Western North Dakota Synod

Phishing Scams Persist

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:10:33 GMT

Take the Time to See the Signs

How to Spot a Phishing Email: an article by L uke Irwi n

Email phishing is one of the most frequent forms of cybercrime, but despite how much we think we know about these scams, they still catch us far too often.

According to Proofpoint’s State of the Phish Report , 83% of organizations fell victim to a phishing attack last year.

Meanwhile, a Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that 25% of all data breaches involve phishing.

These figures help explain why phishing is considered to be among the biggest cyber security risks that organizations face. With a single email, criminal hackers can steal our personal information or infect our devices with malware.

Fortunately, preventing these attacks can be as simple as knowing how to identify phishing emails. But how do you spot a scam email? Here are five real-life examples to demonstrate the common signs that someone is trying to scam you.

1. The message is sent from a public email domain

No legitimate organization will send emails from an address that ends ‘@gmail.com’. Not even Google. Except for some small operations, most companies will have their own email domain and email accounts. For example, genuine emails from Google will read ‘@google.com’. If the domain name (the bit after the @ symbol) matches the apparent sender of the email, the message is probably legitimate. By contrast, if the email comes from an address that isn’t affiliated with the apparent sender, it’s almost certainly a scam. The most obvious way to spot a bogus email is if the sender uses a public email domain, such as ‘@gmail.com’.

In the following example, you can see that the sender’s email address doesn’t align with the message’s content, which appears to be from PayPal. However, the message itself looks realistic, and the attacker has customized the sender’s name field so that it will appear in recipients’ inboxes as ‘Account Support’.

Other phishing emails will take a more sophisticated approach by including the organization’s name in the local part of the domain. The address might read ‘paypalsupport@gmail.com’ for example. At first glance, you might see the word ‘PayPal’ in the email address and assume it is legitimate. However, you should remember that the important part of the address is what comes after the @ symbol. This dictates the organization from which the email has been sent.

If the email is from ‘@gmail.com’ or another public domain, you can be sure it has come from a personal account.

2. The domain name is misspelled.

There’s another clue hidden in domain names that provides a strong indication of phishing scams – unfortunately, it complicates our previous clue.

Anyone can buy a domain name from a registrar. And although every domain name must be unique, there are plenty of ways to create addresses that are indistinguishable from the one that’s being spoofed.

In the next example, scammers have registered the domain ‘microsfrtfonline.com’, which to a casual reader mimics the words ‘Microsoft Online’, which could reasonably be considered a legitimate address.

Remember, criminal hackers only require one mistake from one employee for their operation to be a success. Everyone in your organization must be confident in their ability to spot a scam upon first seeing it.

3. The email is poorly written

You can often tell if an email is a scam if it contains poor spelling and grammar. Many people will tell you that such errors are part of a ‘filtering system’ in which cyber criminals target only the most gullible people. The theory is that if someone ignores clues about how the message is written, they’re less likely to pick up clues during the scammer’s endgame. However, this only applies to outlandish schemes like the oft-mocked Nigerian prince scam, to which you must be incredibly naive to fall victim.

That, and scams like it, are manually operated: once someone takes to the bait, the scammer has to reply. As such, it benefits the crooks to ensure the pool of respondents contains only those who might believe the rest of the con.

But this doesn’t apply to phishing.

With phishing, scammers don’t need to monitor inboxes and send tailored responses. They simply dump thousands of crafted messages on unsuspecting people. As such, there’s no need to filter out potential respondents. So why are many phishing emails poorly written? In this case, the most obvious answer is the correct one: the scammers aren’t very good at writing. Remember, many of them are from non-English-speaking countries and backgrounds where they will have limited access or opportunity to learn the language. With this in mind, it becomes much easier to spot the difference between a typo made by a legitimate sender and a scam.

When crafting phishing messages, scammers often use a spellchecker or translation machine, giving them all the right words but not necessarily in the proper context. Take the following example of a scam imitating Windows.

No individual word is misspelled, but the message contains grammatical errors that a native speaker wouldn’t make, such as “We detected something unusual to use an application”. Likewise, there are strings of missed words, such as “a malicious user might trying to access” and “Please contact Security Communication Center”. These are consistent with the kinds of mistakes people make when learning English. Any supposedly official message written this way is almost certainly a scam. That’s not to say any email with a mistake is a scam, however. Everyone makes typos from time to time, especially when they’re in a hurry. It’s, therefore, the recipient’s responsibility to look at the context of the error and determine whether it’s a clue to something more sinister. You can do this by asking:

Is it a common sign of a typo (like hitting an adjacent key)?
Is it a mistake a native speaker shouldn’t make (grammatical incoherence, words used in the wrong context)?
Is this email a template which should have been crafted and copy-edited?
Is it consistent with previous messages I’ve received from this person?

If you’re in any doubt, look for other clues that we’ve listed here or contact the sender using another line of communication, whether in person, by phone, via their website, an alternative email address or through an instant message client.

4. It includes suspicious attachments or links

Phishing emails come in many forms. We’ve focused on emails in this article, but you might also get scam text messages, phone calls or social media posts. But no matter how phishing emails are delivered, they all contain a payload. This will either be an infected attachment you’re asked to download or a link to a bogus website. The purpose of these payloads is to capture sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, phone numbers and account numbers.

Infected attachments

An infected attachment is a seemingly benign document that contains malware .

In a typical example, like the next one, the phisher claims to be sending an invoice. It doesn’t matter whether the recipient expects to receive an invoice from this person or not because, in most cases, they won’t be sure what the message pertains to until they open the attachment. When they open the attachment, they’ll see that the invoice isn’t intended for them, but it will be too late. The document unleashes malware on the victim’s computer, which could perform any number of nefarious activities . It's advised that you never open an attachment unless you are confident that the message is from a legitimate party. Even then, you should look out for anything suspicious in the attachment. For example, if you receive a pop-up warning about the file’s legitimacy or the application asks you to adjust your settings, then don’t proceed. Contact the sender through an alternative means of communication and ask them to verify that it’s legitimate.

Suspicious links

You can spot a suspicious link if the destination address doesn’t match the context of the rest of the email.

For example, if you receive an email from Netflix, you would expect the link to direct you towards an address that begins ‘netflix.com’. Unfortunately, many legitimate and scam emails hide the destination address in a button, so it’s not immediately apparent where the link goes.

In this next example, the scammers are claiming that there is an issue with the recipient’s Netflix subscription. The email is designed to direct them to a mock-up of Netflix’s website, where they will be prompted to enter their payment details.

The fraudsters achieve two things by including the link within a button that says ‘Update account now’.

