On this page you’ll find the latest featured news from our blog.
We pray for the family and friends of Pastor Frank Nausin, who died April 15, 2025.
Tanque Verde Lutheran Church shares: “Pastor Frank faithfully served as Lead Pastor of TVLC from 1982-2002, and again as Interim Pastor in 2016. We will forever be grateful for the leadership, inspiration, and love that Pastor Frank poured into our congregation over the years.
Please keep Linda, Tim, Jeremy, and their whole family in your prayers during this time. We ask that you help them maintain their privacy and peace while they spend this holy time with their family. As Linda is currently transitioning apartments, they ask that all cards be directed to the TVLC office. Details on a memorial service will be forthcoming.”
This resurrection we celebrate as Easter people is not a retreat from the world, but an uprising of love within it. It is God’s way of saying that goodness is stronger than evil and that love is stronger than death. Every time we welcome the stranger, tend to the broken, or speak truth in love—we bear witness to resurrection.
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.
Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.
Every congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod is encouraged to create written Safe Church guidelines to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults. This blog post outlines who should be on your policy-writing team, what legal and insurance steps to follow, and includes dozens of helpful links, resources, and sample policies from across the ELCA
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.
Join Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. for the Easter Vigil, beginning at sunset with the blessing of the new fire and Paschal candle. The service includes readings of salvation history, renewal of baptismal vows, the welcoming of new members, and the first Eucharist of Easter. All are welcome—especially those without a Vigil service at their own church.
Enjoy jazz and classical music while supporting families in need! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix for a three-part Music for Food series on April 13, April 27, and May 4, benefiting the Olive Branch Food Closet. These free concerts support a vital ministry feeding over 150 families each week. View a PDF flyer here.
In this video, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande addresses recent letter from the Department of Homeland Security insinuating the diocese's involvement in illegal activities, including human trafficking.
Bishop Hunn outlines the diocese's longstanding ministry efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border, including the operation of a shelter for legal asylum seekers in partnership with Homeland Security's Border Patrol and ICE. He underscores the legality and moral grounding of their work, rooted in Christian teachings and constitutional rights. Despite the scrutiny and funding withdrawal from FEMA, he reaffirms their commitment to borderland ministry and invites support through prayers and donations.
107 rostered ministers have already submitted their annual Report to the Bishop—thank you! If you haven’t submitted yours yet, there’s still time. Bishop Hutterer personally reads and responds to each report, offering a chance to share your journey, joys, and challenges in ministry. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report to get started.
Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) is now offering free weekly medical care—including doctor consultations, prescriptions, and lab work—every Wednesday for all clients, regardless of insurance. March brought record-breaking achievements in meals served and families supported. Plus, mark your calendar for the Spring Easter Fest on April 18and check out this week’s featured recipes.
Youth from the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Leadership Lab 2025, a weeklong Lutheran leadership experience for grades 8 through age 24, held June 23-28 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Rooted in faith and friendship, Leadership Lab helps young people grow as disciples and leaders. Register now at leadershiplab.net.
Still need to submit your 2024 ELCA Congregation Report? The deadline is April 11. This year’s new reporting platform has caused challenges for many, but help is available through FAQs and temporary workarounds. Learn more and access the system before it closes.
Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development for the Grand Canyon Synod, has been recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). This globally recognized credential affirms his ongoing commitment to ethical, effective fundraising in service to the church.
Why battle the noise and crowds of the Vegas Strip when you can experience a professionally produced, high-energy concert right at Synod Assembly? On Thursday, June 12 at 7 PM, our host congregation, Community Lutheran in Las Vegas, is delivering a stunning musical performance that promises to inspire and uplift. Make plans now to stay on-site—this is one show you don’t want to miss!
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.
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.
El Sínodo del Gran Cañón está invirtiendo en accesibilidad con un nuevo sistema de traducción al español que debutará en la Asamblea del Sínodo 2025. Anabel Estrada será la traductora, utilizando equipos actualizados para garantizar una participación más clara e inclusiva para los asistentes hispanohablantes.
The Grand Canyon Synod is investing in accessibility with a new Spanish translation system debuting at the 2025 Synod Assembly. Anabel Estrada will serve as translator, using updated equipment to ensure clearer, more inclusive participation for Spanish-speaking attendees.
The 2025 Synod Assembly offering will be evenly divided between Lutheran Social Services of Nevada and Lutheran Disaster Response, supporting wildfire recovery in Southern California. All congregations are invited to participate in this shared act of generosity, offering tangible hope both locally and in crisis.
Now is the time for congregations to elect voting members for the 2025 Synod Assembly, June 12–13 in Las Vegas. Each congregation is allowed two lay voting members, with more permitted based on congregation size—and two additionalvoting members are encouraged: one youth or young adult, and one person of color or person whose primary language is other than English. These additional seats don’t count against your total—bring your full voice to the assembly!
Congregations are encouraged to submit their 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent as soon as possible following their annual meeting. So far, 41 congregations have submitted theirs—thank you! Your intent helps the synod plan responsibly and steward shared resources. Submit online or find details at gcsynod.org/intent.
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.
Calling 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! Tuesday, 3/25/2025, 6-7pm MST.
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!
Emma Janzen will be ordained Saturday, 5/3/2025, 11:00 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church, (18265 North 89th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85382, livestream here), with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham Hughes preaching, and Bishop Deborah Hutterer presiding. Emma will be installed Sunday, 8/20/2025, 10:45 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737, livestream here), with Pastor Jacqui Pagel preaching and presiding..
Reception lunch to follow Ordination in the fellowship hall. Please RSVP to Emma Janzen, emmajanzenn@gmail.com, for food. Rostered ministers and candidates for rostered ministry are invited to process and wear their albs. Color of the day is red for the ordination, and green for the installation.