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February 5, 2025
EaND News and Events
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Giving Hearts Day: February 13, 2025
This Giving Hearts Day, we invite you into the mission of the Eastern North Dakota Synod: United in Christ, we dare to invite, connect, and act.
On February 13, we will share stories of our mission in action throughout the synod. You can be a part of the work that we do across the Eastern North Dakota Synod. We hope that you will consider a gift and help us reach our goal of $80,000. We have already raised $40,000 in match dollars. Early Giving is now open!
Learn more at this link.
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Church Council Training
February 23, 2:00-4:00 pm (Zoom)
New and returning church council members are invited to our annual church council training February 23 on Zoom. Together, we will dive into the nuts & bolts of everything you need to know as a church council member: constitutions, insurance, financial best practices, and leading through uncertainty.
Click here for the Zoom link.
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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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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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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 will be available on our website in early February. Use the form at the bottom of this webpage to be contacted when it is available.
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. Learn more about this resource here.
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We're Hiring! Disaster Capacity Builder Position
The Western North Dakota Synod and the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are pleased to announce a renewed partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). The two ELCA synods have received a grant of more than $300,000 from LDR to support a three-year pilot project that will add a Disaster Capacity Builder staff position to serve in the two synods.
Click here to download the job description (also available on our website.)
Click here to download the press release about this position.
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2025 Boundaries Trainings
The Eastern North Dakota Synod is partnering with the Southeastern Minnesota Synod to offer three boundaries trainings in 2025. Click on the dates listed below to be taken to the corresponding event registration page. All trainings will take place on Zoom.
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Grants Available for Rostered Ministers
There are two grants available for rostered ministers through the Vital Leaders Endowment Fund: the Pension Equity Grant and the Debt Reduction Grant. 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:
Our offerings support new ministry partnerships and learning cohorts through Churchwide grants to the synod. Currently, one such grant is supporting a rural leadership cohort in the Wahpeton Conference.
Share "Offering Connections" in your worship bulletin or congregational newsletters! Download the Offering Connections Document: PDF or Word
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Incoming Council Presidents: Request for Contact Info
Calling all new church council presidents! Please make sure the synod office has your contact information so that we can keep you informed about upcoming events, opportunities, trainings, etc. happening in the synod. You can email us at office@eandsynod.org to update your information. Thank you!
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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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February News from Portico Benefits Services
Get Ready for Tax Season
Since congregations and clergy have unique reporting requirements, Portico offers complimentary access to two important resources:
1. The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar focuses on tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.
2. Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.
Both tax guides are available on myPortico and the Tax Filing Information tab on EmployerLink.
Notify Portico of Any Compensation Changes
To administer benefits accurately, Portico needs to know each member’s current compensation amount. If your congregation’s annual meeting included a salary or benefit adjustment, be sure your EmployerLink user notifies Portico within 60 days of the effective date of that change. Late notifications of compensation changes can impact your sponsored members’ retirement account contributions as well as disability and life insurance benefits.
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Fireside Chat: Exploring Pathways for Chaplaincy in the ELCA
Thursday, February 13, 2025
7:00-8:15pm
Join us for a virtual fireside chat with the Seminaries of the ELCA and the ELCA Chaplain Corps, as we explore the in’s and out’s of serving as a Chaplain in the ELCA!
Download this flyer to learn more.
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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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Empowering Communication Workshops
Rev. Joel Westby and Rev. Leslie Ritter-Jenkins are co-facilitating six Empowering Communication workshops for ministry leaders between January 27 and February 28, 2025 via Zoom. In the six workshops clergy will learn tools that support congregational vitality and help heal in the world. Learn more about the workshop offerings at this link.
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New Resource: Lent in a Box 2025
Church Anew has created Lent in a Box 2025! This year's theme is "Unbroken: A Living Faith." Learn more at this link.
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ELCA Resources: Links to Recent Communications
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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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Faith Community Nurse Association Event:
Navigating Anxiety with your Mind, Body, and Spirit
Date & Time: February 20; 6:00-7:30pm CST via Zoom
Presenter: Kim Feld, MS, RN, Faith Community Nurse
Cost: LFCNA Members - $20, Non-members - $30
Join us for a time of learning and reflection as we are led through the writings of Curtis Chang in his book The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry is the Doorway to Your Best Self. Download this flyer or visit this website 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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Lutheran Student Music Enrollment Deadline: March 1
Youth musicians from across the country are headed to Valparaiso University this year for the 2025 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM). Students in grades 8-12 will be immersed in a supportive community that nurtures their musical growth, and invites them to share their musical gifts in performance and in worship. With the Standard Enrollment deadline approaching on March 1, now is the perfect time to nominate students so their families can directly receive information and an invitation to apply. Do you know young musicians who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
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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! Tickets are available online at ConcordiaTickets.com or at the door. Visit www.TheConcordiaChoir.org for complete information.
Click this link to download promotional materials.
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Alzheimer's Association Webinar:
Supporting Families Living with Dementia in Spiritual Communities
February 25; 1:00-2:30pm CST
Are you concerned that a member of your spiritual community is experiencing memory loss? While there are several reasons why this can happen, Alzheimer’s and dementia are possibilities. During this presentation you will learn “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.” We will also explore tips to support community members navigating the dementia journey and discuss ways to connect their families with resources from the Alzheimer’s Association.
Download this flyer to learn more or click this link to register.
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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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