On this page you’ll find the latest featured news from our blog.
Join the 2024 Peanut Butter Wars to help fight food insecurity in Las Vegas! From July 1 to August 5, 2024, groups across the community are competing to donate the most peanut butter and raise funds. The event aims to collect $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of peanut butter for Lutheran Social Services of Nevada.
Participate or donate to make a significant impact—every jar counts towards battling hunger. Get involved by emailing martin@lssnv.org and help spread the word using #peanutbutterwars!
Louis Liss will be ordained and installed at Mount Zion Lutheran Church (4520 West Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85746-9706) on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11 am. Bishop Hutterer will preach. A livestream link will be provided.
Rostered leaders are encouraged to vest and process, color of the day is red. There will be a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.
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 on July 23, 2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
We celebrate the remarkable achievements of Pastor Rebecca Boardman and Pastor Mike Girlinghouse of the Grand Canyon Synod, recipients of the James R. Carr Distinguished Service Award and the Sue E. Rothmeyer Advocacy for Campus Ministry Award, respectively. Their outstanding service and leadership in campus ministry have not only enriched our community but also set a high standard for dedication and excellence within the ELCA. Join us in honoring their contributions and learn more about their impactful work in our latest blog post.
Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat from October 28-30 at the Spirit in the Desert Retteat Center in Carefree, AZ. This year’s theme, “Signs of Hope in Turbulent Times,” features sessions with Rev. Mark Hanson and newly re-elected Bishop Deborah Hutterer. The retreat offers a rich program of fellowship, worship, and reflection. Secure your spot now and find renewal in the company of peers. View this PDF for registration and scholarship information, or contact Jan Fosen at (602-758-0875) or via email at fosen1215@gmail.com with questions.
Rev. Soliette Lopez, ELCA missionary and YAGM Mexico Country Coordinator, highlights her recent activities and the impactful stories from the Young Adults in Global Mission program in her latest newsletter for March-May 2024. She shares experiences from the Discernment Interview Placement event in Chicago, personal and community life in Mexico, and plans for her upcoming visits to the United States. To read more about her inspiring journey and how you can support their mission, visit her newsletter at Rev. Soliette Lopez’s Newsletter.
She will be visiting the United States this July 2024 and then March 2025 if any congregations are interested in an in-person visit and update.
In her letter responding to recent Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, Bishop Eating encourages us as a church to:
Learn and Engage: Let us educate ourselves about housing insecurity and about justice for the homeless. Visit the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network for more information.
Pray: Let us use the ELCA's Homeless and Justice Ministries dedicated devotional guide to pray for those affected by this decision and for our ministries that work to secure shelter for those in need.
Speak Out: Let us review the ELCA World Hunger resource on housing and engage in activities to support effective policies, such as writing a letter to a local news outlet or speaking out at a town hall.
“Criminalizing homelessness is an injustice we must reject. We remain committed to advocating for our unhoused neighbors.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay connected with your faith community, keep up with synod activities, and celebrate the impactful work being done locally and globally. For leaders looking to streamline communication, we offer to import your existing email list, ensuring your whole community stays informed with ease.
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.
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
The FBI has reached out to the Office of the Bishop with vital resources to combat the rise in hate crimes during election years, offering support and emphasizing community safety and civil rights protection.
There is a movement in this country that seeks to define “real Americans” as white, Christian and native born. That is not only untrue but unpatriotic. In her video addressing Christian Nationalism, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “what binds us together is not ethnicity, but shared participation in our civic life springing out of our cultural heritages and working for the common good.” Download this message here, learn more about the Lutheran perspective on Christian Nationalism in this resource from ELCA Advocacy, and take action and join the movement here.
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.
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.
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!
For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, "How long, O Lord?" (Isaiah 6:11).
At times a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis doesn't seem possible, yet as Christians we believe that it is. The psalmist assures us that God "makes wars cease to the end of the earth" (Psalm 46:9). At times it seems that there is nothing we can do, yet through baptism God calls us to be peacemakers. We live out this calling in many ways, including through prayer, advocacy and accompaniment.
Many thanks to Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University for sponsoring childcare at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, enhancing accessibility for all attendees. This support allows parents to fully engage in the assembly while providing a safe and engaging environment for children.
The Grand Canyon Synod invites all members to review the proposed 2025-2026 Mission Plan, which details our financial forecasts, mission priorities, and strategic investments in campus ministries, social services, and ethnic-specific initiatives. Available as a PDF and through an informative webinar, this plan is crucial for guiding our synod’s efforts in the coming years. Join us in shaping our community’s future by engaging with this comprehensive proposal.
Join us at the Synod Assembly on June 13, 2024, to help pack Hygiene Kits for Grace in the City, Phoenix. Participate in our service project by purchasing items from our Amazon Gift List by June 1. Your involvement will directly support those in need and enhance our community outreach efforts.
As we approach our 2024 Synod Assembly, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for the time we will share together. Our theme, “Embody the Word,” reminds us to reflect on how we live out our faith as a collective body of Christ, not only at assembly but in our daily lives as well.
Secure your spot for an unforgettable faith-filled adventure at Campformation 2024 in Prescott, AZ. With the registration deadline on May 31, 2024, don’t miss out on this opportunity for spiritual growth and fun in nature. Ideal for 6th to 9th graders, with programs for older GAP campers and counselors too. For more details, view this PDF or visit Lutheran Campformation.
All members of the Grand Canyon Synod—and especially assembly voting members—are invited to participate in a Q-&-A Zoom presentation of the 2025-2026 Mission Plan, hosted by Erik Rehms, our Synod Treasurer, and Barbara Carl, our Synod Vice-President. Each session is the same, with two dates to choose from.
Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30pm MST/PDT, 6:30pm MDT. Click here to register.
Saturday, June 1 at 9am MST/PDT, 10am MDT. Click here to register.
The assembly received one resolution before our deadline on April 22, 2024, which has since been withdrawn. The Reference and Counsel Committee has honored this request. View the resolutions and memorials page here.
Join us for the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly from June 13-15. This year’s assembly includes the Bishop’s election, starting with registration and a Hymn Festival on Thursday. Friday and Saturday will feature plenary sessions, worship, workshops, and multiple voting rounds. Key events include a Bible study with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham Hughes and a visit from Chaplain Capt Matthew W. Dobyns. Your attention is crucial as we have a bishop election and conduct essential synod business.
Join the Grand Canyon Synod and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona in supporting the 2024 Arizona primary elections by volunteering as a poll monitor. View full information in this LAMA article. Training sessions are offered on multiple dates in July by Election Protection Arizona and the Arizona Faith Network. Register now to ensure that every vote is counted and every voice heard in a fair and dignified manner. Let’s live our faith by advocating for justice and integrity at the polls!