On this page you’ll find the latest featured news from our blog.
This Advent season, as we wait in hopeful anticipation for the gift of Christ’s birth, I find myself reflecting deeply on gifts and generosity. Not just the kind we wrap in paper and ribbons, but the kind we experience through the Spirit—the gifts of love, grace, and community that bind us together as one church, one body of Christ.
In the past months, I’ve been blessed to witness firsthand how the Holy Spirit moves through our shared ministry, both within our synod and across the globe. During recent visits to two of our companion churches—the Lutheran Church of Senegal (LCS) and Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM)—I saw acts of generosity that have left me humbled and inspired.
The 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly will be held June 12-13, 2025, at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, NV. To ensure equitable participation across our vast synod, the assembly location rotates between Tucson, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. This year, costs are minimized by avoiding Friday hotel stays and hosting the event in a church instead of a hotel. Congregations are encouraged to elect voting members at their annual meetings, including one youth or young adult and one person of color or whose primary language is not English, to reflect the diversity of God’s people.
Tucson’s ELCA congregations celebrated the first Sunday in Advent with a joyful combined choir concert at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Over 350 people gathered to enjoy music from eight congregations and hear about Lutheran Campus Ministry’s upcoming mission trip to Guatemala. A freewill offering raised $2,950 to support the mission. Highlights included a stirring combined choir finale of “O Holy Night” and fellowship over cookies.
The Grand Canyon Synod invites your congregation to submit its 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent by February 1, 2025. Your gifts empower local, national, and global ministries, equipping leaders, transforming lives, and advancing God’s mission. Visit gcsynod.org/intent for forms and details. Together, we live into God’s vision of abundance and equality.
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.
Looking to make a difference and save on taxes before 2024 ends? Discover smart ways to give that benefit both you and the ELCA ministries you care about. From simple cash donations to leveraging appreciated securities, gift annuities, and IRA contributions, these giving options can maximize your impact. Contact Lisa Marie Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to explore how you can contribute meaningfully this holiday season.
Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and the Grand Canyon Synod from October 15–26, 2025, for a pilgrimage through Greece and the Greek Islands, retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Visit historic biblical sites, renew your baptism at Lydia’s river, and embark on a 4-day cruise to the island of Patmos where the Book of Revelation was written. With limited space available, register today to secure your spot! For full details and registration, visit Elias Tours.
As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.
Christ the Lord in Carefree seeking a part-time Administrative Manager to join our team. Whoever fills this role will have the opportunity to contribute to the mission and ministry, especially as we reshape our staff and administrative functions to meet the changing needs of our church and community. If you are looking for a place that will celebrate your unique gifts in an environment of good humor, hospitality, reliability, and service to the community, this may be the place for you! More info and apply here.
The Grand Canyon Synod Executive Committee has recommended a 2.5% increase in compensation for rostered ministers in 2025. Congregation councils are encouraged to use the synod’s compensation guidelines, now updated for 2025, and consult inflation benchmarks. Access resources, worksheets, and more at gcsynod.org/compensation.
Grand Canyon Synod representatives Pastor Jonathan Linman and Pastor Mari Larson attended the National Workshop on Christian Unity in Chicago, addressing topics like Christian Nationalism, mass deportations, and Lutheran-Catholic collaboration. Larson was honored for her leadership in LEIRN, and Linman shared a model for ecumenical reception developed for the Phoenix Lutheran-Catholic event. Read more about the workshop’s call to unity and action in divided times.
We pray for the friends and family of Rev. Ronald Franklin Pechauer, who died December 4, 2024 in Apple Valley, MN. Pastor Pechauer had served at Shepherd of the Desert in Sun City, as well as many other churches. Obituary is available here.
The Inflation Reduction Act opens new opportunities for ELCA congregations to embrace clean energy with rebates of 30% on project costs. Partner with the Mission Investment Fund for financing and guidance to make your vision a reality. Join others in caring for creation while saving money and empowering ministry. Learn more about this faithful opportunity today!
This year, Deacon Katie Kline has been a tremendous blessing to the Grand Canyon Synod as our Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Her collaborative leadership and passion for supporting healthy leaders have guided many congregations through critical times of change. Join us in celebrating Deacon Katie’s impactful work and thanking her for her faithful service!
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. This year-end meeting will be combined with LAMA Liaison Roundtable, on Monday, December 16, 6:30 pm.
