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 […]

Help NC Synod youth collect lanterns for the ELCA Youth Gathering Hurricane Relief Kits! Lanterns purchased should be shipped directly to New Orleans, but each lantern will be represented by a balloon and placed in Bishop Smith’s car during the Block Party at Synod Gathering (Thursday, May 30, from 6-8 p.m.). Together we can support […]

The 2024 Synod Gathering is less than one week away! Beginning on Thursday, May 30, over 300 NC Synod Lutherans will gather in Hickory over the three days of this event. If you cannot attend this year, you can still connect to the learning, inspiration, worship, and generosity of the Synod Gathering from home! Ways […]

On Saturday, June 1, at 1 p.m., we will gather together in Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Moretz Gym to pack 70,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger. This is a great service project for all ages with several different stations to suit varied abilities. Just as we belong to one body in Christ, we belong to each other. […]