Catherine Fink

In much the same way as it began, the 2022 Synod Gathering ended with a spirit-filled worship service. We gathered at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Grace Chapel on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the Vigil of Pentecost with music, liturgy, prayers, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. All rostered ministers were invited to vest and process for the […]

It was a long time coming, this Synod Gathering! We had planned to be together in the spring of 2020; that was not to be. The synodwide learning event we dreamed of—with learning, inspiration, and plenty of worship—finally happened! The BBQ with fabulous food, great music, and games was to have happened on Shaw Plaza

On the final day, Synod Gathering participants ventured into LR’s Grace Chapel for an open and honest panel conversation with young people to consider the gift and the challenge of church. Bishop Smith began the time together by relating a recent conversation. “Bishop,” he was recently asked, “How do we get the young people in

On Friday morning, Vice President Diana Haywood addressed the Gathering participants: Each year we celebrate with congregations and rostered ministers with significant anniversaries. I’m going to start with the congregations and if your congregation is named, please feel free to stand. Celebrating 25 years: Amazing Grace, Waxhaw Celebrating 50 years: Prince of Peace, Greensboro Celebrating

Unique to this first-time event, each of the three days of Synod Gathering included two and a half hours each day to attend your choice of workshops and interactive discussions around an array of compelling topics. Some filled the entire time for intensive learning; others allowed for a 60-minute overview of topics. Topics ranged from

Although we had expected Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton to join us for our gathering, preach at the opening worship, and share the churchwide report with us, her plans changed about 48 hours before the gathering and Pastor Sara Cutter, Senior Director for Operational Effectiveness in the Christian Community and Leadership Home Area of the ELCA

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Hickory, was again the host for Synod Gathering Worship on Friday evening, once more an occasion for celebration. Rostered ministers—pastors and deacons—serving in Specialized Pastor Care calls (chaplains, military chaplains, pastoral counseling, and clinical education) were robed and joined in the procession. Pastor Lucille “CeCee” Mills, assistant to the bishop, preached

Dr. Jacqueline Bussie, award-winning author, professor, and theologian was the keynote speaker for Synod Gathering—finally able to journey to the NC Synod for this event which was postponed from 2020. Bussie delivered two addresses as well as offered several book-signing opportunities over the course of the three days. Her most recent book, Love Without Limits

During his address to Synod Gathering on Friday, June 4, Bishop Tim Smith issued a bold challenge to the congregations of the North Carolina Synod (NC Synod):  that 70% of the synod’s 197 congregations—138 congregations—will actively engage in resettlement over the next 18 months. We are called as the NC Synod to do this work,

The 2022 Synod Gathering began with a stirring worship at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Hickory, celebrating the 50th (plus two!) Anniversary of the Ordination of Women. The joy of gathering in person for worship after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus was palpable and the gifts of women were showing at every turn. Rostered women—pastors and deacons—processed,