The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held July 28–Aug. 2, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the primary decision-making body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a process of communal spiritual discernment. When the ELCA Churchwide Assembly convenes, its voting members meet with confidence in […]
Join Lutherans all across this synod beginning Sunday, July 6, for Heartfelt Hebrews, a Bible reading journey through one of the most poetic, profound, and mysterious books in the New Testament. We don’t know who wrote Hebrews or exactly who first heard it, but we do know this: it speaks powerfully into our lives today. […]
Deacon Tammy Jones West, chair of the NC Synod Bishop’s Transition Team, offers these important notes on this time of transition: Bishop Tim is still the bishop until August 1. Bishop-elect Emily doesn’t start until then. It’s important to leave well, and goodbyes matter. If you’d like to invite her to anything, know that decisions […]
“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 […]
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, […]
CHARLOTTE — The impact of the life and pontificate of Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88, had a transformative effect on Catholics around the world and here at home. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Michael Martin in 2024 and influenced the ministry of many leaders across the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop […]
HICKORY, N.C. — Lenoir-Rhyne University has selected Summer McGee, Ph.D, as the institution’s 13th president. Her appointment was enthusiastically approved by the Lenoir-Rhyne Board of Trustees after a national search. McGee, the current president of Salem Academy and College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will assume the presidency on July 1, continuing a distinguished academic career at […]
Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with pure nard, this incredibly costly, precious substance. Then she dried his feet with her hair. In the Gospel story on the last Sunday in Lent, we hear about Jesus visiting with his dear friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. This happened just after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. And […]
The first bridge build—Stoney Creek—is underway! Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas (LDRC) are partnering to fund and build bridges in Western NC—and the first bridge build began on Monday, March 24, 2025! Many families whose bridges were destroyed by Hurricane Helene need bridges to cross creeks to and from their […]
We were saddened to receive the news of the resignation of our Director for Evangelical Mission, Pastor Danielle DeNise. Read her letter here. Dear Bishop Smith & Synod Leadership, I’m writing to share my resignation as the Director for Evangelical Mission in the North Carolina Synod effective March 17, 2025. I began this work when […]