2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
Thursday through Saturday, June 13–15, 2024
We gather under the theme, “Embody the Word.”
Quick Links
Updates
Special events: Service Project and Wild Life: A Hymn Festival and 2024 Diakonia Graduation Ceremony
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 North Power Road, Mesa, AZ, 85207 (map)
(480) 981-6199
As the Associate Vice President for Mission and Identity at California Lutheran University, Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes brings her profound expertise in integrating institutional values with community engagement. Her leadership roles extend across the ELCA's educational network, where she actively contributes to shaping the vocation of Lutheran higher education and supports innovative ministry through the Formation Co-Op. Dr. Windham-Hughes’s commitment to cultivating a space for everyone to offer and receive gifts underscores the theme of our assembly, “Embody the Word.”
Serving as the Executive for Worship at the ELCA, Deacon John Weit oversees the enrichment of worship practices across the church. His extensive experience as a musician and cantor, combined with his strategic leadership in worship planning for the ELCA, brings a depth of liturgical wisdom and musical insight to our assembly. Deacon Weit’s work ensures that worship remains a vibrant, integral part of our faith community’s life.
A dynamic leader and educator, Rev. Dr. Altonnette D. Hawkins, known affectionately as Dr. Toni, embodies a dual ministerial alignment with the UCC and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Her extensive expertise in pastoral counseling, conflict mediation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives makes her a pivotal figure in fostering understanding and transformation within and beyond the church walls. Dr. Hawkins’s guidance is a beacon for those navigating the complexities of faith and community leadership.
Chaplain Capt Matthew W. Dobyns serves with distinction as a Unit Chaplain in the Air Force, offering essential pastoral care and spiritual support to military personnel and their families. His commitment to mental and spiritual readiness, combined with his role in promoting resilience within the military community, exemplifies the ELCA’s dedication to service and ministry in all walks of life. Chaplain Dobyns’s experiences bring a unique perspective on faith’s role in fostering strength and hope in challenging times.
We are deeply grateful to the many individuals who have embodied the Word in their contributions to this year’s Synod Assembly. From committees and task forces to volunteers on the ground, your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. Visit our thank you page to discover all the wonderful people who helped us embody the Word at our 2024 assembly.
A special thank you goes to our voting members. Your commitment to travel, engage, and participate in the complex business of the church is invaluable, especially in this year of a Bishop election. Your willingness to serve, your discerning voices, and your passion for our mission have been vital in shaping the direction of our church. This Assembly’s success is a testament to your meaningful contributions and active participation. Y’all truly embody the Word!
The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly convened Thursday through Saturday, June 13–15, 2024, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa under the theme, “Embody the Word.”
You can view photos of the assembly here, and watch the entire assembly here.
Have you heard the phrase, “May you live in interesting times?” Many would say we live in uncertain times, with a world experiencing war and famine, the stress and lingering effects of the pandemic. But Bishop Eaton reminds us that as people of the Resurrection we also live in hope. God’s love sustains us even in the most difficult times. We live in interesting times because God’s love is always real.
Rewatch the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly on Love of Christ Lutheran’s Facebook page. All sessions, including the Diakonia Graduation, are now available online. Whether you missed the live event or want to experience it again, find all parts of the assembly at your convenience. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and the Diakonia Graduation are available for streami
Pastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson provides a unique window into the spirit of the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly with his collection of 102 photographs. Documenting both the profound and the personal moments of our gathering, these images are available for viewing on Pastor Hammar’s Flickr page. Join us in celebrating our community’s faith, fellowship, and shared mission by exploring this visual record at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBvh6h.
Bishop Deborah Hutterer has been reelected at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, with 201 votes affirming her leadership out of 267 legal votes. We thank all participants, including Deacon John Weit from the ELCA and our hosts at Love of Christ in Mesa, for their support and dedication. Bishop Hutterer’s vision continues to guide us into a future filled with faith and community action. Full results of the bishop election ballot can be found here.
Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly online! Tune in live on June 13, 2024, via the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. This livestreaming opportunity ensures all our members, from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, can partake in our assembly’s key moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay connected and involved in our community’s important decisions and celebrations. Watch here.
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!
Enrich your ministry at our Synod Assembly with a variety of workshops! Choose from sessions on Lutheran advocacy, estate planning, innovative toddler outreach, understanding military chaplaincy, and assessing congregational vitality. Each workshop is tailored to empower our faith community with practical tools and deepened understanding, enhancing our collective service and spiritual growth. Join us to make a lasting impact in your congregation and beyond!
Planning team
Kathye Hamm, chair
Laura Musfeldt
Pastor Nanette Christoffersen
Deacon Laura Book
Andrea Arey
Pastor David Brandfass
Patti Delaney
Roger Bailey
Mary Beth Baron, Reference and Counsel Chair
Dick Beckman (Love of Christ)
Dianne Oien (Love of Christ)
Supported by Theresa Thornburgh and Brian Flatgard
Advised by Bishop Hutterer and Barbara Carl
Important Dates
4/15/2024: Last day of Early-Bird Registration
4/22/2024: Final day to submit Resolutions & Memorials
4/30/2024: Final day to submit Nominations
5/10/2024: Please share your Mission and Ministry Partner stories early.
5/17/2024: Final report of the Reference and Counsel Committee available
5/20/2024: Final day of Registration
May 28, 2024, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: 2025-2026 Mission Plan presentations
Jun 1, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: 2025-2026 Mission Plan presentations
6/15/2024 following assembly: 2024 Diakonia Graduation Ceremony
From a letter of gratitude from Pastor David Sivecz, “On behalf of Grace Lutheran Church, I extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity in making hygiene kits during the synod assembly. Your thoughtfulness and generosity have significantly impacted our ability to support those in need within the downtown Phoenix community.”