The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly convened Friday and Saturday, June 9-10, 2023, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley. You can view photos of the assembly here, and watch the entire assembly here.

We gathered under the theme, “Be Bold in Your Baptism,” with Galatians 3:27 as our verse: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

As we look back on what we learned and accomplished at our assembly, it’s fair to say the Grand Canyon Synod is certainly not a stagnant synod. It’s a blessing that we had so many people and ministries to uplift and be thankful for.

We began our gathering with worship, filled with praise, song, and a deeper exploration of the Gospel. Our offering benefited ELCA World Hunger and First Call Theological Education, and attendees brought packages of rice beans and flour for La Casa de la Misericordia y de Todas las Naciones.

We remembered our dearly departed rostered ministers, especially Rev. Howie Wennes, bishop emeritus of the Grand Canyon Synod (June 20, 1987 – August 31, 2001), and president emeritus of California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks. We paid our respects to congregations that have closed, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to our faith community.

We received a video greeting from Pastor Ari Trejo and Roberto Trejo Haager, Pastor President of the Mexican Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Mexicana).

The assembly passed the 2024-2025 Mission Plan. We also adopted the annual audit from the Metz CPA firm. We extend our thanks to the diligent audit team for their exceptional work in ensuring the integrity of our synod's financials: Marissa Metevelis and Robert Ulland.

The assembly ratified the following Synod Council Conference Representatives:

• Northeast Valley Conference: Myrna Wells-Ulland, of Living Water Lutheran

• Rio Salado Conference: Jeff Michaels, of Love of Christ Lutheran

The assembly elected the following nominees:

• Karen Olson elected as At-Large Representative.

• Pastor David Brandfass elected as Consultation committee, rostered minister of Word and Sacrament.

• Christopher Jacobson and Sarah Morris elected as Consultation committee, laypersons.

• Rev. Arhiana Shek Dill elected as Committee on Discipline, rostered minister of Word and Sacrament.

Thank you to all those who were nominated for your willingness to serve.

The Assembly also passed a resolution entitled “Encouraging congregations to support local hunger ministries, increase awareness of hunger and poverty issues, and increase opportunities to financially support the work of ELCA World Hunger.”

Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza led our Bible study, where we delved into Paul's Letter to the Galatians, fostering deep conversations and learning.

We were blessed to receive updates from the ELCA, presented by Pastor Sara Cutter, reminding us of our connection with the larger church in the US and around the world. Pastor Cutter also shared song and devotions to open our second day of assembly.

Sister Lika Macia shared about our immigrant ministry on the Mexican border, opening our eyes to the valuable work being done in these challenging times. Sister Lika also provided us with her artwork, Jesus Migrant, which was crafted onto tiles and given to our guests, Dr. Bateza and Pastor Cutter.

We congratulated Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta on his new role with the ELCA, expressing our gratitude for his tremendous ministry in our Synod.

We welcomed Reverend James Dew as our new Interim Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) starting June 19, 2023.

We thanked our outgoing synod council members: Laura Musfeldt, Northeast Valley Conference representative; and Sue Jensen, At-Large representative, Executive Committee, Kino Conference.

The Bishop and Synod Council report resounded with many voices telling stories of our growing ministries, a testament to the vibrant work being done across our synod. We encourage you to watch the report, available here on YouTube starting at the 1 hour and 27 minute mark. As well as Bishop Hutterer and Synod Vice President Barbara Carl, we heard from: Bill Ledford, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada; Solveig Muus, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona; Bishop Current, Southeastern Iowa Synod; Pastor Verónica Álvarez, Faith/La Fe in Phoenix; Pastor Karn Carroll, Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Phoenix, Global Engagement Team, ELCA Church Council; Sue Jensen, Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson; Roger Bailey, Living Hope, Las Vegas; Kimberle Kennedy, Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson, Diakonia Steering Committee Chair; Marissa Metevelis, co-director of Leadership Lab, co-treasurer of Campformation, Living Hope Lutheran in Las Vegas; Lisa Higginbotham, Regional Gift Planner with the ELCA Foundation; Casey Goslin, Director for the West Valley Young Adult Community; Elizabeth Danielson, congregation president at Love of Christ, Mesa; Marcia Steil and Lynn Hunt Lord of Life, Sun City West.

We received an updated on the Growing Generosity Appeal from Laura Musfeldt, who serves on the appeal task force. We are less than $50,000 away from our $750,000 stretch goal, with over $300,000 in funds already distributed.

We also had our fair share of celebration and movement, thanks to Pastor Sarah Stadler's delightful sessions of song and dance.

