2016 Assembly Reports - Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

2016 GRAND CANYON SYNOD ASSEMBLY
Bishop’s Report
“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complemen ng your
basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate
pa ence, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension
fi ng into and developing the others”. (2 Peter 1:5 from The Message)
O
ur theme for this assembly is “Get Moving!”. During the past year since we have last met I have shared in
the Spirit’s leading and moving among this synod, the Churchwide organiza on, and even the globe. Relaonship-building is always an important part of this work. The more coopera on and collabora on we can embrace the stronger our witness and impact.
Twice a year I spend a day mee ng with the ELCA bishops of the Pacifica Synod, SW CA Synod, and Sierra
Pacifica Synod along with our counterparts in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We pray together, review
areas where ministries cross, and celebrate that which we share in common rather than what keeps us apart.
It was great fun for Barb and I to join our synod youth and adults along with 30,000 other ELCA youth and
adults in Detroit for this past summer’s Na onal Youth Gathering. The highlight of that me was our Synod Day
where our synod gathered together for Bible study, worship and faith sharing. Listening to our youth share how
important God’s uncondi onal love in Christ is as reflected in parents, grandparents, pastors, youth leaders,
peers, and their home congrega on affirms what we seek to proclaim and live out.
At the end of summer, I took a group of four rostered leaders with me to par cipate in Congrega onBased Community Organizing training at our Churchwide office in Chicago. We are slowly developing a core team
of leaders in the synod who have been trained to help our congrega ons work more effec vely in developing
leaders within their congrega on, as well as becoming more inten onal on engaging our neighbors around the
issues and needs that impact them the most. It is possible be7er advocacy work will develop as we integrate the
principles of organizing leaders to use power for the common good.
I con nue to par cipate in Region 2 ac vi es involving twice a year Mobility Conferences where rostered
leaders seeking to be considered for ministry vacancies in our area are interviewed by bishops and other synod
staff. We also engage in an annual consulta on to determine how we can coordinate our common mission work
more effec vely, efficiently and crea vely.
This coming November I will end my term as chair of the Advisory Board of Pacific Lutheran Theological
Seminary of California Lutheran University. I have been privileged to serve with other leaders over the past several years as the seminary has merged and become a seminary of the university. This work has required addi onal mee ngs, par cularly as the ELCA is living into recommenda ons from the Theological Educa on Advisory
Commi7ee to find sustainable, accessible and affordable ways to prepare theologically-trained and equipped
leaders for our church. I am grateful for two groups who have annually planned fundraiser golf tournaments in
Southern Arizona and in the metro Phoenix area that support two endowed scholarships for pastoral ministry
candidates from our synod. I am also grateful for the individuals and congrega ons that take seriously the concern around seminarian debt-load through their generous scholarship support. In December 2015 our Synod re-
Bishop Talmage 2016 Report
Page 2
ceived a generous $75,000 giA from one family for scholarships and in January one of our congrega ons commi7ed $6,000 to our Synod scholarship fund.
This year our Synod was blessed to serve as host of the ELCA and ELCIC (Canada) Bishop’s Academy in January in Tucson. It was great to spend a day at the border in Nogales, AZ, addressing the complexity of immigraon issues. It was a privilege to sca7er our bishops among our Tucson congrega ons for worship and listen to
their reports of welcome. Along with this event our Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton joined our annual Rally in
the Valley event with 500 senior saints in February at Prince of Peace, Phoenix.
For almost ten years I have been encouraging congrega ons to become globally-connected with par cular
emphasis on u lizing the partnership of our Global Mission and World Hunger team through our Churchwide organiza on. I am grateful for the congrega ons that have made this part of their missional iden ty, not only financially suppor ng this work, but in establishing rela onships, and broadening a perspec ve of God’s love for the
whole world. Last assembly our focus was on “Seeing Jesus” through our global connec ons. This past February I
was blessed to join seven others from this synod to visit our companion synod, The Lutheran Church of Senegal.
With strong leadership from our ELCA missionaries Pr. Chad and Natalie Rimmer, we were able to immerse ourselves in accompanying our sisters and brothers in Senegal. We celebrated the ordina on of six new pastors in
this small, young, and emerging church in the midst of a country that is over 90% Muslim. We are hoping to send
another group in February 2017. If you are interested please contact our Global Engagement Chair, Pr. Karn Carroll (Our Savior’s, Phoenix).
During the past twelve months I have spent most of my me engaging congrega on leaders and members
in the area of transi on, mobility and call process. During my first eight years in office we probably averaged 3-5
call processes at any me during a year. Now we are juggling up to 16 - with less staff. I would es mate I am currently spending at least 50% of my me in this area. We are in a new day in the ELCA, as the re rement wave of
clergy is just beginning. Add this to the challenge of congrega ons struggling to afford experienced clergy, a reduced number of seminary graduates, less mobility of clergy due to family, and or housing and spousal career
concerns. In addi on, the na onal reputa on of our territory as it applies to caring about educa on, the vulnerable, and cost of living, all create great opportuni es for a deepened prayer life! I am truly grateful for Dr. Jerry
Kingston, re red ASU professor, member of Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria, who for the past 18 months has given
to the synod one day per week to help manage our mobility database. His work alone has saved the Synod an
es mated $25,000 a year.
Though conflict management has been rela vely limited the past twelve months, I appreciate the support
of our conference deans and Synod Council leaders who help our congrega ons navigate conflict. I also am grateful for Mr. Don Stevens, the first VP of the Synod, member of Christ, Sedona, who each year volunteers his legal
services to assist congrega ons with risk-management, personnel issues, and contractual review. His work provides a minimum savings to congrega ons of an es mated $30,000 a year. Thankfully, a7orney Peter Westby,
Prince of Peace, Phoenix, accepted the assignment to serve as legal representa on to the Synod office in our me
of need and has faithfully provided his wisdom. We have also been blessed with the counsel of The Rev. Dr. Lowell
Almen, former Secretary of the ELCA, in advising me, the Synod Council and our staff. The service of Dr. Kingston,
Mr. Stevens, Rev. Almen, and Mr. Westby, affirm that in mes of reduced finances God has blessed this synod
Bishop Talmage 2016 Report
Page 3
with valuable servants with great talent to assist this synod. My office is always available for conversa on with
leaders in this synod who are open to discern new ways of service beyond their local congrega on.
As always I cannot express what a giA this synod has in all of our staff. We are blessed with folks who see
their work as ministry and not a job. They are self and spiritually-mo vated to work as effec vely and efficiently
as possible, which our financials affirm. Though we may be small in number, I do believe we are mely in responding to individuals and congrega ons as ques ons or needs develop.
I could not do this work without the understanding and support of my beau ful wife of over 35 years,
Barb. These past ten years have been filled with adventures, but also probably 50-60% of the me being separated as I travel around the synod and carry out the regional and na onal responsibili es of this call. As an example,
in April over a two-week period this work took me to Kingman, Las Vegas, Tucson, Rock Point, and Sedona.
I am ever apprecia ve of the prayers offered each week in congrega ons for me, our staff, and our common work together. As we seek to “Get Moving!” in the days and months ahead may we con nue to live into our
synod priori es of strengthening our communica on and networking, our outreach to youth, young adults and
families with children, and engaging in cross-cultural experiences.
In Christ’s Service,
Bishop Stephen S. Talmage
“For God so loved the world that he gave his
only Son, so that everyone who believes in him
may not perish but may have eternal life.”
– John 3:16
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
John 3:16, perhaps one of the most quoted passages in the New Testament, hangs on bed
sheets in football stadiums; it is almost ubiquitous. It is also true. If God so loves the world,
