November 4, 2026
EaND News and Events | Every item in this newsletter is tagged with the corresponding goal or ministry area from our Synod Strategic Plan, showing how our shared work directly supports our mission in action. | |
November 15 is Endowment Sunday.
In the ELCA, Endowment Sunday (or Mission Endowment Sunday) is a dedicated day used by congregations to celebrate, educate, and encourage support for the church's Mission Endowment Fund. Rather than focusing on the church's annual operating budget, this day centers entirely on long-term stewardship and legacy giving.
Would you consider adding this to your bulletin? Click here to copy and paste.
Click here to print a bulletin insert for your congregation (can be printed in B & W).
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Rescheduling Notice for Boundaries Continuing Education Event on November 5!
The upcoming Boundaries continuing education event has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2027, and current registration is now closed.
This adjustment is necessary due to unforeseen construction delays and an unfinished project in the parking lot, which prevents us from providing a safe and accessible environment at this time.
Please review the updated details and next steps below:
• Check Your Calendar: If you've already registered, your current registration will automatically transfer to the new date on February 18, 2027. Please check the email you registered with.
• Refund Requests: If this new date does not work for your schedule, please email marna@eandsynod.org to process your full refund.
We sincerely apologize for this unexpected disruption and any inconvenience it causes to your schedule. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we work to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
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Seeking Retired Church Bells
Concordia Language Villages is seeking larger retired church bells for its programs in northern Minnesota.
If you or your congregation have leads on churches retiring or replacing larger bells, CLV would love to help these bells continue serving a meaningful purpose! Please contact the Eastern North Dakota Synod office at office@eandsynod.org.
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Region 3 Online Discernment Event: This Saturday, Nov. 7.
STILL TIME TO REGISTER!
Wondering if God is calling you to something different? Wondering if there’s "something more"? Wondering why you have been asked to preach a sermon, or step into a new leadership role for your congregation?
Explore these and other questions in the context of our faith, with other wanderers through storytelling, introspection, and studying of Scripture. This brief event will provide guidance and an intentional space for those who want to explore whatever they’re discerning.
This 90-minute event will begin at 10:00am. A zoom link will be provided upon registration. Click here for more info and to register.
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Did you miss our Quick Connect welcoming our new Director for Evangelical Mission, Pastor Cassie Anderson? Read the full story here.
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Strengthening Our Bonds: Fargo Area Youth Ministry & Connections
Building meaningful connections across our conference and wider community opens up incredible opportunities for shared ministry, deeper relationships, and a larger collective impact. By coming together across congregation lines, we enrich our youth ministries and model unified community for the next generation.
Come to our monthly potlucks with other youth ministry leaders in the Fargo Conference. See the rotating schedule here.
Lutheran Youth "AfterDark" Event - All 6th–12th graders are invited to an exciting evening of fellowship, games, and growth! November 6, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church (1710 5th St S, Fargo). Print attached poster for your congregation.
Have Questions or Want to Get Involved?
Reach out to Brigham at youth@blcfargo.org to learn more about how you or your church can join in!
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Love Your Neighbor Benefit Night is a lovely night of celebration & support for The Neighborhood Church, and a wonderful way for you and the people of your congregation to learn more about God's work here at The Neighborhood Church. Reserve your seat here.
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Join us for the Synod Lay Ministers and Mentors Retreat on November 14 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at Red Willow Ministries (651 Jacob Dr, Binford, ND 58416).
Led by Richard Swanson—Professor of Religion (Emeritus) at Augustana University, author, and playwright—this retreat centers on the theme: Secrets and Surprises: The Gospel of Mark as the Architecture of Hope. As we prepare to enter the Gospel of Mark in the Revised Common Lectionary this Advent, come explore its unexpected twists and turns to help guide your ministry through the upcoming Advent, Lent, and Easter seasons. Register online here.
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Nadia Robb-Kern's Ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament is on Sunday, November 8th at 4pm at Shepherd of the Hills 3920 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN. Reception to follow. Link to livestream here.
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Urgent Action for Rostered Ministers: Download Your RMP Before Jan. 10
Based on feedback across our church, ELCA Churchwide is launching an updated Rostered Ministers Profile (RMP) on January 11, 2027.
Action Required: Current RMPs will no longer be accessible after January 10, 2027. All rostered ministers who want or need a PDF copy of their current RMP must log into ELCA Community and download it before January 11.
Training opportunities, webinars, video guides, and FAQs will be available from ELCA Secretary and RMP project team over the coming weeks to help navigate the new portal. For questions in the meantime, please email sec@elca.org.
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Big News for ND Congregational Leaders: The Extravaganza is right in our backyard! EXTRAVAGANZA is a four-day leadership training event for ELCA congregational leaders in children's, youth, young adult and outdoor ministry. This event is designed specifically with your congregation in mind.
January 22-25, 2027 at The Hilton, Downtown Minneapolis. Delve in to details here.
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Luther Seminary Discernment Retreat - Discerning God’s Call
February 14-16, 2027 on the Shores of St. Andrew in New London, MN.
A 3-day retreat and a holy experiment that explores God’s call on the lives of learners and the ways Christian leaders help those they serve in turn discern God’s call. Register here (Closes Friday, January 8, 2027).
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From the Office of the Presiding Bishop
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Phone: 701.232.3381
Physical Address: 1555 43rd St S, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58103
Mailing Address: PO Box 2019 Fargo, ND 58107
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9am-4pm
We are a Reconciling in Christ Synod.
We, as the Eastern North Dakota Synod ELCA, welcome all into the fullness of God's boundless love, without exception. This welcome is inclusive of people of every race, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental ability, sex, or station in life. United in Christ, we pledge to use and celebrate our differences as gifts for our work together in all things, including racial equity, intentional invitations, and radical hospitality. Inspired by Christ, we commit to advocate for justice, working for dignity, equity, and wholeness for all people.
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