First, it makes the message look genuine, with buttons becoming increasingly popular in emails and websites. But more importantly, it hides the destination address, making it a hyperlink.

To ensure you don’t fall for schemes like this, you must train yourself to check where links go before opening them.

Thankfully, this is straightforward: on a computer, hover your mouse over the link, and the destination address appears in a small bar along the bottom of the browser.

On a mobile device, hold down on the link, and a pop-up will appear containing the link.

5. The message creates a sense of urgency

Scammers know that most of us procrastinate. We receive an email giving us important news, and we decide we’ll deal with it later. But the longer you think about something, the more likely you will notice things that don’t seem right.

Maybe you realize that the organization doesn’t contact you by that email address, or you speak to a colleague and learn that they didn’t send you a document. Even if you don’t get that ‘a-ha’ moment, returning to the message with a fresh set of eyes might help reveal its true nature. That’s why so many scams request that you act now, or else it will be too late. This has been evident in every example we’ve used so far. PayPal, Windows and Netflix provide regularly used services, and any problems with those statements could cause immediate inconveniences.

The manufactured sense of urgency is equally effective in workplace scams. Criminals know that we’re likely to drop everything if our boss emails us with a vital request, especially when other senior colleagues are supposedly waiting on us. Phishing scams like this are particularly dangerous because, even if the recipient did suspect foul play, they might be too afraid to confront their boss. After all, if they are wrong, they’re implying that there was something unprofessional about the boss’s request. However, organizations that value cyber security would accept that it’s better to be safe than sorry and perhaps even congratulate the employee for their caution.

The best way to protect yourself and your business from phishing scams is to become educated on how they work and what to look out for.

Boundaries Workshop

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:19:06 GMT

Space is Limited. Reserve Your Spot, Today!

Merriam-Webster defines a boundary as “something that shows where an area ends and another area begins.” As a synod, we are committed to providing you with opportunities to explore the intersections of healthy boundaries and your core identity as a beloved child of God. We are also committed to providing a safe and supportive space in which we explore what this means together.

Join us from 9:00am-3:30pm on April 16th at Peace Lutheran Church in Burlington or April 17th at Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library in Bismarck for a one-day boundaries workshop, led by Pastor Emily Carson, Director for Evangelical Mission & Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, Stewardship and Financial Administration, in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. Pastor Carson has been facilitating power and boundaries workshops for lay and rostered people across the country for the past 9 years.

Each session is limited to 35 participants.

CLICK HERE to register for the Burlington workshop.

CLICK HERE to register for the Bismarck workshop.

2026 Pre-Assembly Workshop

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:41:32 GMT

Equipping Storytellers: Practical Tools for Storytelling in Your Church

Stories shape faith, strengthen relationships, and help the gospel come alive in everyday life. And along the way, they often remind us to laugh and recognize God’s grace in ordinary moments.

Join ELCA pastor, speaker, humorist, and award-winning storyteller Nathan Mugaas on Friday, May 29 from 1:30-4:30pm CDT in the Rough Rider Center in Watford City, ND, for a practical and engaging workshop designed to help church leaders discover, shape, and share meaningful stories in congregational life.

Having grown up in a small rural church and serving his first call at Zion Lutheran in Minot, Nathan brings a deep appreciation for the strengths, relationships, and real-life challenges shared by congregations across our synod. This workshop is designed to encourage and equip both preachers and lay leaders, offering tools that strengthen communication, deepen connection, and bring fresh energy to ministry in congregations of any size.

Through live examples and a clear storytelling framework, participants will learn how to:

Identify and “mine” meaningful stories already present in their congregation
Shape stories for sermons, ministry moments, and seasonal services
Tell stories with clarity, authenticity, and confidence
Highlight the impact of ministry and shared life together
Cultivate a congregational culture that celebrates the stories of faith and everyday life

Participants will receive materials to support reflection and continued storytelling beyond the workshop. Together we will explore how stories can bring warmth, humor, and renewed connection as we walk together in faith.

The Palm Sunday Path

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:05:37 GMT

Non-partisan Path of Action Set for March 25, 2026

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WND Synod Receives Grant

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:09:05 GMT

Financial Support for Rural & Small-Town Congregations

Western North Dakota Synod is honored to announce that it has been selected as a grant recipient through The CaSTLE Project: The Country and Small Town Lived Ecclesiology Project, a five-year initiative led by Wartburg Theological Seminary to support renewal in small town and rural congregations.

With this grant, Western North Dakota will receive funding to strengthen and support Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs) and the mentors who walk alongside them. This investment will deepen those relationships while continuing to equip SAMs for the real, on-the-ground work of ministry. Through this grant, we will offer meaningful SAM education in both day-long workshops and retreat-style settings, creating space for learning, reflection, and renewal. In addition, SAM mentors will have opportunities to connect with a coach, helping them grow in confidence, clarity, and skill as they support leaders serving in complex and changing contexts. The project seeks to deepen baptismal identity and cultivate thriving, Spirit-led communities of faith in rural contexts.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Wartburg Theological Seminary and The CaSTLE Project,” said Rev. Brad Dokken, Associate to the Bishop for Call, Candidacy, and Leadership. “This grant will allow us to strengthen our already excellent SAMs in a more unified way across the synod, equipping them for a future rooted in hope and purpose.”

The CaSTLE Project, funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., aims to renew a baptismal ecclesiology for the long-term flourishing of rural congregational life. Western North Dakota Synod joins a growing cohort of synod grantees, shaped by mutual learning, community building, and innovation.

“We are excited to walk alongside the leaders of Western North Dakota in this journey of renewal,” said Rev. Ramie Bakken, Director of The CaSTLE Project.

For more information about The CaSTLE Project, visit: https://www.wartburgseminary.edu/castle-project and https://www.thecastleproject.org

Local Contact:

Rev Brad Dokken Associate to the Bishop for Call, Candidacy, and Leadership

701-552-5112

brad@wndsynod.org

The Western Whirlwind

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:34:11 GMT

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

Did you know that "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written as a catechism song for young Catholics? In this edition of the Western Whirlwind , you'll learn the hidden meanings in the song!

That, and a lot more will be found when you click the link and open the December, 2025 Western Whirlwind .

Food Support Is Available

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:10:34 GMT

Local Pantries and Caring Neighbors Lend a Hand

Many of our neighbors are worried about how they are going to put food on the table. If you or someone you know are worried about food, there is help - you are not alone. There are local pantries and caring neighbors ready to lend a hand.

FIND FOOD for Yourself or Neighbor

https://greatplainsfoodbank.org/get-help/

Click on the “ Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens and Shelters ” button

Users can search by county and city using the interactive statewide map or clicking on county links below the map.

Ways To Help

Check-in with family and neighbors, “How are you?” If you can, offer to help...a ride to the pantry (or go to

the pantry for them), invite them to dinner, bring them some extra groceries, or print them a list of pantries.

• Every $1 donated to Great Plains Food Bank helps provide $4 worth of groceries to neighbors in need.

• Host a food drive for your local pantry.

• If you have extra, unopened, shelf stable, nonperishable, not expired food...drop it off at your local pantry.

This is an extremely stressful time for many of us. Talking about our worries and fears can really help.

Sometimes it’s even easier to open up to someone you don’t know...call or text 211 anonymously.

Lunch & Learn Zoominar

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 03:29:00 GMT

When: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 12:00 p.m. CT

All pastors, deacons, synod authorized ministers, and congregation council members are invited to join Bishop Craig and Synod Attorney Murray Sagsveen for a brief introduction to changes to the 2025 model constitution for congregations. This informative Zoominar will highlight updates to congregational constitutions that were approved by the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Bishop Craig and Mr. Sagsveen will provide information to congregational leaders about the updates and the best ways to implement them into your congregation’s constitution.

Follow this link to register and join the Zoominar on November 13th.

2025 Advent Worship Resource

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:22:25 GMT

An Advent Liturgy Based on "Ground Floor Grace" by John Stevens

"To encourage and equip the ministries of the Western North Dakota Synod-ELCA, so that the Good News of Jesus Christ is proclaimed, and all God’s children feel welcomed and included in the ministries to which God calls us."

It is our hope that this resource will equip clergy, synod authorized ministers, worship leaders, councils, etc., to share the Good News of Jesus Christ during the season of Advent.

A special thanks to the contributors for this resource, who helped experiment with the possibility of creating a gift to the Western North Dakota Synod:

Rev. Brad Dokken, Associate with the Bishop for Leadership, Candidacy, and Call

Rev. Tera Kossow, Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM)

Rev. Kim Gifford, Pastor, Peace Lutheran, Burlington, ND

Rev. Russell Lambert, Pastor, Northwest United Lutheran Parish, Crosby, ND

Rev. Kathi Nygaard, Pastor, Zion Lutheran, Beulah, ND

Rev. Katie Rodriguez, Dunn County Lutheran Parish, Killdeer, ND

Rev. Emmy Swedlund, Pastor, Oak Valley Lutheran, Velva, ND

Rev. Mary Wiggins, St. John Lutheran, Dickinson, ND

and of course, to Rev. John Stevens, Pastor, Zion Lutheran, Oregon City, OR, author of the book, "Ground Floor Grace".

LivingWorks FAITH Curriculum

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:09:53 GMT

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Last year, the MN Department of Agriculture and partners in Wisconsin and South Dakota offered a Suicide Prevention for Rural Ministry course, which paired the online LivingWorks FAITH course with four virtual discussion sections.

This program reached 75 faith leaders in MN, ND, SD, and WI and received strong positive reviews from participants.

We have 40 additional enrollments for LivingWorks FAITH available, and we want them to be used! The course typically costs $150 per person, but we’re making it available to rural clergy and ministry leaders from any denomination or faith tradition at no charge . The simple online application form is here .

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Farm and rural suicides happen more frequently than in urban areas and are frequently shrouded with stigma. People may turn to clergy and other ministry leaders for help, but you may have little training in knowing how to ask someone about thoughts of suicide, how to connect them to help, or how to provide ministry after a suicide attempt or death.

ABOUT LIVINGWORKS FAITH

The course is interactive, online, and asynchronous (at your own pace). It takes approximately 6 hours to complete and teaches approaches and skills that will equip you for suicide prevention , intervention , and postvention (bereavement) tasks so you can effectively care for people who are struggling with thoughts of suicide or who have been impacted by suicide.

ELIGIBLITY

Applicants must be clergy or other ministry leaders who work in a rural area of Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, or North Dakota.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit https://forms.gle/jq9hcY5EHmcJ9r5t7 (this is a MN Dept. of Agriculture Google Form).

Join these clergy & other rural faith leaders who have

already completed LivingWorks FAITH.

Boundaries Workshops Scheduled

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:24:43 GMT

Space Is Limited. Reserve Your Spot Today!

Merriam-Webster defines a boundary as “something that shows where an area ends and another area begins.” As a synod, we are committed to providing you with opportunities to explore the intersections of healthy boundaries and your core identity as a beloved child of God. We are also committed to providing a safe and supportive space in which we explore what this means together.

Join us on October 20th in Minot or October 21st in Bismarck for a one-day boundaries workshop, led by Pastor Emily Carson, Director for Evangelical Mission & Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity, Stewardship and Financial Administration, in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. Pastor Carson has been facilitating power and boundaries workshops for lay and rostered people across the country for the past 8 years.

If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, more will be offered in the spring of 2026.

Each session is limited to 35 participants.

CLICK HERE to register for the Minot workshop.

CLICK HERE to register for the Bismarck workshop.

LYO 2025: Wanted

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:23:57 GMT

WND Synod Youth Gathering Set for October

Gather your group and get to the event of the year!

LYO 2025: Wanted

October 16 & 17 (high school)

and October 17 & 18 (middle school)

Astoria Hotel in Dickinson, ND.

CLICK HERE to register your High School students online .

CLICK HERE to register your Middle School students online .

Download the Adult Leader Guide here.

Also, we are taking youth nominations for the LYO Board. Fill them out, along with an Adult Recommendation form, and get them to WND Synod LYO Coordinator, Lora Isakson .

Best of Egypt with WND Synod

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:33:50 GMT

A Land Where Ancient Wonders and Vibrant Culture Come to Life

Overview

Join Bishop Craig Schweitzer and the Western North Dakota Synod on an unforgettable journey to Egypt — a land where ancient wonders and vibrant culture come to life.

Stand in awe before the Pyramids of Giza , sail along the majestic Nile River , and wander through temples that have stood for thousands of years. Feel the pulse of Cairo’s bustling bazaars, marvel at sweeping desert landscapes, and, if you wish, unwind along the pristine shores of the Red Sea .

Discover Egypt’s deep Christian heritage as you visit historic Coptic churches , including the Hanging Church and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus—believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their time in Egypt—as well as the sacred St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai.

