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Joys and Cares
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We pray for... Pastor Michael Bostian (chaplain at CarolinaEast Health System, New Bern) who will have heart valve surgery on May 25. The family of Pastor Robert Busch upon his death. Pastor Raymond Petrea (interim, Saint Michael, High Point) who is recuperating from neck surgery. Pastor Chad Rimmer (missionary in Senegal)whose wife, Natalie, discovered last week a likely recurrence of the cancer which they had hoped was successfully treated 18 months ago. Pr. Robert "Bob" Young (interim, Ebenezer, China Grove) who had a pacemaker installed last week. We give thanks for...  The May 1 baptism of Kaylee Mae Kifer, daughter of Pastor Ben Kifer (Grace, Washington) and his wife Stacey. Kaylee was baptized by her grandmother who is pastor of Shared Lutheran Ministry in Fayette County, Texas. All who are preparing and praying for our synod's assembly which will be held June 3-4 in Charlotte.
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Do you have a submission for Joys, Cares and Celebrations? If so, please submit it via e-mail to Diane Ryan.
Note...
You can subscribe to the ELCA's Prayer Ventures monthly calendars of prayers here.
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From Bishop Smith's office
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Bishop Smith's Reflections
 Now for another installment of "Synod Myth-Busters." On Pentecost Sunday I was approached after worship by a member who said, "My son's congregation is worried because they've heard a rumor that you are going to be working toward requiring all NC Synod congregations to do same-sex weddings. If that's not true, then help us dispel this rumor that is out there."
Rostered Leader transitions
Pastor Dave Keck was installed as pastor of St. Mark's, Mooresville, on Sunday, May 22.
Pastor Tommy Lineberger was installed at Trinity, Vale, Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m.
Pastor John Futterer has accepted a new call at Kimball, Kannapolis.
Pastor Dan Burris, transferring from NE PA Synod, has accepted a call at Our Redeemer, Greenville, effective June 1.
Pastor David Webb has transferred from the SE Synod, retiring in NC.
Bishop announces staff changes
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From Top: Kelly, Gerry, Bob, Catherine, Tammy
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A heartfelt thank-you to our synod accountant, Kelly Zalinsky, who left our synod staff on May 12 to take a parish administration job at a Methodist congregation in Rock Hill, SC. Kelly served this office ably and faithfully for 19 years, and we wish her God's blessings in her new ministry opportunity. For our part, Gerry Gehl (Synod Office Administrator) and I are working on a plan in a continuing trajectory of decreasing mission support (lowest in over 15 years in 2015) to combine Gerry's administrative job (60% time) and Kelly's accounting job (full time) into one position of Director of Administration & Finance. Gerry informed me soon after my election last summer that she was looking toward retirement within the next one to two years, and Kelly's unexpected departure seems the appropriate time to make those changes. We are seeking someone for that new full-time position. Those interested may contact Gerry Gehl.
Likewise, Pr. Bob Shoffner (retired), who has ably served the synod for five years as our half-time Communications Director (taking the place of a full-time person), has announced his plans to retire as of the end of June this year. I have asked Catherine Fink to step into the communications director role, also in a "bigger" job of Director of Communications & Resources. She will utilize volunteers and other very part-time staff in the Heilig Resource Center in order to embrace her larger communications responsibilities. We thank Bob for his faithful, conscientious, and capable work, and I personally thank him for being willing to stay on board for my first year to help me get adjusted to the job.
Lastly, I am changing Tammy Jones West's job title, at her request but with my strong endorsement, to "Director of Leadership and Discipleship." This title would still encompass all the strong ways she has worked and will continue to work with youth and youth leaders, but it will also better reflect work Tammy has been doing and will be doing even more of in the area of leadership development, continuing education, and faith formation/discipleship training for all ages in our synod. That should do it for personnel for the moment!
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Documents you need for assembly The assembly web page on the synod's website has "Important Documents" in the right-hand column in addition to green buttons (top right) linking to Resolutions & Memorials, Nominations, and Financials. But which of these should you print?
