August 21, 2024

EaND News and Events


Register by August 31 for Fall Theological Conference!


Gather with your colleagues for a time of renewal and fellowship at the Eastern North Dakota Synod Fall Theological Conference at Fair Hills Resort in Detroit Lakes, MN. All rostered ministers are expected to attend this annual event, and lay ministers are welcome to attend (Synod Lay Ministers, youth directors, and other lay ministry professionals). Our guest presenter will be Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner. Read more about our speaker, find a draft agenda, and watch for updated information on our website.

 

Two-Step Registration Process: 

1. Register for the Conference - REGISTER HERE (register by August 31) 

2. Call Fair Hills Resort at 1-800-323-2849 to make arrangements for your lodging and meals. Information on Meals and Lodging(call by August 31) 

 

Registration for the Conference is $100 ($50 for retired rostered ministers or interns). 

Financial assistance is available for rostered ministers serving in specialized ministry (i.e. chaplaincy). Email Deacon Laurafor more information. 

Vital Conversations: "Kids These Days! Accompanying Young People in a Changing World"


Saturday, October 12th, 2024

Faith Journey - West Fargo & on ZOOM


“We wish we had more youth" is a common lament and conversation in many congregations, and one without an easy answer! Together will share research around the beliefs and perspectives of young people, explore how the world has changed, and wonder about the shifts the church can make to make space for and accompany young people. Join Dr. Michael Chan, Kristina Johnson Dernier, and Deacon Erin Power for a day of how we as the church love and accompany kids these days!


Those participating via zoom are welcome to attend as a team or small group with their congregation. Click here for more information and to register.

Holy Innovations Grant Recipients


We are thrilled to announce this year's recipients of the Holy Innovations grants!  The Holy Innovations Endowment encourages ministry vitality and inspires congregations and ministries to think boldly and innovatively about being the church in the world today. Grants from this endowment support innovation and experimentation in congregations and ministries. Grant recipients and their proposed projects are listed below.


  • St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo: Food Truck Night
  • Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fargo: Neighborhood Block Party
  • Washington/Northwood Parish: Harvest Blessings/Meal Delivery
  • St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Thompson: Dinner Church
  • Red Willow Bible Camp: Twice Blessed Thrift Store

Stewardship Planning for

Small Congregations


August 27, 10am-4:30pm

Trinity Lutheran, Cooperstown & Zoom


How do we talk about money? How do we do a stewardship campaign in a small congregation? How do we tell the story of our mission and ministry?


Join Rev. Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship for the ELCA, and Deacon Erin Power for a day of stewardship planning for this fall. Participants will leave with new tools for telling the stories of their ministry and a plan for a fall stewardship focus. This day is for lay leaders, rostered ministers, and synod lay ministers. Individuals are welcome, though congregations are encouraged to bring at least 2 people.

Register at this link.


Please Note: This event will now be offered in a hybrid format. Rev. Tim Brown will be connecting with us via Zoom, and participants are invited to attend either via Zoom or in person at Trinity Lutheran.  

New Devotional Resource


We are excited to share a new devotional resource now available for download! "Living our Baptism: The Marks of Discipleship" is a monthly devotional resource and reflection guide created especially for councils and ministry teams. Download the devotional here.

EaND Synod Fall Gatherings


Conference Fall Gathering dates are now available on our website! We hope you will mark your calendars and consider joining us this fall for a time of conversation and fellowship with synod staff and others in your conference. More information will be available in the coming months.

Stewardship Starters Fall Webinar:

Stewardship 101 for Councils & Leaders


Save the date for the next Stewardship Starters webinar: September 16, 2024 at 6:30pm.


More information will be available on our website.

Fall Youth Retreat


The Eastern North Dakota Fall Youth retreat will be September 20-22 at the Castaway Club. This retreat is geared for students in grades 6-10. Click here for more information from Rev. Kim Adams, EaND Youth Retreat Coordinator. Bishop Tessa will be providing a video and written sermon for congregations to use during the weekend of the youth retreat.

EaND Synodical Women's Organization Fall Convention


Saturday, September 27

Sharon Lutheran Church, Grand Forks


Download this flyer to learn all about this year's Eastern ND WELCA Fall Convention! Contact Jeanne Wobbema with questions.


