In the latest Pivot podcast, host Dwight Zscheile interviews Pastor Ed Doerner from Messiah Lutheran Church about their revolutionary approach to church leadership and community engagement.
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Stepping Up to Supervision is a practical, faith-based leadership training designed to help ministry leaders supervise with clarity and care, while staying rooted in their pastoral identity. Led by author and coach Rev. Susan Beaumont, this live online training runs August 5–19 and includes 9 contact hours, a comprehensive workbook, and year-long access to all materials. Scholarships available.
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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.
Read MoreIn 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.
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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.
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Coaching is a transformative ministry resource available to rostered and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether you’re navigating a call transition, facing burnout, leading a congregation, or exploring spiritual growth, trained ELCA coaches—including several right here in our synod—are ready to walk with you. In 2024, GCS coaches logged 153 hours across 39 clients, and we’re aiming to double that in 2025.
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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.
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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.
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We share the video annual report from Northeast Valley Consortium as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.
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Papua New Guinea: bringing the good news to the remotest places
LWF congratulates Pope Leo XIV, expresses hope for building “bridges of peace”
Global Lutheran Songbook features in concert and workshop at the Kirchentag
Education at the service of gender equality by Rev. Mimii Kwerakwiza Brown Rubindamayugi Mziray
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a pastoral letter marking the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born and first Augustinian pope. She calls on Lutherans to join in prayer and continued dialogue, embracing our shared theological roots and our mutual calling to be bridge-builders in a world longing for peace and unity. Click here to read the full pastoral letter.
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Youth artwork for the 2025 Synod Assembly is due by Friday, May 9! Children and youth across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to submit drawings, paintings, or digital art inspired by the theme “Build Up the Body.” All submissions will be displayed at the Assembly and featured online, with 25 pieces printed as postcards. Every participant will be entered into a drawing for art supplies. Submit at gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/art.
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How does our Lutheran faith inform our understanding of work, justice, and human dignity? From the Haymarket strikes to today’s threats to workplace protections, Christians have long stood with laborers seeking fair treatment. Lutheran theology, rooted in Martin Luther’s expansive view of vocation, calls us to honor all forms of work and support the rights of workers—then and now. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog.
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Rev. Tina Mills will be installed Sunday, 5/18/2025, at 3pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus (612 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, AZ 85208). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside.
The color of the day is white. There will be a reception following, and the service will be live-streamed on the church’s website and social media.
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The Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly and attends meetings with various ministries of our synod. We also share photos from the Ordination of Deacon Emma Janzen and Bishop Hutterer’s visit to St. Raphael in the Valley in Benson.
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When Jesus declared his identity as the Messiah, some still refused to believe—not because he hadn’t made it clear, but because they couldn’t accept what that meant. This week’s Faith Lens reflects on mistaken identity, from the return of the dire wolf to the confrontation in John 10, and asks: when the truth is right in front of us, are we ready to see and hear it? Read more and reflect on how your own self-understanding is shaped by faith.
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We pray for the friends and family of Deacon Ardie Senft passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 79. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Ardie served faithfully for over 30 years as a diaconal minister in the ELCA, embodying Christ’s call to serve others through teaching, pastoral care, and community leadership. Memorials may be directed to Arizona Faith Network and Feed My Starving Children.
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Build confidence and clarity in your children’s and youth ministry teams with a new online course from Faith+Lead. “Leading Faith Formation for Children and Youth” offers practical tools and theological grounding for volunteers, parents, and ministry leaders—just in time for summer planning. Enroll now for lifetime access and community support.
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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.
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Childcare will be provided at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University. This initiative helps make the assembly more accessible for families and reflects our shared Lutheran commitment to hospitality and inclusion.
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