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August 13, 2025
EaND News and Events
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2025 Fall Theological Conference: Register by August 22!
Register soon for the 2025 Fall Theological Conference on September 7-10, 2025 at Fair Hills Resort!
Gather with your colleagues for a time of renewal and fellowship at the Eastern North Dakota Synod Fall Theological Conference. All rostered ministers are expected to attend this annual event, and lay ministers are welcome to attend (Synod Lay Ministers, youth directors, and other lay ministry professionals). This year's speakers are Deacon Colleen Bernu and Rev. Beth Pottratz. They will be presenting on "Living Interconnected: Theology of the Cross in a Time of Disconnect." Learn more about our speakers and this year's theme at this link. We hope to see you at the lake!
You can learn more at this link.
Registration deadline: August 22, 2025
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Staff Announcement: Welcome, Pr. Robert Franek!
The Eastern North Dakota Synod is excited to announce Pastor Robert Franek as Congregational Relator, a new contracted part-time role made possible by the work of the Vital Leaders Endowment. Pastor Robert as a part of the synod staff has specific responsibilities to connect with leaders in congregations that do not have a regular called or contracted minister, relaying key information regarding synod ministries and connecting them with other needed resources. Pastor Robert’s work will add to the synod staff’s capacity to identify unique challenges faced by congregations without a regular called or contracted minister. Welcome to the team, Pastor Robert!
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Listening Sessions: Congregations Without a Minister
Final Session:
August 14, 12:00 - 1:30pm, online (Microsoft Teams)
Is your congregation currently without a regular pastor? Join others from across the synod for a virtual Listening Session focused on the realities, challenges, and hopes of ministry without a regular minister.
This is your opportunity to share:
- What’s working—and what’s not
- How your congregation is adapting
- What support you need most
This online session is open to all and is especially designed for those who couldn’t attend in-person gatherings held earlier this summer. All voices are welcome. Let’s shape the future together by listening well today.
📌 Save the date and this link https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTFjZDA4YzktNTgzYi00NzExLWJlZDQtZTJmY2I0MWRkNjUz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224f5e6087-a52d-4009-bed2-1af731e00049%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d57be750-b2ab-4f84-9d63-de2f0ed1c541%22%7d to attend.
Email janell@insighttosolutions.com for assistance in attending the event. Pre-registration is NOT required but feel free to reach out ahead of time if you need more information or assistance in participating.
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Summer Match Goal Met: Thank You!
Because of your generosity, we met our $10,000 summer match goal — every dollar doubled to support ministry!
Pastor Steve DeKrey recently shared this reflection, inspired by Presiding Bishop-Elect Curry’s call story: “He is where he is right now because people noticed gifts...I wouldn’t be doing what I am right now either if people hadn’t believed in me and told me that I had what I needed to become a pastor.”
That belief — in potential, in calling, in community — is exactly what your gift is making possible. Thank you. And thanks be to God for you.
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Holy Innovations Grant Recipients
We are thrilled to announce this year's Holy Innovation Grant Awardees and their proposed projects! Thanks be to God for innovation, creativity, and the generosity to make it possible.
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Christus Rex: Community Building Trip with Crossroads NDSU
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Grand Forks Conference: Gods Work. Our Hands. Community Event
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The Neighborhood Church: Creating a Confirmation Space
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Grace Lutheran, Oakes: Technology Upgrade for Youth and Community Events
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Northwood/Washington Parish: Faith Sharing Initiative
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CaSTLE Grant Survey
The Eastern North Dakota Synod has received a grant from Wartburg Theological Seminary to support renewal in small-town and rural communities through a focus on equipping people to live out their Christian faith in daily life. With this grant, the EaND Synod will receive funding to support the mentor program for Synod Lay Ministers. The project seeks to deepen baptismal identity and cultivate thriving, Spirit-led communities of faith in rural contexts.
We invite everyone in the Eastern North Dakota Synod to take this brief 5-minute survey. Your participation will help us establish a baseline of attitudes and beliefs as we begin our work with this grant.
Thank you for being part of this important effort!
Click here to take the Survey!
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Calling all Synod Lay Ministers and SLM Mentors: Join together for a time of worship, renewal, learning, and connection at the Synod Lay Minister (and Mentors) Retreat! This gathering is an opportunity for Synod Lay Ministers to be oriented or renewed in their call to ministry and meet together in their cohorts.
The theme of the Retreat is Baptismal Ecclesiology (What’s this?) Come ready to learn, reflect, and grow alongside fellow Synod Lay Ministers in a supportive and enriching environment.
Register here.