we should too. Lutherans show up – as Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and
as The Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
We are church for the sake of the world.
In our congregations we address hunger and poverty through food pantries and community
gardens, in health care clinics and job training programs. We foster unity among the children
of God in relationship with our ecumenical and inter-religious partners. Together, with
our companions in Central America, we are working with unaccompanied minors and the
conditions in their countries of origin that force these children to flee. Through LWF, we
support Syrian refugees in Jordan who are living in Za’atari camp, provide education and child
protection assistance to Sudanese refugees, and offer specialty care at the Augusta Victoria
Hospital for Palestinians.
We have surpassed our fundraising commitment to eradicate malaria and bring about lasting
change. Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA will emphasize ELCA World
Hunger this year to support our comprehensive approach to solve challenges that perpetuate
hunger and poverty. All of this good and hard, sometimes dangerous, work is the work we are
able to do because we are church abiding in Christ – God’s beloved people gathered around
word and sacrament.
We are church for the sake of the world.
In preparation for the 500th anniversary observance of the Reformation, I encourage you to
visit ELCA500.org for more information and resources. One of the featured events for the 500th
anniversary is the Grace Gathering in conjunction with the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Come experience a churchwide assembly, be centered in God’s word, participate in experiential
learning, hear Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, attend workshops to equip you in
observing the 500th anniversary in your local ministry setting and much more! You can register
today at ELCA.org/GraceGathering.
On Sept. 11, our country will be remembering the lives lost and the lives forever changed by the
tragic events 15 years ago. The events affected all of us, and it will be an important moment for
us to be together as a church and with all people of faith. Part of our “God’s work. Our hands.”
Sunday on Sept. 11 is a chance for us to show up as Lutherans, freed and renewed in Christ, to
serve and love our neighbor.
8765 West Higgins Road • Chicago, Illinois 60631-4101 • 773-380-2700 or 800-638-3522 • ELCA.org • LivingLutheran.com
We are church for the sake of the world.
As we gather in our assemblies, let us be a faithful witness to God’s work in our local
communities, across the country and around the world. I am hopeful that our time together
in assembly will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other and come together as a
church. This is a good time for us to talk about the priorities and future directions of the ELCA.
I will be leading a process endorsed by the ELCA Church Council and the Conference of Bishops
to discern in faith the future of the ELCA. Through an initiative titled Called Forward Together
in Christ, we’ll be assessing where we are as God’s people and working to understand what
God has in store for us. I am inviting you to take part in a conversation about the future of this
church. For more information or to get involved, visit ELCA.org/future.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. As I am out and about in my travels,
I am reminded that no one of us does God’s work alone, and I am grateful for the opportunity to
be a partner with you in that service. Thank you for your leadership in the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
God’s blessings to you as you gather as the living body of Christ. May you be guided by the
Spirit as you do God’s will for God’s people.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Welcome to the 2016 Synod Assembly! Many of you are aware; some are not, that there is a Grand
Canyon Synod Council. The Synod Council is responsible for hearing and responding to the work of the
synod between assemblies. Our membership is comprised of one representative from each of our 9
conferences, 4 At-Large members, a young adult representative, 2 student representatives and 4
officers. These are individuals that give of their time and talents throughout the year. I am grateful for
their energy, thoughtfulness, questions but most especially their servant hearts.
At the 2015 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, a resolution to “Strengthen Being Church Together” was
passed. As a Synod we resolved that Congregational Council Presidents or Pastors will extend an
invitation to their Synod Council Conference Representatives to engage in conversation with their
congregational council. This would be a time to share the congregation’s ministries, lifting up those
bright spots that are breathing life into your congregation. It is also a time for Synod Council
Representative to share how congregations, synods and churchwide are church together. The timeline
for engagement was October 2015 through October 2017. We have had a few congregations that have
extended an invitation – Thank You! The feedback from the Synod Council members was filled with
excitement about what is happening in our congregations and with gratitude to be able to share how we
are church together! I pray that over the next year, each congregation will extend an invitation, or be
responsive to a request by the Synod Council Rep to attend a meeting.
During our 2014 Council retreat we identified 3 priority areas for our Synod over the next 3 years:
enhancing communication and networking, attracting and engaging youth and young adults and creating
cross-cultural experiences. Each cohort group continues to make strides in their respective areas lifting
up ideas, having dialogue, and taking action. We set aside time in our meetings for the groups to
connect and share.
In September I attend the Region 2 Consultation with Bishop Talmage and Pastor John Schaumburg.
This is a meeting of the Bishops, synodical staff members and Vice Presidents of the five synods that
make us Region 2. Conversation took place around how we can strengthen our relationship of
partnership and collaboration. This work is mission and relationship focused rather than structure
focused as we work together, learning from and supporting each other in the work we do.
I had the opportunity to gather with the other ELCA Vice Presidents in Chicago. Our time was spent in
conversation and learning. We had time with Presiding Bishop Eaton, Secretary Boerger, Phil Harris and
others. We also participated in a modified session on Racism Training with Judith Roberts, discussion
with the Justice for Women Task Force, and time with the Churchwide Advocacy Colleagues around the
Immigration Conversation. The focus was to educate us on some of the very important topics facing the
church and how as a National Church we are responding. Reformation Sunday fell on the weekend we
were in Chicago. There were about 50 of us that arrived (preplanned!) via a school bus to worship in a
local congregation – it was a very uplifting service and we were warmly welcomed.
It is a privilege to serve as your synod Vice President. I am continually amazed to see the ways God is
at work in the Grand Canyon Synod.
In Christ,
Mary Beth
Mary Beth Baron
Grand Canyon Synod Vice President
Grand Canyon Synod Assembly Candidacy Report – June 2016
We wish to thank the ongoing Grand Canyon Synod Candidacy Committee members who have dedicated many
hours throughout this year to reviewing candidacy materials and being a part of our candidate interview
committees. These members include: Rev. Ryan Hersch, Rev. John Cockram (Ret.); Ms. Ardie Senft, DM, and Ms.
Karen Loberg. The Churchwide Region II representative is Ms. Margy Schmitt-Ajer, DM. We wish Rev. Cockram the
very best as he concludes his service with our Committee and he and his family relocate to the Pacific Northwest.
Since our last Assembly Report, we have worked with many candidates in all stages of their discernment and
coursework for service in the ELCA. Students are pursuing their graduate preparation in both distance learning
and on site environments, as well as using the pre-entrancing process of discernment as a time of personal
reflection and preparation in order to complete their graduate studies in alignment with their home
congregations.
The discernment process for many candidates is quite lengthy and we walk with them each step of the way. In
reality, the process of discerning a call continues throughout a complete program of study. Students often explore
other occupational and vocational areas of work and service at the same time that they are underway with their
formal seminary graduate coursework.
In addition, we are finding that many second and third career individuals from ‘new’, as well as ‘long’ term
Lutheran backgrounds are interested in exploring a next occupation in the ELCA, rather than pursuing full
retirement. The increasing cost for a seminary education necessitates extensive long range financial planning on
the part of all interested seminary students.
We have internal Grand Canyon Synod scholarship monies to draw upon, as well as the scholarship monies from
Churchwide funds such as the ELCA Fund for Leaders, and the Santa Cruz/Sunrise Conferences Multi-Cultural Fund.
