After voting and presentations had ended and all that was left of the NC Assembly were closing remarks, gratitude, and reflections from Vice President Diana Haywood, Pastor Greg Williams came to the stage for the Report of the Officers and Staff as well as an item that wasn’t on the agenda.

Pastor Greg invited all synod council and office staff to the stage to say ‘thank you’ for all of the work to make the assembly proceedings run smoothly and continued off-script to present Bishop Tim Smith with the gift of prayer.

Bishop Tim was candid about his continued cancer treatment during his report to the assembly, sharing that he would have his first Brachytherapy procedure on Monday, June 5. Before each session, announcement slides scrolled inviting members of the assembly to write cards expressing love, support, and prayer to Bishop Tim. A box of these cards and a prayer shawl were presented to Bishop Tim on stage, who noted that this portion of the program was “not in the script.” 

Synod Council member, Pastor Jennifer Shimota, invited the synod council and staff to lay hands on Bishop Smith as she led the assembly in prayer for health and peace during the bishop’s continued cancer treatment.

As those folks left the stage, Bishop Tim asked that the staff keep safe the box of cards he had been given but left the prayer shawl draped over his shoulders for the rest of the event—a sure reminder that he would continue to be covered in prayer over the proceeding months.

You can let Bishop Tim Smith know that you are holding him in your prayers, by sending a note or card to the synod office:

1988 Lutheran Synod Drive
Salisbury, NC 28144