Consider printing or downloading the documents below BEFORE arriving at assembly. We will have Wi-Fi access but always assume Wi-Fi failure. We do have a synod app and will load assembly documents there as well. (Search "NC Lutheran Synod" in Android and Apple stores; iPads search under iPhone apps.) The proposed full agenda and the pocket agenda will be printed for you and will be on the tables in the ballroom when you arrive. Rostered leaders serving congregations: the Elections Committee requests that you consider printing the documents below for your voting members. |
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Evangelical Mission
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Coach training event in August
The mission of the NC Synod is: Walking Together, Sharing Christ. A coach--someone who walks alongside another leader--can be a positive influence in the future of our synod. The synod is offering a two-day training workshop, August 22-23, for those serious about using their skills as a coach.
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News
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Leaders honored at LRU Commencement
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L-R: Smith, McGeachy, Dr. Wayne Powell
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During Lenoir-Rhyne University's commencement ceremony held May 13, more than 220 students were presented with their bachelor's degrees. In addition, two prominent leaders were recognized with honorary degrees. The University bestowed upon former LRU Athletic Director Neill R. McGeachy, Jr. an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and Bishop Timothy M. Smith, an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree during the graduation ceremony.
Peeler/ Casey Funds application deadline approaches
The deadline for applying for Michael Peeler or Virginia Casey Endowment Fund grants is June 30. Michael Peeler was a member of St. John, Salisbury, and Virginia Casey was a member of Gloria Dei, Salisbury, and the secretary to two of our bishops. In their wills they left money to establish endowments to fund church ministries that enhance the Kingdom of God. What a wonderful legacy they have left!
Read more about qualifications for awards of funds and find application forms.
Initiative to address economic challenges facing rostered leaders
The Lilly Endowment has awarded a study grant of $25,000 to the NC Synod to develop a proposal and plan that will address the economic challenges facing rostered leaders in our synod. If our proposal is approved, we will receive a $500,000 grant to achieve three initiative objectives to address economic challenges facing rostered leaders.
We need your help!
 If you are a rostered leader in our synod, or a congregation chair or treasurer, please be sure to respond to any and all surveys you receive. The team of people working to write a grant proposal (see story above) for our synod needs your help to gather the most accurate information possible. You may also find team members available for conversation at synod assembly.
This grant, if we receive it, will help our synod address some of the economic challenges facing our rostered leaders.
Stand Up Against Gun Violence Sabbath
 As people of faith, let's stand together against gun-related loss while working for responsible gun ownership governed by sensible laws. To that end, the NC Council of Churches is partnering with other organizations around the state to encourage faith communities to hold a Stand-Up Sabbath on the weekend of June 17-19 to mark the first anniversary of the shootings at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.. We are proud to be collaborating with groups like North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, the NC Justice Center, MomsRising, Moms Demand Action, the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham, Wilmington Faiths Against Gun Violence, and others.
Over the coming weeks, we will post worship resources and other materials. Going forward we will also provide information to help people of faith speak up for reasonable laws for gun owners and speak out against the senseless violence that has become our baseline. Learn more. We hope you will stand, speak, and work with us.
Host congregations needed
ELCA Word and Service Task Force Update
The ELCA Church Council recommended the following action to the 2016 Churchwide Assembly:
- To unify the three existing official rosters of laypersons (Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses of the ELCA, and Diaconal Ministers) into a roster of Ministry of Word and Service.
- To ensure that individuals on the three existing rosters of Associates in Ministry, Deaconesses of the ELCA, and Diaconal Ministers be automatically transferred to the roster of Ministry of Word and Service, unless a person on an existing roster declines, and that the existing rosters be eliminated with the establishment of the new roster on Jan.1, 2017
- To endorse the other recommendations of the task force regarding this new roster
- To give thanks to God for the ministry of all who have served and are serving on the present lay rosters and to express confidence that God is leading this church into God's future
'Code Angel'
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Kaye Brown Hirst remembers the emotional impact of seeing the corridor "solid with people" on both sides as she escorted her mother's body to the front entrance of Trinity Oaks, a long-term care community in Salisbury.