Peter Garang, with Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship in Glendale, presented synod leaders with hymnals in the Dinka language.

Pastor Kevin Meyer, with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, presented this year’s Servant of Christ awards to Our Savior’s Lutheran of Mesa and Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson.

We answered our number one request for every assembly — more time to meet folks from around the synod —  at our memorable evening at the Tucson Children's Museum, filled with food, fellowship, and fun.

We heard from Mac Bolton, who serves as treasurer of Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley, and is also on their endowment committee. After Ascension helped create the Manna Grant program last year with a give of $90,000, Mac was pleased to announce the commitment of $20,000 annually to the Manna Grant funded from Ascension’s endowment fund.

We celebrated milestone anniversaries of two extraordinary congregations.

• Living Hope Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, established 1948, 75 years

• Trinity Lutheran Church, Phoenix, established 1948, 75 years.

We also had the pleasure of celebrating the newly ordained and newly called rostered ministers to our Synod.

Newly ordained:

• Rev. Tim Perlick, 5/13/2023

• Rev. Daniel Potaznick, 3/18/2023

• Rev. Luis Ochoa, 1/21/2023

• Rev. Verónica Alvarez, 10/30/2022

Newly called:

• Rev. Donald Bebber, 5/27/2023, St. Raphael, Benson

• Rev. Doug Moffat, 4/23/2023, Faith, Yuma

• Rev. Scott A. Klimke, 3/29/2023 American, Sun City, AZ

• Rev. Craig Larson, 12/4/2022, Desert Hills, Green Valley, AZ

• Rev. Jason Adams, 10/21/2022, Good Samaritan, The Lakes, Las Vegas, NV

• Rev. Jonathan Linman, 10/5/2022, Faith/Le Fe, Phoenix

• Rev. Greg Hartman, 9/10/2022, New Spirit, Tucson

• Rev. Jose Valenzuela, 7/17/2022, Community of Grace, Peoria

• Rev. Erin Morris, 7/30/2022, Resurrection, Oro Valley

We celebrated rostered ministers who are celebrating significant anniversaries during 2023:

