The ELCA mourns the death of the Rev. Patricia Ann Curtis Davenport, 70, the first African American woman elected a bishop in the ELCA. Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry remembers Davenport for urging the church, especially in difficult moments, to “pause, pray and listen for the Holy Spirit” so that we might respond rather than react. Read the ELCA remembrance.
Read MoreELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reflects on religious diversity, Christian faith and the church’s calling to a “ministry of reconciliation.” Drawing on the ELCA’s interreligious commitments, Curry encourages Lutherans to build relationships across religious differences while resisting efforts to identify the nation or government with a single faith. Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s full message.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
The Rev. Cheryl Fox, who celebrates 17 years on August 15.
Rev. Mark Powell, who celebrates 46 years on August 17.
Rev. Deborah Hutterer, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 22 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, who celebrates 19 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 25 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 36 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 37 years on August 20.
Michael Purcell, who celebrates 48 years on August 20.
The SYAT Collective continues its free continuing education series for youth ministry leaders with two upcoming Zoom events: intergenerational ministry (August 20), and creative fundraising strategies (September 17). Congregational leaders, volunteers, and ministry staff are invited to learn practical tools for strengthening ministry with children, youth, and young adults.
Read MoreRev. Annemarie Burke will be installed Sunday, 8/16/2026 at the 9 am service at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (7570 North Thornydale Road, Tucson, AZ 85741).
Please check the calendar listing or beautifulsavior.net for this event for up-to-date info and details.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Director of Misconduct Prevention Kendra Stea on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. Arizona/PDT for practical guidance on mandatory reporting, involving the bishop, sex offenders in congregations, behavior agreements, Safe Church policies, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.
Read MoreSave 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.
Read MoreThe ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.
The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.
Read MoreA substantive reconsideration of the 1990 “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment” social message is underway. Churchwide input is encouraged. The feedback period is open until November 30, 2026. Please comment!
Read MoreAs summer transitions toward fall, Grand Canyon Synod staff are focused on planning, ministry support, stewardship development, and financial oversight. This week also marks the return of Communications Director Brian Flatgard from sabbatical, bringing renewed energy and gratitude as the synod prepares for the season ahead.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 37 years on August 6.
Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 33 years on August 8.
Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 59 years on August 9.
Rev. Wyatt Linde, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 3 years on August 9.
Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 50 years on August 10.
Rev. Paul Campbell, who celebrates 47 years on August 12.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Kevin Anderson, Spirit of Hope, Mesa, who celebrates 1 year on August 4.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Thomas McFarland, who celebrates 40 years on August 3.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Sharon Brown, who celebrates 13 years on August 2.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Rebecca Boardman, who celebrates 22 years on July 31.
Rev. James Schubert, who celebrates 36 years on July 31.
While Bishop Hutterer is on vacation, Grand Canyon Synod staff continue supporting congregations, strengthening ministry partnerships, and preparing for future initiatives. This week’s work includes ministry reviews, stewardship development, event planning, website improvements, and the completion of key financial reporting for the synod.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Tony Scheer, who celebrates 26 years on July 30.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Matthew Wiswall, who celebrates 36 years on July 29.
Rev. Mateo Chavez, San Juan Bautista, Tucson, who celebrates 8 years on July 29.
Rev. Susan Schubert, who celebrates 36 years on July 29.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Gary McCluskey, who celebrates 46 years on July 27.
Rev. David Pavesic, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 24 years on July 27.
Rev. Denise Edwards, who celebrates 24 years on July 27.