All of these resources are dedicated to advancing the academic pursuits of our seminary candidates who will lead
the ELCA of tomorrow throughout the world. Since last year’s report, we have experienced several generous
scholarship donations, both in the form of stock transfers as well as cash allocations from our congregations. In
addition, a number of our churches are directly supporting their own candidate with scholarship payments to the
student and/or the Seminary that he/she is attending.
Please note that in addition to our direct work with all of our students, we continue to complete more fully
developed background and reference checks on all ‘entering’ candidates. We are also fulfilling this same
requirement before Approval Interviews are scheduled for our ‘continuing students’ in order to sustain our
comprehensive review of all seminary students preparing for service in the ELCA.
By exercising a more complete process in all areas of reference and background work, we are ensuring that each
student has the optimum opportunity for successful completion of the academic as well as personal growth and
development necessary to enter into a church related professional assignment. Candidates have expressed
appreciation for this heightened level of care giving that has become a part of the application and entrancing
process for the Grand Canyon Synod.
We want to lift up the candidates listed below who have recently completed key steps in their preparation
process:
1
Mr. Kevin Anderson – Kevin is underway with his Year of Discernment efforts partnering with ordained mentor,
Rev. Jim Lundeen. This effort will conclude in early October 2016. Kevin is planning to begin his Seminary
education in the fall of 2016, relocating his family to PLTS at that time.
Mr. John Barton – John is completing his second full year at PLTS and will be ready for the Endorsement Interview
process in the fall of 2016. He has been highly involved in both on campus and off campus ministerial training
activities throughout the past two years as a PLTS student.
Dr. Michael Chan – Faculty Member - Luther Seminary – Having completed his Year of Discernment, virtually,
with Dr. Peter Perry, Michael is now considering where he will complete his CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education)
preparation in his pursuit of Ordination. This effort will likely be completed over the 2016/2017 calendar years.
Mr. Mateo Chavez – As a TEEM candidate, Mateo is completing the scheduled course load for this academic
preparation in affiliation with PLTS. At the same time he is serving his home congregation of Iglesia Luterana de
San Juan Bautista in Tucson, Arizona, in the role of a Licensed Lay Minister of Word and Sacrament and in
collaboration with the congregation’s Interim Pastor. Mateo will affiliate with the Mesa/Banner Health Care
system in the summer of 2016 for completion of his CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) preparation. He is looking
forward to this opportunity to broaden his pastoral skill set.
Ms. Nanette Christofferson - Having completed her work with Pastor Mari Larson for her Year of Discernment, she
has been serving in the capacity of Transition Pastor for Celebration Lutheran Church in Peoria, Arizona. The next
step for her will be the Endorsement Interview process and that will occur in late 2017. Her plans include
completing her CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) in the summer of 2017.
Ms. Amy Gauthier – Amy is balancing completing her assignment working in family/youth support programs at
Desert Cross Lutheran Church, with serving in a faculty role with the Roosevelt Elementary School District,
Phoenix, Arizona. She is also completing her Year of Discernment with Rev. Chon Pugh prior to planning on
relocating to attend seminary fulltime at Luther Seminary in the fall of 2016.
Ms. Kathleen Snyder-Lotz - This year found Kathleen and her family in their first year of fulltime work on the PLTS
campus. She is pursuing her graduate work in earnest and actively involved in the greater Berkeley community.
She was recently a contributing author for an article in the PLTS ENEWS on her role as a YAGM in a community in
the United Kingdom.
We look forward to the next steps for each of these current students, as well as for the many students who are
inquiring each year about the journey toward a lifetime of service in the ELCA. We ask that you keep all ELCA
students in your ongoing prayers as they consider this decision of commitment for both themselves, as well as
their families.
Respectfully submitted,
Teri
Teri J. Traaen, Ed.D., D.P.A.
Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy
2
2016 GCS Synod Assembly Annual Report
Pr. John Schaumburg, Director for Evangelical Mission
This month completes my fifth and final year as your Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM). It has been my
privilege and great joy to serve the congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod. I will take my first major step into
retirement on July 1.
The role of DEM was created about seven years ago, replacing the Mission Director position. The DEM is to
be a connector between the three expressions of the ELCA: The Congregation, the Synod and Churchwide. Our
position is largely funded by the ELCA and supervised by the bishop.
I should note here that the ELCA unit that I serve, The Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit or CSM has
had a recent name change. It will now be called the Domestic Mission Unit. This name correlates to the other
major ministry unit, the Global Mission Unit.
One of the primary objectives of the DEM is to support the work of mission development and redevelopment. Mission development includes new mission starts known as Congregations under Development (CUD’s)
and Synodical Authorized Worshiping Communities (SAWC’s). The newest form is SAWC-Exploration. Through
this form, a synod can “explore” new outreach ministries in what we call “emerging ministry” settings, non-traditional ways to reach out to people who will not respond to our traditional approach.
The other major focus is redevelopment. Every synod has numerous congregations that have either plateaued or are in decline. Redevelopment is an intentional ministry to refocus a congregation’s mission outward,
to become a more welcoming and inviting church.
Within the GCS, we celebrate numerous expressions of mission development and redevelopment. There is
one CUD, five SAWC’s and SAWC-Explorations, plus six congregations who have formally entered into Redevelopment, two of which are just starting their adventure.
Today we welcome our newest congregation into our synodical family. Epiphany of Christ in Apache Junction
is unique. Epiphany of Christ started life as a mission congregation of the LCA in 1973, known as Epiphany Lutheran, Apache Junction. In 2009 Epiphany Lutheran merged with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Mesa to form
a three campus ministry that also included a new mission development in Gold Canyon. In January of 2016, having regained strength and the capacity to return to congregational status, they were graciously released by Our
Savior’s to become Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction. They have recently started the call process to call their
first pastor as Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church.
The DEM’s primary role includes three additional assignments.
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•
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First, we are to create a synodical mission table for mission strategy. We call ours the Reforming for Mission Table. At our last meeting, we committed to develop a Lay School of Ministry. Many synods have
such a school to grow strong, vibrant lay leadership within the congregations of the synod.
Second, the DEM is to create a mission table for Mission Support. This synodical mission table works
with the bishop to grow our understanding of Biblical Stewardship and increase Mission Support.
Finally, the DEM works with the Domestic Mission Unit to provide mission partnership grants to new
congregations under development and redeveloping ministries. The DEM supports these congregations
in the writing and implementation of the grants. The DEM is also part of the internal staff team that provides outreach grants from the GCS.
I wish to thank all the staff members of the GCS for your wonderful support during my five years as DEM.
Kim Stevens, Wendell Harris and Teri Traaen are awesome partners in ministry. Bishop Steve, a truly missionary
bishop, has been my mentor and friend for many years. He always encourages me and supported me in my
growth as a DEM.
I thank all of my friends in the Church for being there for me. It has been such a privilege to work beside you,
both in ordained ministry and the ministry of the laity. I desire to continue to walk with you and pray for you during my retirement.
Finally I thank my wife Chris for sharing life, family and ministry with me for 48 years as my loving spouse and
44 years of ordained ministry. We look forward to retirement and continued service in the Lord’s work. It is such
a blessing to sit next to her during worship. Chris is the greatest blessing of my life.
Peace,
Pr. John Schaumburg
2015-16 Grand Canyon Synod Youth Ministry Report
