This year’s display tables brought attention to the many ministries happening across the synod—ministry teams as well as synod agencies and institutions. LDR Carolinas perhaps had the coolest giveaway to be won via raffle: a weather radio! When can you say you won one of those at assembly? The fun table—Children, Youth & Family (CYF) NC Synod staff—had cute, red fuzzy-headed stress balls which also worked as screen cleaners. As Pastor Melody Simpkins, NC Synod’s CYF Coordinator, noted, “It’s what you’re missing in your life!”

One display area held everyone’s attention more than others, though. Hanging in the back of the ballroom was a large quilt with 210 squares—one to represent each congregation in the NC Synod at the time of President Whittecar’s retirement. Every congregation submitted a square with a symbol indicating their church and the Lutheran Church Women (predecessor to Women of the ELCA) assembled the quilt as a gift to the Rev. George R. Whittecar, D.D. upon his retirement as President of the NC Synod (1963-1978).

The Whittecars’ daughters—Ruth Matkins and husband, Don, Margaret Garrison, and Elizabeth Hull—were on hand at the assembly to share their stories. Thanks to the family of Pastor George and Ruth Whittecar for sharing their historic quilt with this year’s gathered assembly.

Is your congregation the right location for the new permanent home for this quilt? Contact Catherine Fink to learn more.