The ELCA gathers for its Churchwide Assembly next week, August 8–12, 2022. As I travel to Ohio to attend this gathering, I invite you to pray for all 900 voting members are attending, including ten others who will represent the Grand Canyon Synod: Glenn Austad, Roger Bailey, Pastor David Brandfass, Barbara Carl, Laura Hollengreen, Hannah Manzanares, Pastor Matthew Metevelis, Pastor Charles Newman, Sarah Morris, and Pastor Christine Stoxen.

Visit our 2022 Churchwide Assembly page to see a compilation of our blog posts about assembly, as well as links to the livestream event.

The Churchwide Assembly, which occurs every three years, is the highest legislative body of our denomination, and the primary decision-making body of the church. Voting members are elected by and represent all 65 synods, and serve on behalf of the more than three million members of the ELCA.

We gather for five days of communal spiritual discernment. As Bishop Eaton says, “When the assembly convenes, its voting members meet with confidence in God’s grace around word and water, wine and bread, to carry on their work on behalf of the entire church.”

In times of institutional distrust and differing opinions, the way of being Church Together can be unclear. I ask you to pray that voting members act not out of fear and anxiety, but in the light of God’s love and the hope of Jesus Christ.

Pray that the peculiar wisdom of the Holy Spirit fills the room and people as we deliberate and worship. May that Spirit rest heavily and mightily on those gathered, as we find new ways to listen to each other.

Join with me in praying for the safety for all who travel to and from Columbus, Ohio, and for the entirety of the ELCA as we accompany each other, stumbling in the direction along God’s path for our church.

Grateful to walk with you,

The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA