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March 5, 2025
EaND News and Events
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Joint Theological Day 2025
"The Story of Us: Our Story, God's Story"
Date: April 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 - 3:30pm
Location: Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, ND
Speaker: Bishop Leila Ortiz, Metro DC Synod
In the rush of daily life, we often overlook the profound treasury of stories we carry within us. In our time together we will pause and seek to recognize the sacred narrative that unfolds in our lives and our ministries. Together, we'll explore how Scripture and our personal journeys – with all the questions, struggles, and moments of wonder – weave into the greater tapestry of God's ongoing story. Let's uncover and share these experiences; that we may offer our most authentic gift to both the church and a world hungry for healing and belonging.... with God's help and in Jesus' name.
Click here to register!
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Ready to Retire Retreat
Rostered ministers who are considering retirement in the next 3-5 years are encouraged to attend this year's Ready to Retire Retreat on April 29 from 11:30-4:00 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN. This is event is a collaborative event with the Northwestern Minnesota Synod. Register here!
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Synod-wide Bible Study Resources Now Available
The Bible study guide and recordings are now available from this year's synod-wide Bible study on the book of Ruth! Download the PDF Bible Study guide here. Please email Deacon Alex Benson-Tuff to receive access to the video recordings with Dr. Michael Chan.
You can also find this information and a description of the Bible study on our website.
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Church Council Training Recording & Resources
A recording of last month's church council training is now available to view. Click the links below to watch the recording and download supplementary materials. This information is also available on our website.
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Lay Ministry Event Recording
In January, Dr. Susan Wilds McArver shared her presentation "Faithful Witnesses: Models of Leadership in Lutheran Congregations, Looking Back and Looking Ahead" as part of a retreat for synod lay ministers. The recording is now available! Watch the video recording here, and download a PDF video guide at this link.
This information is also available on the Synod Lay Ministry page on our website.
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Mission Support & Annual Report Resources
As you finalize your congregational spending plans for 2025, we ask you to give prayerful consideration to your congregation’s mission support for 2025, knowing that your generosity not only funds our work as a synod but contributes to the impact made by our vast churchwide ministries. Please share your 2025 mission support intent using this form on our website to help us plan for mission & ministry in 2025.
A number of resources are available to tell about the impact of your partnership and generosity. We hope you include these in your annual reports or as part of your annual meeting, and share the story of our life together!
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Annual Congregation Reports
Each year, every congregation, synod-authorized worshiping community (SAWC) and new start is asked to provide information about its people, finances, and resources through the Annual Congregation Report. This provides the churchwide organization and synods with a record of the congregations and worshiping communities that make up the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Read more about annual reports and find a list of Frequently Asked Questions at this link.
File your annual report online here.
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NOW AVAILABLE:
Lenten Resource from The Neighborhood Church
"The God Who Dwells Among Us" is a worship resource for congregations to use for Sunday or mid-week services throughout Lent. The format was created with lay led worship in mind but can be adapted for however it works best! The full resource is now available to download on our website.
This worship resource is a gift to Eastern North Dakota congregations from The Neighborhood Church. The Neighborhood Church also relies on the generosity of individuals and congregations to support the ministry they are called to do with their neighbors.
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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, and there is one opportunity still available in September. Click on the link below to re
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Grants Available for Rostered Ministers
There are three grants available for rostered ministers through the Vital Leaders Endowment Fund: the Pension Equity Grant, the Debt Reduction Grant, and the Leadership Grant (new!). Download this PDF to learn more about grant eligibility and how to apply.
You can also find this information and additional information about each of our Endowment Funds on our website.
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Synod Devotional Resource
We are excited to share a synod-wide devotional resource available for download! "Living our Baptism: The Marks of Discipleship" is a monthly devotional resource and reflection guide created especially for councils and ministry teams in Eastern North Dakota.
Download the devotional here.
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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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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:
Much ministry happens behind the scenes. Our financial support provides for the staff and churchwide and synod teams tasked with updating and reviewing constitutions.
Share "Offering Connections" in your worship bulletin or congregational newsletters! Download the Offering Connections Document: PDF or Word
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ELCA Lenten Devotional Resources
Are you still looking for a devotional resource for personal or congregational use this Lent? Check out the resources below from around the larger church!
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ELCA Congregational Pulse Surveys
The ELCA Research and Evaluation unit periodically sends out Congregational Pulse Surveys to congregations. One quarter of the congregations are surveyed at a time in order to capture a snapshot of ELCA life. This is different than a congregation's annual report for the ELCA. Filling out the Pulse Surveys are a great aid in knowing more about our life together as a church. Thank you for your participation!
