Friedens, Gibsonville, and St. John's, Concord, are both celebrating their 275th anniversary this year! If you're checking the math, that means they organized in 1745—before the United States came to be. Well done, Friedens and St. John's! All of us across the synod are so thankful for your many, many years of ministry and grateful for your partnership across the years.

The Rev. Glenn Reichley is celebrating the 70th anniversary of ordination this year. What an achievement—and a blessing! Pastor Reichley has served many ELCA congregations in both North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Several pastors have made the transition to retirement this year. While many will be pursuing other interests, others continue serving the in Gospel ministry. Either way, it's a definite milestone. Congratulations!

Give thanks for the lives and ministries of the pastors who have joined the Church Triumphant in the last year (April 2019 through April 2020).

Terri Blake, member of St. Paul’s, Crouse, has served as treasurer of the NC Synod since 2012 and completed her final term at the end of July, 2020. Thanks be to God for the many gifts Terri brought to the task—it was indeed good and faithful service!

Paul Philips, member of Good Shepherd, Raleigh, began serving as synod treasurer on August 1, 2020. Paul was appointed by the Synod Council to a four-year term. Thank you, Paul, for your willingness to serve.

Audrey Ansel is a junior at Porter Ridge High School in Indian Trail and a member of Cross and Crown, Matthews. One of her passions is public speaking and advocacy; she works as a public speaker for Time Out Youth Center in Charlotte (a non-profit which provides services for the LGBTQ Youth Community). She’s also extremely active in band and plays the trumpet. Audrey says, “I am super excited to be on Synod Council and can’t wait to get started!”