Call Process


Please pray for congregations and rostered ministers in the call process. You can find a list of congregations currently in the call process on our website.

Other News and Events

ELCA Seminaries Virtual Discernment Event


Have you ever wondered about theological education? The ELCA seminaries would like to help you learn more about your seminary options and explore with you where God might be calling you next. Join all seven seminaries of the ELCA on Sunday, September 15th from 1:00-3:30 (PT), 2:00-4:30 (MT), 3:00-5:30 (CT), or 4:00-6:30 (ET) for a Joint Virtual Discernment Event. Click here to learn more and to register.

Stewardship of Life Festival: Tending it All with Wisdom


September 21, 2024

9:30am-2:30pm

First Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes, MN

Speaker: Pr. Emily Carson


What does it mean to be wise stewards of our whole lives? Using gardening as our metaphorical playground, we’ll explore how we might faithfully tend our attention, resources, and relationships as both individuals and congregations. With opportunities to learn from creation, God, and one another, this day is intended to be an experience that will leave you feeling rooted and inspired.

Learn more and register at this link.

Walking Together: 50 Years of World Hunger


Northeastern Minnesota Synod will be hosting Walking Together: 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger on Saturday, Oct 12, 2024 at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa, MN. This celebratory event will include worship with Glocal musicians, a hunger simulation, Action Center, silent auction and public art project. There will also be workshops with ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Advocacy-MN, Eco-Faith Network, Together Here, and Sumud Northland - each tying their ministries to the issues of hunger and justice. Members of the EaND Synod are invited to attend! Click here to go to the event page on the NEMN Synod website. Registration opens soon.

Contact Rev. Taryn Montgomery with questions.

ELCA World Hunger: World Food Day Webinar


When: October 15 @ 7pm CST

Where: Online


This special online event will be hosted by the Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and Imran Siddiqui, vice president of the ELCA. Click this link to learn more and register to receive reminders, event information, World Food Day resources and the event recording.

Soul Shop Workshops


Faith leaders and community members are invited to attend an upcoming Soul Shop workshop at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Soul Shop is a faith-based suicide prevention program. Their mission is to equip faith community leaders and congregations to minister to those impacted by suicide. Download the flyers below for more information.


Fargo-Moorhead Area Out of the Darkness Walk


You are invited to join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention North Dakota Chapter for the F/M Area Out of the Darkness Community Walk on September 22, 2024. Funds raised go directly to lifesaving research, education, advocacy and survivor support programming. Learn more and register at this link.

Sabbath Learning Retreat for Womxn in Ministry: Turks & Caicos


ConseCrate & Sunlight Tours are offering a travel opportunity for women in ministry to Turks and Caicos in January 2025! Are you a womxn in ministry leadership and looking for a time apart for renewal, learning, and connection in a beautiful location? Join us for this time of relaxation, spiritual exploration, dwelling with others, exciting excursions, great food, sunshine, and so much more! We are also joined by Deacon Michelle Walka who will be guiding us in learning and practice around the themes of rest, discernment, and creative expression along the way. Learn more at this link or download this flyer.

Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association Training Opportunity


The Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association (LuTMA) offers training for those pastors and church-workers interested in serving as Transitional Interim Ministers.

 Download this document to learn more.

"God's work. Our hands." Sunday


"God's work. Our hands." Sunday, the ELCA's annual day of service, is scheduled for September 8, 2024. Click here to see this year's toolkit, promotional, and worship resources available on the ELCA's website.

Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram


The Summer Lutheran Men in Mission newsletter is now available. Download a PDF version here or click this link to view the newsletter online. You can learn more about Lutheran Men in Mission here.

2024 Addiction & Faith Conference


The 2024 Addiction & Faith Conference will take place October 17-19, 2024 online. Learn more and register at this link or download this flyer.

Contact Us

Office Information

Phone: 701.232.3381

Physical Address: 1555 43rd St S, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58103

Mailing Address: PO Box 2019 Fargo, ND 58107

Office Hours:

Monday: by appointment

Tuesday: 9am-4pm

Wednesday: 9am-4pm

Thursday: by appointment

Friday: 9am-4pm

The physical office is only open by appointment on Mondays and Thursdays; however, the phone will be answered between 1pm-4pm.

Visit the EaND Synod Website!
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