It’s a week of reflection, follow-up, and faithful momentum at the Office of the Bishop as staff attend and then wrap up the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, continue preaching, ministry support, and administrative work, and begin preparing for the months ahead. From donor and ministry follow-up to communications planning, financial reporting, and regional gatherings, the synod staff continues walking alongside congregations and leaders across our territory.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luther Tolo, who celebrates 64 years on June 10.
Rev. Lester Hoffmann, who celebrates 70 years on June 10.
Rev. Ronald Rude, who celebrates 47 years on June 10.
Rev. Thomas Rogers, who celebrates 47 years on June 10.
Rev. John Elverum, who celebrates 64 years on June 10.
In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard John Mauthe, beloved pastor, teacher, and longtime Diakonia instructor, who died May 14 at age 77. Known to many in our synod for teaching Old and New Testament courses, Rev. Mauthe faithfully formed leaders and shared a lifelong love of scripture and Lutheran theology.
A memorial service will be held June 14 at 11 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, with a second service July 11 in Pennsylvania.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreRev. 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.
Read MoreBrian 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.
Read MoreJoin Trinity Cathedral in downtown Phoenix on Friday, June 12, for a free Pride Month screening of the documentary Sanctuary, exploring LGBTQIA+ experiences within faith communities. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., the film starts at 6:45 p.m., and a Q&A follows.
Hosted during Pride Month, this free event invites people of faith into conversation about belonging, welcome, and hope. RSVP encouraged.
Read MoreThe FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Don Lorfing, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 30 years on June 9.
Rev. John Serkland, who celebrates 63 years on June 9.
Rev. Philip Gustafson, who celebrates 47 years on June 9.
Rev. John Hackler, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 41 years on June 9.
Rev. Lisa Hackler, American, Sun City, who celebrates 41 years on June 9.
Please note that the Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, June 15, 2026, following Synod Assembly to allow staff time for rest after the gathering. The office will also be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Read MoreVolunteers are needed to help prepare and reset spaces for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Opportunities include a Decorating Team on Wednesday, June 10 (11:00 AM–1:00 PM) and a Tear Down Team on Saturday, June 13 (12:00–1:00 PM). To volunteer, contact Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org.
Read MoreThe 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly offering will support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), a small but resilient Lutheran church serving congregations and schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and beyond. Congregations across the synod are invited to participate by collecting designated gifts before Assembly or contributing through the synod office.
The ELCJHL continues its witness of faith, education, and reconciliation in the region where Christianity began. Through this year’s Assembly offering, our synod will stand in solidarity with our global Lutheran partners, supporting ministries rooted in hope and steadfast faith in the Holy Land.
Read MoreJoin the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly online! Tune in live on June 12, 2026, via the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. This livestreaming opportunity ensures all our members, from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, can partake in our assembly’s key moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay connected and involved in our community’s important decisions and celebrations. Watch here.
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 MoreThe 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly is almost here! Find everything you need to prepare for June 11–13 in Mesa, including schedule highlights, voting information, workshops, livestreaming, the service project, special guest Rev. Tim Brown, and how our homepage will serve as your Assembly information hub throughout the week.
Read MoreThe ELCA has released a playlist of short videos for synods and congregations to use during synod assemblies and beyond. Explore stories of ministry, justice, disaster response, Navajo mission, youth ministry, Mission Support, and more—and see how God is at work through our wider church. View the playlist here.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Donald Liles, who celebrates 40 years on June 8.
Rev. Bennett Henrikson, who celebrates 57 years on June 8.
Rev. Melinda Gapen, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 12 years on June 8.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stoney Bowen-Weiszmann, Banner Del E Webb Medical Center, Sun City West, who celebrates 18 years on June 7.
Rev. Tim Eighmy, Community, Bullhead City, who celebrates 34 years on June 7.
Rev. John Lundering, who celebrates 67 years on June 7.
Rev. David Miller, who celebrates 56 years on June 7.
Rev. Donald Legacie, who celebrates 39 years on June 7.
Rev. Ronald Hedwall, who celebrates 62 years on June 7.
Rev. Jarrod Iversen, Central, Arizona City, who celebrates 1 year on June 7.
Rev. Debra Hippen Schultz, who celebrates 39 years on June 7.
Nearly a year after Congress approved Medicaid funding cuts, questions remain about whether Medicaid should pay for home- and community-based services. In Mosaic’s latest blog, President and CEO Linda Timmons shares why that investment matters: Long-term care is too expensive for most families to afford on their own, and people with disabilities, like anyone else, deserve a say in what their lives look like.
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