On this page you’ll find the latest featured news from our blog.
Join us at Synod Assembly 2025 in a special service project to assemble 200 hygiene kits for individuals in need! We’ve set up an Amazon Gift List where you can purchase needed items, which will be shipped directly to our host church, Community Lutheran. Help us reach our goal—donate by June 1, 2025, and join us on June 12 during check-in to pack the kits. Let’s build up the body of Christ together! Shop the Gift List here.
The Grand Canyon Synod has awarded over $100,000 in grants to ministries throughout our synod, supporting faith-based initiatives in leadership development, worship expansion, advocacy, and community outreach. These grants—made possible through bequests, congregational gifts, and unrestricted synod funds—empower congregations to expand their reach and deepen their service. Read more to see how your generosity is fueling transformative ministry in our synod.
The Grand Canyon Synod has once again received Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest recognition for nonprofit accountability. This award highlights our commitment to clear communication, responsible financial stewardship, and mission-driven impact.
We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Jack Raymond Neimi, who passed peacefully at home on January 15, 2025. The primary memorial service for Pastor Niemi will be held in California, with a smaller local service at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West on March 20, 2025, at 11 am.
Pastor Niemi was born in Two Harbors MN, and lived in Surprise, Arizona. He was a member of Lord of Life in Sun City West. He served many churches in the Grand Canyon Synod.
The Grand Canyon Synod is collecting stories of ministry and faith in preparation for the 2025 Synod Assembly. We invite mission and ministry partners to share stories—whether in writing, photos, audio, or video—by May 9, 2025. All stories will be featured on our blog, social media, and a special assembly page. This year’s theme, “Build Up the Body,” reflects Ephesians 4:12-13, calling us to equip and uplift one another in Christ. Submit your story to bflatgard@gcsynod.org, and visit gcsynod.org/video for storytelling tips!
Calling all young artists! Children and youth across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to participate in a special art project for the 2025 Synod Assembly, themed “Build Up the Body” (Ephesians 4:12-13). Submissions will be displayed at the event, featured online, and 25 selected pieces will be printed as postcards! The deadline to submit artwork is May 9, 2025. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to purchase art supplies. Encourage the young people in your congregation to share their vision of Jesus, Church, and Me through art! Learn more and submit artwork at gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/art.
Are you a ministry partner looking to share your work at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly? Reserve a Ministry Partner Table to engage voting members and visitors with an interactive display! Tables are available for ELCA-affiliated ministries and partners and must be registered by Monday, May 19, 2025. Learn more about display guidelines and how to sign up here.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, taking place June 12-13, 2025. Early bird rates for voting members are available through April 7. Visitors and exhibitors are also welcome to register. Be part of this important gathering of Lutherans across our synod as we worship, discern, and celebrate together. Register today!
Join Lutheran women across the Grand Canyon Synod for the Cactus Conference Spring Gathering on March 22 in Yuma, AZ. This year’s theme, “Peace and Unity: Borders and Neighbors,” will feature a keynote by Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls, highlighting the region’s connections with Mexico. The gathering will also support Hunter’s Army, an organization aiding families and children in need. Registration is $15, due by March 17—carpool with friends for a day of fellowship, learning, and faith in action!
Rev. Luis Ochoa will be installed at First Evangelical Lutheran (142 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201) on Saturday, 3/15/2025 at 2pm. Pastor Chris Stoxen will preach, with Bishop Hutterer presiding. Rostered ministers are invited to attend; no robes. Color of the day is purple. Livestream on YouTube here.
After the service, we will celebrate! To assist us in planning food, please RSVP by calling (480-969-7221) or emailing the office: felc@firstevlutheran.com with the number of people in your group.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, July 28 – August 2, and we need 100 volunteers to help make it happen! Whether you assist with registration, hospitality, worship, or tech support, your time and talents will make a difference. If you missed our Volunteer Information Meetings, you can now watch the recording and learn how to get involved. Sign up today and help us welcome the ELCA to Phoenix! Watch the recording and sign up here.
We are called not only to personal reflection but also to communal action—to live as people of grace, serving our neighbors and embodying Christ’s love. This Lent, let us consider how our thoughts, words, and deeds shape the world around us. In a time when political and social divisions run deep, may we be mindful of how we use our voices—not to cut each other down, but to build up, to witness to the hope we share in Christ.
Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.
