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 our own, we are not good enough for God. While popular culture might tell us that we are enough, just the way we are, the truth is that we are not enough. If left to ourselves, we fail. But because of Christ, in Christ, through Christ, we are enough. We are more than enough.

We are more when we share our gifts. Musicians from Trinity, Sanford shared their voices with the assembly. Communion music featured two original songs written by Tom Eure of Morning Star, Matthews, and performed by Tom along with Amelia Osborne. Artwork with the theme “We are more than victorious,” was displayed on stage during the Gathering, and was created by retired Pastor Paul Birkedal.

We are more when we pray together. We are more when we come together to partake of the bread and wine of Holy Communion. We are more when we share the stories that unite, center, and affirm us. We are more when we sing praises together.

During the service, Nina Allen, Meg Fielding, Kathy Jo McLean, and Lucille Vogel were commissioned, joining the ranks of those in the North Carolina Synod called to serve as Lay Preachers.

Offerings taken during this service—totaling $1200—will help support Lutheran campus ministries across the synod. The thirteen campus ministries of the NC Synod serve college and university students in Boone, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Elon, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Raleigh, Sylva, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem.

Pastor Carl Rosenberg (retired, Lumberton) and Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) Deb Rosenberg (St. Mark’s, Lumberton) were chaplains for the Gathering. They were available throughout the weekend to receive prayer requests. Also available for Spiritual Direction was Pastor Pam Northrup (Christ the King, Cary).

With their families, the body paused to remember rostered ministers who joined the church triumphant during the past year.

“This Little Light of Mine” dismissed the group on a high note.