 Click here for the May 2016 newsletter. |
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Events
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Race Matters event postponed
Due to conflicting events in Charleston, SC, the event Race Matters: What the Emanuel 9 Massacre Teaches previous advertised for June has been postponed until a later date in November of 2016. Commemoration events in Charleston will begin on June 15 and extend over nine days. We encourage you to seek opportunities to participate in commemorating the Emanuel 9. The Academy of Faith and Leadership of LTSS and The Honorable Reverend Clementa Pinckney Foundation in partnership with The State of South Carolina Human Affairs Commission thank you for your initial interest. Please contact Darcie Jones at 803-461-3217 if you have any questions or concerns.
Transition Facilitator training
July 18-20
The Center for Congregational Health offers Interim Ministry III: a three-day course that prepares intentional interim ministers to serve as transition facilitators. Some congregations wish to engage in the intentional interim ministry process, but for various reasons desire to use a two-person team: a traditional interim minister and a transition facilitator. In these cases, the transition facilitator helps the congregation establish a Transition Team, trains the team, and then assists the team in leading the congregation through five areas of a healthy congregation as described above. Those who meet the course requirements receive a certificate of completion as a Transition Facilitator.
Oasis: Renew for the Journey 
60th Anniversary Celebration
 August 19-21
Come celebrate 60 years of ministry at Lutherock with us! Join us for a day or weekend of celebration and reconnecting with your brothers and sisters in Christ. The weekend will be full of fun camp activities such as: ice cream making, skits and songs around the campfire, hiking on the property, climbing the Challenge Tower, zipping off the ropes course and so much more! Overnight accommodations are based on availability and require pre-registration. Space is limited, so register early!
2017 Travel with Pr. Zimmerman
Springtime Tulip River Cruise, April 6-14, 2017.
(featuring Dutch and Belgian Waterways), Amsterdam, 7-night cruise, Volendam, Arnhem, Middleburg, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk Windmills, Keukenhof Gardens. Twenty spaces are available until the end of June on a first-come, first-served basis.
National Parks of America, Aug. 25 - Sept. 5, 2017.
Scottsdale, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, Old Faithful, Sheridan, Bighorn Mountains, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Twenty spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hosted by Pastor Charlie and Kay Zimmerman of Greensboro, in conjunction with Collette Travel. For more information, contact Charlie at 336-706-5568.
2018 Holy Land Study program
 January 9-21, 2018Learn more from this "save the date" brochure.
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Congregations
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First, Greensboro  And a Little Child Shall Lead ThemThis article appeared in the May edition of Bread for the World newsletter: Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders say they are bringing new voters into the political process, but can they claim they are getting young children involved? Bread for the World can. The story begins with the birthday party of Toren Rhyne, who lives in North Carolina. When asked what he wanted to do for his upcoming 6th birthday, he replied, unprompted, that he "wanted to visit the Bread for the World office, pack food for hungry people, and have ice cream." Just three simple wishes from a child.
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Resources
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Let's read Luke together!
 The synod's Book of Faith team has assembled a summer reading plan complete with daily devotionals and discussion questions to guide us through the gospel of Luke this summer from June 12-July 9.
Use Lutherans learning Luke as a congregation or individually. The resource will be available for download by June 1 on the synod's Engage the Bible webpage. Additionally, we will have bulletin inserts available for the Sundays during the reading plan. So, NC Synod, join us! Let's read Luke together!
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Global Mission
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Do you know about AMMPARO?
AMMPARO is the ELCA's comprehensive strategy for "Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities." This strategy was forwarded by the Church Council to the Churchwide Assembly for its adoption in August 2016. Learn more about it. There you will find the full strategy document as well as some video resources, including a mother and child's story and how one synod is responding. In addition, you will find program opportunities for your congregation or synod to get involved! ELCA Advocacy, Welcoming Congregations and the Guardian Angels program are options to check out.
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Did You Know...
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 ELCA Global Church Sponsorship has recently been added as an organization that is available to receive funds through the Thrivent Choice program. If you are a Thrivent member, consider supporting us as we send missionaries and volunteers, train leaders, plant churches and help support the growth in existing churches.
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