From exploring its pharaonic treasures to savoring the bold flavors of Egyptian cuisine, every moment in this captivating country will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

DETAILS:

Trip departs on January 22, 2027 and returns on January 31, 2027

PRICING:

$3,790.00 per person based on double occupancy (Land Only)
Single room supplement - $790.00

PAYMENT PLAN:

$300.00 deposit per person with registration to secure space
Balance due on or before September 26, 2026

REGISTRATION:

Registering online? CLICK HERE and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a nonrefundable 4% platform fee applies)
Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mailed to 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

Flight cost and itinerary will be posted in March 2026.

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

What makes this tour special

**Cairo:** the vibrant capital city of Egypt, stands as a timeless beacon of history, culture, and resilience. Nestled along the legendary Nile River, Cairo pulsates with the energy of its bustling streets, where ancient monuments coexist harmoniously with modern skyscrapers.

One cannot help but be mesmerized by Cairo's architectural wonders, from the iconic pyramids of Giza to the majestic Sphinx, each a testament to the grandeur of ancient civilizations. The city's labyrinthine alleys lead to vibrant bazaars, where the aroma of spices mingles with the sounds of bargaining, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Cairo is not merely a city frozen in time; it is a thriving metropolis where the past meets the present. Museums such as the Egyptian Museum house treasures that unveil the mysteries of pharaonic Egypt, while contemporary art galleries showcase the city's vibrant creative scene.

Yet, perhaps the most enchanting aspect of Cairo is its people—warm, hospitable, and proud of their heritage. Whether sipping tea in a traditional café or strolling along the Nile promenade, visitors are greeted with smiles that reflect Cairo's enduring spirit.

In Cairo, time seems to flow differently, merging the ancient with the modern, the past with the present, creating an unforgettable tapestry of culture, history, and life.

**Luxor:** often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, is a captivating destination nestled along the banks of the Nile River in southern Egypt. Renowned for its unparalleled wealth of ancient monuments, Luxor stands as a testament to the magnificence of ancient Egyptian civilization.

At the heart of Luxor lies the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sanctuary dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, where towering columns and intricately carved hieroglyphs transport visitors back in time. Nearby, the majestic Luxor Temple illuminated against the night sky, evokes a sense of wonder and reverence.

No visit to Luxor is complete without exploring the West Bank, home to the legendary Valley of the Kings. Here, amidst the stark desert landscape, lie the tombs of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II, adorned with elaborate wall paintings that depict scenes from the afterlife.

Beyond its archaeological treasures, Luxor offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from traditional markets teeming with vibrant textiles and spices to tranquil felucca rides along the Nile at sunset. The city's bustling streets pulse with life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors.

In Luxor, history comes alive, beckoning travelers on a journey of discovery through the storied corridors of ancient Egypt. With each step, one cannot help but be captivated by the timeless allure of this extraordinary city on the banks of the Nile.

**Aswan:** nestled along the serene banks of the Nile River in southern Egypt, exudes a tranquil charm that sets it apart as a captivating destination. Known as the "Jewel of the Nile," Aswan boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that beckons travelers from around the world.

At the heart of Aswan lies the magnificent Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering that has tamed the mighty Nile and provided vital irrigation and electricity to the region. Nearby, the serene waters of Lake Nasser stretch into the horizon, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the desert landscape.

One of Aswan's most iconic landmarks is the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and steeped in ancient mythology. Accessible by boat, this picturesque temple complex transports visitors to a bygone era with its graceful colonnades, towering pylons, and beautifully preserved reliefs.

Aswan is also renowned for its vibrant Nubian culture, which is celebrated in colorful festivals, lively music, and intricately crafted handicrafts. Visitors can explore the Nubian villages scattered along the riverbanks, where friendly locals welcome guests with warm hospitality and stories of their ancient heritage.

For those seeking adventure, Aswan offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from leisurely felucca cruises to exhilarating camel treks through the desert. And as the sun sets over the golden sands, the vibrant hues of the sky reflect off the tranquil waters of the Nile, casting a magical glow over this timeless city.

In Aswan, time seems to slow down, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its history, and the warmth of its people. Whether exploring ancient temples, cruising along the Nile, or simply savoring the tranquility of its surroundings, visitors to Aswan are sure to be captivated by its timeless allure.

**St. Catherine's Monastery:** located at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt, is one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. Built in the 6th century, it was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and is revered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is famous for its ancient library, housing one of the largest collections of early manuscripts and codices, second only to the Vatican. It is also home to the Burning Bush, believed to be where God spoke to Moses, according to biblical tradition. A site of great spiritual, historical, and architectural significance, it remains an active center of worship and pilgrimage.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Jan 28: Departure from USA

Begin your adventure as you depart for Egypt, a land of timeless wonders and spiritual depth.

Day 2 – Jan 22: Arrival in Cairo

Arrive in Cairo. After airport assistance, transfer to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Highlight: Cairo—Africa’s largest city—is where ancient history meets modern hustle and sacred traditions.

Day 3 – Jan 23: Pyramids of Giza & Grand Egyptian Museum

After breakfast, visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Enjoy lunch, then explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient artifacts including the treasures of King Tutankhamun.
Highlight: Stand before the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World and walk through one of the most impressive museums on the planet.

Day 4 – Jan 24: Coptic Cairo

Visit the sacred Christian sites in Old Cairo, including the Church of Saint George, Saint Barbara, Abu Serga (where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed), and the Hanging Church. Lunch included, with dinner back at the hotel.
Highlight: Step into some of the earliest Christian landmarks in the world and connect with Egypt’s rich spiritual heritage.

Day 5 – Jan 25: Flight to Luxor & Start of Nile Cruise

Early morning flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, transfer to your 5★ Nile cruise ship and check in before lunch. In the afternoon, visit Luxor Temple and the vast Karnak Temple complex.
Highlight: Walk among the towering columns and sacred sanctuaries of ancient Thebes, once the spiritual center of the pharaohs.

Day 6 – Jan 26: West Bank of Luxor & Sail to Esna

Explore the West Bank of Luxor: visit the Colossi of Memnon, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Egypt’s powerful female pharaoh), and enjoy lunch on board. Begin sailing south, passing through the Esna lock en route to Edfu.
Highlight: Stand in awe before grand temples carved into cliffs and watch daily life unfold along the Nile.

Day 7 – Jan 27: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

Visit the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus—one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Continue sailing to Kom Ombo and visit its unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek (crocodile god) and Horus.
Highlight: Discover myth, medicine, and mummified crocodiles in Egypt’s remarkable riverside temples.

Day 8 – Jan 28: Philae Temple & Nubian Village (Aswan)

Take a motorboat to visit Philae Temple, beautifully located on an island and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Then, visit a colorful Nubian village to experience local hospitality before returning to your cruise.
Highlight: Feel the grace of ancient love stories and the warmth of Nubian culture—all in one day.