Women of the Kino Conference are invited to the annual Spring Gathering on March 8, 2025, at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson around the theme “Women on the Move” (Ruth 1:16). The event features a special program from Teen Challenge of Arizona’s Springboard Home for Girls, a fashion show, and a pop-up boutique from Blessingdales Boutique. Attendees are encouraged to bring in-kind gifts for Sister Jose Women’s Center. Registration ($20) is due by February 28—no walk-ins. View this flyer to learn more and use this PDF to register.
Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.
Rev. Mari Larson will be installed Sunday, 3/9/2025, at 3 pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, (8901 Del Webb Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89134). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside.
Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is purple. A light reception will follow. Livestream will be available on the church’s YouTube channel.
The Winter 2025 Inside Out Network Newsletter is here, packed with inspiring stories of transformation, reentry partnerships, and ways congregations can support returning citizens. Highlights include the Men in Orange program, the Color Me Yellow fundraising campaign, and exciting reentry ministry models for churches. Read more and explore how you can be part of this work: Read the full newsletter or download the PDF.
We offer our heartfelt prayers for the friends and family of Pastor Dan Olson and his beloved wife, Barbara Olson. May God’s comforting presence be with all who mourn their passing and celebrate their faithful lives.
Pastor Dan Olson passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death just a couple of months earlier, on December 30, 2024. Their lives of faith and service will be honored in a joint memorial service at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (15820 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise, AZ 85374) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Pastor Dan’s brother, Paul Olson, a retired ELCA pastor, will join in leading this service of remembrance and thanksgiving.
Rev. Luis Ochoa will be installed at First Evangelical Lutheran (142 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201) on Saturday, 3/15/2025 at 2pm. Pastor Chris Stoxen will preach, with Bishop Hutterer presiding. Rostered ministers are invited to attend; no robes. Color of the day is purple. Livestream on YouTube here.
After the service, we will celebrate! To assist us in planning food, please RSVP by calling (480-969-7221) or emailing the office: felc@firstevlutheran.com with the number of people in your group.
Ash Wednesday is March 5! Join the Region 2 synods for the 2025 Lenten Challenge, focusing on hunger and water justice through daily devotions, water conservation, community engagement, and donations to support the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM). Sign up your family and congregation today at lentenchallenge.org!
Rev. Mari Larson will be installed Sunday, 3/9/2025, at 3 pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, (8901 Del Webb Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89134). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside.
Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is purple. A light reception will follow. Livestream will be available on the church’s YouTube channel.
Women of the Kino Conference are invited to the annual Spring Gathering on March 8, 2025, at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson around the theme “Women on the Move” (Ruth 1:16). The event features a special program from Teen Challenge of Arizona’s Springboard Home for Girls, a fashion show, and a pop-up boutique from Blessingdales Boutique. Attendees are encouraged to bring in-kind gifts for Sister Jose Women’s Center. Registration ($20) is due by February 28—no walk-ins. View this flyer to learn more and use this PDF to register.
A big thanks to the 75 rostered ministers who have submitted their rostered minister reports! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.
Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.
Join us on March 5 at 12:00 p.m. MT for a special LDR Partner Spotlight featuring Solveig Muus as she shares how the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge supports the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Learn how Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger intersect to provide safe drinking water and vital resourcesfor our siblings in Christ. Register now to be part of the conversation! Sign up here.
Bishop Hutterer has recorded a special invitation video encouraging participation in the 2025 Lenten Challenge! This friendly, faith-deepening challenge connects us in daily spiritual practices while supporting safe drinking water efforts at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Watch the video, share it with your congregation, and join the challenge today! Download options are available on our Vimeo page.
This year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge invites us to engage in daily spiritual practices while supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. More than half of Rock Point’s households lack access to safe drinking water, and NELM is working to install a potable water system. Join the challenge by committing to three Lenten practices—daily devotion, diligence, dedication, or donation—to help meet this urgent need. Let’s come together as a synod to deepen our faith and serve our neighbors. Sign up today! www.lentenchallenge.org
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls on Lutherans to take action following an executive order rolling back immigration protections in places of worship, schools, and hospitals. In a video message, she urges congregations to raise their voices and stand with the most vulnerable. While the ELCA cannot be a plaintiff in lawsuits challenging this policy, affected congregations may have legal standing. Watch the full message here and learn how we can respond as church together.
Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
Mountain View Lutheran Church is celebrating 50 years of ministry with a special anniversary weekend on April 5-6! Join the Anniversary Dinner and Worship Service on Saturday (tickets available through this weekend), followed by a special 9:00 AM worship service on Sunday, presided over by Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer. After worship, enjoy Sunday Funday with bounce houses, food trucks, games, and more! Visit www.mvlutheran.org/mvlc50th for full details.