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, […]