We are thrilled to be gathering with everyone at our Grand Canyon Synod Assembly as we collectively embody the Word! It’s a joy to connect, share, and grow together in faith and fellowship.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 60 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, who celebrates 26 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 43 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 60 years on June 14.
Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 51 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 55 years on June 15.
Rev. James Vadis, who celebrates 56 years on June 16.
Rev. Corrine Chilstrom, who celebrates 39 years on June 16.
Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 45 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 68 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 51 years on June 17.
Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 36 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 35 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 46 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 56 years on June 18.
Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 58 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 64 years on June 19.
Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 53 years on June 20.
Rev. Theodore Swanson, who celebrates 70 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 42 years on June 20.
Rev. Les Niemi, who celebrates 70 years on June 20.
Rev. Mark Reitan, who celebrates 53 years on June 20.
Rev. Charles Berdahl, who celebrates 59 years on June 20.
The theme of our 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, “Embody the Word,” serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrant faith we have been gifted through our baptism into Jesus Christ. It's a call to open ourselves to God's transformative power, enabling us to boldly embody our true purpose as individuals and as the Body of Christ.
As disciples within the ELCA, we are called to courageously articulate the truths and beliefs deeply rooted in our faith. In our divided world, and even within our congregations, silence can often widen gaps of misunderstanding and division more than the spoken word. It is crucial that we not retreat from our responsibility to voice justice, peace, and reconciliation.
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There are many ways generosity is expressed in the church. The gift of leadership is offered by each conference dean, team & committee member, council member, and worship leader. The gift of time is offered by every attendee of Synod Assembly and volunteers who serve our neighbors. The gift of money is offered by weekly offering to the congregation, congregational mission support to the synod, mission support tithe to churchwide ministry, extraordinary gifts from congregations & donors, and planned gifts that continue a legacy of love in Christ.
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Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly online! Tune in live on June 13, 2024, via the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. This livestreaming opportunity ensures all our members, from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, can partake in our assembly’s key moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay connected and involved in our community’s important decisions and celebrations. Watch here.
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The Grand Canyon Synod is proud to introduce a new Congregational Vitality Committee dedicated to revitalizing local churches. This initiative offers annual assessments, specialized training, and resources to empower congregations in Tucson, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. For more information or to participate in this transformative effort, visit our Congregational Vitality page or contact the synod office. Let’s work together to strengthen our communities and ensure our congregations thrive.
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As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Alex M. Aakre, “With Freedom’s Holy Light”: The Four Estates in American Christianity, from an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreThe concept of an American civil religion has been widely identified and widely debated over the last sixty years. Many have come to reject this idea as an attempt to deify the American state and mix the allegiance due to God with that due to the nation. Yet, perhaps, rightly conceived, American civil religion can be useful as a way of understanding a Christian’s relation to the state and to the world. —Alex M. Aakre
For the upcoming Assembly week, the Grand Canyon Synod homepage will transform into a comprehensive digital hub. Just visit gcsynod.org and you’re there! This enhanced homepage will feature quick access links and real-time updates to keep you informed throughout the event. Accessible on any device, our goal is to make your Assembly experience as seamless and engaging as possible. Stay connected with us and check back regularly for the latest news!
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The Office of the Bishop will be closed on June 17th and 18th for post-assembly rest. We will also observe June 19th as a holiday to commemorate Juneteenth, reflecting on freedom and justice. We thank everyone who contributed to our assembly’s success and encourage our community to honor this significant day. Join us in celebrating and contemplating our steps towards a more equitable society.
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Enrich your ministry at our Synod Assembly with a variety of workshops! Choose from sessions on Lutheran advocacy, estate planning, innovative toddler outreach, understanding military chaplaincy, and assessing congregational vitality. Each workshop is tailored to empower our faith community with practical tools and deepened understanding, enhancing our collective service and spiritual growth. Join us to make a lasting impact in your congregation and beyond!
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Lutheran Campformation shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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Luther Seminary shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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Join us at Ascension Lutheran Church this Friday, June 7th, for an indoor sale featuring 60 years of accumulated treasures! From 6:30 AM to 1 PM at 7100 N Mockingbird Lane, you can explore items ranging from furniture and office supplies to unique Christmas decorations and elegant costumes. This event offers a unique opportunity to support our church while finding incredible deals on a wide range of items. Don’t miss your chance to discover the hidden gems of decades past!
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Mosaic shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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Santa Trinidad shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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First Place shares a video of their 2024 Discipleship Event as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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Holy Trinity Lutheran shares a video of their 2024 Discipleship Event as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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With less than a week to go for our synod assembly, the Office of the Bishop prepares for a joyful gathering at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa, where we get a chance to embody the Word together..
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Adam Barnhart, Shepherd of the Hills, Flagstaff, who celebrates 15 years on June 7.
Rev. Stoney Bowen-Weiszmann, Banner Del E Webb Medical Center, Sun City West, who celebrates 16 years on June 7.
Rev. Tim Eighmy, Community, Bullhead City, who celebrates 32 years on June 7.
Rev. John Lundering, who celebrates 65 years on June 7.
Rev. David Miller, who celebrates 54 years on June 7.
Rev. Donald Legacie, who celebrates 37 years on June 7.
Rev. Ronald Hedwall, who celebrates 60 years on June 7.
Rev. Donald Liles, who celebrates 38 years on June 8.
Rev. Bennett Henrikson, who celebrates 55 years on June 8.
Rev. Melinda Gapen, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 10 years on June 8.
Rev. Don Lorfing, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 28 years on June 9.
Rev. John Serkland, who celebrates 61 years on June 9.
Rev. Philip Gustafson, who celebrates 45 years on June 9.
Rev. John Hackler, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 39 years on June 9.
Rev. Lisa Hackler, American, Sun City, who celebrates 39 years on June 9.
Rev. Harold Peterson, who celebrates 68 years on June 10.
Rev. Luther Tolo, who celebrates 62 years on June 10.
Rev. Lester Hoffmann, who celebrates 68 years on June 10.
Rev. Ronald Rude, who celebrates 45 years on June 10.
Rev. Frank Nausin, who celebrates 50 years on June 10.
Rev. Thomas Rogers, who celebrates 45 years on June 10.
Rev. John Elverum, who celebrates 62 years on June 10.
Rev. Carl Jensen, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 52 years on June 11.
Rev. James Slater, who celebrates 46 years on June 11.
Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 14 years on June 12.
Rev. Bernard Carl, Holy Trinity, Chandler, who celebrates 47 years on June 12.
Rev. Lois Shuart, who celebrates 31 years on June 12.
Rev. Neal Snider, who celebrates 64 years on June 12.
Rev. Scott Klimke, American, Sun City, who celebrates 20 years on June 12.
Rev. Harold Aasland, who celebrates 70 years on June 13.