Featured News
Join us on September 5, 2024, at 10:15 am for the “Conversation about Congregational Safety” webinar, hosted by Bishop Hutterer and other synod leaders. This crucial event will address concerns about political violence and share resources from the FBI and the ELCA on Christian Nationalism. Congregational leaders are invited to participate and discuss community safety practices. Register now to be part of this essential conversation. Register here.
Diakonia’s new 2024-2025 Foundation Year courses begin on August 27, 2024. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Grand Canyon Synod candidate Julie Gerrish has been called to serve as Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona, Arizona.
Julie’s ordination service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00 am at her home congregation, Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E Thunderhill Place, Phoenix Arizona, 85048-9517. Bishop Hutterer will preside, and Pastor David Brandfass will preach. Clergy are invited to vest, the color of the day is red. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Julie’s installation service will be on Sunday, September 8, 2024, 3:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 25 Chapel Road, Sedona, Arizona, 86336. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Clergy may vest and the color for this service is green. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Time is running out to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center from October 21-23, 2024. Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal under the theme “Embody the Word.” The registration deadline is September 13, 2024—don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow ministers in a serene and supportive environment. Register today!
Bishop’s Fall Gathering
From Monday, October 21 to Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the Grand Canyon Synod invites you to join Bishop Deborah Hutterer at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, located at 7415 E Elbow Bend Road, Carefree, AZ, for a spiritually enriching Fall Gathering under the theme “Embody the Word.” View the full info here.
Join LAMA’s new book club, “Book Time with LAMA,” starting Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at noon. Our first book, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, explores grace-filled political conversations. Monthly meetings will provide a safe space for discussions on social justice. Register now to join the conversation! Register for Book Time: ‘I Think You’re Wrong’
Be sure to sign up for “Preaching in an Age of Polarization,” an online workshop on August 22, 2024, from 10am - 11:30 am MST/PDT. This session, led by Rev. Katie Langston of the Grand Canyon Synod, offers tools and insights for preaching with grace and humor in politically charged times. Engage in practical discussions, learn to address hot-button topics, and stay true to your Christian identity amid polarization. Register now at faithlead.org/polarization to secure your spot or access the post-event recording.
Join Deaconess Cheryl Plummer on August 22, 2024, for “Spiritual Care of the Dying,” a vital Zoom workshop. Learn to address the spiritual and emotional needs of the dying through effective assessment tools and the Death Cafe dialogue model. This session, running from 5 to 7 PM MT, is essential for those involved in ministry and end-of-life care. Register now to deepen your understanding and care capabilities at this significant event. More info & registration on their site, or view this PDF flyer .
Grand Canyon Synod candidate Julie Gerrish has been called to serve as Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona, Arizona.
Julie’s ordination service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00 am at her home congregation, Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E Thunderhill Place, Phoenix Arizona, 85048-9517. Bishop Hutterer will preside, and Pastor David Brandfass will preach. Clergy are invited to vest, the color of the day is red. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Julie’s installation service will be on Sunday, September 8, 2024, 3:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 25 Chapel Road, Sedona, Arizona, 86336. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Clergy may vest and the color for this service is green. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Diakonia’s new 2024-2025 Foundation Year courses begin on August 27, 2024. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. August’s focus is Corporate Social Responsibility with Rev. Kaari Reierson. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Click here to access the meeting, at 6pm on the last Tuesday of every month.
In the month of September, the Season of Creation is celebrated in churches around the world. Join One Home One Future for a Season of Creation resource kit plus access to a robust resource hub, connections to over 100,000 people of faith, events, programs, and ongoing support.
Featured Events
Join LAMA’s new book club, “Book Time with LAMA,” starting Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at noon. Our first book, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, explores grace-filled political conversations. Monthly meetings will provide a safe space for discussions on social justice. Register now to join the conversation! Register for Book Time: ‘I Think You’re Wrong’
Diakonia’s new 2024-2025 Foundation Year courses begin on August 27, 2024. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Join us on September 5, 2024, at 10:15 am for the “Conversation about Congregational Safety” webinar, hosted by Bishop Hutterer and other synod leaders. This crucial event will address concerns about political violence and share resources from the FBI and the ELCA on Christian Nationalism. Congregational leaders are invited to participate and discuss community safety practices. Register now to be part of this essential conversation. Register here.
At 6pm MST on Mondays, 5/6/2024 and again on 9/9/2024, Pastor Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship Support, will lead a webinar going step-by-step on how to create a Narrative Mission Plan hosted by our Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team.
May 6th Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/81979480200
September 9th Zoom Link: us02web.zoom.us/j/81769929305
Join us on Sunday, October 13th, 2024 following the 9:00 AM worship service at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman, AZ, as they celebrate 60 years of ministry and community. Stay tuned for more details and visit glckingman.com for updates. Save the date and be part of this joyful milestone!
Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer from October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. This event promises a blend of worship, fellowship, and insightful discussions under the theme “Embody the Word.” Registration is open until September 13, 2024, with options for both overnight and commuter participation. Featured speakers include Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow ministers. For registration details, visit our event page or contact the synod office.
When Jesus’ teachings become difficult to understand, many of his followers leave. But Simon Peter stays, proclaiming, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In this week's Faith Lens, we explore the importance of trusting in Jesus, even when faith is challenging. Discover how, like Peter, we can find life in Christ, even in the face of difficult teachings.
Save the date for World Food Day—Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger—a Zoom webinar on Tuesday, 10/15/2024, 5 pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT. Register here.
This special online event will be hosted by the Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and Imran Siddiqui, vice president of the ELCA.
The Grand Canyon Synod is pleased to announce that the 2024 Manna Grants are open for applications. With approximately $20,000 available, the grants support projects that alleviate hunger and address its root causes. Eligible congregations and ministries should apply here by September 13, 2024. Join us in our mission to combat hunger and uplift lives through this vital initiative.
Stand Against Christian Nationalism: Register for the Forgotten Luther IV Conference on October 25-26, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. This event will feature key Lutheran leaders and thinkers addressing the threats to democracy. Register now at www.fliv.us. View a PDF ad and poster as well.
Join us on September 5, 2024, at 10:15 am for the “Conversation about Congregational Safety” webinar, hosted by Bishop Hutterer and other synod leaders. This crucial event will address concerns about political violence and share resources from the FBI and the ELCA on Christian Nationalism. Congregational leaders are invited to participate and discuss community safety practices. Register now to be part of this essential conversation. Register here.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Thomas Dunham and the people of Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference. Visit their site at streamstuc.org.
Diakonia’s new 2024-2025 Foundation Year courses begin on August 27, 2024. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Grand Canyon Synod candidate Julie Gerrish has been called to serve as Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona, Arizona.
Julie’s ordination service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00 am at her home congregation, Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E Thunderhill Place, Phoenix Arizona, 85048-9517. Bishop Hutterer will preside, and Pastor David Brandfass will preach. Clergy are invited to vest, the color of the day is red. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Julie’s installation service will be on Sunday, September 8, 2024, 3:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 25 Chapel Road, Sedona, Arizona, 86336. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Clergy may vest and the color for this service is green. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Scott Klimke, Rev. Lisa Hackler and the people of American Lutheran Church in Sun City, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at alcsuncity.org.
The ELCA Youth Gathering team has announced the “Gathering Remix,” a new digital resource launching in September to keep the energy of the 2024 Gathering alive. This tool includes Mass Gathering recordings, exclusive interviews, and over 10 weeks of discussion guides, perfect for youth groups seeking to deepen their faith engagement post-New Orleans. Available for pre-order now, don’t miss out on this opportunity to enrich your ministry and inspire our youth!
Time is running out to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center from October 21-23, 2024. Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal under the theme “Embody the Word.” The registration deadline is September 13, 2024—don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow ministers in a serene and supportive environment. Register today!
Have news, events, or opportunities to share? The Grand Canyon Synod invites all congregations to submit their stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities. Keep our community informed and connected by contributing to our news blog, events calendar, and weekly email newsletter. Share your updates today at gcsynod.org/share.
Pacifica Synod, led by Bishop David Nagler, is a vibrant Lutheran community encompassing Hawaii and Southern California. With 110 congregations and nearly 25,139 baptized members, this synod is committed to faith, service, and social justice.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 60 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 27 years on August 24.
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 39 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 17 years on August 25.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 19 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 30 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 25 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 48 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on August 29.
How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.
Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. August’s focus is Corporate Social Responsibility with Rev. Kaari Reierson. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of the various regions of our synod. The Grand Canyon Synod is spread across lands in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, which are currently home to over two dozen tribal nations.
We acknowledge and honor these communities, their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. We give thanks to our Indigenous siblings who have cared and continue to care for this place — this land — and call it their home.
Learn more about ELCA Indigenous Ministries, land acknowledgments, and Native American and Indigenous education resources.
The Grand Canyon Synod is pleased to announce that the 2024 Manna Grants are open for applications. With approximately $20,000 available, the grants support projects that alleviate hunger and address its root causes. Eligible congregations and ministries should apply here by September 13, 2024. Join us in our mission to combat hunger and uplift lives through this vital initiative.