Registration deadline: September 5, 2025
| Save the date for the EaND Synod "First Third of Life Ministry" Brunch! This event is for anyone who serves (employed or volunteer) in children, youth, or young adult ministry. More information is coming soon, but for now, marky our calendar for October 23 at 10am at Faith Journey Lutheran Church in West Fargo! | |
When Healing Hurts : Healing Texts Through a Lens of Disability
How do look at stories in healing in scripture? How might we consider these stories in ways that are affirming of folks with disabilities? Join the EaND Disability Ministry Team for text study when healing texts show up in our lectionary. All text studies will take place on Tuesdays at 5pm via Zoom.
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August 19th: Luke 13: 10-17 Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman
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October 10th: Luke 17: 11-19 Jesus Cleanses 10 Lepers
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March 10th: John 9: 1-41 Sight to the Blind Man
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March 17th: John 11:1-45 Jesus Raises Lazarus
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June 2nd: Matthew 9-19 and 18-26 Healing the Hemorrhaging Woman
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August 11th: Matthew 15: 21-38 Daughter Tormented by a Demon
Learn more at this link or register here.
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New Resource: Grace Upon Grace: Cultivating your Congregation's Stewardship Story
Grace Upon Grace: Cultivating your Congregation's Stewardship Story is a devotional and discussion guide created specifically for councils, teams, and congregations in the Eastern North Dakota Synod. This resource invites you to explore the stories of generosity that have shaped you as an individual and as a community and to wonder together about what new stories might be emerging.
As a synod, we will be focusing on understanding, cultivating, and sharing our individual and communal stories as God’s people and Christ’s Church. This story guide is one way to explore your stories-specifically your stories of stewardship and generosity. Our prayer is that the questions and conversations will be a gift to your congregation, strengthening your mission and shared story.
Download this free resource at this link.
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Christopher Lee Friese will be ordained into the Ministry of Word & Sacrament in God's one holy, apostolic, and catholic church on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. Ministers are invited to vest, and everyone is invited to wear red. There will be a reception to follow. Christopher has been called to serve St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Thompson, ND.
Penny J. Millspaugh will be ordained into the Ministry of Word & Sacrament in God's one holy, apostolic, and catholic church on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2pm at Bruflat Lutheran Church in Portland, ND. Ministers are invited to vest. The color of the day is red. Reception to follow. Penny has been called to serve Portland Lutheran Parish.
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EaND Synodical Women's Organization Annual Fall Convention:
"Surrounded by the Spirit"
September 13, 2025
St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake
Keynote Speaker: Prairie Rose Seminole
Learn more at this link or download this flyer.
RSVP online or to Jeanne Wobbema: mrswob@gmail.com or 701-230-8745
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2025 Boundaries Trainings
The Eastern North Dakota Synod is partnering with the Southeastern Minnesota Synod to offer boundaries trainings in 2025. We have one more training scheduled for September. Click on the link below to register.
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Together we respond to God’s provision by sharing of our financial gifts, both as an act of worship and in support of our mission and ministry as Christ’s Church. Our shared gifts support ministry of our congregations, in our community, across the Eastern North Dakota Synod, throughout the ELCA, and around the globe. Today we recognize:
As the church together, we have the support of ministry partners such as Mission Investment Fund, Portico, and the ELCA Foundation. Each has staff available as resources to congregations.
Share "Offering Connections" in your worship bulletin or congregational newsletters! Download the Offering Connections Document: PDF or Word
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Death of Russ Sunderland
We give thanks for the life of Russ Sunderland, who passed away on August 9, 2025. Russ served as the Chair of the EaND Synod Endowment Committee. The EaND Synod is grateful for his leadership, and we express sympathy at his death, holding in prayer all who grieve. Russ was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jamestown. You can read Russ's obituary at this link.
Memorial Service – 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown
Funeral Service – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Kristi Weber officiating
Visitation – One hour before the services at the church
Burial – Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Montevideo, MN
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Call Process
Please pray for congregations and rostered ministers in the call process. You can find a list of congregations currently in the call process on our website.
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ELCA Churchwide Assembly
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly was held July 28 - August 2, 2025 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, AZ. Twenty voting members from the Eastern North Dakota Synod took part in this Assembly. We give thanks for the willingness of our synod voting members to serve in this way and for all those who gathered in Phoenix in worship, prayer, and discernment on behalf of the whole Church!
Two important actions include the election of Rev. Yehiel Curry as the next Presiding Bishop of the ELCA and Rev. Lucille "Cee-Cee" Mills as the next secretary of the ELCA. You can read daily updates and learn about key actions from the Churchwide Assembly on the Living Lutheran website.
