On the 11th anniversary of the murder of the Emanuel Nine at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, former South Carolina Bishop Herman Yoos reflects on grief, forgiveness, repentance, and the ongoing work of confronting racism and white supremacy. His personal essay recalls how the tragedy reshaped his ministry and understanding of racial justice.
Read MoreAs hurricane season begins, Lutheran Disaster Response reminds congregations and households that preparedness is both practical and faithful. From emergency planning and supply kits to congregational resiliency efforts, taking action now can help communities care for one another when disasters strike.
Explore preparedness resources, including a congregational preparedness guide, and learn how Lutheran Disaster Response supports communities before and after disasters. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe Rev. Wade Thomas Roof III was elected bishop of the South Carolina Synod on June 13 during the synod assembly in West Columbia, S.C. Roof, currently pastor of Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, will begin his six-year term on Sept. 1, succeeding Bishop Virginia Aebischer. Read more about the election, Roof’s ministry background, and the South Carolina Synod in the full ELCA news story.
Read MoreThe Rev. Laura Barbins was reelected June 6 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod. Barbins has led the synod since 2020 and previously served in parish ministry and theological education. Read the full story for election details and a look at Bishop Barbins’ ministry and leadership.
Read MoreThe Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth was reelected June 7 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Eastern North Dakota Synod. Moon Leiseth has served as bishop since 2020 and brings experience in parish ministry, campus ministry, and global mission. Learn more about the election results and Bishop Moon Leiseth’s ministry journey.
Read MoreThe Rev. Jennifer Dee was elected June 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. Dee currently serves as lead pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia and will be installed Oct. 31. Read more about the election, Dee’s ministry experience, and the transition in synod leadership.
Read MoreToday 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreMore 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreMore 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.
Read MoreMissed 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreMexico 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreToday 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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