By Sue Jensen, Synod Council
The 33rd Assembly of the Grand Canyon Synod was held by Zoom on June 12 with nearly 300 voting members in attendance. Pastor Josh, Pastor Stephen, Ralph Jensen, Marge Johnson, Norton Johnson, Johnice Mitchell, and Carol Paulsen served as voting members representing TVLC.
The Assembly’s theme was “Freed in Christ” based on Galatians 5:13-14:
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Bishop Deborah Hutterer chaired the Assembly from Community Lutheran Church, Las Vegas.
- The 2022-2023 synod mission spending plan was explained and adopted.
- The treasurer’s report for fiscal year 2020-2021 was presented with gratitude. Although that period of time was difficult for everyone, many congregations were still able to fulfill their pledges to the synod. In addition, special requests for funds to assist those most impacted by COVID-19 were met with overwhelming generosity from synod congregations.
- The Grand Canyon synod in turn fulfilled its pledge to the larger church by sending 50% of all pledged funds received (approximately $918,000) to ELCA Churchwide. Additionally, the Grand Canyon Synod was able to return approximately 40% of all funds received to the community in the form of grants to congregations and other mission partners such as campus ministries, advocacy groups, and social services organizations.
- Funds passed on to Churchwide enabled the ELCA to establish new congregations and missions, develop leadership, support mission partners, and work to alleviate hunger, poverty, and homelessness throughout the U.S., all done on our behalf.
The Reverend Albert Starr, ELCA Director for Multi-Ethnic Ministry Development, brought greetings from ELCA Churchwide and gave thanks for the synod’s faithfulness in ministry.
A 7-minute video introduced the synod’s Growing Generosity campaign. This three-year campaign aims to raise $500,000 between now and December 2023. Funds received will be used to assist congregations to redevelop, right-size, and grow in new ways; to alleviate medical and student debt incurred by rostered leaders; to address inequality and injustice in our communities; and to develop and encourage leaders. Click here to view the video.
Bishop Hutterer and other synod staff reported on their work throughout the past year, and rostered leaders who are celebrating ordination anniversaries and retirements were recognized. The list of ordination anniversaries included Pastor Josh’s 15th anniversary coming on July 9. Congratulations, Pastor Josh!
The Assembly closed with a worship service, which included a message on Christian freedom from Rev. Starr, and a virtual choir anthem singing “I Love to Tell the Story” with 40 participants including TVLC’s own Ed Moore.
A recording of the entire Assembly is available on the synod’s website.
Recent Comments