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Save the Date: Called to One Another
A Leadership Summit for Female-Identifying and Non-Binary Rostered Ministers in Region 3
January 12-14, 2026
Holiday Inn, Alexandria, MN
Gather for a time of honest conversation and exploration of what makes a “quality call” experience. Our time together will be shared in scripture study, small groups, experiential learning, and the belief that “the wisdom is already in the room.” Eight leaders will be selected from each of the 9 synods in Region 3 to participate.
Application and more information coming in early September!
Funded in part by the Quality of Call Initiative for Women in Ministry of the ELCA.
Download the PDF here.
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Courses in Transition Ministry
offered by Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association
Fall Course: Basic Training in Transitions (Online)
October 2, 2025 - January 22, 2026 (Thursday afternoons)
Learn more at this link.
Online Discernment Events: August 14, 12pm CST & September 11, 12pm CST
Get a taste of what to expect doing Intentional Interim Ministry. Ask questions about the Basic Training course.
Registration is open. Click here to learn more.
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Fargo-Moorhead Youth Ministry Leaders Meet-Up
Wednesday, October 1
11am-12:30pm
Atomic Coffee, Downtown Fargo
Are you a leader or visionary for youth ministry in Fargo/Moorhead? Join us for a time of introductions, collaboration, and togetherness. All are welcome. Together we will get to know one another, establish a network of connection, and share what youth ministry looks like in our faith communities. Please RSVP with Brigham: 218-686-4496.
Download the event poster here.
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Youth & Children Ministry Conference
Are you a leader in youth or children's ministry? Join us for the upcoming YCM Conference at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bismarck on September 27! This special event is all about connection, inspiration, and equipping. You'll have the opportunity to meet with others who share your passion for ministry, exchange ideas, and discover new resources to help you grow in your role and strengthen your impact.
Download this PDF to learn more.
Register here!
Event Contact: Michelle Schwab
youthministry@lordoflifebismarck.org
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LEAD: Love Our Neighbors Online Cohort
As our neighborhoods, world, and connections to one another continue to change each day, it becomes vital for our congregations to strengthen their roots in the neighborhoods where they are planted. We don’t have to do this work alone but we can do this together in community! You are invited to join our FIRST Love Our Neighbors Online Cohort that will launch this fall.
What will we do together?
- Dig into scripture and learning that prepares us for holy listening.
- Practice holy listening with the neighbors around our church buildings.
- Get curious about what the Holy Spirit is calling us into as a faith community.
- Experiment with what we have learned.
NOTE: You are highly encouraged to bring a team of current leaders or a new team of curious leaders who want to dig into this faithful and holy work.
Meeting Dates/Times: September 4th, 18th, October 2nd, 30th and November 13th from 7:00-8:30 pm CT.
Cost: $300 per congregation
Deadline: August 15
Learn more and register here
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LFCNA Class: Creating a Dementia-Friendly Congregation
August 21, 2025; 6-8pm CST, Zoom
Course Description: During this presentation, participants will learn strategies to create a congregation that is knowledgeable, understanding, and compassionate towards people and families affected by dementia. Going beyond the basics of dementia, faith community nurses will learn how best to support both persons with dementia and their families though evidence-based practice related to daily care, improved communication, maintaining mobility, increased accessibility and safety, and how the love of Christ can be shown in everyday life.
To learn more, download this flyer or visit this webpage.
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Feast of Abundance Grant Opportunity
The Stewardship of Life Institute is giving away $100,000 in $1000 grants for ELCA congregations to throw a Feast of Abundance for their church neighborhoods!
Any congregation can do the following:
- Enter a drawing to win a $1000 grant OR Donate $1000 to increase number of grants (if your congregation is able) AND/OR
- Announce plans to self-fund a Feast of Abundance neighborhood gathering
- Drawing will take place live on YouTube (link will be sent) August 18, 2 pm EDT
Download the flyer or visit this website for more information.
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Peace of the Prairie: Second Annual Retreat for Church Musicians
September 11-13, 2025
You are invited to experience the peace of the prairie at Shalom Hill Farm in rural Windom, MN. This retreat is designed to offer a time of renewal for church musicians as a new year of programming begins. The retreat will include worship, discussion, resource sharing and fellowship, as well as opportunities to enjoy the walking prayer trails, prayer labyrinth, and the peace of the prairie landscape of Shalom Hill Farm. We pray this retreat will provide inspiration and encouragement to all who attend.
Musicians will be introduced to Shalom Hill Farm’s newly commissioned liturgical resources including Peace of the Prairie: A Liturgy for Here and Now and Shalom Daily Prayers: Morning, Midday, Evening.
Download this flyer to learn more.
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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: by appointment
Tuesday: 9am-4pm
Wednesday: 9am-4pm
Thursday: by appointment
Friday: 9am-4pm
The physical office is only open by appointment on Mondays and Thursdays; however, the phone will be answered between 1pm-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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