Day 9 – Jan 29: Travel to St. Catherine (Sinai)

Fly to Cairo, then drive across the dramatic Sinai Peninsula. Stop for lunch by the Red Sea in Ras Sudr before arriving at St. Catherine’s Guest House. Dinner and overnight stay.
Highlight: Journey across sacred landscapes to one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world.

Day 10 – Jan 30: Mount Sinai & St. Catherine’s Monastery

At 1:00 AM, begin the climb up Mount Sinai to watch the sunrise from its summit—where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. After descending, enjoy breakfast and visit St. Catherine’s Monastery. Drive back to Cairo for overnight.
Highlight: A spiritual moment at the top of Sinai—an unforgettable sunrise in one of the most meaningful places on Earth.

Day 11 – Jan 31: Departure – Back to the USA

Fly back home, ending your journey enriched with deep faith, ancient history, and unforgettable experiences.

2025 Bishop's Convocation

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:42:47 GMT

Expect Less, Nourish More

The Rev. Dr. Nate Frambach from Wartburg Seminary joins us September 14-16 at Metigoshe Ministries in Bottineau, ND for the 2025 Bishop's Convocation (formerly the Rostered Leaders Gathering) .

All leaders need to be reminded of the beauty of their call to ministry. The Rev. Dr. Nate Frambach will lead us with generous space for connecting with ourselves, and with one another, to help us fully appreciate and remember that you are a human and a beloved child of God. The Bishop's Convocation will be space to not worry about what's expected of you to "do" or to "learn." Together this retreat will be created for your nourishment.

Accommodation Options:

On-site through Metigoshe Ministries - (701) 263-4788

Lake Metigoshe Quilt Inn - (701) 263-6500

Cobblestone Inn in Bottineau, ND (701) 534-2121

Nathan and Diane Frambach live in Dubuque, Iowa...the “masterpiece on the Mississippi”... and the home of Wartburg Theological Seminary.

Nate is Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology; recently retired after serving twenty-five years as a teaching theologian at Wartburg. He currently serves as part-time pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Dubuque.

Diane is also recently retired, having worked in public education her entire professional career as a school counselor. She now enjoys serving as a certified spiritual director.

They have two young adult children, Garrett and Andres, who live in Madison, WI, and Lakeland, MN, respectively.

The Western Whirlwind

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:24:29 GMT

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

This edition of the Western Whirlwind includes information on the upcoming Cluster Gatherings as well as the 2026 WELCA Triennial Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa, July 16 - 19,2026. The theme for this event is "I Am Worthy".
Read the September, 2025 Western Whirlwind

Journey Through the Enneagram

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:34:34 GMT

An Online Group Experience with Deacon Beth Anderson

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The Western Whirlwind

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 20 May 2025 16:56:42 GMT

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

This edition of the Western Whirlwind includes information on the 2026 WELCA Triennial Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa, July 16 - 19,2026. The theme for this event is "I Am Worthy".
Read the June, 2025 Western Whirlwind

Retreat for Church Musicians

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 15 May 2025 20:06:00 GMT

September 11-13, 2025 in Rural Windom, MN

You are invited to experience the peace of the prairie at Shalom Hill Farm in rural Windom, MN. This retreat is designed to offer a time of renewal for church musicians as a new year of programming begins. The retreat will include worship, discussion, resource sharing and fellowship, as well as opportunities to enjoy the walking prayer trails, prayer labyrinth, and the peace of the prairie landscape of Shalom Hill Farm. We pray this retreat will provide inspiration and encouragement to all who attend.

Musicians will be introduced to Shalom Hill Farm’s newly commissioned liturgical resources including

Peace of the Prairie: A Liturgy for Here and Now and Shalom Daily Prayers: Morning, Midday, Evening. Your Retreat Leader is Carol Meier, Composer and Liturgical Musician, MA Liturgical Music

Click here to learn more about this retreat.

Addressing Financial Wellness

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 15 May 2025 19:54:16 GMT

Financial Wellness for You and Your Congregation

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Healthy Boundaries Training

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:29:22 GMT

For ELCA Region 3 Leaders Who Work with Children, Youth, and Family Ministries.

Designed for participants to explore their own relationship to power, boundaries, and authority, and to gain insights into how these dynamics shape their leadership. Beyond personal reflection, the workshop will also equip leaders to actively foster wise boundary-setting skills in the young people they serve. Through discussion and practical strategies, attendees will be empowered to nurture healthy, trust-filled ministry spaces.

Tuesday, May 6th

6:00-7:30pm on Zoom

Cost: $10 donation to benefit Global Refuge

Rev. Emily Carson of SEMN will facilitate our training. Participants can register through the NE Minnesota Synod to receive the Zoom link. We ask for a $10 donation, which we will give to Global Refuge, given their increased need and recognizing that much of their work impacts refugee children, youth, and families.

https://nemnsynod.org/event/healthy-boundaries-training/

www.cognitoforms.com/NortheasternMinnesotaSynod/HealthyBoundariesTraining

The Western Whirlwind

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:13:58 GMT

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

This edition of the Western Whirlwind details the changes being made to Gather in 2025 and much, much more. Read it now!
Read the March, 2025 Western Whirlwind

eNewsletter - February 17, 2025

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:05:02 GMT

Get the Latest News from the Synod, All in One Convenient Location

Much like the Advent worship resource that was provided by the WND Synod in 2024, a Lenten worship resource is now available! This resource can be used as a midweek service, or to supplement your Sunday services. Use any or all of what is provided!

The Lenten worship resource can be found on the WND Synod website for download.

CLICK HERE to download the pdf version

CLICK HERE to download the doc version

If you have any questions about this Lenton Resource, or questions about the season of Lent in general, please speak with DEM Pastor Tera Kossow or Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Brad Dokken.

The Intersection of Addiction and Faith with Timothy McMahan King

Join WND Synod Lay and Ordained leaders at Christ Lutheran Church of Minot, Saturday, March 8th from 10am - 4pm for our latest Synod Enrichment and GIFTS event.

Arranged by the Western North Dakota Synod and hosted by Christ Lutheran Church of Minot, guest speaker Timothy McMahan King will lead us on an engaging journey to where addiction intersects with faith.

Registration for the Saturday event is required. CLICK HERE to sign up now.

