“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…”

– Ecclesiastes 3:1



Dear Eastern North Dakota Synod, 

Out of my commitment to continued communication with you, I write to you with further updates on synod staffing. Deacon Laura Carson, Associate with the Bishop for Formation and Administration, has accepted a new call and has submitted her resignation. She and her husband will be serving together in a congregation in Southwestern Washington Synod. Deacon Laura’s last day in the office will be August 12th. I am grateful for her work in the Eastern North Dakota Synod. She has tended our ministries of synod lay ministry, candidacy, events, and administration. I wish her all the best in her new call. You also can thank Deacon Laura for her ministry through this electronic card.

While this change comes in the midst of other changes, I want to assure you of ongoing commitment and attention to synod ministry by your synod staff team. Pastor Brad continues to serve alongside me as Associate with the Bishop. Marna Arlien has come to us with just the right gifts and skills for a time such as this. You will receive her welcome through phone, email, or in-office visits. As Office Administrator, she is currently learning the details of a robust portfolio for administration. And you can utilize her for determining who best to contact for any particular question now and in the future. She can be reached at marna@eandsynod.org.

Other members of the synod staff team continue in their roles, and I am so grateful for their contributions to the work the team carries out for the sake of ministry with you in the Eastern North Dakota Synod. If you want to be reminded of the rest of the staff team, please go to https://www.eandsynod.org/about/staff.  

During this season of staffing changes, you might find it helpful to return to the strategic plan of the Eastern North Dakota Synod (https://www.eandsynod.org/about/strategic-plan). This plan (launched at Synod Assembly 2024) was created through deep listening across the synod and by people of the synod. It represents the priorities, needs, and hopes of the synod as well as the discernment of the movement of the Holy Spirit. The named priorities continue to shape the daily operations of the synod staff team. Regular updates are provided to the synod council. This plan is a helpful throughline in a season of staffing change. 

As always, please feel free to reach out directly for questions or clarifications.  

United in Christ, We Dare to Invite, Connect, and Act.  

I am grateful to be on the journey with you. 

In Christ, 

Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth