Odds of getting a hole in one? 5,000: 1. Odds of being struck by lightning? 567,000: 1. Odds of winning the nearly billion-dollar MegaMillions jackpot this past January? 302, 575,000: 1. I’m curious. How many of you have ever made a hole in one? How many have been struck by lightning? As I thought. Very, very few! But I will wager that quite a number of you bought a ticket for that January lottery, even though it’s over 60,000 times more likely that you’ll sink a hole in one and over 525 times more likely that you’ll be struck by lightning!

Are your congregation's voting members registered for this year's Synod Assembly? Assembly registration is open and—friendly reminder—the early-bird deadline is Thursday, April 15! Be sure to have each voting member's unique email address before you attempt to register as those email addresses cannot be changed. If you don't catch the early-bird deadline, that's okay; registration will remain open through Saturday, May 1. After May 1, registration WILL CLOSE. No exceptions.

The bishop's election committee would like to hear from you! The committee is working to have a successful bishop's election at this year's synod assembly. What questions would you like to be asked of the candidates during the election? All questions must be submitted by Friday, May 7, to be considered by the committee.

How can you best be prepared for this year's new way of doing assembly? Make plans now to attend one—or more!—of three Assembly Information Sessions held in late May. These will be held on Zoom, just like our assembly will be. And, during the sessions, you will be able to practice doing normal assembly things in a new way; things like discussing a resolution, voting on Synod Council members, or calling the question during a business session.

In addition to allowing time for practice, the session includes a devotion, sharing of general information, an outline of the bishop’s election process, a preview of resolutions coming before the assembly, and a time for questions. Voting members are invited—actually, strongly encouraged!—to join us for at least one of these sessions. Or, join all three to ensure you are comfortable with the Zoom platform before assembly begins.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION SESSIONS will be held:

Saturday, May 22, at 10 a.m.

Sunday, May 23, at 3 p.m.

and Tuesday, May 25, at 7 p.m.

This month's continuing education workshop takes place on Tuesday, April 20, via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. and we'll talk about the importance of empowering families to create faithful family time, how to equip parents to lead at home, and share sample activities for families to use. Beka Forst, Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Holy Comforter, Belmont, will facilitate this session.

Are you exhausted? Feeling stuck? Sick of producing content? Simply need a day to dwell in God's presence? We want to invite leaders around the synod to a day of Creativity, Design Thinking, and Celebration! Join Sister Michelle Walka of Beloved Art Practice and ELCA Innovation Lab Leaders as they lead us in our time together on Thursday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. If you sign up by April 23, supplies for the day will be sent to you.

The pandemic has changed so much, but it has not changed our need to care for one another in compassionate, Christ-like ways. This May (and a day in June), we will offer a 5-week training on visitation for lay leaders. Topics will include: What Not to Say and Invitations for Silence; Logistics of Visits; Home Communion; Praying with Others; and Hospital Visitation. Classes will be held on Mondays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and June 7 via Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each 90-minute class will include Scripture, teaching, and small groups. Up to five people per congregation may participate.

Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS) is a year-round training to teach congregations how to design and carry out their own stewardship program year after year. Expected results include more energized stewards; a deepened commitment to mission; and a culture of generosity in the DNA of congregations. After working on your fall stewardship campaign, choose tracks that allow for more in-depth work on a particular area of stewardship. Our next cohort begins in May 2021. The cost per congregation is $3,150, but thanks to a generous grant from the Lifeline Fund, the cost is $2,150. Extra scholarship money is available. Led by Pastor Mike Ward, the program is a mix of in-person and online meetings.

The NC Synod's Engage the Bible Task Group is looking for writers for this year's online summer Bible study. In the past, we have had some fun with the titles—Moments with Matthew, Lutherans Learning Luke, Reformers Reading Romans, Remarkable Mark, and Summer of Psalms. This year is no different; our summer 2021 study is 3 Preachy Prophets! If you would like to write or know someone who would like to write, please contact Catherine Fink by Sunday, April 25.

In early April, FEMA will begin providing Financial Assistance for funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020, for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. FEMA is moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance nationally.

Attention rostered ministers: Portico is offering a one-time opportunity to change your 2021 FSA election. During a special enrollment period, April 12–23, ELCA rostered ministers may consider adjustments to their FSA. Normally, FSA elections apply for the whole year, but during this special enrollment period, you have an opportunity to change or start a 2021 FSA. You will be notified by email when your special enrollment window has opened.

All are invited to the Ordination of Jennifer Jean Bacher to the Ministry of Word and Service on Wednesday, April 14. A small group will gather for the service at 3:00 p.m. at Lutherock. Others may join via the recorded service which will be shared on the NC Synod Facebook page shortly thereafter. The Rev. Dr. Timothy Smith, bishop of the NC Synod, presiding; Deacon Susi Roessler of Grace Lutheran Church, Clearwater, Florida, preaching. Your prayers and online presence are requested. All rostered ministers are invited to wear their red stole. Jen will serve as Program Director at Lutherock Camp and Retreat Center, Newland.