Timothy McMahan King is a writer, senior fellow for Clergy for a New Drug Policy, and the owner of Vagabond Strategies. He is the former chief strategy officer for Sojourners and has served as a consultant for national non-profits, advocacy campaigns, and political candidates. The author of Addiction Nation: What the Opioid Crisis Reveals About Us (Herald Press, 2019), he is an active advocate for those in recovery and to reform United States drug policy. His second book, What Are Drugs For? is forthcoming with Fortress Press. He has written widely for national publications, including the Wall Street Journal and CNN.

McMahan King has spoken and lectured across the country from Georgetown University to the Chautauqua Institution. His writing is required reading for classrooms and graduate programs across the country for his unique perspective at the intersection of faith, science, drugs, and addiction while calling for an end to a culture of punishment.

A graduate of North Park University with degrees in theology and philosophy, McMahan King has a deep interest in what healing looks like for the individual and our culture. Growing up on a farm in New Hampshire, he has a keen awareness of the ways in which our communities and the natural environment can call us into greater wholeness.

McMahan King lives with his wife, Hannah; their daughter, Ruth; and their dog, Hank, in North Carolina.

A public forum with McMahan King will be held Friday, March 7th at 7PM at Christ Lutheran Church of Minot. Registration for this public forum is not required, all are welcome!

To help satisfy a growing need, DEM Tera Kossow has arranged for pastors of the WND Synod to provide one video sermon and manuscript to share each month.

The next sermon in this series will be for February 27th, provided by Pastor Michon Weingartner of Bethlehem Lutheran in Bowbells, Christ Lutheran in Lignite, and Trinity Lutheran in Columbus. Please go to the Congregations page of the WND Synod website to see the list of sermon videos and sermon manuscripts that are available. When the video and manuscript have been produced, the links will be activated and can be downloaded for use.

The list of available sermons will be updated on this page as they become available. Check back often.

WATCH THIS

In a message to the church, ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton says that “despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church.”

SAVE THE DATES

2025 SYNOD ASSEMBLY: Rooted and Grounded in Love

When: May 30th - June 1st, 2025

Where: Minot Grand Oasis (formerly the Grand International)

Make Reservations by Calling: (701) 852-3161

Room Block: "Western ND Synod Assembly"

Theme Passage: Ephesians 3:14-21

More information will be provided when Bishop Craig returns from sabbatical in early 2025.

2025 BISHOP'S CONVOCATION

(formerly Rostered Leaders Gathering)

When: September 14th, 15th & 16th, 2025

Where: Metigoshe Ministries, Bottineau, ND

Accommodation Options:

On-site through Metigoshe Ministries - (701) 263-4788

Lake Metigoshe Quilt Inn - (701) 263-6500

Cobblestone Inn in Bottineau, ND (701) 534-2121

More information will be provided when Bishop Craig returns from sabbatical in early 2025.

Supporting Families Living with Dementia in Spiritual Communities - Virtual ALZ Learn

Feb 25, 2025 01:00 PM CST

Are you concerned that a member of your spiritual community is experiencing memory loss? While there are

several reasons why this can happen, Alzheimer’s and dementia are possibilities. During this presentation you will

learn “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.” We will also explore tips to support community members navigating the

dementia journey and discuss ways to connect their families with resources from the Alzheimer’s Association.

CLICK HERE to register for this event

Nominate Young Musicians

for Lutheran Summer Music

Enrollment is filling fast for the LSM 2025! Students come together in an immersive musical community that connects the pursuit of musical growth with the joy of Lutheran church music traditions.

LSM welcomes musicians of all kinds: brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more.

Know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from this life-giving and joyful musical community? Nominate them for LSM today LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University from June 22-July 20 (Half Session through July 6). Standard Enrollment is open now through March 1.

NORTH DAKOTA SYNOD GUIDELINES FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS BY THE ANNUAL SYNOD ASSEMBLY

The 2025 Western North Dakota Synod Assembly will be held May 30 – June 1, 2025, at the Grand Hotel, Minot.

All resolutions of substance must be submitted to the Synod office no later than April 1, 2025. All resolutions submitted to the annual Western North Dakota Synod Assembly for action will be first reviewed by a Reference and Counsel Committee appointed by the WND Synod Council. See the Guidelines for Writing Resolutions 2025 for more information.

RESOLUTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED DIGITALLY IN MICROSOFT WORD FORMAT AND EMAILED AS FILE ATTACHMENTS TO:

The WND Synod Office – Lesley@wndsynod.org

Contact Murray Sagsveen, Synod Attorney murray@wndsynod.org with any questions, comments, or assistance requests.

Please note: To the extent time permits, the Reference and Counsel Committee may present to the Assembly for consideration any written proposal or resolution signed by twenty-five voting members of the Assembly, which is germane to any items on the agenda or of significant concern to the Western North Dakota Synod, if electronically submitted (e.g., email or flash drive) to the Chairperson by 3:00 p.m. on the first day of the Assembly.

Go to wndsynod.org to download the Resolution Worksheet Word document and to download a copy of the synod guidelines .

Ministry Endowment

Supporting Leaders in Ministry

To maintain healthy congregations, we need pastors and other leaders willing to serve. Some seminarians may need scholarships, help with debt, or growth as they are in ministry. Grant funds are specifically for those serving or intending to serve in the WND Synod.

WND Rostered Leaders may apply for debt reduction support. Go to the synod website to download the Student Loan Grant Application .

You are invited to join a virtual informational session where you can meet with Reverend Pete Reuss,

the Stewardship for All Seasons facilitator and learn more about the process. Please join us online on

Tuesday, February 20th

at 11:00AM CST

CLICK HERE to request the link for the virtual informational session.

You are invited to join a virtual informational session where you can meet with Reverend Pete Reuss,

the Stewardship for All Seasons facilitator and learn more about the process. Please join us online on

Tuesday, February 20th

at 11:00AM CST

CLICK HERE to request the link for the virtual informational session.

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is hosting Signs Along the Way April 4-6 ^th for anyone who is discerning a call to seminary and is interested in online education. Connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs. PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer some travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more.

Metigoshe Ministries in Bottineau, ND is honored to host the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum on March 27, from 10:30 AM to 4:45 PM. This year’s theme, "Seven Acts of Faith for Building Thriving Congregations," invites people of faith to explore meaningful ways to integrate creation care into their faith communities. The event will feature inspiring speakers, engaging workshops, and practical tools for action.

A free lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration closes on March 20 .

To Register:

Visit https://nationalfaithandclimateforum.org

Fill out the required registration fields

Select “ Attend in person at a designated host location ” as your ticket type

Choose “ Metigoshe Ministries ” as your location

Submit your registration and check your email for confirmation!

Let’s come together to learn, inspire, and act!

