Vice President Diana Haywood’s reflections Vice President Diana Haywood opened her reflection with the prayer that God would equip, help, and guide her as she serves God and the church. Continuing her remarks, she noted that the NC Synod is blessed with committed volunteers and staff, rostered and lay leaders. Specifically, Vice President Haywood highlighted […]

Bishop Smith announces new synod vision On Saturday afternoon, the bishop announced a new synod vision to the assembly. The vision is the result of intentional work by synod staff in conversation with Synod Council to focus and guide the work of the synod for the months to come. Vital Congregations tops the list.

Cherokee congregation blends Christian traditions with native culture The 2018 NC Synod Assembly with the theme, “We are church for the sake of the world,” featured three keynote conversations which provided illuminating glimpses into the ways God is working through the NC Synod, ELCA, to demonstrate, “We are church together. And together, we are church […]

West Charlotte mission partners with local schools The 2018 NC Synod Assembly with the theme, “We are church for the sake of the world,” featured three keynote conversations which provided illuminating glimpses into the ways God is working through the NC Synod, ELCA, to demonstrate, “We are church together. And together, we are church for […]

Latino ministry includes challenges and hope The 2018 NC Synod Assembly with the theme, “We are church for the sake of the world,” featured three keynote conversations which provided illuminating glimpses into the ways God is working through the NC Synod, ELCA, to demonstrate, “We are church together. And together, we are church for the […]

Tammy Jones West and deans installed One of the highlights of this year’s assembly was the installation of Deacon Tammy Jones West as assistant to the bishop. Tammy has been serving on synod staff as Director of Youth and Family Ministries (and, more recently, Director of Leadership & Discipleship) since 1994. Her appointment to serve […]

ELCA Glocal Musicians bring song to the assembly “Como busca la cierva corrientes de agua, asi mi Alma te busca a ti, Dios mio.” “As the deer seeks after streams of water, so my soul seeks after you, my God.” –Psalm 41:2 As the 2018 NC Synod Assembly opened in worship, the ELCA Glocal Musicians […]

Agencies & Institutions Fair One portion of the first day of synod assembly was dedicated to hearing reports from the various agencies and institutions which work in, through, or alongside the North Carolina Synod.

LTSS campaign to assist critical need A critical shortage of seminary students continues to threaten the future of our church, and NC Synod congregations are being asked to help financially, according to Drs. Cinde and Ron Rinn, co-chairs of an LTSS campaign within the synod to address the problem. The campaign is named “Opening Doors: […]

Assembly begins with worship As we gathered in the hotel ballroom, some finding their seats and others still at the registration tables in the hall outside, the ELCA Glocal Band filled the air with music from around the world.