This past November, Bishop Emily received a surprise gift at her installation: a crozier, commissioned by the NC Synod Council. Thanks be to God for the extraordinary contribution of Holy Trinity, Raleigh, member Larry Hilbert, who handcrafted the crozier just for this occasion, entirely with traditional woodworking tools. All the crozier’s wood colors are natural […]
In his Christmas message to the church, Bishop Curry delivers a children’s sermon, describing the night when Jesus was born. “One silent night, far away in a town called Bethlehem, the stars twinkled brighter than ever. And the angels were there too. It was as if the whole sky was whispering: ‘Something wonderful is happening.’” […]
The North Carolina Synod joyfully announces the appointment of the Rev. Brenda N. Henry as its new Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), beginning January 5. Pastor Henry joins the synod staff from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, where she most recently served with Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (PLUM), a cooperative ministry of ten congregations. “Pastor Brenda […]
Last week, Bishop Emily Hartner shared a letter with the rostered ministers and synod authorized ministers(SAMs) of the North Carolina Synod, directing congregations to timely resources, “Amid the recent escalation of Customs and Border Patrol operations across our state that has created fear and confusion and upended the day-to-day lives of individuals in communities across […]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has updated the FY2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program’s terms related to immigration, DEI, and boycotts. The ELCA urges congregations, synods, and other affiliated entities to review the attached guidance and consult legal counsel before applying for any federal awards. Read More.
At Fall Convocation, we shared a heartfelt farewell and godspeed for Pastor CeCee Mills as she prepared to begin her new call as ELCA secretary. With her service now underway, we continue to pray for Secretary Mills in her important role in this church.
Did you know the NC Synod partners with PRC—Practical Resources for Churches to make a wealth of ministry support available to you for free? Since 1985, PRC has been walking alongside congregations of all sizes and denominations, helping them adapt, grow, and thrive. Their experienced consultants provide webinars, workshops, and one-on-one guidance on nearly every […]
Heartfelt Hebrews, this summer’s Bible Reading Plan, invited readers to respond to readings and contemplation with a creative response. This year, Pastor Mike Stone (retired, Belmont) responded with this poem. Holy Meal There is no such thing as a free lunch. Unless of course you are God and you are: providing manna, feeding 5,000, or breaking bread […]
Beloved in Christ, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we write to you in this moment of national and global tension with clarity and conviction. Our faith compels us to stand where Jesus stands—with and for […]
Largest US Lutheran Denomination Installs Yehiel Curry as Its First Black Presiding Bishop The ELCA installed the Rev. Yehiel Curry as its first Black presiding bishop Saturday (October 4, 2025), a landmark moment for the predominantly white denomination. “It hasn’t really hit me yet,” Curry told The Associated Press a week before his installation. “The […]