Get Ready for Tax Season

Since congregations and clergy have unique reporting requirements, Portico offers complimentary access to two important resources:

The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar focuses on tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.
Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.

Both tax guides are available on myPortico and the Tax Filing Information tab on EmployerLink .

March WND Synod Enrichment and GIFTS Event

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:29:24 GMT

The Intersection of Addiction and Faith with Timothy McMahan King

Join WND Synod Lay and Ordained leaders at Christ Lutheran Church of Minot, Saturday, March 8th from 10am - 4pm for our latest Synod Enrichment and GIFTS event. Arranged by the Western North Dakota Synod and hosted by Christ Lutheran Church of Minot, guest speaker Timothy McMahan King will lead us on an engaging journey to where addiction intersects with faith.

Registration for the Saturday event is required. CLICK HERE to sign up now.

Timothy McMahan King is a writer, senior fellow for Clergy for a New Drug Policy, and the owner of Vagabond Strategies. He is the former chief strategy officer for Sojourners and has served as a consultant for national non-profits, advocacy campaigns, and political candidates. The author of Addiction Nation: What the Opioid Crisis Reveals About Us (Herald Press, 2019) , he is an active advocate for those in recovery and to reform United States drug policy. His second book, What Are Drugs For? is forthcoming with Fortress Press. He has written widely for national publications, including the Wall Street Journal and CNN.

McMahan King lives with his wife, Hannah; their daughter, Ruth; and their dog, Hank, in North Carolina.

A public forum with McMahan King will be held Friday, March 7th at 7PM at Christ Lutheran Church of Minot. Registration for this public forum is not required, all are welcome!

Stewardship for All Seasons

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 22:38:00 GMT

Expanding Ministry!

Just think of the lives your congregation could impact if your members grew their giving by 10%-15% next year! This is exactly the goal of Stewardship for All Seasons, a two-year, comprehensive process. SAS congregations embrace an impactful annual appeal and move into other vital realms of a culture of generosity: Communications and Storytelling, Strategic Planning, Endowments, Special Appeals, Volunteer Recruitment, and Donor Cultivation.

The Western North Dakota Synod invites you to a virtual informational session to meet Rev. Pete Reuss, the SAS facilitator, and learn more about the process on Tuesday, February 20 at 11:00. Contact Pete at reuss@gsbfr.com to receive the Zoom link, or with any questions.

The process will begin in May.

"Stewardship For All Seasons has been a blessing to our congregation. It has helped us to think intentionally about Stewardship at a piece of our overall ministry of sharing the Gospel. Many times, we do not think of sharing as an opportunity for our congregation to grow in faith, even though it is spoken of this way in scripture. It reminded our leaders of this opportunity and gave our people another opportunity to grow in faith. In midst of those gifts, we have been blessed with many more resources."

- Pastor Joel Samuelson, House of Prayer, Bismarck.

A Pastoral Message

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:08:57 GMT

A message from ELCA Bishops of Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota

God’s Beloved People,
I am sharing some resources with you on behalf of Bishop Craig and the entire synod staff. We are living in times of concern for many, and we want to share resources with you that might help. Please know we are praying for you and we remind you that God’s love for God’s people extends to all of us. Everyone is our neighbor, and we are to care for our neighbor as we care for ourselves.

Pastor Brad Dokken
Associate to the Bishop

A PASTORAL MESSAGE
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

As Evangelical Lutheran Church in America bishops in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota we serve in contexts that stretch from the badlands to the prairies, from fertile farmlands and forests to urban centers. Though the contexts are diverse, God’s mandates for how we are to live are the same.

In recent days, the heightened rhetoric of violence and newly enacted Executive Orders compel us to remind people of faith of God’s fundamental blessing of all human life. In the language of the Bible, we say that all people are made in the image of God. Every person – without exception – has inherent dignity and value because all people are made in God’s own image. Human dignity and value come from God. People of faith throughout our region, and indeed this world, are compelled to speak and act toward others in ways that honor the image in which we all are made. All people and groups deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in our common speech and in our public and private interactions. If we wonder what such dignity and respect look like, Jesus made it simple with a teaching known as “the Golden Rule,” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12)

The apostle Paul wrote in the book of Galatians, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) These are the traits that guide our interactions with all our neighbors and inform our conduct in daily life. These are the characteristics that embolden us even as we work for justice and peace.

Across this region, we are grateful for the many people of goodwill who are working to increase dialogue, seek the common good, and treat our neighbors, near and far, as those who bear the image of God. We are with you in prayer as, together, we seek to live lives worthy of this ancient admonition from God’s word, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)

In Christ,

Bishop Constanze Hagmaier, South Dakota Synod, ELCA

Bishop Regina Hassanally, Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Bishop Patricia Lull, Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA

Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth, Eastern North Dakota Synod ELCA

Bishop Jen Nagel, Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA

Bishop Amy Odgren, Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Bishop Dee Pederson, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Bishop Craig Schweitzer , Western North Dakota Synod - ELCA

Bishop Bill Tesch, Northwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Lenten Worship Resources

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:34:19 GMT

A worship service resource to use and adapt as you wish

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

2026 Lenten Worship Resource (.pdf version)

2026 Lenten Worship Resource (.doc version)

Lent is a time of growing deeper in faith. In this time of reflection, we focus on the symbol that sums up our faith: the cross of Christ. We look at the empty cross so that we can focus our hearts and minds on the blessings of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

This resource contains only a mid-week service. For other worship resources, please see the 2025 resource. Be sure to change dates, scripture, etc., to match the readings for this year, Year A in the lectionary cycle.

If you are interested in being part of a future writing project, please let me know. Please share this resource among colleagues and friends near and far.

Blessings,

Rev. Tera Kossow, Director for Evangelical Mission, Western North Dakota Synod

* During these services, there is a time for quiet reflection following the reading of the gospel text. In the weeks before Lent, encourage people to bring crosses from home to be blessed during the service. You could also make a cross that you can hang (paper on the wall, wood standing cross, be creative) so that people can write their burdens on cloth or paper and hang them on the cross. These could also be laid at the foot of a cross that already exists in your worship space.

2025 Lenten Worship Resource (.pdf version)

2025 Lenten Worship Resource (.doc version)

Discipleship Reset

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:36:35 GMT

Rooted Faith, Fresh Approaches

DISCIPLESHIP RESET:

Rooted Faith, Fresh Approaches

February 3-7

12PM CST (registration allows you to watch live or on-demand)

In an age of rapid change, skepticism, and content overload, the call to make disciples often feels like a daunting challenge. Discipleship Reset is about helping church leaders rediscover and reignite the heart of discipleship for today’s world.