Here is an update of what is happening with regarding to Synodical Youth Ministries:
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I served as the Synod Youth Coordinator for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering that was held in Detroit,
MI with over 30,000 youth and adults from the ELCA and 300+ youth and adults from the Grand
Canyon Synod. The theme was Rise Up!
Judi Tyler from Faith Lutheran Church serves as the Grand Canyon Synod Practice Discipleship Coach.
She has been to several trainings which allows her to share resources with congregations about Youth
Ministry. There are a lot of tools - check out www.practicediscipleship.org; her email is
judityler1@gmail.com
The three Youth & Family Networks in Las Vegas, Tucson and Phoenix area are gathering monthly
and/or quarterly. Thanks to Natalee Graham in Las Vegas, Pam Robinson in Tucson and Audrey Cox in
Phoenix for putting all these groups together for networking and support.
I serve on the SYMBOL Steering Team (Synod Youth Ministry Band of Leaders) – Region 2
Representative. We have conference calls about every other month. We gather at the ELCA Youth
Ministry Extravaganza each Jan/Feb and also have continuing education opportunities to attend.
I serve as the Adult Advisor for the ELCA Youth Core Leadership Team. Twelve high school students sit
on this team. Called by the grace of God, we the Youth Core Leadership Team of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America empower youth to model discipleship through faith formation and
leadership development.
The Phoenix Valley still holds Lutheran Campfirmation and it is held at Tonto Rim Christian Camp near
Payson, AZ and the Southern Arizona folks hold camp near Tucson.
Western States Youth Gathering for Regions 1 & 2 will be June 28-July 2, 2017 at California Lutheran
University for Sr. High youth. For more information go to www.wsyg.com
This next year, the Grand Canyon Synod has the opportunity to host the Southeast Iowa Synod youth
and adults for a Service Learning week prior to the Synod Assembly. The dates are June 11-17 for
senior high youth. Southeast Iowa Synod is our ELCA Partner Synod. For more information go to
www.synod.partners
Out of the 90+ congregations we have about 28 full-time/part-time Youth Leaders in the congregations
that I know about. I know there are tons of volunteers serving in the area of Youth & Family ministry all
over the synod.
I am on a 3-month (May 9th – August 5th) Sabbatical from my congregation (Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church, Chandler) and the Synod. Follow my Journey on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/SeoultoSoulSabbatical/) or my blog
(http://seoultosouljourney.blogspot.com/). And prayers are always welcome!
Thank you for your support and prayers in the area of Youth & Family Ministry in our Synod.
Respectfully Submitted,
Darcy J. Mittelstaedt, AIM
2016 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
Report of the Global Engagement Team
The Lutheran
Church in
Senegal
ELCA World
Hunger
Young Adults in
Global Mission
Members: Pastor Karn Carroll (chair), Babbie Cameron, Pastor John Biggs, Sheryl Guterl, Melody
Hensley, Carlton Holte, Cheryl Jones, Pastor Robert Jones, Pastor Fritz Lampe, Bishop Steve
Talmage, and Jayne Baker, Diaconal Minister
Purpose
Global Engagement for the Grand Canyon Synod has three primary emphases:
1. International mission partnerships, including connections with our companion synods
in Senegal and Lithuania
2. ELCA World Hunger, which includes the Malaria Campaign.
3. Support of Young Adults in Global Mission, both local participants and those serving in
companion synod regions.
This team exists to encourage and foster increased engagement by our congregations in ways that
connect us globally. This team collects information about what congregations in this synod are doing in
these areas; makes resources available to congregations seeking to engage globally in new ways;
seeks to identify champions for these areas in each congregation; and strives to strengthen our
companion synod relationships. This team also connects with the larger church by sending
representatives the Region 2 Global Mission Gathering and ELCA World Hunger events.
Companion Synods
• Senegal
• In February 2016, a delegation of 8 visited the Lutheran Church in Senegal. If you would like
to learn more about how you or your congregation might get involved in this partnership,
please contact a team member. A member of the delegation would be happy to come and
speak to your congregation about the experience. Delegation members included Jayne
Baker, Karn Carroll, Cheryl Jones, George Kaiser, Ervin Langholz, Charles Newman, Jenifer
Newman, and Steve Talmage.
• Global Mission staff currently serving in Senegal includes The Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer
(serving the Lutheran Seminary in Senegal), Natalie Rimmer, and The Rev. Kristin Engstrom
(YAGM in-country coordinator).
• Lithuania
• The ELCA currently has two missionaries in service at the International Church of Vilnius.
Please keep Pastor Jim and Diane Wagner in your prayers.
Synod Assembly 2015
Highlights of last year’s assembly, Seeing Jesus, included wonderful presentations by The Rev. Dr.
Chad Rimmer and Natalie Rimmer, former YAGMs, and Churchwide representative, The Rev. Rafael
Malpica-Padilla.
ELCA World Hunger
ELCA World Hunger works to end hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world
through a comprehensive approach and unparalleled worldwide network of individuals, congregations,
companion churches and partners in nearly 60 countries. It is the 2016 focus for Always Being Made
New: The Campaign for the ELCA with a fundraising goal of $115 million.
Malaria Campaign
We, as a church, have surpassed the 2015 goal of raising $15 million for malaria prevention around the
globe. Efforts to reduce the cases and causes of malaria will continue to be sought out and funded
through ELCA World Hunger.
Young Adults in Global Mission
88 young adults will be serving in 12 countries in 2016-2017, including 6 who will be serving in Senegal.
For congregations looking to expand missionary support, prayerfully consider this incredible ministry.
Speaker’s Bureau
A list of people willing and able to speak to groups or facilitate conversation about various global
engagement topics is available through this team.
Website
For more information about Global Engagement in and around the Grand Canyon Synod, please go to
the new website www.GCSGlobalEngagment.info. There is also a link to the website via the Grand
Canyon Synod website www.gcsynod.org.
GRAND CANYON SYNOD
GRANTS COMMITTEE
“These funds are a testament of
God’s provision in our me of
need.” Bishop Steve Talmage
2016 Grant Awards
In an effort to steward the gi s this synod has received from the sale of closed congrega ons, bequests from
individuals (Warner Trust Fund), congrega ons sharing a the of bequests they have received, grants from the
Lutheran Thri Stores, and alloca on of unrestricted gi s to the synod, we are fortunate to have both endowment funds and temporarily restricted funds to provide grants for new and renewing ministries, and other
ministry outreach projects.
Given the challenging economic mes we have all experienced over the past decade, these resources have
been cri cal leaven to our outreach efforts. They are also a testament of God’s provision in our me of need.
In September 2015 the Grand Canyon Synod implemented a new Grant Applica on process to strengthen our
mutual stewardship and accountability.
By the October 15, 2015, deadline the Grant Commi2ee had received 12 Project Grant applica ons and 12
Ministry Grant applica ons. Following the Grant Commi2ee’s review a total of $161,200 was granted for ministry within our Synod!
Congrega ons and ministries receiving funds in 2016 are listed below.
Rio Salado
Crossroads, San Tan Valley
Capital
First, Mesa
Capital Conference Chaplain (Ministry)
Fiesta
Grace, Phoenix
Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix
East Valley Millennial Outreach Initiative, Tempe
Shepherd of the Valley, Phoenix
Maricopa, Maricopa
Cactus
Community of Grace, Peoria
Trinity, Phoenix
Covenant, Quartzsite
Northeast Valley
High Country
Christ, Sedona
House of Prayer, Rock Point
Colorado River
Peace, Peoria
Anti-Sex Trafficking Ministry,
Paradise Valley
La Sagrada Familia,
Scottsdale
Sunrise
Southern AZ Fronteras
Ministry, Benson
Santa Cruz
Living Springs, Las Vegas
Open Space, Tucson
Reformation, Las Vegas
San Juan Bautista, Tucson
Lutheran Campus Ministry
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Gary N. McCluskey, Campus Pastor
The very first word campus ministry needs to speak to the Grand Canyon Synod is “Thank you”. We could
not exist without the support that Grand Canyon Synod gives through your benevolence and specially
designated gifts. As always, your greatest gift to us is the gift of students. The seeds you plant in their
formative years of faith are given great care in our ministries as they begin to blossom into a faith that
helps them navigate in their new young adult world.
One bit of news I’d like to share is the recent report from the ELCA campus ministry throughout the U.S.
Campus Ministry in the ELCA is growing! Despite all we hear of the decline and aging of the church,
campus ministry demonstrates this need not be so.
In our ministry we have experienced some growth the past few years. ASU is changing, moving more
majors to other campuses and putting a greater emphasis on graduate students and research at the
Tempe campus. We have responded to this change by adding a coordinator of graduate students and
young adults that has done very well in its first two years.
Weekly we worship twice, feed students a home-cooked dinner and have Bible Study. Do not discount
the free meals! A recent study of ASU students revealed over 20% of all students experience “food
anxiety” in any given week, wondering if they will have sufficient food by week’s end. We provide food
for students to take home as well as a small food pantry in our Campus Center. Our center also serves
as a place for students to hang out to do school work, eat, enjoy musical “jam” sessions, or get help with
personal and/or vocational challenges.
In addition to worship and Bible Study we have movie nights for discussion of various current or older
movies. We engage in service projects, fun group-building events, and retreats. After a several year
hiatus, we are planning on heading to Mexico again to build houses. We partner with other campus
ministries and have even hosted the local Imam who then invited us all to the mosque for lunch.
We are always happy to have groups use our facility for retreats. We are even willing to have our
students lead some of the retreat and do a Q and A on college life as well as provide a tour of campus.
Often we will pair a high school student interested in a particular major with students in our ministry
already studying in that field. Do not hesitate to contact us (asulcm@gmail.com) if you would like to
partner with us on any of these or if you have some other way we could assist.
Allow me to share two stories. The first is from a Chinese student. After a retreat to San Diego he felt
compelled to e-mail me and say, “I didn’t know the world could be so beautiful and life could be so free
and wonderful until I went on our retreat”. The second is from an alum who now lives in Seattle, one of
the nation’s most unchurched areas. Hanging on her wall is a cross given her by us upon graduation. It is
an exact (smaller) replica of the cross that hangs in our sanctuary. This student was baptized here during
her time with us. She told me it is a great conversation starter as many visit her and say, “You are not
what I expected of a Christian”. They too often think of Christians as those standing on street corners
with placards and bullhorns proclaiming God’s vitriol for most anyone not like them. Our ministry, through
your support, continues long beyond graduation as our alumni serve as witnesses of the Gospel.
It is a privilege to serve the Grand Canyon Synod as campus pastor to Arizona State University. We see
ourselves as an extension of your ministry, serving your young adults when you cannot be here to
minister to and with them. Together we are making a tremendous difference in their lives.
Dear Partners in Mission,
We continue to give thanks for the generosity of the
Grand Canyon Synod, its congregations, alumni,
parents, friends, and the ELCA. It is a privilege to
be a partner in the Gospel with you all.
Our mission is to create time and space for experiencing
community, exploring faith, and engaging in service.
To support and sustain this ministry, LCM embraces these values:
 LCM creates an open, safe, and inclusive place;
 LCM connects people who are searching for meaning,
hope, and fellowship;
 LCM values curiosity, questions, and dialog;
 LCM encourages the intersection of faith and study; and
 LCM provides a place to discover ministry in daily life, in
community, and in the world.
This past year has been one of transition. Pastor
Fritz Lampe retired, and an interim staff team took
over for the school year composed of Rev. Conrad
Braaten, Martha Garner, and Sammie Biter. A call
committee was formed to work with the Bishop’s
office in calling a new Campus Pastor for NAU
LCM. We are prayerfully expecting that position to be filled by the Fall. This past year, we focused on continuing
relationships with students, and continuing to offer a space and programming to meet students’ needs.
Highlights
Collaboration
 Shared facilities with United Christian Ministries
 Shared programming for Lent and Easter with Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry.
Local Outreach
 prepared sack lunches for low income and homeless (140+ meals) monthly
Synod Outreach
 students wrote, directed, cooked, and performed this year’s Dinner Musical, “What Would Judas Do?” at three
ELCA churches.
Retreat Ministry
 La Jolla, CA—beginning of the year retreat and community service over Labor Day Weekend
 Winter Retreat—held in January in Sedona along with the UofA and ASU campus ministries.
Weekly
 We continue to gather for worship on Sundays at 6pm and a time of fellowship and meals on Wednesdays.
Challenges
 Our biggest challenge is not only to find a new pastor, but also to find the funding that will be required to sustain
that pastor.
 Students are increasing their course loads to limit time on campus resulting in more stress and emotional angst
 Many students are leaving school with a significant debt load but starting careers in service-sector jobs
 More students have to work during the semester to pay for school, and so have less time to attend campus
ministry events. Perhaps, campus ministry needs to evolve in how it ministers to students.
A Request: Continue to lift up campus ministry, support it with time and energy, welcome young adults, students,
families and friends into your homes and congregations. The church remains both faithful and vital when it honors the
giftedness of all people—this is particularly true on campus as we discover what it means to live faithfully in an everchanging world.
Grace and Peace,
The Interim Leadership Team at Lutheran Campus Ministry, NAU
Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northern Arizona University
500 W. Riordan Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001
phone: 928-774-8965 email: naulcm@gmail.com web: http://naulcm.org
Lutheran Campus Ministry-University of Arizona (Tucson)
www.lcm-ua.org
Rev. Ron Rude, pastor
GCS Assembly, June 16-17, 2016
Each Fall 32,000 undergraduate and 8,000 graduate students arrive at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
They come with confidence, insecurity, enlarged hopes, and High School levels of knowledge and faith that will
be challenged and expanded.
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) is the ELCA/Grand Canyon Synod’s commitment to being present on campus.
LCM gathers a Christian community each year, normally a core group of around 40 students, with others
coming and going throughout the year. There is Sunday morning breakfast and Worship at 10am, Wednesday
evening dinner and Vespers at 6pm. In addition there are retreats (La Jolla CA, Sedona AZ), community service
work days (Habitat for Humanity, Tucson Food Bank). Also, meal and discussion nights with other UofA groups
such as Turkish Muslim students and Pride Alliance (LGBTQ students).
Over Spring Break 2016, 13 LCM students and Pastor Ron Rude and his wife, Nancy, traveled to Thailand on an
intercultural and inter-faith journey. We engaged in discussions with Buddhists (visited temples, talked with
monks and profs at Mahamakhut Buddhist University) and Muslims (our tour leaders and local hosts were
Muslim), and spent a morning at the Lutheran Center and Luther Seminary in Bangkok talking with the Bishop
of the Lutheran Church and his wife, the former Bishop, and ELCA staff member Pongsak Limthongviratn. We
visited Thai cultural sites such as Erawan National Park, a floating market, the Foundation for Children
Orphanage, MBK shopping bazaar, the Bridge of the River Kwai, and even road elephants. A variety of foods
were a special treat – Thai, Indian, Turkish, Italian, and Asian. And we bonded as a group.
The congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod support two other campus ministries in Arizona—ASU in Tempe
and NAU in Flagstaff. This is part of the commitment ELCA Christians make on about 150 campuses around the
country.
The Grand Canyon Synod and ELCA supports 39% of our annual budget at LCM-UA, with the rest coming from
individual donors and congregations who give beyond their regular synod benevolence. The students, pastor,
and Board depend on God’s guidance and grace and the Lutheran community’s financial support and prayers
to make this ministry strong and hopeful.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Ron Rude, campus pastor
RALLY IN THE VALLEY 2016
Rally in the Valley, for the eighteenth time, was held on February 15-16, 2016. It had its origins in the 1990’s at
the initiative of the Grand Canyon Synod. It continues as a joint partnership of the Synod and Spirit in the Desert
Retreat Center. It is important to the Planning Committee for Rally and also for the Board of Directors of Spirit in
the Desert to continue to explore together a common programmatic theme of the call of faith and life in the 3rd
Chapter of Life. The Rally has over the years been about celebrating and enhancing the lives of 3rd Chapter seniors
who live, vacation, and sojourn in Arizona during the winter months. That was the initial target audience and still
