Religious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop works on our annual audit and continues to prepare for our 2024 synod assembly. We also include photos from the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier.
Read MoreSome may find it strange, but I welcome Ash Wednesday. While I believe we are a resurrection people, I also feel we can’t have that joy of new life without contemplating the reality that life is broken, and that things have an ending as much as a beginning.
Ash Wednesday, as well as the season of Lent, invites us as to reflect on themes that our modern world often encourages us to evade: confession, grief, and mortality. These are not subjects to be feared or shunned but embraced as vital in shaping the richness and depth of our lives.
Read MoreOffice of the Bishop staff travel the synod to preach, including the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier, at Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sierra Vista.
We also share photos from travels around the synod, including the Kino Conference Spring Gathering,at Our Savior’s Lutheran, Tucson; the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, at Living Water Church in Scottsdale, and others.
Read MoreIn this video available for sharing with your ministries and congregations, Bishop Hutterer invites synod members to join the 40-day Lenten Challenge, marking ELCA World Hunger's 50th year. Participants are encouraged to engage in daily devotion, discipline, decluttering, and donations to ELCA World Hunger.
This initiative reflects on Lent's spirit, fostering connection and awareness of global hunger. The challenge aims to surpass last year's engagement, competing with partner Synods for the most participants. For details and to join, visit lentenchallenge.org.
Read MoreOur spring gatherings continue with Kino Conference Spring Gathering, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Tucson and the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, Living Water Church in Scottsdale.
We also share photos from the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering, Las Vegas and Phoenix Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, as well as visits to congregations in the Colorado River Conference.
Read MoreWe begin our Spring Gatherings with the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering, Saturday, January 27, 2024, 10 am at Good Samaritan at the Lakes (map), and while in Las Vegas attend the Prayer Service at Christ Church Episcopal, 7pm PST on January 26, 2024, (map).
We also share many photos from the Receiving Faithful Teaching, Receiving Faithful Teaching Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue, 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service, Spirit of Grace’s 75th Anniversary, and our in-person staff meeting.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting, the Ordination and Installation of Pastor Judi Tyler, Jan 21, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Phoenix, and celebrates the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We also share photos from the Installation of Pastor David Sivecz and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service.
Read MoreIt’s a full week for the Office of the Bishop with a Synod Council meeting, preaching at various congregations around the synod, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service, Jan 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, and 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Jan 18, 2024, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff dives into 2024 with synod assembly planning, a resumption of one-on-one meetings, and full steam ahead on our 2024 projects. We also share photos from Pastor Kim Sterner’s last day of ministry at Lord of Life.
Read MoreAs this year draws to a close, I continue to be surprised and delighted by the spirit of generosity and commitment that is present throughout our church community. Your support and dedication have been the bedrock of our many achievements in 2023.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff wishes you a blessed and peaceful 2024. This week, as we prepare for the new year, we remind you the Synod Office will be closed Monday, January 1, 2024.
Read MoreAs we wind down the season of Advent and 2023, we send you Christmas greetings from the Office of the Bishop! The Synod Office will be closed Friday through Tuesday ,12/22 – 12/26/2023, and again on Monday, January 1, 2024.
Read MoreSome of the Office of the Bishop staff gather for an in-person staff retreat this week, as we wrap up 2023 and prepare for the 2024 calendar year.
Read MoreSome of the Office of the Bishop staff gather for an in-person staff retreat this week, as we wrap up 2023 and prepare for the 2024 calendar year.
Read MoreSome of the Office of the Bishop staff worships with University Lutheran for the farewell/retirement Pastor Gary McCluskey, and prepares for our upcoming assembly. We also share a photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to Mexico City as part of our relationship building with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM, Mexican Lutheran Church) .
Read More“O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.” If you’re like me, when we enter the liminal season of Advent, this is the song that slows me down to a time of waiting and reflection. I imagine the quiet of Bethlehem, a world waiting for the birth of Jesus, waiting for the profound message of peace and reconciliation he brought into our world.
With the world, we are still waiting.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff gives thanks, travels, and works on year-end projects. We also share a photo from the recent First Call retreat with Region 2.
Read MoreAs you gather this Thanksgiving season with friends and family—whether they be relatives or connections as family in Christ—I want to express my deep gratitude to each congregation and individual for your support and commitment to our mission as church together. Through prayer, presence, and financial gifts, your generous support has allowed the Grand Canyon Synod to accomplish so much this year. I am continually inspired by the way you live the call to love God and serve our neighbor.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff takes time to give thanks this upcoming week. We also share photos from the Latin American Consultation with ILM President Roberto Trejo Haager, Trinity Lutheran’s 75th anniversary, and the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA convention.
Read More
