Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff attends various congregations and meetings across the synod, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity @ King of Glory, Tempe, and in Las Vegas (Jan 19, 2025, 3-5pm) and the of Prayer for Christian Unity Service in Tucson, Jan 23, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel
Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation

Rev. David Pavesic
Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM)

  • Finalizing Budget and Goals for 2025.

  • Scheduling visits and conversations with grant recipients as reports are due at the end of the month!

Rev. Dan Potaznick
Director of Generosity and Strategic Development

  • Connecting with congregations and leaders around Mission Support as the synod fiscal year ends Jan 31st

  • Participating in the GCS Mission and Ministry Team meeting on Wednesday, Jan 22nd

  • Attending the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Worship Service at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe on Sunday, Jan 19th

Theresa Thornburgh
Director for Administration and Events

  • Preparing for upcoming meetings and events

  • End of year activities

  • General administrative duties of the synod office

Brian Flatgard
Director of Communication

  • Weekly news posts and newsletter

  • Crisis communications planning

  • Rostered minister reports, Form A, and Statements of Intent publicity

Amy Birchard
Finance Administrator

  • Complete December banking account reconciliations, process ELCA Churchwide Monthly Contribution, process Mission Partner contributions and work on Pledge vs. Actual for December.