Grand Canyon Synod

News

Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Comment

Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod

Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod

God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Comment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 53 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 57 years on June 15.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Office of the Bishop Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

Office of the Bishop Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. We give thanks for liberation and recommit to the ongoing work of racial justice and freedom.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 62 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, Shepherd of the Hills, Flagstaff, who celebrates 28 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 45 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 62 years on June 14.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 14, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Harold Aasland, who celebrates 72 years on June 13.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 13, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Pivot #181: How to Create Community in Church When Culture Works Against It

Pivot #181: How to Create Community in Church When Culture Works Against It

In the latest Pivot podcast, hosts Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm reflect on a full season of conversations.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 12, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on June 12.
Rev. Bernard Carl, who celebrates 49 years on June 12.
Rev. Scott Klimke, American, Sun City, who celebrates 22 years on June 12.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 12, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

ELCA Worship has gathered a new round of resources, conferences, and learning opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. Highlights include the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College (June 21–July 19), the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference, and resources from Music that Makes Community focused on congregational song, justice, and worship renewal.

Whether you plan worship, lead music, or care deeply about the church’s song, explore these summer opportunities for learning, renewal, and connection. Read the full roundup from ELCA Worship.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026ELCA WorshipComment

New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation

New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation

ELCA Disability Ministries is preparing a new resource to help congregations better support youth with disabilities through an Individualized Faith Formation Plan (IFFP). Inspired by educational IEPs but rooted in giftedness rather than diagnosis, the process helps church leaders, youth, and families identify strengths, needed supports, and opportunities for leadership in the life of the congregation. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

Erik Christensen Elected Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod

Erik Christensen Elected Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod

The Rev. Erik Christensen was elected June 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA. Christensen, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Evanston and a longtime leader in congregational and seminary ministry, will be installed Sept. 19. Read the full story on ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Comment

Bishop Anne Edison-Albright Reelected in East Central Synod of Wisconsin

Bishop Anne Edison-Albright Reelected in East Central Synod of Wisconsin

The Rev. Anne Edison-Albright has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin after a June 5 vote during the synod assembly in Oshkosh. Edison-Albright, first elected in 2020, brings experience in parish ministry, college ministry, chaplaincy, and global service.

Read more from the ELCA News Service about the election, Bishop Edison-Albright’s ministry background, and the work of the synod. Read the full story on ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Comment

Books, Hope, and Partnership: New Photos from Martin Luther School in Senegal

Books, Hope, and Partnership: New Photos from Martin Luther School in Senegal

New photos and a heartfelt message from Pastor Latyr Diouf of the Lutheran Church in Senegal show the impact of the Grand Canyon Synod’s partnership with Martin Luther School in Fatick. Thanks to synod support for books and school supplies, the school served 144 students this year, with growth expected next year.

The update highlights how our shared ministry continues to make a difference—equipping students for learning while strengthening relationships with Lutheran siblings across the globe.

Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Lutheran Church of Senegal, Global Engagement TeamComment

Creating Space: Queer Lutherans Invited to ELCA Listening Sessions

Creating Space: Queer Lutherans Invited to ELCA Listening Sessions

The ELCA Churchwide Organization is hosting a series of online listening sessions for queer Lutherans June 15–18 to help shape future opportunities for fellowship, affirmation, and leadership development. Six sessions will be offered throughout the week, beginning Monday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time. Registration is now open.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026LGBTQIA+Comment

Protecting Democracy, Caring for Neighbors: This Week from AFN

Protecting Democracy, Caring for Neighbors: This Week from AFN

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features Election Protection volunteer opportunities, extreme heat advocacy, interfaith dialogue events, meditation gatherings, and summer service opportunities. Explore the full newsletter for upcoming events, trainings, and practical ways to live out faith in public life.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment

From Voting to Hunger Advocacy: What Lutherans Need to Know This Week

From Voting to Hunger Advocacy: What Lutherans Need to Know This Week

This week’s LAMA newsletter includes voter registration reminders ahead of Arizona’s July primary, hunger and immigration advocacy opportunities, poll chaplain training, and new ways Lutherans can engage faithful public witness. Read the full newsletter for upcoming events, action alerts, and resources for advocacy across the synod.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

70 Years of Ministry: Pastor Lester Hoffmann Reflects on a Lifetime of Calling

70 Years of Ministry: Pastor Lester Hoffmann Reflects on a Lifetime of Calling

Pastor Lester Hoffmann will celebrate 70 years of ordained ministry on Saturday, June 13 at 1 p.m. with a special presentation and worship service, “70 Years of Ministry: Called and Sent!”, at the Vi at Silverstone in North Scottsdale. Following reflections on seven decades of ministry and mission, attendees are invited to a reception with light refreshments.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Carl Jensen, who celebrates 54 years on June 11.
Rev. James Slater, who celebrates 48 years on June 11.
Rev. Karl Guhn, Trinity, Phoenix, who celebrates 44 years on June 11.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Growing Faith Together: Supporting Young Families with Creativity and Care

Growing Faith Together: Supporting Young Families with Creativity and Care

Last week’s SYAT Collective gathering with Pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller offered practical, hope-filled ideas for supporting young families in faith. From blessings for expectant parents and meal trains to mentor pairings, family service projects, and devotional resources, participants explored how congregations can help faith take root through presence, creativity, and community. Read more and revisit the Zoom recording.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

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.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Office of the BishopComment