Eastern North Dakota Synod

An updated version of this report can be found here.

Voting members representing 100,000 plus Lutherans in the Eastern North Dakota Synod gathered in assembly May 2-3 in Grand Forks, ND.

Lively debate centered around resolutions dealing with stewardship education encouraging congregational tithing; ongoing commitment to public engagement in inclusive ministry with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters; and support for a Lutheran Social Services appeal.

The assembly also memorialized the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to adopt the proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and its implementing resolutions as recommended by the ELCA Church Council. A recommendation to memorialize the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to adopt the proposed Recommendation on Ministry Policies was defeated.

Thank You to Synod Assembly Special Guests

Synod Assemblies are prime time for communicating the best resources–including people resources–of the church!  A HUGE thanks to churchwide partners who made significant contributions to our assembly:

• Craig Settlage from Synodical Relations was our churchwide representative. In addition to the State of the ELCA report, Craig led a bible study and a workshop. He also made important contributions/clarifications to conversations re: stewardship and sexuality, and illustrated our interdependence as congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization.

• Dan Lehman, Editor, The Lutheran, spoke to the assembly about the magazine and its role focusing on congregations and sharing the work of the church. I lament that so many congregations (and synods) neglect promoting The Lutheran and was pleased when Dan reminded us yet again that The Lutheran is one of the best adult education resources we have. We shared copies of Little Lutheran as well as THE Lutheran!

• Marianne Griebler, a new member of Communication Services with responsibility for telling the stories of people around the church, also joined us–her first synod assembly! It was purely delightful to spend time with Marianne and to observe her observing the work of the church in a synod assembly.

These important faces/voices among us is such a powerful reminder of the church as the Body of Christ.  Their presence at synod assemblies speaks volumes about our common humanity and dependence on one another.

Julie Aageson, EaND Synod Resource Center Director