Pastor James B. Christ (retired) has transferred from the SC Synod effective March 2021.

Chaplain Stephen G. Cruys has transferred to the St. Paul Area Synod effective March 2021.

Clayton Meinhart, brother-in-law to Karen and Pastor Pierson Shaw (Bethany, Hickory), died on March 1. We mourn with his family. Read the full obituary.

Sally Schurrer, sister-in-law of Pastor Ed Harper (retired, Salisbury), died March 5 in Raleigh. We mourn with her family. Read the full obituary.

Steven Paul Nyitrai, Jr., father of Deacon Stacey Nyitrai Troisi (Grace, Boone), passed away on April 4. We mourn with her family. Read the full obituary.

Pastor John Franklin Taylors, Jr., (retired, Mt. Jackson, VA), died on April 5. Prior to moving to the VA Synod, he served the following congregations in NC: Gold Hill Parish (Mt. Olive and St. Stephen), Peace, Gibsonville, and Grace, Newton. We mourn with his family. Read the full obituary.

Marcia Miller, wife of Pastor Joseph Miller (retired, Salisbury) is recuperating at home following major abdominal surgery on March 26.

Lauren Roberts, daughter of Deacon Wendy Roberts (Morning Star, Matthews), recently underwent additional testing for epilepsy and is transitioning to a new treatment plan.

Jennifer Lineberger, daughter of Pastor Tommy Lineberger (Trinity, Vale), had surgery on Monday to remove a benign mass from her uterus.

Peggy W. Jackson, a long-time member of St. James, Fayetteville, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 5 with a "car parade." She still lives at home with the care of her daughters.

Lutheran Services Carolinas has been nominated for Lutheran Services in America's Micah Award for its decades-long efforts to support the dignity and quality of life of people of color, refugees, and individuals experiencing need. Congratulations, LSC!

God of creation, we give you thanks for our wonderfully diverse human family. We pray for the well-being of all people, including our neighbors of other religions and worldviews. Grant that, together with them, we will find ways to cooperate for the common good of all, as you desire. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. (from All Creation Sings, Sundays and Seasons)

Yep, Lutheridge, Lutherock, Luther Springs, and Lutheranch are making plans for an awesome, fun, and SAFE summer! We know that children and guests missed summer camp last year due to COVID-19, and we are working hard to create summer camp programming that allows you to get outside in God’s good creation safely. Learn more about the programs being offered and COVID protocols: visit www. Novusway.org today!

Like the lyrics of one of our all-time favorite camp songs, Psalm 150, “Praise the Lord with ALL CREATION” the summer Agapé+Kure Beach Ministries theme is about God’s creation—big and small! We will explore what it could look like if we all work together to share good news and love with everything that God created. Learn more and register now for a week of camp (or two!) to see what "All Creation" is about this summer!

On Feb. 1, the ELCA churchwide organization implemented Future Church, a new working structure focused on motivating the entire church to actively share the way of Jesus with more people so that they might experience community, justice and love. The design emphasizes the belief that members, congregations, synods, the churchwide organization, and its partner organizations all have important roles in the church’s mission.

Read more from Living Lutheran.

For 38 years, Mark and Linda Jacobson have worked in the health field in Tanzania, becoming our church’s longest-serving missionaries. In partnership with Tanzanian leaders, they’ve developed the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, started the Widow’s Might craft project, and more. Their powerful story is featured in the new documentary Kuambatana, which means accompaniment. The video will premiere on the ELCA Facebook page on April 24.

The ELCA Foundation cordially invites you, as a congregational leader, to learn more about setting the cornerstone for your planned giving program through the real-life experiences of congregations and synods working with the ELCA Foundation. Join this webinar via Zoom on Thursday, April 15, at 1:00 p.m. to learn more.

Join Practical Resources for Churches (PRC) on Thursday, April 29, at 1:00 p.m. for "Churches and Copyright: How to be a Weekend Publisher and Broadcaster without Going to Prison." Michael Moore, who handles copyrights for 1517 Media (Augsburg Fortress, Sparkhouse, etc.), will be the leader for this webinar.

Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary associate for digital content Keith Anderson, pastor of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church near Philadelphia, has created a series called "Two Minute Lutheran," covering theology, ethics, history, and more. It's a great way to introduce folks to faith and church!

Holy Trinity, Charlotte, seeks a part-time parish administrator for administrative work and interaction with their relatively small congregation in a way that facilitates their mission of Loving Not Judging. Learn more and apply.

Pastor Kazuhiro Sekino recently found a creative way to offer hope to COVID-19 patients in Minneapolis, where he’s currently interning as a chaplain. Drawing from a Japanese tradition, Sekino began to fold paper cranes to give to patients and soon his efforts were multiplied when people in Japan sent thousands of paper cranes to the hospital. Watch the news broadcast here.