In this Christmas message, the bishops and synod vice presidents of Region 2 reflect on Howard Thurman’s poem, “The Work of Christmas,” calling us to embrace God’s grace and live out Christ’s liberating love. Representing over 500 congregations, they invite us to join in justice, service, and joy, embodying the good news of Christ in our communities and the world.
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Happy New Year from the Office of the Bishop! As we step into 2025, we thank you for your faithful service and the countless ways you share Christ’s love throughout the Grand Canyon Synod. We are blessed to journey together and look forward to all that God has in store for us in the year ahead.
This week Bishop Hutterer travels to Puerto Rico for the Bishop’s Academy, and the staff enters 2025 on the ground and running.
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Arizona’s Christian leaders have issued a powerful statement calling for immigration reform that upholds human dignity and family unity. They denounce unjust deportation practices, including raids on churches and other critical locations, and call on law enforcement to act with conscience. Grounded in Gospel values, the leaders urge us all to see the image of God in every human being and advocate for a fair and humane immigration system. Read the full statement to learn how our faith compels us to stand with the vulnerable.
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The Office of the Bishop will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The staff enjoys some time off with family and friends, and does our final wrap-up on 2024.
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This Advent season, as we wait in hopeful anticipation for the gift of Christ’s birth, I find myself reflecting deeply on gifts and generosity. Not just the kind we wrap in paper and ribbons, but the kind we experience through the Spirit—the gifts of love, grace, and community that bind us together as one church, one body of Christ.
In the past months, I’ve been blessed to witness firsthand how the Holy Spirit moves through our shared ministry, both within our synod and across the globe. During recent visits to two of our companion churches—the Lutheran Church of Senegal (LCS) and Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM)—I saw acts of generosity that have left me humbled and inspired.
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The Office of the Bishop will be closed December 24-26, and the staff will be enjoying Christmas with friends and family. We share photos from our visit to Faith/La Fe and the pastoral role changes of Rev. Veronica Alvarez and Rev. Jonathan Linman.
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The Office of the Bishop celebrates at our year-end Christmas party, puts the final organizing on 2024, and prepares for 2025, including our synod assembly.
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The Office of the Bishop worships and preaches at ministries around the synod, and continues year-end projects.
We also share photos from Senegal and Mexico. The Grand Canyon Synod and the Lutheran Church of Senegal renewed and signed our covenant as global companions. Photos of Bishop Hutterer’s Senegal visit with President Latyr Diouf include worship at Bokotou village. In Mexico, to strengthen ties with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana and Pastor President Rev. Roberto Federico Trejo Haager, we share photos from Iglesia Bethel in Mazatlan and San Pablo in Tepic.
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The Office of the Bishop engages in visits to global companion synods, completes year-end preparations, reconciles financial records, participates in various meetings, and begins Advent.
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The Office of the Bishop begins 2025 synod assembly planning, visits global companion synods, does year-end preparations, balances books, and gives thanks.
We also share photos from the recent LAMA retreat, First Call Theological Accompaniment, and the Installation of Rev. Anna Rieke at Christ the Lord in Carefree.
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The Office of the Bishop attends retreats, works with candidacy, and schedules visits for 2025.
We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Lisa Hackler at American Lutheran in Sun City as well as Rev. David Pavesic at the welcoming blessing service at the DEM Fall Gathering.
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Bishop Hutterer and a Grand Canyon Synod delegation are traveling to Senegal to strengthen ties with The Lutheran Church of Senegal. The church’s President, Rev. Latyr Diouf, has requested donations of pastoral collars and stoles in black, violet, or white to support their ministry. Please bring donations to the synod office by November 21, 2024, at 1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Please contact the synod office to let us know when you’ll be bringing items. Your support will help equip our global Lutheran community for worship and service.
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The Office of the Bishop welcomes Rev. David Pavesic, our new Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), as he officially begins is work for our synod.
We also share photos from the Bishop’s visit to Gloria de Cristo, Yuma, whose quilting ministry creates and shares over 600 quilts a year.
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As I reflect on the election results in our nation and in our swing-states synod, I recognize that emotions across our communities are varied and deeply felt. For some, there is joy and hope; for others, uncertainty and worry. In this moment, we turn our gaze once again toward Jesus, our unchanging source of comfort and strength in uncertain times.
For those who are filled with joy today, I ask for your prayers, support, and compassion toward those who may feel fearful or lost. For those who are anxious, may you know the comfort of a God who holds you close. Jesus sustains us all, inviting us into a spirit of action and healing, no matter the season or the outcome.
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The Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Joshua Pontious at Community of Grace in Peoria.
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The Office of the Bishop celebrates the installation of Rev. Joshua Pontious. We also shares photos from the 2024 Bishop's Fall Gathering at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
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The Office of the Bishop hosts the 2024 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Oct 21– -23, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Daniel Volkmann at All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix, Oct 13, 2024, and the Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Tucson on October 14, 2024.
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The Office of the Bishop prepares for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering and attends Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, Oct 14, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, as well as the Installation of Rev. Daniel Volkmann at All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix, Oct 13, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
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As early voting begins in Arizona, and with early voting also beginning soon in Utah and Nevada, I want to reflect on the sacred responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith. Our participation in the democratic process is not only a privilege but a duty—one that reflects our commitment to justice, peace, and the flourishing of all people.
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The Office of the Bishop implements projects and ideas for our in-person staff meeting, and we also share photos from the latest synod council meeting and the the Tanque Verde Lutheran Church 50th Anniversary.
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