Eastern North Dakota Synod

2008 Synod Assembly

Naomi C. Garber

Naomi C. Garber
Date of Ordination: 2/19/2000

Current Position: Associate with the Bishop---Eastern North Dakota Synod

Congregation of Membership:Olivet Lutheran/Fargo & Zion Lutheran/Pelican Rapids

Previous Positions:

Holy Cross Lutheran, Menominee Falls, WI, Associate Pastor
Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN, Intern Pastor
Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, Intern Pastor
St. Mary's Reg Hlth Cntr, Detroit Lakes, MN, Dir-Public Relations/Planning
MeritCare, Fargo, ND, Strategic Planning Analyst

Education:

BA - Concordia College, Moorhead, MN (1977-1981)
M. Div. - Luther Seminary, St. Paul (1996-2000)

Current and Past Board, Committee, and Community Involvement:
(Outside of Congregational Responsibility)

Abriendo Fronteras---Crossing Borders, prayer shawl ministry (congregational and personal), ELCA Youth Gathering leader, CHARIS, Relay for Life, Natural Church Development, Coaching Network, book groups, Habitat for Humanity

Prior to attending seminary: children's music director, congregational council, internship committee, worship board, organist (now recovering), quilting, vacation bible school leader.

How do you debscribe yourself theologically?

I have been a Lutheran from conception, as I was born while my father was in seminary. The paradoxes of the Lutheran confessional tenets are my foundation; life in death, sinner & saint, strength in weakness, law & gospel, leadership in servanthood. I believe we have a faithful God who has always been, is now, and always will be and who loves us beyond compare. The cross is a radical mystery which is a gift of pure grace---FOR YOU and FOR ME. We meet Jesus in the shadow of the cross in the myriad of life's challenges, sorrows, and circumstances. We are all called to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God." We all have a story to tell. We are called to a mission in and for God's kingdom.

What gifts do you believe you would bring to the office of the bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

When I was called to my current position, I didn't anticipate falling in love with the people and ministries of EaND. Among the gifts I bring to the office of Bishop are a base of understanding of the synod---both people and ministries. I have the ability to see the big picture while focusing on the immediate. I thrive in complex systems which are demanding and continuely changing. I am energized by the multi-tasking busyness of ministry life which changes with every telephone call and stop-in visit. I am able to remain calm and connected in complicated situations. I care deeply about the health and well-being of pastors and ministries. I am very hopeful for the life and ministry of EaND. I genuinely love serving God's people.

What is your concept of the primary roles of a synodical bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

The office of bishop is first and foremost a call to Word & Sacrament ministry. The bishop is the pastor of a congregation with 232 sites (congregations) and 103,000 members. Similar to a complex ministry setting, the synod is like a team ministry with the bishop as the lead pastor. The one who sets the tone, the encourager, the one finding the resources for ministry to happen. The bishop is the spiritual and theological leader. The bishop is the one who walks with the congregations and pastors of the synod through the highs & lows, joys & challenges of mission, ministry, and life. The bishop is the primary, but not only, interface between congregations and the national/global church.

What are the key skills required of the bishop in the Eastern North Dakota Synod?

faithfulness, listening, prayerful concern, genuine interest in and commitment to mission and people, creativity, hospitality, openness to opportunities, compassion, wisdom, flexibility, articulate, vision, encouragement, energy, sense of humor, hopeful optimism, connector of people-to-people and people-to-ideas and ideas-to-people, kindness, integrity, truth-telling without being brutal, logic, resilience, common sense, organization, creative collaboration, administration

How do you practice care of other and yourself?

My husband, Greg, & I love to travel (especially to Scotland to see the grand-babies), watching movies, eating out, and sitting on the deck. The primary acitivity which keeps me focused and centered is working with my hands: knitting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, quilting. When my hands are busy, my mind is able to both speak openly with God and remain calm to hear God's voice speaking. I attempt to spend time daily with my "needles". I am an avid reader of many genres and usually have several books "going" at a time. I exercise three times a week with the guidance of a trainer. I have had a spiritual director for the past three years but am currently between directors. I also spend time daily with our beloved Basset Hound, Charli.