remains at the heart of Rally’s success. There are over 300,000 “Snow Birds” who winter in Arizona and many of
them are Lutherans, steeped in the traditions of faith, but eager to find new and exciting ways to live and explore
their faith and service in church and community. Rally in the Valley is the only gathering of its kind in the ELCA.
The planning team began planning for 2016 on the heels of the 2015 Rally. The theme was “Go Into The World.”
Over 450 folks registered and gathered at the host congregation Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Phoenix.
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton was a featured presenter and also was the preacher for closing worship.
Ambassador Danial Speckhard, Executive Director and President of Lutheran World Relief was also a featured
presenter. Fr. Greg Adolf, Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Sierra Vista was the Bible Study
Leader. Tom Witt and Mary Preus were the musicians. Bishop Steve Talmage was present and was scheduled to
preside at closing worship until a back spasm kept him home. They were joined by 12 other interest session
leaders, 17 displays and artisans, the Book Store from Spirit in the Desert, great food, and faithful worship, all
contributing to a marvelous two days.
In addition to the registration fees, Rally was funded by generous grants, gifts and financial support from the
Grand Canyon Synod, Thrivent Financial, Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop,
California Lutheran University/Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, New
Spirit Lutheran Church, Tucson, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church, Sun City, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
Chandler, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tucson, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Sun City West, Desert Hills
Foundation, Green Valley, All Saints Lutheran Church, Phoenix and BJ and Priscilla Johnston. The event was also
supported with time and resources from members of Living Water Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, All Saints
Lutheran Church, Phoenix, and the incredible and marvelous staff and membership of Prince of Peace, the host
congregation. Without this generous support Rally would not happen. It also must be noted the emerging
relationship between Rally in the Valley and Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center is of mutual value to both and is
intended to continue to enhance the programming options and ministry of each.
RALLY IN THE VALLEY 2017 “BY GRACE…THROUGH FAITH…A GIFT OF GOD – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN…TODAY?
WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 20-21, 2017, AT PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN PHOENIX. With the theme
in place and as a Lutheran Community we will explore ”living into faith on the 500th Anniversary of the
Reformation 1517-2017” Already scheduled for the 2017 program are Dr. David Lose, President of Philadelphia
Lutheran Seminary, Dr. Martha Stortz, Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation at Augsburg
College in Minneapolis, and Dr. Michael Burkhardt, Director of Worship and the Arts at Holy Cross Lutheran
Church, Livonia, Michigan. The planning team is working diligently to put all the pieces together for Rally 2017.
REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2016, AND WILL CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2017, OR WHEN REGISTRATIONS
REACH 500 (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST). REGISTRATION PACKETS WILL BE MAILED TO EVERY GRAND CANYON SYNOD
CONGREGATION BY THE LAST WEEK OF OCTOBER. WATCH WWW.RALLYINTHEVALLEYAZ.ORG FOR 2017 PROGRAM DETAILS.
The planning committee is grateful for the full and faithful partnership of the Synod Staff and the congregations of
the Grand Canyon Synod, the staff and board of Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for allowing “Rally in the
Valley” to continue to be the premier Lutheran Seniors event in the country.
The Committee: Richard Anderson, Carefree; Ken and Joyce Bash, Scottsdale; Paul Campbell, Carefree; John and
Tonya Cockram, Peoria; Alan Field, Tucson; Maritta Fink, Phoenix; Dennis Haugan, Phoenix; John and Lynn Kautz,
Tucson; Marge Mayes, Phoenix.
CREATING COMMUNITY
2015 Annual Report Sunmary
THANK YOU FOR CHANGING THE LIVES OF
67,000
Neighbors in
Arizona
You provide immediate relief...
7,559
Safe nights for women
in congregations
142,895
Meals served through
food pantries and meal
delivery
2,717
Refugees on the
road to
self­sufficiency
390,757
Hours of home care for
seniors and people with
disabilities
...while planting seeds for future success.
9,000
Parents and children
have the tools they
need to thrive 2
New initiatives launched to
empower youth ­ Family
HOMES foster care
licensing, and CENTER
educational resource hub Passed ABLE act to
ease financial stress
on individuals with
disabilities
Building a strong,
diversified funding base by
investing in development and
communications staff
Dear Friends,
We're in this together...
300
volunteers
12,500 hours of service
100 houses of worship
across many faith traditions
385
individual donors
310% increase in giving
My days are often full of meetings and tasks that can feel far from the true work of our mission.
In the midst of my daily routine, I often pause to think about what is happening at this moment
in the lives of those we serve. It helps remind me of the urgency and reality of this work. For
instance, right now:
Fatima, an Iraqi refugee, is going on her first ever job interview. She’s feeling nervous, but
excited, and proud that she can provide for her family. She is dreaming of what their life will
become if she can land the job.
Maria is picking up a food box at Victory Lutheran Church. She is calculating how far she’ll have
to stretch this food, so she can manage the fees that her son Luis needs for his soccer team –
something that he would be devastated to go without. Maybe she’ll skip dinner tonight just to be
sure.
Erik, who is only 4, is spending his fifth week in his new LSS­SW foster home. Although he still
sometimes feels scared, angry, and confused, he is safe. He has new pajamas, a warm bed,
and loving foster parents that will tuck him in tonight with a quiet prayer for his healing. When you support LSS­SW, you are supporting these neighbors – and thousands of others like
them. Because of you, right now, they have something hopeful to hang on to. For a more detailed report including
financials, visit lss­sw.org/annual­report
Thank you for being part of our work.
Connie Phillips, MSW is President/CEO of LSS­SW. Her email is cphillips@lss­sw.org. Mosaic in 2015:
a message for the Grand Canyon Synod, where
Mosaic provides services in Phoenix, Prescott and Tucson
Together, we are the church.
If Mosaic had theme for 2015, it was “better together”. Too often people with
intellectual disabilities are missing in our communities, not because of
malice, but because of misunderstanding. Every day we work to ensure that
the more than 3,700 people we support have opportunities to live, work and
worship in supportive, inclusive communities.
A highlight of the year was attending the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in
Detroit, Mich., where we shared the message that our faith communities are
better when people with intellectual disabilities are included as valued and active
participants. Hundreds of students and adult leaders stopped by to learn about
the work Mosaic does from Ryan, who is served by Mosaic in Central Iowa.
Rejoicing Spirits, which helps churches partner with people with intellectual disabilities to build more
diverse churches, continues to grow. You can learn more at rejoicingspirits.org.
We are also happy to report the success of our new partnership with
Wartburg Seminary to educate future church leaders about ministry among
people with disabilities through an immersion class taught at our campus in
Axtell, Neb. There aren’t many opportunities for church leaders to explore
this type of ministry in a hands on way.
We invite you to come learn more about how we can work together to build
more diverse and welcoming communities. Call any location or
877.366.7242 for information.
Dear Partners in Ministry,
It’s so hard to pick which stories to share with you each year in this report. One thing we
know for sure: none of this ministry would be possible without your generous support.
We’d especially like to thank the more than 2,700 people who attended Discover the
Possibilities events to learn about Mosaic, our donors and volunteers.
Please visit our new blog at www.mosaicpossible.org to learn more about the many
different ways we are working to embrace God’s call to serve in the world. Thank you for
your support and prayers! Linda Timmons, President and CEO
4980 S. 118th St. | Omaha, NE 68137-2200 | 877.366.7242 | www.mosaicinfo.org
Report to Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
Lutheran Social Services of Nevada - Fiscal Year 2014-2015
Greetings and God’s Peace to all of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The past year has been a year of growth for the agency. The services provided to the community were life changing and that could
not happen without your support. We are humbled to be able to report the following milestones:

