Join the Lutherans Restoring Creation art contest to envision a better future through your artwork! Open to youth and young adults, this contest encourages participants to reimagine their communities in harmony with the environment. Submit your art by June 30, 2024, for a chance to have your work displayed at the Youth Gathering in New Orleans and turned into advocacy postcards. All levels of art skills are welcome. Click to learn more and submit your vision of a sustainable tomorrow!
Read MoreThere is a movement in this country that seeks to define “real Americans” as white, Christian and native born. That is not only untrue but unpatriotic. In her video addressing Christian Nationalism, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “what binds us together is not ethnicity, but shared participation in our civic life springing out of our cultural heritages and working for the common good.” Download this message here, learn more about the Lutheran perspective on Christian Nationalism in this resource from ELCA Advocacy, and take action and join the movement here.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s upcoming online workshop series starting June 25, where Dr. Roger Willer will lead a session on Lutheran Social Teachings. Engage in discussions on critical social issues like corporate responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis in the context of our faith. Sessions will run from June to October, each from 7:00 to 8:30 PM online via Zoom. Registration is open for both individuals and congregations. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and lead in your community. Register now.
Read MoreEnjoy Shape Note Singing at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, June 29th, from 1-4 PM. Experience this unique style of acapella harmony in a friendly, judgment-free environment. Loaner books provided.
Read MorePastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson provides a unique window into the spirit of the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly with his collection of 102 photographs. Documenting both the profound and the personal moments of our gathering, these images are available for viewing on Pastor Hammar’s Flickr page. Join us in celebrating our community’s faith, fellowship, and shared mission by exploring this visual record at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBvh6h.
Read MoreBishop Deborah Hutterer has been reelected at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, with 201 votes affirming her leadership out of 267 legal votes. We thank all participants, including Deacon John Weit from the ELCA and our hosts at Love of Christ in Mesa, for their support and dedication. Bishop Hutterer’s vision continues to guide us into a future filled with faith and community action. Full results of the bishop election ballot can be found here.
Read MoreNew Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson shares a video of their Blessings in a Backpack program for their annual report to the assembly.
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 victims of the capsized boat off the coast of Yemen, and for the plight of all migrants…
For excessive heat warnings, storm threats, and all areas of the nation facing extreme weather…
For the Southern Baptist Convention as delegates gather for its annual meeting…
For all victims of violence, including shooing victims in Atlanta, GA and Cornell College (IA) stabbing victims in northeastern China…
For citizens of Malawi, grieving the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima and others after a plane crash…
For safety and protection for all travelers…
For fathers and all who serve as caregivers, role models, and parental figures…
For advocates and peacemakers who continue to lead society in the work of racial justice and reconciliation…
We 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 MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 60 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, who celebrates 26 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 43 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 60 years on June 14.
Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 51 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 55 years on June 15.
Rev. James Vadis, who celebrates 56 years on June 16.
Rev. Corrine Chilstrom, who celebrates 39 years on June 16.
Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 45 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 68 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 51 years on June 17.
Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 36 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 35 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 46 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 56 years on June 18.
Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 58 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 64 years on June 19.
Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 53 years on June 20.
Rev. Theodore Swanson, who celebrates 70 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 42 years on June 20.
Rev. Les Niemi, who celebrates 70 years on June 20.
Rev. Mark Reitan, who celebrates 53 years on June 20.
Rev. Charles Berdahl, who celebrates 59 years on June 20.
The 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 MoreJoin the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly online! Tune in live on June 13, 2024, via the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. This livestreaming opportunity ensures all our members, from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, can partake in our assembly’s key moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay connected and involved in our community’s important decisions and celebrations. Watch here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is proud to introduce a new Congregational Vitality Committee dedicated to revitalizing local churches. This initiative offers annual assessments, specialized training, and resources to empower congregations in Tucson, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. For more information or to participate in this transformative effort, visit our Congregational Vitality page or contact the synod office. Let’s work together to strengthen our communities and ensure our congregations thrive.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Alex M. Aakre, “With Freedom’s Holy Light”: The Four Estates in American Christianity, from an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreThe concept of an American civil religion has been widely identified and widely debated over the last sixty years. Many have come to reject this idea as an attempt to deify the American state and mix the allegiance due to God with that due to the nation. Yet, perhaps, rightly conceived, American civil religion can be useful as a way of understanding a Christian’s relation to the state and to the world. —Alex M. Aakre
For the upcoming Assembly week, the Grand Canyon Synod homepage will transform into a comprehensive digital hub. Just visit gcsynod.org and you’re there! This enhanced homepage will feature quick access links and real-time updates to keep you informed throughout the event. Accessible on any device, our goal is to make your Assembly experience as seamless and engaging as possible. Stay connected with us and check back regularly for the latest news!
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 MoreEnrich your ministry at our Synod Assembly with a variety of workshops! Choose from sessions on Lutheran advocacy, estate planning, innovative toddler outreach, understanding military chaplaincy, and assessing congregational vitality. Each workshop is tailored to empower our faith community with practical tools and deepened understanding, enhancing our collective service and spiritual growth. Join us to make a lasting impact in your congregation and beyond!
Read MoreLutheran Campformation shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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