Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop worships and preaches at ministries around the synod, and continues year-end projects.

We also share photos from Senegal and Mexico. The Grand Canyon Synod and the Lutheran Church of Senegal renewed and signed our covenant as global companions. Photos of Bishop Hutterer’s Senegal visit with President Latyr Diouf include worship at Bokotou village. In Mexico, to strengthen ties with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana and Pastor President Rev. Roberto Federico Trejo Haager, we share photos from Iglesia Bethel in Mazatlan and San Pablo in Tepic.

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer

  • Visit Global companion Senegal Lutheran Church and YAGMs
    (rescheduled from Spring 2024 because of political unrest for Senegal president election)

  • Region 2 Bishop and VP retreat

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel
Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation

  • Preach at Epiphany, Apache Junction

  • Visit Lutheran Campus Ministry at the U of A

  • LSS-SW holiday gathering

Rev. David Pavesic
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM)

  • Attended the Living Our Values Cohort Training

  • Met with Congregational Vitality and Mission and Ministry Teams

  • Visiting San Juan Bautista

Rev. Dan Potaznick
Director of Generosity and Strategic Development

  • Worshipping with Ascension Lutheran Church, Scottsdale

  • Attending GCS Mission and Ministry Team Meeting on Wednesday, December 4th

  • Working with ELCA Foundation Gift Planner Lisa Higginbotham to review and present updated GCS Gift Policy and GCS Endowment Policy to Synod Council

  • Preparing and sending 2025 Mission Support Plan letters to all GCS congregations

Theresa Thornburgh
Director for Administration and Events

  • Preparing for upcoming events and meetings

  • Completing end-of-year activities

  • Performing general administrative duties of the Synod office

Brian Flatgard
Director of Communication

  • Weekly news posts and newsletter

  • 2025 Mission Intent work

  • Transition team Airtable work

  • End of Year newsletter

Amy Birchard
Finance Administrator

  • Review books to prepare for month end close for November.

The Grand Canyon Synod and the Lutheran Church of Senegal renewed and signed our covenant as global companions. Photos of Bishop Hutterer’s visit with President Latyr Diouf, including worship at Bokotou village, outside Fatick.

Photos from Bishop Huttere’s visit to Mexico and the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana, visiting Pastor President Rev. Roberto Federico Trejo Haager, where they worshipped at Iglesia Bethel in Mazatlan and San Pablo in Tepic.