LSSN has become a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Site. LSSN Case Manager’s and volunteers attended training to
provide free income tax return preparation to low income clients. LSSN provided tax preparation assistance to 53
households, totaling in $102,708 in refunds.

LSSN was awarded a grant through the State of Nevada Aging and Disabilities Services Division to provide a Congregate
Senior Meal Program in February 2015. This is the first congregate senior meal site in the City of Las Vegas in the last 12
years. LSSN partnered with Reformation Lutheran Church to serve as the host site for the meal program and The Culinary
Academy of Las Vegas to prepare the meals. Hot nutritious meals are available to seniors aged 60 and older at no cost,
Monday-Friday from 2:30 – 3:30 pm. A second meal program site opened at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 pm-1:00pm. The second site started service in October 2015.

LSSN designated Wednesday as “Senior Pantry Day”. Clients over the age of 60 are now able to shop by appointment basis.
This was created to make access to the food pantry easier and more convenient for our senior clients and to prevent them
from waiting in line at early hours or in terrible weather conditions. The seniors report that they really like the new system
and that they feel it is easier and safer for them.
LSSN has become a leader in social service programs and programs that alleviate poverty in Southern Nevada over the past years,
helping over 200,000 Nevadans. While much more information is available at www.lssnv.org, we are pleased to briefly report how
much more we’ve been able to serve the needy in our community during the past year:

13,459 individuals were served with nutritious food, drinks and pet food for their pets.

455,804 pounds of nutritious food was distributed through our food pantry, where clients are allowed to choose with
dignity the foods they know that their family will enjoy.

The LSSN Holiday Assistance Program provided 209 families with turkeys and all of the ingredients to prepare Thanksgiving
dinner, over 100 children received Christmas gifts through our Adopt-a-Family program, and 180 children received Easter
Baskets.

90 households received rental and/or utility assistance support.

Through the Birth Certificate and ID program, we assisted 984 individuals obtain these critical items so that they could
obtain housing, social services, or employment.

