Photos from the 2022 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
We thank Pastor Lars Hammar, with Lord of Grace Lutheran in Tucson, for being our official photographer at our assembly. We hope you enjoy this photo gallery.
Love of Christ in Mesa
We thank Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, for yet again being such great hosts.
Gathering for assembly
273 voting members registered for our 2022 Synod Assembly.
Richard Wall
We thank Richard Wall, Director Of Music Ministry at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mesa and Gold Canyon, for providing and leading us with music throughout our assembly.
Opening Worship
Bishop Deborah Hutterer presided and preached at opening worship, with assistance from Rev. Mateo Chavez.
President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager
Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, Pastor President of the Mexican Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Mexicana, ILM), gave us our reading in Spanish.
Opening of the Synod Assembly
Our Friday morning worship concluded with the opening of our 2022 assembly.
Opening plenary session
Bishop Hutterer chaired the assembly, seen here calling the assembly to order.
Rev. Stephen Springer and Rev. David Brandfass
On hand were Rev. Stephen Springer, our synod parliamentarian, and Rev. David Brandfass, Synod Secretary.
Erik Rehms
Our Synod Treasurer Erik Rehms served as chair of the credentials committee.
Voting
Voting was done using green and red cards, and ballots when necessary.
2023/2024 Mission Spending Plan
Erik Rehms presented the 2021/2022 Treasurer’s Report and the 2023/2024 Mission Spending Plan.
Roger Bailey
Chair of the Nominating Committee, Mr. Roger Bailey, reports on the elections to take place during the assembly.
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Director for Evangelical Mission and Bishop’s Associate for Congregational Vitality, shares his report.
Rev. Paul Block
Rev. Paul Block, New Song Lutheran in Henderson.
Rev. David Brandfass
Rev. David Brandfass, Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona, leads us in prayer before our lunch break.
Provoking to Love & Grow
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta and Rev. Peter Perry lead our Bible study, “Provoking to Love & Grow” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Barbara Carl
Synod Vice President Barbara Carl presented the Bishop and Synod Council Report along with Bishop Hutterer.
President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager
Rev. Jacqui Pagel introduced President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager before his report on the joys and challenges facing the congregations of Iglesia Luterana Mexicana.
Q & A
Rev. Mateo Chavez assisted Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager in the question and answer session following the report.
Signing of covenant
We formalized our status as companion synod to Iglesia Luterana Mexicana by signing a covenant at our assembly.
Reference and counsel
Chair of the Committee of Reference and Counsel, Rev. Stephen Springer, guides us through resolutions in our final plenary session at the end of our first day.
Rev. Louise Johnson
Our Churchwide representative, Rev. Louise Johnson, provided an update from the ELCA. Her current role with the ELCA is Executive for Administration.
Pastor Carol Breimeier
Pastor Carol Breimeier, with New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson, shared her presentation, “How to have a spiritual conversation without being a jerk.”
Manna Grant
A team from Ascension Lutheran in Paradise Valley (Molly Gary, Karen Olson, Laura Musfeldt, and Rev. Randy Winsand) presented a $90,000 check to fund a hunger grant in our synod, honoring the legacy of member Orpha Hoganson. The church will provide an additional $90,000 towards hunger later in the year.
Outgoing synod council members
We thank Rev. Dan Valasakos, Twila Burdick, and Rev. David Brandfass for their service as synod council members.
Pastor Brandfass
We especially thank Pastor David Brandfass for his years of tireless and cheerful work as Synod Secretary.
Synod Assembly Planning Team
We thank the planning team: Kathye Hamm, Theresa Thornburgh, and Brian Flatgard (not pictured) from the Office of the Bishop, Rev. Steve Crittenden, Rev. Nanette Christofferson, Synod Vice President Barbara Carl, Rev. Sarah Stadler, Chair of reference and resolutions Rev. Steve Springer, Synod Secretary Rev. David Brandfass, and Rev. Tina Mills (not pictured).
Planning team members Rev. Tina Mills (in blue, back of room), and Brian Flatgard (with Rob Mills in the tech room).
Closing worship
In our closing worship, Rev. Steve Crittenden was our presider, with a sermon from Rev. Dr. Louise Johnson.
Patricia Charley
Patricia Charley, with House of Prayer in Rock Point, was our reader.
Patterson Yazzie
Patterson Yazzie, with House of Prayer in Rock Point, provided prayers.
Rev. Dr. Louise Johnson
Rev. Dr. Louise Johnson delivers her sermon.
Installation of Synod Council
Blessing and Sending of Churchwide Representatives
Rev. Christine Stoxen,Roger Bailey, Bishop Deborah Hutterer, Barbara Carl, Glenn Austad, Hannah Manzanares, Rev. David Brandfass
Rev. Steven Crittenden
Hannah Manzanares
Hannah Manzanares led us in prayer.