Bishop Assistant Pastor Phil Tonnesen told us in his devotion for our pre-Assembly online meeting that the bishop at his ordination reminded the ordinands that “the Holy Spirit will take you somewhere you do not want to go. If you wanted to go, you wouldn’t need the Holy Spirit.” Jonah really, really didn’t want to go.

Join this year's NC Synod Assembly in one of two ways. Guests and visitors may participate by visiting either (1) the synod's Facebook page (you don't need an account to watch) or (2) the synod's YouTube channel. The agenda is on the assembly webpage so you can see when things are happening. Worship will be Thursday and Friday nights at 7 p.m. We can't wait! See you soon!

The Re-Gathering Task Force has used the CDC guidelines and Governor Cooper’s Executive Orders as the basis of our deliberations. As mask guidelines have changed, the task force offers these considerations for NC Synod congregations.

Practical Resources for Churches (PRC) has added two webinars to this week's schedule. Take advantage of these timely and pertinent events:

You are cordially invited to celebrate the 2021 graduating class of ELCA's International Women Leaders scholars. Begun in 2014, this will be the third full class to complete their undergraduate degrees at ELCA colleges/universities. The Celebration will premiere on the ELCA Facebook page on Wednesday, June 16, at 11 a.m. and will be rebroadcast on the YouTube channel at 9 p.m.

Join us on Tuesday, June 29, at 7:00 p.m. for the launching of the Innovation Summit with the Rev. Dr. Scott Cormode! It begins with a book study this summer and culminates with a one-day summit on Saturday, October 16. You are invited to pull together a team to be a part of this exciting new event! All are welcome. Invite your entire council. The first chapter of Scott’s book, The Innovative Church, reads, “The church as we know it is calibrated for a world that no longer exists.” Let’s work together over the course of the next several months to think about how we are able to keep our rich history and adapt to an ever-changing world.

Our constitution currently has no provisions for virtual voting in any fashion. This means there is no option to hold the Gathering and elections using Zoom, etc. The good news is that steps are being taken to change the CWO Constitution, hopefully by late summer, meaning we could meet virtually in the fall. .... An alternative option that would allow for the conduct of business (including elections) would be a one-day Gathering, most likely a Saturday, at St. Mark’s in Mooresville. Women, contact Lorri Monterose with your preference!

All are invited to join in celebrating Luther Seminary graduates and NC Synod candidates for ministry, Denise Henry and Oscar Shepherd, during the 2021 baccalaureate service on Saturday, June 5, and the commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 6. Visit Luther Seminary for details and to join the virtual ceremonies.

All are invited to the Installation of the Rev. Scott Berry as pastor at Our Father, Greensboro, on Sunday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. The Northern Piedmont Conference Dean, Pastor Ron Philabaum, will install.

All are invited to an outdoor service of the Installation of the Rev. Anna Carter as pastor at Holly Grove, Lexington, on Sunday, June 6, at 3 p.m. The Yadkin Conference Dean, Pastor Cassie McIntosh Overcash, will install, and Pastor Scott Anderson will preach. Social distancing and masks covering both the nose and mouth are required for the entire service. Bring your own lawn chair or watch via Facebook Live.

Bettie Louise Misenheimer Rogers, mother-in-law of Pastor Terrell Long (retired, Granite Falls), died on May 17. We mourn with her family. Read the full obituary.

Thelma Odom Goff, sister-in-law of Pastor Ed Harper (retired, Salisbury), died on May 25. We mourn with her family. Read the full obituary.

Pastor Joanna Stallings (Good Shepherd, Goldsboro) will have surgery today (6/1) to repair a broken elbow following a recent fall.

Vicar Denise Henry (Mt. Olive, Hickory) married Sam Bickley on May 29 at Epiphany, Winston-Salem. Congratulations!

Almighty God, you have given your Holy Spirit to the church to lead us into all truth. Bless with the Spirit's grace and presence the people of the NC Synod as we prepare to elect a bishop. Keep us steadfast in faith and united in love, that we may manifest your glory and prepare for the way of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

On Saturday, May 15, Redeemer, Gastonia partnered with Rotary of Gastonia and two other local churches in a "Food Fight for CAM" to help Crisis Assistance Ministry replenish its shelves. The event was set up as a drive-through/drop-off event and was a friendly competition to see which Super Hero (Marty Lutheran, Mady Methodist or Jonny Baptist) could collect the most food for CAM.

Read more from the Gaston Gazette.

Over 30 months ago, the sanctuary of St. Andrew, New Bern, and other portions of the property suffered major damage from the multi-day pounding by Hurricane Florence in mid-September, 2018. With great joy and much anticipation, the family of St. Andrew is pleased to announce that, along with other leaders and congregations of New Bern, they celebrated the rededication of their sanctuary on May 23, 2021.

When Megan Rohrer was elected bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA, the first thing they felt was shock. “I never would’ve expected it,” they said. “I felt very humbled. It was exciting and surprising at the same time.” Elected May 8 during an online synod assembly, Rohrer will serve a six-year term, becoming the first transgender bishop in the ELCA—or any major U.S. Christian denomination.

Read more from Living Lutheran.

Experienced high school students through adults are invited to join this UNC School of the Arts Summer Virtual Intensive Workshop from July 12-16. Participants will breathe new life into their hymn playing through creative hymn introductions, strong fundamentals, and improvisation while learning in a collaborative, sharing environment. Various styles of hymnody—including ethnic hymns—and appropriate accompaniments will be explored. 

Brief descriptions of the 200 assembly songs in All Creation Sings, a liturgy and song supplement in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship resource family, are now available with your subscription to SundaysandSeasons.com. The All Creation Sings website includes videos of selected hymns and songs, blog posts, an overview webinar, and more. Pew edition introductory pricing is available 'til 6/15.

Not only are we well into the 21st century, but we're over a year into a global pandemic. That means the first place people see your church might be on Facebook and not the front door.

St. Luke's, Charlotte, is searching for a Director of Youth & Family Ministries. This is a full-time position with applicable pay and benefits commensurate with experience and education. Learn more; apply today.

The application process is open for the 2021-22 ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship.

Three positions are at state public policy offices in Arizona, Minnesota and Texas.

One position with a strong communications focus is in D.C. alongside federal advocacy staff. All positions are on the ELCA Job Board.

You can use the Association of Religion Data Archives to explore the social, economic, and religious demographic trends around your congregation. The Community Profile Builder is FREE and easy to use!