LSSN completes SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) applications for eligible families. 99 families received assistance
with their SNAP applications.
All individuals received case management support services in addition to direct assistance.
Your assistance has helped us continue to live our mission.
The support of the Grand Canyon Synod and our partner congregations has been absolutely crucial in the impact we’ve been able to
make during the difficult economic situation in the valley during the past year. This support is crucial as we see the faces of the
people that receive the services we offer. LSSN would like to offer its sincere thanks and hopes that you will continue to join us in
the upcoming months as we do even more to express the love of Christ by serving and caring for people in need…together.
Respectfully Submitted,
Armena Mkhitaryan, Executive Director
Marisa Cervantes, Program Director
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It is a delight to update you about the work of California Lutheran University as we continue to raise global
leaders who discover their purpose and transform their community and the world. Indeed, this is the
primary way that we serve this church and embody our mission as a university of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
History was made when the Regals Volleyball team swept to a National Division III championship and
became the first Cal Lutheran team to win a NCAA title. We celebrate that three of the four finalist teams
were universities of the ELCA--Carthage, Wittenberg, and Cal Lutheran.
The beautiful Student Union opened this fall and is a gathering place for students, faculty and staff alike.
The Union is home to a new Veterans Resource Center. Following Commencement in May, we will break
ground on the Rolland Art Center that will house the Art and Multimedia departments.
We have celebrated rapid growth in the diversity of our undergraduate, professional, and graduate
student bodies that increasingly reflects the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of southern California.
The U.S. Department of Education has recently designated Cal Lutheran as an Eligible Institution under
Title III and Title V programs, thus meeting the federal definition of a Hispanic Serving Institution. The
designation offers a pathway to significant grant funding and positions the university to support Hispanic
students in vibrant ways.
To strategically connect the work of Campus Ministry, Congregational Relations, Seminary Relations,
Theology and Christian Leadership, and the university’s interfaith effort, the new Division of Mission and
Identity has been created. Together we seek to tell the Cal Lutheran story to an ever-widening audience
and steward conversations about the university’s mission, identity, and values in this time and place.
Founders Day included the announcement of the Carlson Endowed Chair in Youth and Family Ministry, a
generous gift that makes permanent the commitment to offer academic coursework in Children, Youth
and Family Ministry. A new initiative fueled by the chair is “The Vine: Cultivating Leadership in Youth
Ministry”, three sessions of professional development for students and church leaders in asset-based
community development, relational ministry, and social media as a tool for ministry.
www.callutheran.edu/thevine
Cal Lutheran will be the summer 2017 site of the Western States Youth Gathering, welcoming high school
students and adults from Regions One, Two, Three, and Four. Plan now to bring students from your
congregations. www.wsyg.com
The university continues to provide the “Executive Skills for Pastors: Learning from the world of the MBA”
at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, and Cal Lutheran. Short
learning videos for congregations on a variety of timely topics are now available linking the resources of
the university to the needs of congregations.
You can learn about all these things and more by visiting the Cal Lutheran and Pacific Lutheran
Theological Seminary tables or by visiting us online at www.callutheran.edu and www.plts.edu. We are
your Lutheran university in the west. Your commitment to and involvement in the university makes all the
difference as we seek to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment,
confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice.
Rev. Melissa Maxwell-Doherty
Vice President, Mission and Identity
Mission and Identity
60 West Olsen Road #7700
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
CalLutheran.edu
Office (805) 493-3589
Thank you Grand Canyon Synod for being a ministry partner!
Your gifts of prayers, direct synod support of $102,000 last year, and raising
up students like John Barton and Kathleen Lotz give us strength for our
common work. In addition, there are 50 alums of PLTS that live and work on
the territory of your synod, many of them in congregational ministries.
Together, we build a local ecology of discipleship, Christian love, evangelism
and life-long learning.
Pictured to the right are some the new students, faculty, and staff, who joined
our community this year.
Thank you California Lutheran University for shepherding our ministry!
As a result of our two institutions now working together, we experience:

more scholarship assistance for students

a connection with undergrad students who are doing graduate theological work before they graduate

strengthened and deepened administrative abilities and financial oversight

connection with religious programs and ministries under the umbrella of the new Division for Mission and Identity,
headed by new VP and PLTS alum, the Rev. Melissa Maxwell-Doherty
Thank you Evangelical Lutheran Church in America!
Our graduates are being called to locations throughout the country. Most recently, PLTS alums started ministry in Illinois,
Texas, New York, Massachusetts, Indiana, Montana, Michigan, Kentucky, and Colorado, not to mention California. We also
receive support from the churchwide offices, which comes originally from, yes, you!
Thank you donors!
Many individuals and families on the territory of your synod are already giving regular gifts toward the work of PLTS. As a
result, our Annual Fund is running about 25% ahead of last year, promising to pass our goal of $500,000 by five figures or
more! We are also grateful for the 239 givers who have promised to remember us in their estate plans. Such gifts often go
toward establishing endowed funds for scholarships, programs and faculty chairs. If you want to discuss being part of our
legacy society, contact Rev. Brian Stein-Webber at bsteinwebber@plts.edu or 510-559-2711.
Thank you to 25 donors who have agreed to match new and increased unrestricted donations from congregations for up
to $1,000!
See if your congregation can take advantage of this tremendous opportunity!
Thank you new and exciting faculty who have started at PLTS this year!

Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Professor of Christian Ethics

Kirsi Stjerna, Professor of Lutheran History and Theology

Julian Gonzales, Professor of Old Testament
Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding us into the future!
Spring 2016
Dear Partners in Ministry,
It’s an interesting — and challenging — time to be the church. Ministry leaders are learning to navigate the
changing culture by holding on to the best of the past while finding ways to be creative, nimble, and resilient.
This is just as true for Portico.
As we navigate the changing landscape, we are guided by two core values: stewardship and collaboration.
For us, that means caring wisely for all we are entrusted to manage — time, money, our employees, and the
well-being of those we serve — so leaders can access important benefits and resources, today and in
retirement. Here are a few ways we’re putting those values into practice:
We spend and invest with care. In these times of rising health care costs and tight church budgets, we work
hard to follow a lean, carefully managed spending plan with a goal of keeping costs low. As 2015 investment
markets dramatically rose and fell, our active investment management strategy and strategic asset allocations
helped improve retirement fund returns in an otherwise disappointing year.
We seek opportunities to provide the best health care value. The past two years brought, in some
instances, double-digit percentage increases for those employers sponsoring members in the ELCA Health
Plan. Although this was in line with nationwide averages, we realize for congregations this is an
unsustainable trend. We are committed to keeping administrative expenses below 12% of our health care
budget, and are aggressively working with our vendor partners to find new savings opportunities.
We tap technology to reach our leaders more efficiently. By converting our popular pre-retirement
seminar into a series of three webinars, we were able to complement the rich educational experience of our
in-person seminars with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of online learning. We are also developing
new webinars designed to help younger leaders establish a strong financial foundation.
We’ve raised the bar on top-notch customer service. Our members receive more than just a friendly voice
when they call Portico’s Customer Care Center. As a BenchmarkPortal-certified 2015 “Center of Excellence,”
we were recognized as one of the top call centers in the nation in both cost- and quality-related metrics.
We invest in our leaders. Because the future health of our church depends on the health of its leaders, we
are leading the ELCA in calling for a wellness reformation — a renewed commitment to well-being that
comes from healthy lifestyle choices, reduced health risks, and lower health care costs — for members,
congregations, and the ELCA Health Plan. We are encouraging our congregations and church organizations
to put the ‘we’ in wellness by joining in conversation with their pastors and professional staff about creating
a culture that supports healthy lifestyles.
Portico is committed to providing a cost-effective, comprehensive benefit program that helps our church’s
leaders stay nimble, resilient, and confident in these interesting, challenging times.
In Christ,
The Rev. Jeffrey D. Thiemann
President and CEO