Grand Canyon Synod's Sarah Morris appointed to ELCA Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church

We are pleased to announce that Sarah Morris, of Our Saviour's Lutheran in Phoenix, was appointed to serve on the ELCA's Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church. Read more about the process here.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah and extending our heartfelt thanks to her for stepping up to represent our Synod in this pivotal role. Learn more as Sarah shares her thoughts on undertaking this role in this blog post.

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Ordination celebrations: 6/3/2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 44 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 16 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 50 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 61 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 44 years on June 3.

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Ordination celebrations: 6/2/2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 23 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ronald Pechauer, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Roland Harder, Our Saviour’s, Buckeye, who celebrates 57 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 58 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 49 years on June 2.

  • Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 58 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ernie Larsen, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 23 years on June 2.

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New homepage during the week of assembly

For the week of the Assembly, we'll be temporarily transforming our homepage into an all-in-one assembly hub. Whether you're using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, you'll be able to access all the essential information swiftly and conveniently.

Not only will this revamped homepage provide you with quick links to everything you need, but it will also host any real-time updates throughout the assembly, if needed.

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Camp ALOMA Annual Burger Bash and 50th Anniversary Celebration

Come check out Camp ALOMA at the Annual Burger Bash on Saturday, June 10, 2023, starting at 12:00pm, and celebrate 50 years of ministry with ALOMA (and get this cool 50th sticker!)! It will be a day filled with fun activities, tasty food, and friendly faces!

God has been so good to us throughout the years, and we are humbled that he continues to bless us. Please RSVP with this link or office@campaloma.com or 928-778-1690.

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2023 Summer Vital Congregations Training

Is your congregation ready to take some steps (even small steps) toward renewal or revitalization?

You are invited to attend the 2023 Summer Session of the ELCA Vital Congregations Training, Part 1. This will be a four-session training. The training sessions will be held two times per day from 1:30-3:00 p.m. (eastern time) and from 7:30-9:00 p.m. (eastern time) on Thursdays June 15th, June 29th, July 13th, and July 27th. Register here.

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All you need to know: The Attendee Vital Information Page for Synod Assembly 2023

We are excited to welcome all registered attendees and guests to our 2023 Synod Assembly! To ensure you have all the crucial information at your fingertips, we've created a comprehensive Attendee Vital Information Page.

On this page, you'll find all the essential details pertaining to the assembly. From schedules and venue information to helpful resources, it's your one-stop guide to navigating the assembly smoothly.

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From our Assembly to Nogales: Support La Casa de la Misericordia y de Todas las Naciones

Join us in offering tangible support to our neighbors at La Casa de la Misericordia y de Todas las Naciones in Nogales, Mexico. As part of our assembly gathering, we kindly ask attendees to bring along a package of rice, beans, or flour.

These basic, yet essential food items will go a long way in aiding their mission. Thank you for your support and generosity.

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Join us in contributing to ELCA World Hunger and First Call Theological Education

As part of our upcoming Synod Assembly worship services, we are excited to announce that our offerings will be directed towards two very important causes. Half of our collected offerings will support ELCA World Hunger, aiding in the fight against global hunger and poverty. The other half will go towards First Call Theological Education, a program dedicated to providing resources and support for new ELCA pastors and deacons.

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Book your seat on a shuttle bus to our Ministry Night at the Museum by Friday, 6/2/2023

As part of our 2023 Synod Assembly, our Ministry Night at the Museum is Friday evening, 6/9/2023, at the Children’s Museum in downtown Tucson. This event is included with voting member registration. Non-voting members can register separately for $50.

For maximum fellowship, ride a free shuttle bus from Resurrection Lutheran or from two of our designated hotels: Holiday Inn Express or Fairfield Inn & Suites. Reserve your seat today so we can plan for you! (Please register each person individually. You'll have a chance to register another individual after each submission.)

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Celebrate Grand Canyon Synod 2023 Diakonia Graduates’ faith development journeys

Please join us for the 2023 Diakonia Graduation Ceremony and Reception, Saturday, 6/10/2023, 12:30 pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church Sanctuary, Oro Valley, Arizona or via Zoom.

We celebrate Megan Andrews, Lynn Davis, Barbara Peterson, Carol Ristau, Ronald Ristau, Susan Schmatjen, Joan Swanson, and Tom Willmore. Read their statements of faith in this post.

We also celebrate certificates of completion for the following Growing in Faith Diakonia Program 2023 Foundation Year Students. Metro Phoenix Diakonia Community: Kathy Anderson, Debra Carter, Vanessa Jones, Leslie McCourt, Deborah Nelson, Deanne Olivas, Mark Schulz, Julie Skrzypek, Janet Swartstad, and Nancy Zine. Tucson Diakonia Community: Melanie Bowman, Jodie M. Burch, Rebecca Copp, Nancy Ireland, and Marty Leuking.

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Ordination celebrations: 6/1/2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 15 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Gilbert, who celebrates 15 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 39 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 65 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Douglas Moffat, Faith, Yuma, who celebrates 49 years on June 1.

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Grand Canyon Synod Transition Team Annual Report: 2023

Read the full Grand Canyon Synod Transition Team Report as a PDF here.

Mid-way through our third year guiding congregations through times of transition, we continue to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us. We seek to Be Bold and innovative as the number of openings for rostered leaders increase and the number of candidates to fill those openings decrease. We invite you to pray with us for new leaders for God’s church.

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