The very first Leader E-News. Welcome!
Welcome to the new Leader E-News!

It is a joy to serve with you. As we journey together, let's also learn and grow. Our prayer is that this e-news will be helpful, inspiring, and equipping for you and other leaders of the synod. Let's ponder anew what the Almighty can do--together!
You need to know
Communications update

NC Synod communications will now be:
Synod E-News (the first and third Tuesdays each month)
Leader E-News (the second and fourth Tuesdays)

Synod E-News for all folks across the synod, sharing broad ministry stories and opportunities. All those interested in synod ministries are encouraged to subscribe (that includes congregation council members and others in your congregation, y'all)!
Leader E-News for rostered and other professional leaders working in NC Synod congregations. Of course, others are still welcome to subscribe!

With this move, we will provide information to a more targeted audience in a more brief format. And, we will continue to communicate in a timely way the wonderful stories of ministry from across our synod. Choose one or both; subscribe here.
Update on ELCA roster changes

Letter from ELCA Secretary the Rev. Chris Boerger

Dear Colleagues in Ministry, This letter is to inform you of the changes to the rosters of ministers of the ELCA that were adopted by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. The major change is that on Jan. 1, 2017, the current rosters of associates in ministry, diaconal ministers and deaconesses will be merged into one roster of "Ministers of Word and Service." Anyone currently on any of the lay rosters will automatically be listed on the new roster.
#SMS16 Are you in?

Social Media Sunday--more appropriately tagged #SMS16--is September 25.Communications Ministry Maven, Criss Forshay says, "This is a day when, across the nation and across the Internetwebs, we encourage the people in the pews to break out their phones in church--yes, even in the middle of the service--and use social media to share the Gospel." Read more. Why not give it a try! And, let us know how it turned out.
Prayers

For healing
Maurie Lockley, wife of Pastor Jim Lockley (retired, Oak Island), is recovering from foot surgery on September 7.

Of mourning
Pastor C.P. Fisher died on September 6. Along with his family, including daughter and son-in-law Zelia and the Rev. Woody Frick (interim, New Bethel, Richfield), we mourn.
Pastor Lou Bauer (retired, Mebane) died on September 12. We mourn with his wife, Susan, and family.

Of thanksgiving
Ron Philabaum (Alamance, Alamance) will be ordained in Ohio on September 14. Congratulations, soon-to-be Pastor Philabaum!

News for leaders
Sexual assault discussion at LRU

Lenoir-Rhyne University (LRU) is hosting an open discussion about sexual assault on Thursday, September 15, from 6 until 8 p.m. in P.E. Monroe Auditorium. Students and their families, faculty and staff, as well as community members are invited and encouraged to attend this free and important event.
Bigstock/monkeybusinessimages
How to ruin a team ministry...

Practicing team ministry is like assembling Ikea furniture without the instructions. With both, there are many parts, each with a specific function, and no obvious clues for how everything fits together. And with both, you're sometimes tempted to toss everything aside and quit in frustration.
Tickets for rostered leaders

Lenoir-Rhyne University (LRU), proud to be a partner with the NC Synod and ELCA, offers two passes to LRU home football games to Lutheran rostered leaders of the synod. Please go to the "Will Call" table/gate (near the Moretz stadium parking area), and provide your name and an ID to receive your two passes. Then go into the stadium and cheer for the Bears!
Resources
Free Parker Palmer course open

The latest Big Class from ChurchNext is now open: Parker Palmer's Bridging the Political Divide. Over 1600 people have already registered which means the discussion and interaction should be insightful and thought-provoking as we open ourselves to live faithfully and respectfully through this divisive election cycle. The course should take 45 minutes to work through and can be taken anytime. It will remain open and free through September 19.
Uncovering your hidden currency

Uncovering your hidden currency is an introspective look at vocation and money held over three sessions at Wake Forest Divinity School, led by coach Iyabo Onipede. The first session is on Friday, Sept. 23, titled "Bread Alone?: Fighting the Temptations of Vocation." Learn more or register. The other sessions are scheduled for October 28 and November 11.
Manna and Mercy conference

A Manna and Mercy conference with the Rev. Alan Storey is planned for Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24, at Edenton Street United Methodist in Raleigh. Using Dan Erlander's popular book, Storey has added 46 companion videos which help to break open the themes and encourage conversation and illuminate the scriptures for our lives today.
Ministering to suicidal depression 

Soul Shop: Ministering to Suicidal Depression is a day-long workshop offering by the Sanctuary Counseling Group for pastors and other faith community leaders on Tuesday, October 4, from 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Charlotte.
McDaniel Reformation Conference

This year's Michael C.D. McDaniel Center for Theology  Reformation Conference is planned for October 27 beginning at 9:30 a.m. and features the Rev. Dr. Carl Braaten, and the Rev. Lance Henderson, as lecturers, and the Rev. Dr. Scott Suskovic as workshop presenter. Held at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte.


Did you know?
Lots of our congregations participated in God's work. Our hands. Sunday on September 11. See great stories of ministry from that day by checking out our NC Synod, ELCA Facebook page. (And, while you're there, "Like" and "Follow" our page!)

Dates to remember

September 13, 5:30 p.m. Sardis Presby., Charlotte "Healthy Parsonage Series"

Sept. 15-17, First Presby., Asheboro "Russia Mission Network Conference"
September 16, 6:00 p.m. LRU hosts sexual assault discussion

September 17, 9:00 a.m. Apex UMC "Faith & Immigration Summit"

September 19, 8:30 a.m. Church of the Nativity, Raleigh "Prepare/Enrich Training"
September 19 Parker Palmer's "Bridging the Political Divide" final day

September 20, 10 a.m. St. Paul's Episcopal, Greenville
September 21, 10 a.m. First Presbyterian, Durham
September 22, 10 a.m. Selwyn Presbyterian, Charlotte
September 23, 10 a.m. First United Church of Christ, Asheville

September 23, 11 a.m. Wake Forest Divinity "Uncovering Your Hidden Currency"

September 23-24, Edenton St. UMC, Raleigh "Manna and Mercy"

September 25, Social Media Sunday

September 26-28, Lutheridge "Fall Convocation"

Boundary Training (rostered leaders received an email from the synod office)
September 28, 11 a.m. Nativity, Arden
October 17, 10 a.m. St. John's, Salisbury
November 10, 10 a.m. Christ the King, Cary
December 6, 10 a.m. Calvary, Morganton
January 12, 10 a.m. Our Father, Greensboro

Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Kure Beach Retreat Center "Good News, Good Brews"

Oct. 4, 8:30 a.m. St Mark's, CLT "Soul Shop: Ministry to Suicidal Depression"

October 6, 8 p.m. Roanoke College "The 95 Theses: What was that all about?"

October 22, Hickory YouthQuake, Mt. Pisgah, Hickory

October 22, Camp Agape' "Agape' Work Day"

October 27, McDaniel Ctr for Theology "Reformation Conference"

November 4-5, Trinity, Landsdale, PA "Strong Center Open Door: ELCA worship"


November 10-13, Lutheridge "Tending the Fire"

November 12, Raleigh YouthQuake, St. Philip, Raleigh
Synod E-News | NC Synod, ELCA | 704-6433-4861 | nclutheran.org