On most weeknights during the summer months, college campuses tend to be quiet and deserted places. But on Thursday, May 28, Lenoir-Rhyne University’s (LRU) campus in Hickory, North Carolina, was buzzing with the sights and sounds of the NC Synod’s second biennial block party. From Thursday until Saturday, lay leaders and rostered ministers from around […]
The Kingdom of Heaven Looked Like a Block Party Read More »
Wow! This past weekend, the NC Synod gathered at Lenoir-Rhyne University. It was such a beautiful time. We came together to worship, learn, connect, and grow. This year’s theme was “Come and See, Go and Tell,” and throughout the gathering, it became clear that the Holy Spirit is moving across the NC Synod. After hearing
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My name is Bradley English, and I am the newly appointed LYO Board representative on the North Carolina Synod Council. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of being the only youth participant at the Synod Gathering at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The theme, “Come and See, Go and Tell,” was woven throughout the worship services, discussions,
Welcomed, Respected, and Encouraged Read More »
Synod Gathering is a perfect opportunity to honor and celebrate congregational and ministerial anniversaries together. Congregations celebrating significant anniversaries this year were invited to the front of the stage to receive a certificate and take a photo with Bishop Emily. Congregations celebrating 75 years of ministry: The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Brevard Resurrection
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At this year’s NC Synod Gathering, we were offered several opportunities to attend 75-minute workshops and two-hour intensives. The intensives afforded us more time to dwell in an experience. I attended the Rev. Stacey Brady’s intensive, Come to the Well: Tools for Resilience. Sharing openly about the times she has found herself burned out in
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The theme of the North Carolina Synod Gathering, “Come and See, Go and Tell,” was woven together by storytelling. Across worship, sessions, and workshops, participants listened to stories of what God is up to in this synod and its partnerships. In our last planned session before closing worship, the roles of participants and session leaders
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A panoramic view affords a wide-angle look at a scenic vista or a group of people. The panorama of our synod’s ministry was fully on display this weekend. And, from the first notes of energetic praise music at opening worship on Friday afternoon to the final ones from a stately organ and a volunteer choir
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A Mighty Fortress Is Our Pod features an interview with our own Bishop Emily Hartner in Episode 18. Hosted by Trinity Lutheran Seminary student Matthew Longfellow, this Lutheran-focused podcast explores faith journeys, church history, and the future through conversations with ELCA clergy, lay leaders, and full-communion partners. Listen here or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Calling all writers! The Engage the Bible Ministry Team is looking for writers for the 2026 Summer Bible Reading Plan: Way in the Wilderness with Isaiah—our eleventh summer! Have you always wanted to write but have never taken the leap? Perhaps God is calling you to share your gifts for this effort! See previous years’
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Clean water flows freely for many of us, but around the world, safe drinking water is not guaranteed. Thrivent’s water filtration program connects purifying kits to communities in need. Amy Huebner, wife of Pastor Jason Huebner (Saint Peter, Southport), is a teacher at COAST High School in Bolivia, NC, and she’s using these kits in
Water Purifying Kits Help in Two Ways Read More »
