Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 47 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 70 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 53 years on June 17.
Scores of photos from the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now available, including galleries from worship, business sessions, the Variety Show, candid moments, and Bishop Hutterer’s annual selfie. Most images were provided by Pastor Doug Dill. Browse the galleries and explore the full collection of Assembly wrap-up stories and ministry reports.
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As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly wrap-up, explore a growing collection of mission and ministry reports, videos, and stories from across the Grand Canyon Synod and the wider ELCA. From advocacy and generosity to leadership development, global partnerships, and congregational innovation, these reports highlight how God is at work through our shared ministry.
Visit our mission and ministry story page to view the full collection and discover stories of faith, service, and hope from across our synod.
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The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly raised $3,702.84 to support the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), strengthening Lutheran ministry, education, and peacebuilding in the places where the Christian story first took root.
If you forgot to give during assembly, there is still time to participate through the synod’s Assembly Giving page.
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More than 300 Lutherans gathered June 12–13 in Mesa for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story.” Worship, elections, discernment, leadership reports, workshops, and service shaped the gathering, including adoption of the 2027–2028 Mission Plan and the reception of Peace in the Desert into the synod.
Participants also celebrated new leaders, packed food for neighbors experiencing hunger, and were sent back to congregations grounded in worship, community, and shared mission.
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The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly was made possible by hundreds of faithful hands. From volunteers, planners, and worship leaders to host congregation members, exhibitors, technical teams, childcare sponsors, and voting members, we offer deep gratitude to all who helped bring this year’s gathering to life.
Read our full thank-you and celebration of the many people whose hospitality, leadership, generosity, and faithful service helped root this year’s assembly in God’s story.
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More than 50 images from the 2026 Synod Assembly theme “Rooted in God’s Story” are now available to explore and download. Inspired by sacred desert landscapes and the story of faith unfolding through time, these visuals are available for congregations and ministries to use in worship, communications, and storytelling.
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Missed part of the 2026 Synod Assembly—or want to revisit it? Thanks to Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, livestream recordings from Friday and Saturday are available to watch online, including worship, reports, Assembly business, and recognitions.
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As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly, we created Rooted at the Table—a community recipe book filled with recipes and stories from across the Grand Canyon Synod. Thank you to everyone who contributed; explore the collection and celebrate the memories, culture, and faith shared around our tables. View all recipes here.
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Mexico is one of the Grand Canyon Synod’s global ministry partners, and a growing relationship with the Mexican Lutheran Church is opening new opportunities for shared ministry, learning, and accompaniment. Watch this Synod Assembly video update to hear how a May visit to Mexico City is already shaping future exchanges, friendships, and ministry across borders.
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In the ELCA's 2026 Synod Assembly video (with Spanish captions) from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, he shares three stories from across the ELCA, including a story about a feeding program from South Carolina, a journey to the Holy Land for Bishop Imad Haddad's installation at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and a pastor's calling by his congregation in Washington State.
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As the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly concludes, Bishop Deborah Hutterer reflects on a gathering rooted in worship, discernment, service, and shared ministry. Read her message of gratitude, hope, and invitation as we continue to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities together.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. James Vadis, who celebrates 58 years on June 16.
Rev. Corrine Chilstrom, who celebrates 41 years on June 16.
Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee is seeking a part-time Director of Chancel Choir (Promesa de Esperanza) to lead the congregation’s choir ministry and help enrich worship through music. The position includes choir direction, worship planning, cantatas, and seasonal services, with compensation ranging from $12,000–$18,000 annually.
Applicants should have a heart for worship, experience in choral leadership, and familiarity with Lutheran and liturgical traditions. Learn more and apply through Esperanza Lutheran Church.
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Council: Confessing the hope of the gospel on the journey to 2030
Council: Called to shape a narrative of hope in turbulent times
Council: Mutual encouragement to combat epidemic of loneliness
Pre-Council meetings highlight connection and mutual encouragement
Brazil: a reunion to celebrate faith and care for God’s creation
Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson is seeking a Part-Time Music Ministry Leader to support worship, choir leadership, and congregational music ministry. The flexible position is envisioned at approximately 20 hours per week, with compensation around $30,000 annually, and applicants with strengths in organ, piano, or choir direction are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.
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Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert is seeking a part-time Worship Leader to help lead Christ-centered Sunday worship and mentor youth and emerging musicians. The role includes vocal and instrumental leadership, volunteer coordination, and helping shape worship rooted in Lutheran tradition at the congregation’s growing Gilbert campus. View job description here.
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Executive Skills for Church Leaders returns January 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. This leadership development experience equips rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical skills for today’s ministry context. Join the interest list now to receive early updates and registration access: bit.ly/ExecSkills27.
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Save the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.
Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.
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The ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.
Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.
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