Catherine Fink

Before Bishop Tim Smith spoke a word to the some 380 North Carolina Lutherans gathered on Friday afternoon to hear his annual address, the celebration had begun. Rostered ministers, retirees, and new-to-the-synod pastors were celebrated. Years of faithful service—from twenty-five to an astounding sixty—were recognized. Congregational milestones were also celebrated, with Daniels, Lincolnton reaching 250 […]

This year’s Synod Gathering offered an opportunity for groups of similarly-engaged participants to share a meal together. One of those groups was those involved in Advanced Lay Ministries. With small congregations around the North Carolina Synod facing declining membership, financial instability, and geographical isolation, the reality of securing a pastor, even a part-time one, can

The second keynoter at the Synod Gathering was Iain Chester, ELCA Director for Innovation. For some folks, innovation might be a strange word to use when referring to worship and church, but Iain works with leaders and teams across the ELCA in exploring new ways to experience community, justice, and love. During his presentation, Iain

We practiced abundant life together at the NC Synod Gathering Block Party on Thursday evening. After an afternoon of worship and workshops, we gathered to share a delicious Mediterranean meal, play games, peruse vendor tables, catch up with old friends, meet new folks, and listen to live music. Our dinner was provided by The Dwelling

Have you ever wondered how your congregation might best support veterans and service members? Or how to create greater hospitality when space is a barrier? Or, perhaps how your scrappy congregation can grow their vitality? Synod Gathering participants could choose from thirty-three different options over three days for learning, exploring, practicing, and growing. The Rhyne

“Look at the cross, Beloved,” the Reverend Doctor Jay Augustine encouraged the gathered folks who attended the opening keynote of the 2024 NC Synod Gathering. Look at the cross and see the intersection of salvific reconciliation (the vertical line) and the social reconciliation (the horizontal line) that the Christ has laid upon a humanity that

An uplifting worship service set the tone for the 2024 Gathering of the North Carolina Synod that reminded us that we are more, together. A body of 380 Lutherans from around the state convened for worship and praise, coming together for the first time during the Gathering. Bishop Tim Smith set the record straight. On

Synod Gathering’s final day began with an opportunity for participants to attend two-hour Intensive Workshops. Having almost double the time as other workshops, these allowed plenty of time for digging into topics and engaging in discussion. Deacon Tammy Jones West (ELCA Director of the Youth Gathering) led adults in Flight Check: Final Gathering Preparations. Pastor

Synod Gathering’s second day began with leaders from The Dwelling, Winston-Salem—a mission congregation of the synod doing ministry with people experiencing homelessness—leading Friday morning prayer similar to their Sunday morning worship. Prayer time began with the song, God Is Good, and included a message from Pastor Emily Norris, and a beautiful blessing of hands. Following

Synod Gathering 2024 began with a stirring opening worship in P.E. Monroe Auditorium at Lenoir-Rhyne University with Bishop Tim Smith preaching.  Bishop Smith, introduced the Gathering Scripture text (Romans 8:37) and reminded us, “You are not enough, and neither am I….but in Christ, WE are more than enough.” The most recent Lay Preaching cohort was