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September 10, 2025
EaND News and Events
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Fall Theological Conference
Fall Theological Conference wraps up this morning! Thank you to everyone who joined us for a few days of rest, connection, worship, and learning. Our speakers, Dn. Colleen Bernu and Pr. Beth Pottratz, offered presentations and facilitated dialogue centered on the theme "Living Interconnected: Theology of the Cross in this Time of Disconnect."
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Small Church Saturdays
4th Saturday of the Month
(beginning September 27)
9:00am, Zoom
Small churches have both amazing gifts and unique challenges! Join with other small church leaders to explore, celebrate, and learn together. We will be reading The Small Church Advantage by Teresa J. Stewart.
Learn more and find the Zoom links on our website.
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The registration deadline has been extended for the Lay Minister & Mentor Retreat! Register by 11:59pm TODAY, Wednesday September 10. (Link below!)
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.
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Vital Church: Why Lutheran? Why Church?
Saturday, October 18, 10am-4pm
In person @ Red Willow Ministries & Zoom
75 years ago, the answer to “why church?” was simple- it’s just what we did! Faith communities today are challenged to create a more robust answer to the question “why church?” and “why Lutheran?” Together we will explore the unique and specific why of our shared story as ELCA Christians and have the opportunity to create the unique and specific why of your specific congregation- for the sake of sharing your story with new people!
Click here to register.
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"When Healing Hurts" Text Study: October 7
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.
The next "When Healing Hurts" text study will take place on Tuesday, October 7 at 5pm. The text will be Luke 17:11-19, the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. Register here.
Learn more and find the schedule at this link.
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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!
| 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, mark your calendar for October 23 at 10am at Faith Journey Lutheran Church in West Fargo! | |
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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Eastern North Dakota Fall Youth Retreat
Registration is open for the EaND Fall Youth Retreat, happening on September 26-28 at Castaway Club! This retreat is geared toward youth in grades 6-10. Join us for a powerful weekend where faith meets action as we explore what it means to Do Good Better. Inspired by Galatians 6:10 — “Let us do good to all...” — this retreat invites us to live our faith out loud in a world that longs for compassion, courage, and creativity. We’re thrilled to be joined by Pastor Emily Harkins of The Dwelling in Winston-Salem, NC. Download this PDF to learn more.
Register here.
Note for Leaders:
There will be a week-of Zoom session for any last minute details and questions. Log in on September 23 at 1pm to hear from retreat leaders.
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88154241534?pwd=nA4b9waVVYrTCoceaQ8wnBaYNK5i8C.1
Meeting ID: 881 5424 1534 Passcode: 621652
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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:
In partnership with Luther Seminary, we support the work of Region 3 Archives, which cares for and holds our history and documents of closed ministries.
Share "Offering Connections" in your worship bulletin or congregational newsletters! Download the Offering Connections Document: PDF or Word
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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 Seminaries Virtual Discernment Event
Sunday, September 15, 3:00-5:00pm CST
Join representatives from all seven ELCA seminaries for a virtual discernment event. Explore your sense of call, learn about your seminary options, and consider your next steps. Download this flyer to learn more, or register at this link.
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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 Event: 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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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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