Mission and Ministry Stories

We share the video annual report from California Lutheran University (CLU) and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

In their 2025 Annual Report, Camp ALOMA, your Lutheran camp and retreat center in Prescott, Arizona, invites youth, families, and congregations to participate in its 2025 summer camps, retreats, and annual events. With sessions running from June 1 to July 18 for campers in grades 1–12, and opportunities for staff and volunteers of all ages, Camp ALOMA continues to offer “places and programs pointing to Christ.” Retreat options are available year-round for groups of all sizes, with affordable rates and welcoming facilities.

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church has released its final report ahead of the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, outlining 13 recommendations for renewing the ELCA’s purpose, structure, and governance. Pastor Carla Christopher and Leon Schwartz have shared a presentation for our synod assembly, highlighting key calls to action on dismantling racism, increasing accountability, empowering lay leadership, and continuing the work through new task forces. View the full report as a PDF or as images in our blog post.

Rev. David Pavesic shares reflections from his first year as Director for Evangelical Mission in the Grand Canyon Synod. From site visits and preaching engagements to supporting new ministry efforts like “Fresh Expressions” and joining the “Pray Without Ceasing” initiative, his journey has been one of deep learning and faithful connection. Read his full update on how congregations across our synod are building community, exploring collaborative ministry, and taking the gospel beyond church walls.

Grand Canyon Synod Vice President Barbara Carl shares reflections on her four years of service as she prepares to complete her term on August 31, 2025. In this annual report, she highlights the Synod Council’s ongoing work to support congregational vitality, improve communication across the synod, expand Spanish-language resources, and train the first cohort of Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAMs). With gratitude for the journey and hope for what lies ahead, she offers prayers for the next Vice President and Council.

We share the video annual report from Northeast Valley Consortium as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

Between May 2024 and May 2025, fifteen congregations in the Grand Canyon Synod welcomed new rostered leaders, even as many more remain in transition. Our Transition Team—coordinated by Rev. John Maroni and guided by Bishop Deborah Hutterer—continues to use the Transition Coach model to accompany congregations in discerning faithful next steps. With deep gratitude for interim leaders, Synodically Authorized Ministers, and all who support this work, we trust that God continues to raise up leaders for the church today and tomorrow. See the full list of congregations in transition and learn more about the evolving call process in our synod in the PDF report here.

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, AZ shares a video for their Outreach Food Pantry program. The CELC Outreach food pantry has been in existence since 2003 and continues to grow and serve the Goodyear (and surrounding) communities. We are a formal partner agency of St. Mary's Food Bank that provides food to over 65 households weekly. 

Diakonia shares their annual report for 2025, view here as a PDF.

We’re a faith-based organization deeply rooted in our mission of serving those who serve. Watch our story to learn more: Benefits That Align with Church Values.

Thriving Leadership Formation shares their annual report for 2025, view here as a PDF.

St. Olaf College, in Northfield, Minnesota, shares their annual report for 2025.

In one of her final letters to the church, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on how God’s love is being made real across the ELCA and calls us to remain faithful in our mission as we prepare for new leadership in 2025. Her words inspire our ongoing Synod Assembly theme of transformation, service, and hope.

En su carta final a la iglesia, la Obispa Presidente Elizabeth Eaton reflexiona sobre cómo el amor de Dios se hace realidad en la ELCA y nos llama a permanecer fieles a nuestra misión mientras nos preparamos para nuevos liderazgos en 2025. Sus palabras inspiran nuestro tema de Asamblea Sinodal: transformación, servicio y esperanza.

Portico Benefit Services supported over 52,000 ELCA members in 2024 with tools for health, wellness, and financial security. From nearly 3,000 virtual health visits to $199K in debt repaid, their ministry of care enables those who serve to do so with strength and confidence. In their 2025 annual report, read how their work impacts lives across our synod and the ELCA.

The ELCA Foundation helped generate nearly $95 million in gifts and assets in 2024, including $13 million directly supporting ELCA congregations. Free gift planning services are available to individuals and ministries through our synod’s regional planner, Lisa Marie Higginbotham. In their 2025 annual report, learn how the Foundation empowers faithful generosity to sustain ministry and mission for generations to come.

Mosaic and its Arizona-based subsidiary Soreo continue to provide life-changing support for individuals with disabilities and their families in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Kingman. View a video report for the Grand Canyon Synod here. In their 2025 annual report, learn how this ELCA-affiliated ministry is bringing renewed hope to families, empowering voices once silenced, and inviting congregations into inclusive worship and advocacy through Rejoicing Spirits and Mosaic Allied Voices.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a stop-work order cutting funding for refugee resettlement services, directly affecting thousands of resettled families. Global Refuge (formerly LIRS) continues its mission, calling on faith communities to respond. In their 2025 annual report, learn how you and your congregation can give, advocate, and welcome the stranger through Lutheran-rooted action.