Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2024
Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2024

Pastor Jacqui Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation, reports significant strides in nurturing leadership and spiritual development across the Grand Canyon Synod. The Candidacy program is flourishing, with 27 candidates poised for pastoral roles, and anticipates ordaining deacons for the first time in fourteen years. Additionally, the Grand Canyon Synod is among the top ten synods for candidate numbers.

Efforts in Lutheran Campus Ministry have continued robustly despite pastoral retirements, maintaining vital support and faith exploration spaces for students across multiple campuses. Pastor Jacqui also highlights the impactful financial support provided to seminary students through the Funds for Leaders program, alleviating the burden of educational expenses. Her report encapsulates our synod’s ongoing commitment to forming faith-filled leaders equipped to serve and enrich their communities.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment
Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity
Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity

Explore the ELCA Foundation’s latest strides toward intentional generosity and financial stewardship in the newest issue of “Insights.” This edition includes the expanded 2023 annual report, featuring both gift planning and investment services. Learn about their new Vice President of Advancement role and find inspiring articles on leaving a legacy. Engage with the full content for more details and updates.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson is Hiring Part Time Children's Ministry Director
Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson is Hiring Part Time Children's Ministry Director

TVLC is a dynamic, multi-generational congregation with a gifted staff, devoted volunteers and vibrant worship. We are looking for a part-time Children's Ministry Director to help us invest in our children and families, and tackle the challenges of ministering to a changing world from a position of strength. See the full job description on Indeed.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardTanque Verde Tucson, Kino Conference, Help WantedComment
Thriving Leadership Formation Annual Report: 2024
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Ordination celebrations: May 31 – June 6, 2024
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Administrative Assistant Position Available at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Help WantedComment
Global Refuge Annual Report: 2024
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), Immigration and RefugeesComment
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series
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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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Voting Rights, Social StatementsComment
Final Call for Campformation 2024: Registration Ends 5/31/2024
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCampformation, Outdoor MinistryComment
Register today for our 2025-2026 Mission Plan Presentations
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment