Thursday, June 11, to Saturday, June 13, 2026
Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona
We gather under the theme, “Rooted in God’s Story.”
Quick Links
Rooted in God’s Story
Thursday Afternoon Connections (with Congregational Vitality Team and Office of the Bishop staff)
Voting Member Info
Registration
Important Dates
February, 2026: Registration opens.
Monday, 4/6/2026: Workshop proposals deadline.
Monday, 4/13/2026: Early-bird registration closes.
Monday, 4/27/2026: Final day to submit resolutions and memorials.
Monday, 4/27/2026: Final day to submit acts for the Friday Night Variety Show.
Monday, 5/4/2026: Final day to submit nominations.
Friday, 5/8/2026: Final day to share your Mission and Ministry Partner stories.
Friday, 5/8/2026: Final day to book discounted rooms at Westgate Resort.
Monday, 5/18/2026: Final day of registration.
Saturday, May 30, 2026: 2027–2028 Mission Plan zoom presentation, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Monday, June 2, 2026: 2027–2028 Mission Plan zoom presentations, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
“We will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord.”
Love of Christ Lutheran Church
We thank Love of Christ Lutheran Church for all of their help in hosting this year’s assembly and assemblies in years past.
1525 N. Power Road Mesa, AZ 85205 (map)
(480) 981-6199
Families belong at Synod Assembly. Thanks to the generous support of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) and California Lutheran University, childcare will be available during the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.
Timeline
Thursday, June 11, 2026
11 am: Exhibitors and Display Area setup opens
1 pm: Synod council meeting
2 – 5 pm: Check-in for registered participants
2 – 5 pm: Service project packing
2 — 5 pm: Thursday Afternoon Connections (with Congregational Vitality Team and Office of the Bishop staff)
Friday, June 12, 2026
7 am: Check-in for registered participants opens
8:45 am: Practice voting
9 am – 12:30 pm: Assembly
12:30 – 1:30 pm: Lunch break
1:30 – 5:30 pm: Assembly
5:30 – 6:15 pm: Dinner
6:15 – 7:15 pm: Variety Show
Saturday, June 13, 2026
7:30 am: Check-in for registered participants opens
8:30 – 11:45 am: Assembly
Planning Team
Deacon Laura Book
Pastor Nanette Christofferson
Brian Flatgard
Kathye Hamm
Bishop Deborah Hutterer
Pastor Tina Mills
Laura Musfeldt
Mark Myers
Layra Siqueiros
Theresa Thornburgh
The timeline and full agenda for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa) are now available. Highlights include opening worship with Bishop Hutterer, keynote leadership from Rev. Tim Brown, workshops, assembly business, and a Friday evening variety show.
Participants are encouraged to review the full schedule in advance and plan for key moments including voting, workshops, and worship. View the complete agenda and begin preparing for our time together as a synod rooted in God’s story.
Workshops for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now set. On Friday, June 12, participants can choose from two sessions featuring topics like AI in ministry, youth voices, congregational safety, conflict resolution, and more—led by presenters from across the synod.
Review the full workshop lineup, including presenters and room locations, and plan your afternoon of learning at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.
Join the 2026 Synod Assembly service project on Thursday, June 11 (2:00–5:00 pm) as we pack 800 pounds of rice and 800 pounds of beans for the West Valley Community Food Pantry and First Place Community Center Food Bank. This hands-on project invites all participants to serve together, with the food blessed during closing worship.
You can also support the effort financially—$5 provides food for 5 families. Give online via Tithe.ly, by Zelle, or by check. Together, we share daily bread and live out our call to serve our neighbors.
We share a video of 2026 Assembly Greetings from Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, Pastor President of the Mexican Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Mexicana, ILM).
As we gather for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, be sure to visit the exhibitor area and connect with ministry partners serving across the church and world. From camps and seminaries to advocacy, mission, youth, and congregational ministries, our exhibitors help strengthen and build up the body of Christ in countless ways.
The Grand Canyon Synod will present its Proposed 2027–2028 Mission Plan in two Zoom sessions on May 30 (9 AM) and June 2 (5 PM, Arizona/Nevada time). Participants will receive an early overview, ask questions, and help shape the future direction of synod ministry. View the Proposed Mission Plan for 2027–2028 here as a PDF. A recording will be provided for those unable to attend live.
Voting members will also have the opportunity to practice voting ahead of assembly. All are encouraged to participate and engage in this shared work of discernment.
The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly is almost here! Find everything you need to prepare for June 11–13 in Mesa, including schedule highlights, voting information, workshops, livestreaming, the service project, special guest Rev. Tim Brown, and how our homepage will serve as your Assembly information hub throughout the week.
Volunteers are needed to help prepare and reset spaces for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Opportunities include a Decorating Team on Wednesday, June 10 (11:00 AM–1:00 PM) and a Tear Down Team on Saturday, June 13 (12:00–1:00 PM). To volunteer, contact Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org.
The 2026 Synod Assembly Reference and Counsel Committee report is now available for review, including Resolution 26.01 related to a possible year of discernment regarding Reconciling in Christ (RIC). If adopted, the resolution would begin a year of listening and education—not an immediate decision—with congregational autonomy remaining intact. Learn more and participate at gcsynod.org/ric.
Please note that the Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, June 15, 2026, following Synod Assembly to allow staff time for rest after the gathering. The office will also be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
For the upcoming Assembly week, the Grand Canyon Synod homepage will transform into a comprehensive digital hub. Just visit gcsynod.org and you’re there! This enhanced homepage will feature quick access links and real-time updates to keep you informed throughout the event. Accessible on any device, our goal is to make your Assembly experience as seamless and engaging as possible. Stay connected with us and check back regularly for the latest news!
“We will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord.”
The Rules of Procedure for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are available online. Voting members and attendees are encouraged to review the document ahead of the June 11–13 assembly in Mesa, including important details about resolutions, debate limits, electronic voting, and assembly participation.
The rules outline how the assembly will conduct business while emphasizing respectful Christian community grounded in Galatians 5 and the shared work of discernment, governance, and ministry together.