The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to join the Racial Justice Advocacy Network’s Fourth Thursday Connections on Thursday, May 28 at 5:00 PM (Arizona/Pacific time). This month’s gathering will center on the documentary “We Ride for Her,” followed by guided conversation and reflection.

Register here
Watch the film in advance (optional): vimeo.com/1119229477

This short documentary, directed by Prairie Rose Seminole and Katrina Lillian Sorrentino, brings attention to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR). The film lifts up voices from the Medicine Wheel Riders and families impacted by this violence—stories that are too often overlooked or unheard.

The reality is stark: more than 5,500 Indigenous women and girls are currently reported missing or murdered in the United States, and murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women. Despite these realities, the crisis remains largely invisible in the broader public conversation.

As Lutherans, we are called to “seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). Engaging in truth-telling, listening to impacted communities, and taking action are central to our shared calling. This gathering offers space to do just that—together.

Participants will:

• Watch and discuss We Ride for Her
• Learn about the MMIWGR crisis and its ongoing impact
• Reflect on faithful responses in our congregations and communities
• Consider concrete ways to raise awareness and advocate for change

This is one of a monthly series of Fourth Thursday conversations—spaces intentionally created for honest dialogue, learning, and growth around racial justice.

We gather in memory of those whose lives have been taken or remain missing—sisters, mothers, grandmothers, and two-spirit relatives—and in hope for a future where such violence ends.

May their memory be a revolution.

Nevada sends mail ballots to all active registered voters.

You can:

• Return your ballot by mail
• Drop it off at a secure location
• Vote early in person
• Vote on Election Day

Nevada voters have multiple ways to participate in elections.

Don’t wait until the last minute to figure it out.

Make your voting plan now

• Check your registration
• Know your voting options
• Pick your voting date
• Bring what you need

A simple plan makes it way more likely you’ll follow through.

And your vote matters more than you think.

Stay connected and get reminders along the way.

Not sure what a primary election is? You’re not alone.

Here’s a quick breakdown

• Primary elections are how voters decide which candidates will move forward to the general election.
• That means your vote now helps shape your choices later.
• Understanding the process helps you show up with confidence.

Make sure you’re ready.

As we move toward Synod Assembly, we do so in a season of the church year that reminds us who we are.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gathered people from many places, many languages, and many walks of life—and formed them into the church. What began as a moment became a movement: a people rooted in God’s story and sent into the world.

That same Spirit continues to gather us today.

In many ways, our Synod Assembly is a small but real expression of Pentecost. We come together from across Arizona, southern Nevada and Utah, and the Navajo Nation—not simply to conduct business, but to listen, to discern, to worship, and to be shaped together for the sake of the gospel.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” invites us to remember that we are not starting something new. We are stepping into something ongoing. We are part of a story that began long before us and will continue long after us—and yet, this moment matters. Our life together, our decisions, and our shared ministry are all part of how that story unfolds now.

At this year’s assembly, we will also look ahead as we present and reflect on the Proposed Mission Plan for 2027–2028. I encourage you to take part in these conversations as you are able. These are not simply planning documents—they are expressions of how we believe the Spirit is calling us forward together.

Most importantly, assembly is a time to be together. To worship. To reconnect. To meet new people. 

To share stories of what God is doing in your congregation and community.

In a time when much in our world can feel fragmented or uncertain, there is real strength in gathering as the church—rooted, grounded, and open to the Spirit’s leading.

I invite you to come with a spirit of curiosity, generosity, and joy. Come ready to listen, to participate, and to be part of what God is doing among us.

I look forward to being with you.

With you in Christ,

The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA