Mission & Ministry Partner Stories

New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson shares a video of their Blessings in a Backpack program for their annual report to the assembly.

The theme of our 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, “Embody the Word,” serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrant faith we have been gifted through our baptism into Jesus Christ. It's a call to open ourselves to God's transformative power, enabling us to boldly embody our true purpose as individuals and as the Body of Christ.

As disciples within the ELCA, we are called to courageously articulate the truths and beliefs deeply rooted in our faith. In our divided world, and even within our congregations, silence can often widen gaps of misunderstanding and division more than the spoken word. It is crucial that we not retreat from our responsibility to voice justice, peace, and reconciliation.

There are many ways generosity is expressed in the church. The gift of leadership is offered by each conference dean, team & committee member, council member, and worship leader. The gift of time is offered by every attendee of Synod Assembly and volunteers who serve our neighbors. The gift of money is offered by weekly offering to the congregation, congregational mission support to the synod, mission support tithe to churchwide ministry, extraordinary gifts from congregations & donors, and planned gifts that continue a legacy of love in Christ.

Lutheran Campformation shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.

University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.

Luther Seminary shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.

Mosaic shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.

Santa Trinidad shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.

First Place shares a video of their 2024 Discipleship Event as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.

Holy Trinity Lutheran shares a video of their 2024 Discipleship Event as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.

In a year of uncertainty in government and politics, in climate, war and the global economy, and perhaps in the ways we view church together, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona highlights a few of the many reasons to be encouraged about our synod’s engagement in Lutheran advocacy. View in this post or this PDF.

Pastor Jacqui Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation, reports significant strides in nurturing leadership and spiritual development across the Grand Canyon Synod. The Candidacy program is flourishing, with 27 candidates poised for pastoral roles, and anticipates ordaining deacons for the first time in fourteen years. Additionally, the Grand Canyon Synod is among the top ten synods for candidate numbers.

Efforts in Lutheran Campus Ministry have continued robustly despite pastoral retirements, maintaining vital support and faith exploration spaces for students across multiple campuses. Pastor Jacqui also highlights the impactful financial support provided to seminary students through the Funds for Leaders program, alleviating the burden of educational expenses. Her report encapsulates our synod’s ongoing commitment to forming faith-filled leaders equipped to serve and enrich their communities.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary shares their 2024 Annual Report via a just-released YouTube video.

The congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod actively engage with and support many programs globally.  Whether it be a direct congregational relationship or project outside the US or programs and partnerships attached to the synod, the ELCA or the Lutheran World Federation! 

The Global Engagement team works to support these efforts and our ongoing companion synod relationships; we also support the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program and other ELCA Global Mission programs.

Thriving Leadership Formation, supported by a significant grant from the Lilly Endowment, continues to foster spiritual and leadership growth within our synod through its diverse initiatives and events. In the past year, this program, housed at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University, has significantly impacted pastoral and lay leadership across ELCA Regions 1 and 2. Under the leadership of Pastor Lourdes Olson, among others, the program has engaged numerous leaders in spiritual practices and community building, helping them to thrive in their congregational roles. View their full annual report in this PDF.

For their annual report, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Phoenix shares a video from their 8th Arcadia Cares Food for Kidz Packathon that was held on March 1-2, 2024. The 2025 Arcadia Cares packathon is scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at Prince of Peace.

In the past year, 1517 Media has continued to enrich spiritual life across our Synod with diverse offerings. Their “All Creation Sings” initiative provides a broad array of worship and prayer resources tailored for all age groups, enhancing congregational activities and personal devotion. View their full annual report in this PDF.

The Diakonia Program is a 40+ year old ministry within the ELCA committed to fostering learning environments for followers of Jesus to grow in faith. The program has recently added new course curriculum and more flexibility with a Foundation Year and optional subsequent Practical Year tracks. View their full annual report in this PDF.

The Grand Canyon Synod Transition Team, led by Bishop Deborah Hutterer and key leaders, continues to guide congregations during a period of significant change in the call process. View their full annual report in this PDF.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, continues its longstanding mission of providing sanctuary and support to refugees and immigrants. In 2023, through the dedication of partners and Lutheran communities, Global Refuge successfully reunited over 17,000 children with their families or placed them in loving foster homes, welcomed 11,200+ refugees from diverse global regions, and assisted 11,700+ individuals seeking safety from Central America and beyond. View their full annual report here and their synod letter here.

Thank you for your support and your prayers for the work that you have entrusted to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Grand Canyon Synod as its Vice President.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve you throughout this past year as your Interim Director for Evangelical Mission. In this role, I have been honored to walk alongside an amazing collection of gifted leaders and a whole array of diverse programs being lived-out in and through their ministries. I have marveled at the heartfelt and transformative care being poured out into their surrounding neighborhoods and beyond in Jesus’ Name.

A couple months ago, our Synod Council asked for a listing of the various congregations and ministries which I accompany in my work as your Interim DEM. I believe this list may be of interest also to this Synod Assembly. Read the list in this post or in this PDF.

As I reflect on the past year, I am both humbled and inspired by the ways we have communicated, connected, and created possibilities within our synod. Our news system, encompassing our blog, calendar, Facebook posts, and weekly newsletter, has been a vital part of our community. Here are some key highlights and reflections from the past year.

In her assembly letter (English, Spanish), Bishop Eaton a emphasizes the transformative power of God’s love and grace, resonating deeply with our assembly theme, "Embody the Word." Bishop Eaton reflects on how inviting others into our faith communities and engaging them in service and worship allows them to experience God's profound love. This call to share and embody God's grace in daily actions highlights our collective mission to foster healing, peace, and justice within our communities.

View the 2024 California Lutheran University Assembly Report in this post or as a PDF.

The ELCA Foundation doesn't just envision a future; it's building one where intentional generosity and stewardship have allowed the mission and ministry of the ELCA to grow beyond our expectations. Our goal is to create a vibrant culture where intentional giving fuels the expansion of the ELCA's work in the US and around the world.

Dear Friends in the Grand Canyon Synod, where Mosaic provides services through locations across the state of Arizona.

Last year, while taking down a building on our founding campus that was well past its useful era, we found a time capsule from around 70 years ago. One of the items in the capsule was a copy of The Small Catechism of Martin Luther. Many of you probably remember spending time with that catechism as a child—I know I do.

Luther Seminary’s latest annual report includes a letter from President Robin J. Steinke as well as the Luther Seminary’s 2023 Annual Report in full, as well as quick facts.

Greetings from Luther College and from our home in Decorah, Iowa – where river, woodland, and prairie meet upon lands that have been home to the Ioway, Sac, Fox, and Dakota people and their ancestors. We are proud to share with you highlights from this past academic year that reflect our mission to educate minds and develop whole persons equipped to understand and confront a changing society.

At Portico we strive to offer benefits that make our plan members’ lives better, so that they can fulfill their mission of helping others live their best lives. Here is a visual recap (view in PDF) of what our community of 45,000+ members experienced in 2023.

Our mission is to serve those who serve — financially, emotionally, and physically. We do this by securing quality, cost-effective, and useful benefits that make a difference for our members and sponsoring organizations. With each new year we continue to grow our pool and affirm the value and importance of church together.