What moment from the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly stands out the most to me? It’s not what you might expect.

I had the honor of attending the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly, For the Life of the World, held July 28–August 2 in Phoenix, Arizona, as a voting member from the North Carolina Synod. For six days, we gathered in plenary sessions—voting, discussing, singing, and praying. We attended to the vital work of the ELCA and heard inspiring reports from organizations, ecumenical partners, and ministries from around the world.

But surprisingly, the memory that keeps resurfacing for me wasn’t on the agenda at all.

It wasn’t the exciting, historic election of Bishop Yehiel Curry (currently serving the Metro Chicago Synod), who will be the first person of color to serve as Presiding Bishop. It wasn’t the election of the Rev. CeCee Mills, currently serving as one of the NC Synod assistants to the bishop, as Secretary of the ELCA. (Congratulations, CeCee!!) It wasn’t even the powerful sound of one thousand Lutherans singing in harmony during worship, or the joy of connecting with countless new people from across the country.

It happened when Bishop Elizabeth Eaton needed to fill a few minutes while the tech team sorted out an issue with one of the electronic ballots. Without missing a beat, she called out:

“Okay, quick: someone come to a microphone and share with the assembly something exciting that is happening in your congregation.”

And just like that, all the microphones on the floor filled up. Within moments, dozens of people were lined up—eager, joyful, ready to share all about what God is doing in their churches.

I honestly don’t remember the specific stories people told. But I do remember the energy. I remember the joy. I remember how I could feel the Holy Spirit moving among us, reminding us that this church is alive and God is at work.

As the Spirit moved through the convention center, I couldn’t help but feel part of what was going on in the congregations in Nebraska and Minnesota, California and North Dakota. Because the same Spirit that calls, gathers, and enlightens them in their ministry is at work in me—at work in my congregation, at work in the NC Synod.

So I ask you, dear siblings in Christ of the North Carolina Synod:

• What’s something exciting happening in your congregation?
• Where do you see God at work in your community?

I encourage you to “step up to the mic” and share them, dear church. Tell your story of God’s work with a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker. Write a post on Facebook about the exciting big project—or, even better yet, the seemingly small thing that showed God’s expansive love. Point to God’s redemptive and life-giving work in Christ Jesus. Let it be known that God is active and at work right here, in our midst.

Because the church isn’t just what happens at big assemblies or in historic ecclesiastical elections—it’s what happens in everyday moments, in ordinary congregations, through Spirit-filled people like you. Let’s bear witness to the new life, new hope, and new things God is doing in and through the North Carolina Synod—for the life of the world.

Step up to the mic! Share your Facebook post and tag @NC Synod, ELCA or share using this form.  Tell your story of the ways God is at work in your congregation and community!
As always, thank you, faithful givers, for the Mission Support dollars you send to support this synod and this church. We accomplish so much together!

[Photo Gallery Credits: ELCA]