One of the best things I get to hear in my ministry is, “Deacon Katie, look!”

More often than not, that phrase is followed by “Look what I made!” or “Look what I found!” and sometimes even a “Look what so and so did!”

The excitement with which a picture is shared is palpable. The same is true for the joy of discovering what’s inside a magnolia pod. Or, finding the secret staircase to the attic for the first time.

Other than the occasional tattletale moment, those “look!” moments are really calls for relationship. They are a desire to share something about who they are with me. It’s an invitation to come closer and wonder together.

That’s what’s really at the heart of this year’s NC Synod Gathering theme: Come and See, Go and Tell. During our time together, we hope to hear from children of God of all ages as they say, “look!”

Look at what we’re doing in our congregation!
Look at what our church is doing in our community!
Look at what God is doing!

When I attended the ELCA Churchwide Assembly back in July, I experienced this kind of storytelling and the excitement that comes when we tell about what God is doing in our lives. In another synod publication, I shared a story about former Bishop Elizabeth Eaton filling time by inviting people to step up to the microphone and share the exciting things God was doing in their congregations. We heard quick stories from all over the country—stories that inspired me, sparked fresh ideas, and brought hope.

From May 28–30, 2026, we will gather as the North Carolina Synod on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory. Rostered ministers and lay people from our congregations will come together for fellowship, learning, and worship. We will have opportunities to share ideas, to learn from one another, to be inspired and encouraged, and to hear what God is doing in our congregations and communities.

Because the truth is, God is at work in all the congregations of North Carolina. And that work looks different in Asheville than it does in Asheboro. God is working differently in Winston-Salem than in Andrews. Yet we are all called together, gathered and enlightened by the same Spirit who is moving in and among us. God calls us to this work together, as we share the same message of God’s love for all people with all whom we encounter.

So come and see, won’t you?

Come and see what the congregations and people of the North Carolina Synod are up to.
Come and see the ministry being done in the name of Christ.
Come and see what God is doing.
Come and see the North Carolina Synod Gathering.

So that we may go and tell, returning home to share with our congregations and to proclaim the good news of God’s love to the whole world.

Every other year, this synod gathers for fellowship, learning, and worship. Church members and visitors, pastors, and deacons from across the synod will gather to develop community, grow in faith, and grow skills for building God’s church. The registration link will be available soon. Stay tuned to the Synod Gathering webpage for more details. Come and see, won’t you?