The Office of the Bishop staff spent a morning volunteering at the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop on August 13, 2024. Our team was inspired by the dedication and community spirit of the shop’s 350+ volunteers, who have helped raise over $10 million for ELCA missions and local non-profits, including our office. The experience deepened our appreciation for this vital ministry, and we look forward to returning soon to continue supporting their incredible work.
Read MoreMembers of the Office of the Bishop celebrate the Ordination of Julie Gerrish at Esperanza on Aug 24, 2024 at 11 am and work on day to day operation.
Read MoreDiscover how you can make a difference and save on taxes with an IRA charitable rollover. If you’re 70½ or older, this special opportunity allows you to give up to $105,000 from your IRA directly to a qualified charity, like your ELCA congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, without paying income taxes on the amount. Connect with Lisa Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to learn more about this impactful and tax-efficient way to support the ministries you care about.
Read MoreRev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity and Strategic Development for the Grand Canyon Synod, has earned the prestigious Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. This accomplishment enhances our synod’s capacity for sustainable growth and reflects a collective commitment to nurturing a culture of generosity.
Read MoreDaniel Volkmann will be ordained on Friday, 9/13/2024, at 6pm at United Dr. Martin Luther Church in Shiner, Texas. Volkmann will be called to serve as the Associate Pastor at All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona.
All rostered ministers are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is red. Rev. Christopher Heinold will be preaching. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will be presiding. The service will be live-streamed on the Shiner Lutheran Church Facebook page; no RSVP is necessary.
Read MoreRev. Doug Dill will be installed Sunday, 9/15/2024 at 10:30 am at Mountain View Lutheran Church (11002 South 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85044).
Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.
The installation will be live streamed as part of the 10:30 am Worship Service on Mountain View’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/mvlutheran. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center. No RSVPs are necessary; all are welcome!
Read MoreResurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley is hiring a Director of Youth Ministry to lead our Middle School and High School programs. This full-time role involves dynamic leadership, collaboration with the Associate Pastor of Children, Youth, and Family, and managing key youth ministries. Apply today at www.orovalley.org.
Read MoreTVLC is seeking a part-time worship leader to provide instrumental and vocal leadership for our 10:30 am modern worship service. If you are passionate about contemporary Christian music and leading others in worship, apply today on Indeed.
Read MoreLord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West is offering grants to local non-profit organizations that are doing extraordinary projects, through its Benevolence Fund. The minimum grant amount is $10,000. These funds may be requested through a grant review process for projects not currently supported by the church’s budgeted benevolence, Mission Endowment Fund or monthly Gratitude Gift program. View more info on their website and download a PDF brochure here. Benevolence Requests should be submitted by Monday, 9/9/2024.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is pleased to announce that the 2024 Manna Grants are open for applications. With approximately $20,000 available, the grants support projects that alleviate hunger and address its root causes. Eligible congregations and ministries should apply here by September 13, 2024. Join us in our mission to combat hunger and uplift lives through this vital initiative.
Read MoreJoin us on September 5, 2024, at 10:15 am for the “Conversation about Congregational Safety” webinar, hosted by Bishop Hutterer and other synod leaders. This crucial event will address concerns about political violence and share resources from the FBI and the ELCA on Christian Nationalism. Congregational leaders are invited to participate and discuss community safety practices. Register now to be part of this essential conversation. Register here.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Thomas Dunham and the people of Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference. Visit their site at streamstuc.org.
Read MoreDiakonia’s new 2024-2025 Foundation Year courses begin on August 27, 2024. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreGrand Canyon Synod candidate Julie Gerrish has been called to serve as Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona, Arizona.
Julie’s ordination service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00 am at her home congregation, Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E Thunderhill Place, Phoenix Arizona, 85048-9517. Bishop Hutterer will preside, and Pastor David Brandfass will preach. Clergy are invited to vest, the color of the day is red. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Julie’s installation service will be on Sunday, September 8, 2024, 3:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 25 Chapel Road, Sedona, Arizona, 86336. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Clergy may vest and the color for this service is green. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Scott Klimke, Rev. Lisa Hackler and the people of American Lutheran Church in Sun City, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at alcsuncity.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA Youth Gathering team has announced the “Gathering Remix,” a new digital resource launching in September to keep the energy of the 2024 Gathering alive. This tool includes Mass Gathering recordings, exclusive interviews, and over 10 weeks of discussion guides, perfect for youth groups seeking to deepen their faith engagement post-New Orleans. Available for pre-order now, don’t miss out on this opportunity to enrich your ministry and inspire our youth!
Read MoreTime is running out to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center from October 21-23, 2024. Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal under the theme “Embody the Word.” The registration deadline is September 13, 2024—don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow ministers in a serene and supportive environment. Register today!
Read MoreHave news, events, or opportunities to share? The Grand Canyon Synod invites all congregations to submit their stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities. Keep our community informed and connected by contributing to our news blog, events calendar, and weekly email newsletter. Share your updates today at gcsynod.org/share.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 60 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 27 years on August 24.
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 39 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 17 years on August 25.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 19 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 30 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 25 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 48 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on August 29.
How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.
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