• Rev. J Matthew "Mateo" Chavez; 7/29/2018; 5 Years

• Rev. David Sivecz; 1/27/2018; 5 Years

• Rev. John Biggs; 10/13/2013; 10 Years

• Rev. Sharon Brown; 8/2/2013; 10 Years

• Rev. Randy Winsand; 6/30/2013; 10 Years

• Rev. Brian Weinberger; 11/29/2008; 15 Years

• Rev. Matthew Dobyns; 6/22/2008; 15 Years

• Rev. Andrew Schlecht; 6/22/2008; 15 Years

• Rev. Sharon Bowen-Weiszmann; 6/7/2008; 15 Years

• Rev. Andrea Cain; 6/1/2008; 15 Years

• Rev. Brian Cain; 6/1/2008; 15 Years

• Rev. Ryan Hersch; 9/27/2003; 20 Years

• Rev. Kari Williamson; 10/26/2003; 20 Years

• Rev. Judith Rainforth; 9/21/2003; 20 Years

• Rev. Elaine Watskey; 3/1/2003; 20 Years

• Rev. Jill Doherty; 9/13/1998; 25 Years

• Rev. Richard Sherrill; 7/12/1998; 25 Years

• Rev. Dana Reardon; 6/14/1998; 25 Years

• Rev. Susan Swanson; 12/27/1998; 25 Years

• Rev. Benjamin Bergren; 5/28/1998; 25 Years

• Rev. Barbara Rapp; 8/21/1993; 30 Years

• Rev. Richard Peterson; 8/8/1993; 30 Years

• Rev. Lois Shuart; 6/12/1993; 30 Years

• Rev. Renee Geiger; 9/1/1988; 35 Years

• Rev. Craig Larson; 7/24/1988; 35 Years

• Rev. John Geske; 6/26/1988; 35 Years

• Rev. Mark Rossman; 6/18/1988; 35 Years

• Rev. Colin Melby; 7/24/1983; 40 Years

• Rev. Robert Jones; 7/21/1983; 40 Years

• Rev. Joaquin Garcia; 7/20/1983; 40 Years

• Rev. Norene Smith; 5/29/1983; 40 Years

• Rev. Donald Thompson; 5/8/1983; 40 Years

• The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt; 3/25/1983; 40 Years

• Rev. Thomas Morrison; 10/10/1978; 45 Years

• Rev. Gregory Mannel; 9/4/1978; 45 Years

• Rev. Michael Purcell; 8/20/1978; 45 Years

• Rev. Paul Overvold; 6/25/1978; 45 Years

• Rev. Glen Stadler; 6/18/1978; 45 Years

• Rev. Sherwood Glover; 7/15/1973; 50 Years

• Rev. Jan Flaaten; 7/1/1973; 50 Years

• Rev. Robert Hutson Jr.; 7/1/1973; 50 Years

• Rev. Robert Rod; 7/1/1973; 50 Years

• Rev. John Williams; 6/30/1973; 50 Years

• Rev. Daniel Storvick; 6/17/1973; 50 Years

• Rev. Timothy Swanson; 6/15/1973; 50 Years

• Rev. Mark Halvorson; 6/3/1973; 50 Years

• Rev. Harold Kriesel; 7/21/1968; 55 Years

• Rev. Richard Miller; 7/21/1968; 55 Years

• Rev. Raymond Christenson; 6/18/1968; 55 Years

• Rev. James Vadis; 6/16/1968; 55 Years

• Rev. Charles Paulson; 6/9/1963; 60 Years

• Rev. John Serkland; 6/9/1963; 60 Years

• Rev. Ronald Pechauer; 6/2/1963; 60 Years

• Rev. Lloyd Wallace; 6/2/1963; 60 Years

• Rev. Richard Jessen; 5/24/1963; 60 Years

• Rev. Daniel Olson; 5/22/1963; 60 Years

• Rev. Phillip Hausknecht; 5/20/1963; 60 Years

• Rev. Carl Braaten; 9/28/1958; 65 Years

• Rev. Duane Peterson; 6/22/1958; 65 Years

• Rev. Eugene Perry; 6/1/1958; 65 Years

• Rev. Roy Guinn; 6/15/1953; 70 Years

We thanked rostered ministers who retired since our last assembly.

• Rev. Randall Olson, 6/1/2022

• Rev. Fred Nelson, 6/1/2022

• Rev. Carol Breimeier, 10/1/2022

• Rev. David Drach-Meinel, 2/1/2023

• Rev. Michael Johnson, 6/1/2023

• Rev. Sarah Upham-Birdsall, 6/30/2023

We recognized our conference deans, and we thank them for their willingness to be available to lead us in prayer during our assembly. Current deans are:

• Capital Conference Dean, Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix

• Northeast Valley Conference Dean, Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale

• High Country Conference Dean, Rev. Sharon Brown, Spirit of Joy, Clarkdale

• Colorado River Conference Dean, Rev. Jason Adams, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas

• Rio Salado Conference Dean, Rev. Steve Crittenden, Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction

• Fiesta Conference Dean, Rev. Christine Stoxen, Holy Trinity, Chandler

• Cactus Conference Dean, Rev. Ryan Hersch, Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria

• Kino Conference Dean, Rev. David Pavesic, Beautiful Savior, Tucson

We also recognize two conference deans whose terms have recently ended:

• Former Cactus Conference Dean, Rev. Dr. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale,

• Former Northeast Valley Conference Dean, Rev. Mike Johnson, Christ the Lord, Carefree

We celebrated our synod grants recipients, who because of your generosity, received over $200,000 in grants.

Project Grants

• American Lutheran/Pan de Vida: $6,000

• ASU LCM: $2,000

• Central Lutheran Church: $5,200

• Emmanuel Sudanese: $8,000

• Faith Lutheran Church: $2,916

• First Evangelical: $4,500

• Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: $5,500

• Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM): $3,400

• New Spirit Lutheran Church/Blessings in a Backpack: $2,000

• New Spirit Lutheran Church/Homeless Blessings Program: $3,000

• Our Saviour's Lutheran Church: $5,000

• Prince of Peace: $3,000

• Shepherd of the Desert: $5,700

• St. John's Lutheran Church: $8,000

• Streams in the Desert: $1,300

• Trinity Lutheran Church: $3,000

ACTS Grants

• Crossroads - Agape: $10,000

• Crossroads - Florence: $10,000

• Faith/La Fe: $12,000

• FORM (formerly The Forge): $5,000

• Inside Out Network (Mount Zion): $10,000

• Native American Urban Ministry: $7,000

• NELM - House of Prayer: $10,000

• Santa Trinidad: $15,000

At our closing worship, we gathered for communion, heard again from Dr. Bateza in his sermon, and installed synod staff and elected synod council members.

During our assembly we recognized the most recent diakonia graduates and instructors. After our assembly, we celebrated at the 2023 Diakonia Graduation Ceremony and Reception.

Thank you, everyone, for your contributions to this enriching gathering.