Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Hit the Greens, Support the Mission: MVLC’s Golf Fundraiser at Bear Creek

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bear Creek Golf Course in Chandler for a 50th Anniversary Golf Fundraiser supporting MVLC’s Mission & Outreach! Registration is $145 per player and includes golf, a banquet, contests, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. View a PDF flyer here. Sign up today at MVLC’s event page!

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2025 Assembly Resolutions Due April 28—Here’s What You Need to Know

Resolutions for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are due by the close of business on Monday, April 28, 2025. All submissions must follow synod and ELCA guidelines and be sent as editable files to Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org. The Reference and Counsel Committee will review all resolutions for procedural compliance and publish its report—including submitted resolutions and recommendations—by May 23. Visit gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/resolutions for full instructions.

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Help Us Welcome the ELCA to Phoenix: Volunteer for Churchwide Assembly 2025

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held July 28–August 2 in Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon Synod is seeking up to 100 volunteers to help welcome the church! From greeters and registration support to worship ushers, tech help, and a special Prayer Vigil Support role on July 30, there’s a meaningful way for everyone to serve. Sign up, watch the volunteer info session, and help us extend warm hospitality to our ELCA siblings. Learn more at gcsynod.org/cwa.

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Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

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, 4/29/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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Save the Date for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis

Rostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration opens May 1 and space is limited to 25 participants.

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Rev. Daniel Olson and Barbara Olson memorial service is 4/26/2025 at Spirit of Grace Lutheran in Surprise

We offer our heartfelt prayers for the friends and family of Pastor Dan Olson and his beloved wife, Barbara Olson. May God’s comforting presence be with all who mourn their passing and celebrate their faithful lives.

Pastor Dan Olson passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death just a couple of months earlier, on December 30, 2024. Their lives of faith and service will be honored in a joint memorial service at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (15820 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise, AZ 85374) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Pastor Dan’s brother, Paul Olson, a retired ELCA pastor, will join in leading this service of remembrance and thanksgiving.

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Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law

Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.

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Jazz Vespers and Classical Notes—All to Feed 150+ Families Weekly

Enjoy jazz and classical music while supporting families in need! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a three-part Music for Food series on April 13, April 27, and May 4, benefiting the Olive Branch Food Closet. These free concerts support a vital ministry feeding over 150 families each week. View a PDF flyer here.

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Vicar Wanda Frenchman Calls Us to Remember and Advocate This MMIWGR Day, May 5

May 5 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR) Day—a time of remembrance, advocacy, and action. Vicar Wanda Frenchman of Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix shares her personal story and invites us to raise awareness through worship, education, and public witness. Join the ELCA-wide effort by wearing red, naming the missing, and attending a candlelight vigil via Zoom.

Click here to read Wanda’s full reflection on Boldcafe.org and learn how your congregation can participate.

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Why We Wear Red: Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives

The red dress has become a sacred symbol of remembrance and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). In this moving reflection, Prairie Rose Seminole, an ELCA leader and MHA Nation member, calls us to grieve together, learn the truth, and live out our Lutheran faith through advocacy, solidarity, and action. As we approach the National Day of Awareness on May 5, we are invited to wear red—not only as a sign of mourning, but as a promise to seek justice for those taken. Click here to read the full article at Boldcafé.

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TENx10: A National Effort to Make Faith Matter for 10 Million Teens

Young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate—but it doesn’t have to be this way. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Youth Advisory Team highlights TENx10, a national collaboration led by Fuller Youth Institute, offering free, research-based tools to help youth leaders, pastors, and congregations reimagine faith formation. Visit TENx10.org to access resources, take a 2-minute quiz, and join this movement to help faith matter more to the next generation.

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Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Pray Without Ceasing, a weekly prayer initiative launching May 1. Each community is encouraged to host a regular, welcoming prayer gathering and invite two others to do the same. Resources and optional Zoom gatherings will support participants throughout. View a PDF of FAQs here.

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Camp Pinerock Awaits: Register Now for Campformation, June 30–July 4

Registration is now open for Campformation 2025, happening June 30–July 4 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, AZ. Youth entering grades 6–10 are invited for a week of mountain hikes, ropes courses, and spiritual growth alongside peers from across the synod. Don’t miss this sacred summer tradition—register today at www.lutherancampformation.com.

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AFN Highlights: Advocacy, Interfaith Prayer, and Public Witness

This week’s AFN newsletter highlights powerful opportunities to meditate, march, and meet across Arizona—starting with Monday Meditations, the May Day March for justice, and a clergy gathering in North Scottsdale. Plus: details on Earth Day prayers, faith webinars, interfaith learning, and more. Read and subscribe to the full AFN newsletter.

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Ordination and Installation of Deacon Emma Janzen

Emma Janzen will be ordained Saturday, 5/3/2025, 11:00 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church, (18265 North 89th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85382, livestream here), with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham Hughes preaching, and Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding. Emma will be installed Sunday, 8/20/2025, 10:45 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, livestream here), with Pastor Jacqui Pagel preaching and presiding..

Reception lunch to follow Ordination in the fellowship hall. Please RSVP to Emma Janzen, emmajanzenn@gmail.com, for food. Rostered ministers and candidates for rostered ministry are invited to process and wear their albs. Color of the day is red for the ordination, and green for the installation.

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