Join us in thanking and visiting our exhibitors at the 2024 Synod Assembly! Each exhibitor, from universities and retreat centers to financial and ministry support organizations, plays a vital role in our community. Don’t miss the chance to learn more and engage with them in the sanctuary, where you can also enjoy some refreshments.
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 MoreThis week’s Faith Lens explores the profound implications of the Holy Trinity on personal relationships, especially in the context of today’s social challenges. Dave Delaney discusses the increasing isolation among teenagers and the essential nature of meaningful relationships that reflect the interconnectedness of the Holy Trinity. The session emphasizes the transformative power of relationships modeled after the divine fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Read MoreThe Spring 2024 ION Newsletter highlights key initiatives, including the impactful work of ION interns, the Reentry Congregation Initiative, and the progress of deploying the ION platform on inmate tablets. Learn about Fred Nelson’s six guiding words and the success of our “Color Me Yellow” campaign. Read more about our efforts to support returning citizens and foster community connections. Read the full newsletter as PDF here or online here.
Read MoreJoin the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free webinar titled “Let Your Light Shine: Providing Successful Pastoral Care to Individuals and Families Hurt by Any Kind of Addiction” with Rev. Otto Schultz on May 29, 2024, from 10-11 AM PDT/MST. Learn key strategies for addressing addiction within your congregation and supporting affected families. Register here.
Read MoreUniversity Lutheran Church in Tempe, AZ, is hiring a part-time Church Secretary. The role involves managing communications, coordinating church activities, and supporting worship services. If interested, contact info@ulctempe.org or call 480-967-3543. View this PDF for more details.
Read MoreChrist the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree, AZ, is seeking a part-time Multimedia Specialist to manage live streams, social media, and promotional materials. This role requires experience with PTZ camera systems, audio mixers, and website management.
Read MoreGathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For all countries whose national life is marked by destabilizing events, especially Slovakia and Iran…
For areas of Texas and the Midwest in the midst of severe storms…
For safety for all who serve in our nation’s armed forces, and for families who remember loved ones this Memorial Day…
For all who live with mental illness, that they receive the support they need…
For gardeners, landscapers, farmers and farm laborers, and all who tend our land…
The 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 MoreFor our 2024 assembly, we are reposting a great symposium on Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order by David Swartling. View the PDF handout here, and the presentation is available for viewing here with passcode: TQgC5E!7
Special thanks to our amazing guest, David Swartling, for providing this valuable information.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 61 years on May 24.
Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 55 years on May 25.
Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 60 years on May 26.
Rev. Jon Clutz, who celebrates 60 years on May 27.
The Rev. Donald Bebber, St. Raphael, Benson, who celebrates 1 years on May 27.
Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 26 years on May 28.
Rev. Nicholas Mays, who celebrates 58 years on May 29.
Rev. Norene Smith, who celebrates 41 years on May 29.
Rev. Leroy Rehrer, who celebrates 47 years on May 29.
Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp, who celebrates 43 years on May 29.
Rev. Randall Olson, Honor Health, Scottsdale, who celebrates 48 years on May 30.
Rev. Dennis R. Nelson, who celebrates 53 years on May 30.
Rev. Kenneth Miller, Grace, Kingman, who celebrates 20 years on May 30.
Prepare for the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly from June 13-15 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ with our Attendee Vital Information page, which we’ll keep updating as we receive info. This year’s assembly features a Bishop’s election, requiring pre-registered voting members to check in on Thursday or Friday morning. Free childcare is available with advance registration. Join us as we “Embody the Word”!
Read MoreJoin us for the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly from June 13-15. This year’s assembly includes the Bishop’s election, starting with registration and a Hymn Festival on Thursday. Friday and Saturday will feature plenary sessions, worship, workshops, and multiple voting rounds. Key events include a Bible study with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham Hughes and a visit from Chaplain Capt Matthew W. Dobyns. Your attention is crucial as we have a bishop election and conduct essential synod business.
Read MoreThe California Lutheran University Board of Regents announced that President Lori Varlotta will step down from her role effective May 31, 2024. Dr. John Nunes, most recently pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, Ca., and former president of Concordia College New York, will serve as interim president for a two-year term beginning on June 1, 2024.
Read MoreJoin Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this summer for a four-session film series exploring the spiritual significance of America’s national parks. Featuring stunning clips from Ken Burns’s film, each session will delve into our deep connections with the Divine and the Earth. Sessions are held on the 4th Thursday of May, June, July, and August at 4:00 PM AZ (MST). Register now to deepen your spiritual connection with nature.
Read MoreIn her message addressing mental health, Bishop Eaton stresses that “telling someone they aren’t doing enough to be happy creates a stigma that they are not living correctly… it’s important that we, as the body of Christ, provide compassionate support for those in our families and in our communities who are living with mental illness. God loves us all; no matter how we are coping, we are not alone, God is with us.”
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported!
Read MoreJoin us at the Synod Assembly on June 13, 2024, to help pack Hygiene Kits for Grace in the City, Phoenix. Participate in our service project by purchasing items from our Amazon Gift List by June 1. Your involvement will directly support those in need and enhance our community outreach efforts.
Read MoreSupport the Grand Canyon Synod Youth Gathering by donating snacks or gift cards to fuel 165 attendees as they join 26,000 peers in worship and learning. Drop off contributions at the Synod office or donate online or via Amazon.
Read More
