tuesday, June 9, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Reconnect with former campers and staff, sing favorite camp songs, enjoy dinner, and learn how Campformation nurtures faith and lifelong friendships.
A free-will offering will support camp scholarships and housing costs, helping make Campformation accessible to more young people. All are welcome—whether camp is already part of your story or you are curious to learn more.
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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 anniversary of Rev. Lawrence Conway, who celebrates 46 years on May 31.
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Lutheran Campus Ministry at University of Arizona shares their 2026 Annual Report as an online slideshow. Click here to view the slideshow and be sure to click the slides to move forward.
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Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona shares a video about their Day Camp as part of their annual report for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Watch here.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Randall Olson, Honor Health, Scottsdale, who celebrates 50 years on May 30.
Rev. Dennis R. Nelson, who celebrates 55 years on May 30.
Rev. Kenneth Miller, Grace, Kingman, who celebrates 22 years on May 30.
From Lutheran Lobby Day in Carson City to advocacy on housing, climate, and care for vulnerable communities, LEAN’s 2025 annual report highlights how Lutherans and partners across Nevada are putting faith into action for the sake of their neighbors.
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In his annual report, Rev. David Pavesic reflects on a year and a half of ministry as Director for Evangelical Mission, highlighting congregational collaboration, vitality efforts, new ministry developments, and opportunities to be “church together” across our large and diverse synod.
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The ELCA Advocacy office’s May update highlights several major national developments, including voting rights, Farm Bill negotiations, endangered species protections, immigration policy, Cuba, and Middle East peace advocacy. The update also explores why these issues matter through the lens of Lutheran faith and public witness.
For congregational leaders and members seeking to connect faith with civic engagement, this month’s Advocacy Connections offers helpful context and opportunities for action. Read the Update.
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More than a year after a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, communities are rebuilding through clean water access, repaired homes, renewed livelihoods, and safe spaces for children. A new story from Lutheran Disaster Response highlights how local communities, supported by trusted partners, are finding hope amid hardship.
These stories offer a powerful reminder of resilience, dignity, and the church’s shared calling to accompany neighbors in crisis. Read more at ELCA.org.
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