We live in a time of anticipation. We have taken time to give God thanks for abundance we have received, while at the same time we prepare to meet Jesus. In this Advent season, we live between Jesus’ first coming and his final appearing as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We are people of the “mean time” or in between times. We live our day-to-day lives with the realization, “…what can be seen is temporary; what cannot be seen is eternal,” Continue reading…
Congregations with a higher percentage of men actively engaged tend to have stronger worship attendance and stronger stewardship, family and children’s ministries. According to an ELCA study, the percentage of men worshipping in our congregations hovers around 30 percent. What is keeping men away from church? What can congregations do about it?
March 5, 2011
Mount St. Benedict Center – Crookston, MN (external link)
A major study done by the ELCA research unit has identified three key ingredients for renewal:
The Eastern North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota Synods’ Transformation Ministry Team and the ELCA Unit for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission (external link) have designed a renewal journey called Re-rooting in God’s Mission that may cultivate new life in congregations. Continue reading…
Bishop Rindy outlines the current state of our synod and the need for significant changes in our mission. He also passionately outlines the “Extra Mile for Mission” challenge, a charge to each of us to be active witnesses in our congregations, synod, and world. Video and PowerPoint resources attached. Continue reading…
We are everyday evangelists – each of us. Congregations are re-rooting the church in their communities, listening and responding to the Spirit’s command to re-root the church. The video below shares some of these stories of everyday evangelists living out their faith in word and deed. Continue reading…
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Last year, we made a bold commitment as a synod to increase our financial support of ministries we do together, about which we care deeply. Multiple events of the past year have contributed to our falling short of that goal. As your synod council once again was charged with the task of reducing expenditures/cutting ministries, it proved to be a painful event once more.
I began reflecting on the expectations of this synod when I was elected two years ago to serve you in this capacity. Over the past 20 years, our synod has seen a reduction of over 60% support when adjusted for inflation. Reflecting on the resolution passed last year caused me to wonder, “What would our synod mission plan (budget) look like if we achieved the 10% goal?” So I started dreaming with our mission partners in mind. Continue reading…
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your synod vice-president. It’s been an interesting year; a time filled with mixed emotions and conflicting opinions. Yet, in the midst of it all, I also think this is a critical time to ask, “What is God calling this church to do and to be?” Continue reading…
More than 500 voting members and visitors gathered April 17-18 in Jamestown to focus on mission. From recycling to working in a “safe shelter” to assisting at the Salvation Army, rolling bandages and sewing bags for Lutheran World Relief (external link) health and school kits, assembly attendees spent Saturday afternoon “blitzing” surrounding communities and working together to make a difference. Continue reading…
EaND Synod Office
1703 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 58103
(Get Directions)
Phone: 701-232-3381
Toll Free: 877-895-4598
Fax: 701-232-3180
We are a synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with 223 congregations and a variety of ministries.
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