The Office of the Bishop travels for meetings, the youth gathering and vacations. We also attend our synod assembly wrap-up meeting and complete that work in preparation for next year. And we share a photo of the Bishop’s visit to Campformation.
Read MoreWe thank everyone who helped us with our Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. The Office of the Bishop takes the next few weeks to put our house back in order and prepare to create new possibilities.
Read MoreWe are thrilled to be gathering with everyone at our Grand Canyon Synod Assembly as we collectively embody the Word! It’s a joy to connect, share, and grow together in faith and fellowship.
Read MoreThe theme of our 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, “Embody the Word,” serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrant faith we have been gifted through our baptism into Jesus Christ. It's a call to open ourselves to God's transformative power, enabling us to boldly embody our true purpose as individuals and as the Body of Christ.
As disciples within the ELCA, we are called to courageously articulate the truths and beliefs deeply rooted in our faith. In our divided world, and even within our congregations, silence can often widen gaps of misunderstanding and division more than the spoken word. It is crucial that we not retreat from our responsibility to voice justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Read MoreThere are many ways generosity is expressed in the church. The gift of leadership is offered by each conference dean, team & committee member, council member, and worship leader. The gift of time is offered by every attendee of Synod Assembly and volunteers who serve our neighbors. The gift of money is offered by weekly offering to the congregation, congregational mission support to the synod, mission support tithe to churchwide ministry, extraordinary gifts from congregations & donors, and planned gifts that continue a legacy of love in Christ.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on June 17th and 18th for post-assembly rest. We will also observe June 19th as a holiday to commemorate Juneteenth, reflecting on freedom and justice. We thank everyone who contributed to our assembly’s success and encourage our community to honor this significant day. Join us in celebrating and contemplating our steps towards a more equitable society.
Read MoreWith less than a week to go for our synod assembly, the Office of the Bishop prepares for a joyful gathering at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa, where we get a chance to embody the Word together..
Read MorePastor Jacqui Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation, reports significant strides in nurturing leadership and spiritual development across the Grand Canyon Synod. The Candidacy program is flourishing, with 27 candidates poised for pastoral roles, and anticipates ordaining deacons for the first time in fourteen years. Additionally, the Grand Canyon Synod is among the top ten synods for candidate numbers.
Efforts in Lutheran Campus Ministry have continued robustly despite pastoral retirements, maintaining vital support and faith exploration spaces for students across multiple campuses. Pastor Jacqui also highlights the impactful financial support provided to seminary students through the Funds for Leaders program, alleviating the burden of educational expenses. Her report encapsulates our synod’s ongoing commitment to forming faith-filled leaders equipped to serve and enrich their communities.
Read MoreIt’s June, and the Office of the Bishop focuses on synod assembly preparation. We also share a photo from the latest meeting of the candidacy committee.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod Transition Team, led by Bishop Deborah Hutterer and key leaders, continues to guide congregations during a period of significant change in the call process. View their full annual report in this PDF.
Read MoreThank you for your support and your prayers for the work that you have entrusted to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Grand Canyon Synod as its Vice President.
Read MoreThank you for this opportunity to serve you throughout this past year as your Interim Director for Evangelical Mission. In this role, I have been honored to walk alongside an amazing collection of gifted leaders and a whole array of diverse programs being lived-out in and through their ministries. I have marveled at the heartfelt and transformative care being poured out into their surrounding neighborhoods and beyond in Jesus’ Name.
A couple months ago, our Synod Council asked for a listing of the various congregations and ministries which I accompany in my work as your Interim DEM. I believe this list may be of interest also to this Synod Assembly. Read the list in this post or in this PDF.
Read MoreAs I reflect on the past year, I am both humbled and inspired by the ways we have communicated, connected, and created possibilities within our synod. Our news system, encompassing our blog, calendar, Facebook posts, and weekly newsletter, has been a vital part of our community. Here are some key highlights and reflections from the past year.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels throughout the synod for preaching and meetings, and picks up the pace before the final sprint to our synod assembly. We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s travels around the synod.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels throughout the synod for preaching and meetings, and picks up the pace before the final sprint to our synod assembly.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for a synod council meeting this week, travels and preaches, and continues synod assembly preparation.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting this week, travels and preaches, and continues synod assembly preparation.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels for preaching, leadership meetings, and Region 2 business this week.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly, and travels the synod for preaching and visits.
We also share photos of travels around the synod, including the Installation of Rev. Carol George, Apr 17, 2024, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends a variety of leadership events and also celebrates the Installation of Rev. Carol George, Apr 17, 2024, 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley. We also share photos from a First Call Theological Education event and Bishop Hutterer’s travels.
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