Rev. Dan Potaznick Annual Report: 2023
View reports for our 2023 assembly on our assembly mission and ministry stories page and in this collection of blog posts.
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting.”
Rev. Dan Potaznick, CFRE
Director of Generosity & Strategic Development Grand Canyon Synod - ELCA
As I enjoy my first May here in the Grand Canyon Synod, I am reminded of the prophetic voice of first Isaiah as they envision new life in the desert.
Growing up on Long Island, a 100-degree day in any forecast would create panic amongst my neighbors, plants would wither and die in the sun, and life would stand still until the heatwave passes. Yet, here in the Valley of the Sun on yet another 100-degree day life has sprung forth rejoicing!
A super bloom offers fields of new life. Snow in the mountains fills rivers, lakes, and canals. Hummingbirds and bees find blooming Palo Verde trees ready to give them nourishment. New life too finds our hearts in Christ as we give thanks for your generosity and impact through the Grand Canyon Synod.
I have found new life as I visited with the communities of Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria, Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church, Surprise, Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, Phoenix, and prepare to visit with Community of Grace in Peoria. In each context I continue to find the Holy Spirit bringing new life in preaching, teaching, singing, meal packing, and even ordaining!
Synod Assembly
At the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly this year, the GCS Stewardship Team will be hosted at the GCS table to answer questions about the Mission Plan, offer stories of generosity, and give thanks for the opportunity to be church together. In addition, the Office of the Bishop would like to extend certificates of thanksgiving to every Grand Canyon Synod congregation for their faithful generosity, stewardship, and partnership through 2023-2024 Mission Support.
Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team
The GCS Stewardship Team visited the St. John’s Lutheran Church campus in Glendale to worship with St. John’s as well as two of our Mission & Ministry congregations, Vida Nueva, and Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran. This was a holy experience to worship in three languages over three hours, all equal expressions of what it means to be a Lutheran community of worship. Moving forward, we will be working to listen for and share stories of generosity so that all may see the new life springing forth on each corner of the Grand Canyon Synod. If you would like to join the GCS Stewardship Team, please reach out to myself or GCS Council Member Janis Richert.
Mission Support Overview
As of May 18th, 2023, congregations in the Grand Canyon Synod have submitted Mission Plans with the intent to gift $1,561,691.27 in FY23/24 mission support. To date, $553,988.80 has been gifted as mission support to the GCS. Of Mission Support received, 10.4%, $57681.90, has been gifted from congregations who did not send in a 2023 Mission Plan. To date, $121,598.28 in designated giving from congregations has been received, bringing total congregational impact through the GCS to be $675,587.08! Thank you all for being church together and thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Rev. Dan Potaznick, CFRE
Director of Generosity & Strategic Development Grand Canyon Synod - ELCA