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44th Annual Rural Ministry Conference
March 9-11, 2025
Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA
This year's conference is titled "Form Follows Mission: Creative Ways STaR Congregations are Adapting for the Sake of Vitality and Sustainability in Mission and Ministry" and will feature keynote speaker Rev. Nancy Nyland. Individuals can participate either in person or via Zoom. Learn more at this link.
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Planting Seeds E-Newsletter for Rural Ministry Leaders
The latest edition of Faith+Lead's Planting Seeds E-Newsletter is now available. Planting Seeds is a resource for those serving in small towns and rural ministries. Click here to view the newsletter in your browser. Click here to sign up to receive future newsletters in your inbox.
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Lee Riley Lecture on Faith & Learning: Pr. Emily Harkins
The public is invited to attend this year's Lee Riley Lecture on Faith & Learning at Concordia College on March 18 at 7pm. This year's speaker is Pr. Emily Harkins, Lead Pastor and Founding Developer of The Dwelling. Download the attached flyer for more information.
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Book Reading and Q&A with Pr. Jeremy Steele
The public is invited to attend a book reading and Q&A session with Pr. Jeremy Steele on Saturday, March 22 at Christus Rex (Grand Forks). We welcome Jeremy for a book reading and time to unpack what he has learned in his time pastoring to a congregation of people who have largely rejected "church" but found the gospel alive in each other...online. Pr. Jeremy is the author of How to Not Suck as a Christian. Click here to learn more.
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"At The Table" VBS Curriculum from ELCA World Hunger
“At the Table” is ELCA World Hunger’s 2025 Vacation Bible School curriculum, inviting your community to learn how storytelling can make a difference in your neighborhood and the world. Each day offers large- and small-group activities, crafts, games, snacks and more. Download the curriculum here or order it online.
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Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course
The Parish Nurse Ministry Program of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN will be offering the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing course April 28-May 2, 2025 (the deadline to register is April 1st). The course will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. This will be a full week of in-person/classroom learning activities as we do not offer a distance learning option. The program is open to licensed RNs who are interested in personal growth and/or starting a health and healing ministry within a faith community. Download this flyer to learn more.
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Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association Course
The LFCNA is offering a course titled "'This Isn't Kansas, Toto'" Living in the New, Digital World: Lessons for Adults and Children" on March 25 at 6-8pm CST.
Course Description: The digital world is here to stay, and while it is capable of offering information and opportunities previously unavailable to most of us, that capability is a double-edged sword. Information that is false can be passed off as truth; comments that are mere opinions can appear to be facts; websites that are inappropriate for anyone can be accessed by the youngest or most vulnerable; persons who appear to be peers on social media can be predators; humiliating social media posts can lead the most susceptible to harming themselves.
Download this flyer or click this link to learn more.
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Festival of Homiletics Registration
Registration is now open for the Festival of Homiletics, which will take place May 12-15, 2025 in Atlanta! This year's theme is "Preaching to Heal the Divide." Click here to learn more and to register.
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Concordia Choir Concert
Hear one of the nation's finest college choirs perform in Moorhead, MN on Sunday, March 16th at 4PM in Memorial Auditorium at Concordia College. Michael Culloton conducts the 70-voice a cappella choir in a varied concert ranging from Renaissance motets to contemporary choral works. “You MUST see them - it’s an unforgettable experience!” says Eric Whitacre. You've seen their Emmy-winning Christmas concerts on television, now hear them live! This concert is free and open to the public.
Visit www.TheConcordiaChoir.org for complete information.
Click this link to download promotional materials.
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Urban Servant Corps
A place to belong. A welcoming and affirming community. An opportunity to serve. If these values are important to you, consider joining the Urban Servant Corps community in Denver, CO.
Our full-time volunteers live in an intentional community house in downtown Denver with others who are committed to social justice, racial justice, and accompanying vulnerable populations. Food, housing, health insurance, a monthly stipend, student loan debt reduction (up to $7000) and an annual "growth and development" allotment are provided. Additionally, Spiritual Direction, alumni mentorship, and professional development opportunities are offered as part of this experience. Click this link or download this brochure to learn more!
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Lutheran Men in Mission Newsletter
Lutheran Men in Mission's Winter Ambassador-Gram is now available. You can download the PDF here or check it out online. You can learn more about Lutheran Men in Mission at this link.
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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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