Pastor John Maroni has been named the new Congregations in Transition Coordinator for the Grand Canyon Synod, beginning in 2025. Pastor John brings nearly two decades of pastoral experience and continues to serve as pastor at Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona. We thank Deacon Katie Kline for her dedicated service over the past year as Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Read more about Pastor John’s ministry and his role in supporting congregations in transition.
Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona has been awarded a 2024 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant! This exciting recognition highlights their commitment to creating a more inclusive church. Learn more about this and other grant recipients, discover featured resources, and find ways to get involved with disability ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod and beyond. Read more in the latest newsletter from ELCA Disability Ministries.
In her Christmas message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls our attention to the word “joy” in the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds. “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11). Eaton reminds us that the message of Christmas is joy, not happiness. Happiness is transient and humanmade. But joy given by God is deep and strong and unshakable. Read the message in English or Spanish, and download a video file at bit.ly/3D9ULKc.
“Joy is a sign of the reign of God…Perhaps that is why in the middle of the night, to terrified shepherds, outside of a small town, God chose to send the angels to announce the birth of Jesus. No distraction. No interference. Just the simple, deep, profound gift of true and lasting joy.”
The Grand Canyon Synod invites your congregation to submit its 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent by February 1, 2025. Your gifts empower local, national, and global ministries, equipping leaders, transforming lives, and advancing God’s mission. Visit gcsynod.org/intent for forms and details. Together, we live into God’s vision of abundance and equality.
The School for Lay Ministry equips lay leaders with the tools and confidence to serve their congregations faithfully. With live instruction, self-paced learning, and innovative digital ministry training, the year-long program begins January 18, 2025. Scholarships are available. Learn more and register today at faithlead.org.
Join Lutherans and friends across Arizona for Lutheran Advocacy Day on February 10, 2025, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. From 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, engage in our call to justice as we meet legislators, pray for those who serve, and connect with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona leaders. Register today to be part of this impactful day of faith and advocacy.
Save the date for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3-5 pm in each respective time zone. Hosted at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, with Bishop Yehiel Curry preaching, and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas with a keynote from Trey Austin (COGIC), this event invites us to come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice, love, and unity. Join us as we celebrate our shared mission for equality and diversity within our faith community.
Be Part of the Celebration of Diversity Choir at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe. Rehearsals begin January 4, and all vocalists are welcome to participate in this inspiring service featuring gospel-style music. Sign up today to be part of this unforgettable tribute at Sign-Up Genius.
As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.
Discover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!
Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has awarded its first scholarships through the Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund, established in 2023 to help ELCA members pursue higher education and professional growth. This fund honors Martin Luther’s legacy of learning, providing financial aid and community support. With matching funds available at many faith-based institutions, a single gift can make a significant impact. To learn about eligibility or contribute to the fund, contact Arizona Community Foundation at azfoundation.org or Grace Lutheran’s team at Treasurer@graceinthecity.com.
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! Tuesday, 11/26/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.
Bishop Hutterer and a Grand Canyon Synod delegation are traveling to Senegal to strengthen ties with The Lutheran Church of Senegal. The church’s President, Rev. Latyr Diouf, has requested donations of pastoral collars and stoles in black, violet, or white to support their ministry. Please bring donations to the synod office by November 21, 2024, at 1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Please contact the synod office to let us know when you’ll be bringing items. Your support will help equip our global Lutheran community for worship and service.
Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff has left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Living Christ Leadership Endowment, a fund to support future ELCA leaders. Established with $598,000, the endowment is dedicated to training and equipping seminary students, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, especially those in the Grand Canyon Synod. Contributions to the fund are welcome through various giving options. Join us in carrying forward Living Christ’s mission of love and hope, ensuring that future leaders are empowered to serve and lead in faith.
Rev. Anna Rieke will be installed Sunday, 11/17/2024, at 3pm at Christ the Lord in Carefree (9205 E Cave Creek Rd, Carefree, AZ 85377). Rev. Mark Rossman will preach and preside.
A reception will follow, and the event will be live-streamed here on Christ the Lord’s YouTube channel.
The Grand Canyon Synod will host the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix from July 28–August 2, 2025. We’ll need up to 100 volunteers to assist with this significant event, held at the Phoenix Convention Center. More details and sign-up forms will be available soon. For early inquiries, contact Mary Beth Baron at mbbaron@gcsynod.org. Save the date and help us welcome the wider ELCA church to Phoenix!