Forty-four years ago, John Connolly left his home in Gastonia to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After completing his enlistment as a Petty Officer First Class, he took a break from service to be an electrical engineer. After extended discernment, God convinced him to attend seminary and re-don the uniform as a Navy Chaplain Candidate.
Navy Chaplain Connolly Honored by the ELCA Read More »
“In reflection on what Emmaus has been the last seven years, I’m a preacher so allow me to share two parables,” said the Rev. Dr. Shanitria Cuthbertson from the stage of the 2025 North Carolina Synod Assembly. On Saturday, May 31, the faith community Emmaus, previously a mission development, officially joined the NC Synod and
Emmaus Welcomed as Newest Congregation Read More »
After ten years of faithful leadership, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Smith decided to retire as bishop of the North Carolina Synod this summer and begin a new chapter of life and ministry. With his departure, the NC Synod Assembly had the good and holy work of electing a new bishop during our assembly in Greensboro,
God’s Doing a New Thing Read More »
Deacon MaryAnn Schwabe opened the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Report with greetings on behalf of ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton and ELCA Secretary Sue Rothmeyer. Deacon Schwabe, as the ELCA’s Executive for Synod Relations, bridges and links synods, bishops, and the ELCA churchwide offices together. Using our synod assembly theme of God is
Schwabe Brings ELCA Churchwide Report Read More »
You know how the right tune with just the right lyrics can move you? That feeling is a gift straight from God. Throughout the 2025 NC Synod Assembly, we tapped into just such a gift. Our theme, God is Calling, came from the 8th chapter of Romans and the hymn “God is Calling Through the
God Is Calling; Can You Hear? Read More »
God is calling through the whisper of the Spirit’s deepest sighs, through the thrill of sudden beauties that can catch us by surprise. Flash of lightning, crash of thunder; hush of stillness, rush of wonder: God is calling—can you hear? God is calling—can you hear? These are the words that anchored, not only Opening Worship
Opening Worship Sets Tone Read More »
NC Synod Vice President Diana Haywood said goodbye on the final day of the synod assembly. Well, at least goodbye to the position she has held for close to two decades as vice president, a role that has made her both familiar to and beloved by everyone in the synod. She has guided the proceedings
Calling a Thing a Thing: VP Haywood Reflects Read More »
The Friday morning Bible study was provided by Pastor Tita Valeriano, a third-generation Lutheran who immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines. She is currently serving as the ELCA Program Director for Asian and Pacific Island Ministries. Pastor Valeriano shared her background and life experiences as she noted that there is no neutral reading of
Pastor Tita Shares Hope in Bible Study Read More »
As North Carolina Synod Bishop Timothy Smith opened his final report, he reminded us about God’s calling in our lives and ministries. Using a quote from the Heidelberg Disputation, “A theology of glory calls good evil and evil good. A theology of the cross calls the thing what it actually is,” Smith informed the assembly
Bishop Smith Shares Final Report Read More »
More than fifty people from over thirty congregations across North Carolina gathered on Thursday morning, May 29, prior to the beginning of the NC Synod Assembly, for the pre-assembly event led by Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas (LDRC). The Revs. Ray and Ruth Ann Sipe, LDRC disaster coordinators, facilitated this time for congregations to come learn
How Does It Feel Following a Natural Disaster? Read More »
