Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Thriving Leadership Formation Annual Report: 2024

Thriving Leadership Formation, supported by a significant grant from the Lilly Endowment, continues to foster spiritual and leadership growth within our synod through its diverse initiatives and events. In the past year, this program, housed at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University, has significantly impacted pastoral and lay leadership across ELCA Regions 1 and 2. Under the leadership of Pastor Lourdes Olson, among others, the program has engaged numerous leaders in spiritual practices and community building, helping them to thrive in their congregational roles. View their full annual report in this PDF.

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Ordination celebrations: May 31 – June 6, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 16 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Gilbert, who celebrates 16 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 40 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 66 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Douglas Moffat, Faith, Yuma, who celebrates 50 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 24 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ronald Pechauer, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 58 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 50 years on June 2.

  • Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ernie Larsen, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 24 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 45 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 17 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 51 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 62 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 45 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Joseph Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 25 years on June 4.

  • Rev. Floyd Anderson, who celebrates 63 years on June 4.

  • Rev. Keith Hardy, who celebrates 45 years on June 4.

  • Rev. Maria Valenzuela, who celebrates 35 years on June 4.

  • Rev. Stephen Beyer, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 43 years on June 5.

  • Rev. Jason Adams, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 10 years on June 5.

  • Rev. Arlyn Saathoff, who celebrates 59 years on June 6.

  • Rev. Vern Barlow, who celebrates 59 years on June 6.

  • Rev. Daniel Carlson, who celebrates 42 years on June 6.

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POSITION FILLED: Administrative Assistant Position Available at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix seeks a committed administrative assistant to support our church’s vibrant community. Interested individuals should contact Pastor David M. Sivecz at pastordavid@graceinthecity.com or visit us at 1124 N. 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. More details are available on our website, Grace in the City. Join us in making a difference in our community!

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Global Refuge Annual Report: 2024

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, continues its longstanding mission of providing sanctuary and support to refugees and immigrants. In 2023, through the dedication of partners and Lutheran communities, Global Refuge successfully reunited over 17,000 children with their families or placed them in loving foster homes, welcomed 11,200+ refugees from diverse global regions, and assisted 11,700+ individuals seeking safety from Central America and beyond. View their full annual report here and their synod letter here.

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Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series from June to October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

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Final Call for Campformation 2024: Registration Ends 5/31/2024

Secure your spot for an unforgettable faith-filled adventure at Campformation 2024 in Prescott, AZ. With the registration deadline on May 31, 2024, don’t miss out on this opportunity for spiritual growth and fun in nature. Ideal for 6th to 9th graders, with programs for older GAP campers and counselors too. For more details, view this PDF or visit Lutheran Campformation.

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Register today for our 2025-2026 Mission Plan Presentations

All members of the Grand Canyon Synod—and especially assembly voting members—are invited to participate in a Q-&-A Zoom presentation of the 2025-2026 Mission Plan, hosted by Erik Rehms, our Synod Treasurer, and Barbara Carl, our Synod Vice-President. Each session is the same, with two dates to choose from.

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Healing of Memories Workshop for Religious Leaders

The Healing of Memories workshop is for clergy and religious leaders who have experienced emotional, psychological and spiritual distress – in their personal or professional lives. This workshop provides a safe, confidential environment, the ideal setting to help participants take the necessary steps toward healing.

As religious leaders, your unique role is to minister to other people’s pain, yet you often lack a safe space to address your own. You experience secondary trauma without a place to address and heal it. A faith community gives life and strength but is also an institution where one often experiences pain; we offer a safe place to address these wounds, recognizing the invaluable contribution you make to the healing of others.

Sponsored by the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM) and Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, the workshop is Monday – Thursday, June 3-6, 2024 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Click to learn more and register. View a PDF with info here.

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Confronting Arizona’s Water Crisis: Join the Symposium on Equitable Distribution

Join experts and community leaders at "The Trouble with Water" symposium by the Creation Care Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona on June 1st in Mesa. Discuss critical issues surrounding water scarcity and distribution in Arizona, hear from top field experts, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Registration is free and includes lunch. RSVP today.

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Thursday evening's Wild Life Hymn Festival debuts and kick starts our assembly

Join us for “Wild Life,” a Hymn Festival on June 13, 2024, at 7:30 pm, and be part of a unique celebration that weaves together hymns from various eras and cultures. Experience the unity and diversity of our global church community through song, reflection, and prayer. This event promises an enriching experience that aligns our hearts with the divine creativity of our Creator. Don’t miss this opportunity to blend your voice with the eternal chorus of faith at this distinctively Lutheran event.

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Interim DEM’s Pastor James Dew Annual Report: 2024

Thank you for this opportunity to serve you throughout this past year as your Interim Director for Evangelical Mission. In this role, I have been honored to walk alongside an amazing collection of gifted leaders and a whole array of diverse programs being lived-out in and through their ministries. I have marveled at the heartfelt and transformative care being poured out into their surrounding neighborhoods and beyond in Jesus’ Name.

A couple months ago, our Synod Council asked for a listing of the various congregations and ministries which I accompany in my work as your Interim DEM. I believe this list may be of interest also to this Synod Assembly. Read the list in this post or in this PDF.

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