Many churches in North America are facing a crisis of discipleship, and many churches don’t know where to begin to address discipleship in this ever-changing world.

Discipleship Week is a week-long live training experience designed to equip the leaders of the average North American church for the opportunities of 2025.

You will learn how to:

Address the discipleship crisis and foster a whole-hearted, Kingdom-focused approach.
Empower believers for natural, organic discipleship in everyday life.
Build lasting faith and authentic witness in a skeptical culture.
Use shared meals as a space for deep discipleship.
Unleash bold, adventurous discipleship beyond the pews.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Annual Congregational Audit

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:08:57 GMT

A Recommendation from our Synod Attorney

The Synod Attorney is recommending that each Congregation Council, especially if the Congregation has elected new members to the Council, conduct an "organizational audit." The Synod Attorney has provided a detailed checklist that can be accessed here .

Sunday Sermons

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:31:53 GMT

A Sermon Resource for Churches of the Western North Dakota Synod of the ELCA

To help satisfy a growing need, starting in January 2025, DEM Tera Kossow has arranged for pastors of the WND Synod to provide one video sermon and manuscript to share each month.

The first sermon in this series is for January 5th, 2025 and is provided by Sylvia Bull of Faith Lutheran in Bismarck. If your congregation needs a sermon for Sunday, January 5th, please go to the Congregations page of this website. There are links provided that will lead you to videos and documents that can be downloaded for use.

The list of available sermons will be updated periodically, so please check back often.

A Year in Service

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 20:11:12 GMT

An Update from our ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission

As you may recall, two of the current ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) members have ties to the Western North Dakota Synod. They are Elise Whitehead and Emily Wenning.

As a way to keep the synod supporters informed of her activities, Elise has created a newsletter in which she shares the exciting and impactful activities she is participating in during her year in the YAGM program.

You can find her latest newsletter here.

The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program invites ELCA young adults ages 21-35 into a transformative, year-long journey in international service. As they offer themselves in service, ELCA young adults are shaped by the witness of our global neighbors. They share in the journeys of companion churches and organizations in one of our many country programs.

A year of service through the Young Adults in Global Mission program invites young adults to become the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, providing critical support to ministries and projects in communities of need. It also invites volunteers into a journey of self-reflection, providing space to consider their sense of identity, God’s work in the world, and their place within it all.

Young adults serve in the spirit of accompaniment, walking alongside global companions in a manner that practices mutuality, interdependence and solidarity. Areas of service include, but are not limited to, health and development, congregational ministry, human rights, education, homelessness, addiction recovery, women’s issues and children and youth. All site placements provide opportunities for young adults to confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, economic disparity and globalization, all through the lens of faith.

We encourage you to continue your support and prayers for Elise and Emily as they offer themselves in service, becoming the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, sharing in the journeys of companion churches and organizations around the world.

Elise has established a page where individuals can make financial contributions to assist in her journey.

The Western Whirlwind

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:42:32 GMT

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

Included in this edition are some Advent meditations to reflect on, Mercy Ships information and much, much more!

Read the December edition of the Western Whirlwind

Federal Court Strikes Down Overtime Rule

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:08:35 GMT

An Update from Synod Attorney, Murray Sagsveen

On November 15, a federal district judge invalidated the Labor Department’s overtime rule that sought to raise the minimum salary level that white collar employees must be paid to remain exempt from overtime pay.

While nonprofits, including churches, will no longer be required to adjust salaries of white collar employees to meet the higher salary thresholds, organizations still need to maintain balanced wage policies that benefit employees, organizations, and mission.

ND Synods Receive LDR Grant

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:34:11 GMT

Pilot Project to Add Disaster Capacity Builder Position to the 2 ELCA Synods of North Dakota

The Western North Dakota Synod and the Eastern North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are pleased to announce a renewed partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR).

The two ELCA synods have received a grant of more than $300,000 from LDR to support a three-year pilot project that will add a Disaster Capacity Builder staff position to serve in the two synods. The Western and Eastern North Dakota synods are the largest Protestant denominations in the state of North Dakota. This new staff position renews a relationship between ELCA synods and LDR in North Dakota that has an extensive history that concluded abruptly in the wake of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota bankruptcy in January 2021.

Bishop Schweitzer is excited about new possibilities for ministry in North Dakota that hasn’t been as prominent in recent years. “Since the tragic closure of Lutheran Social Services in North Dakota, Bishop Moon Leiseth and I have been working with Lutheran Disaster Response’s national leadership to find a new path forward. It’s just too important to the ministry God is calling us into across North Dakota to ignore the significance of an LDR presence in the state.” Says Bishop Schweitzer. “During recent wildfires in western North Dakota, we were reminded of the vital role the church has in offering support following devastating disasters like these. And this year, we have once again seen the significant role that the Lutheran church plays in disaster response during natural disasters across the United States this year. Lutherans show up, they are often the first ones in and the last ones out, ensuring that lives are restored, and communities are back on their feet once again.”

Disaster response work is not the only part of this renewed relationship between the synods and LDR. Advocacy and community building will also be a prominent part of the ministry.

“What might the church do together during days of blues skies, when natural disasters seem like a remote possibility?” offers Bishop Moon Leiseth about the renewed possibilities available to each synod’s mission and ministry. “We hope that this new chapter in our church’s relationship with LDR through a physical LDR presence in North Dakota again will give congregations and communities resources and tools to thrive, even during seasons without natural disasters. Bishop Schweitzer and I believe this grant will help us better connect our congregations to important advocacy work that we are called to do together as people of faith – locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Often times, people of faith don’t know how to, or don’t feel confident using their voices in the public square. The truth is, our public voice is incredibly important to how we live out our faith on a daily basis, not just when we are inside of a church building. Working directly with a ministry of our church like LDR, we will be able to explore new and more impactful ways for us to share the love of Christ Jesus with our neighbor.”

A job description is available on each synod’s website - wndsynod.org and eandsynod.org. Both bishops believe this person will begin serving in early 2025.

The Western North Dakota Synod and Eastern North Dakota Synod are two of 65 synods in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a church with nearly 3 million members in more than 8,500 congregations across the United States and the Caribbean. In North Dakota these two synods serve nearly 400 congregations with more than 100,000 members in every county of the state. More information on the mission and ministry of the synods can be found at synod’s websites - wndsynod.org eandsynod.org

Finding Our Way to the Truth

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:33:20 GMT

ND Author to Lead Book Study for WND Synod Events

In Finding Our Way to the Truth , Rev. Sarah Ciavarri explores lies of a particularly insidious sort--lies masquerading as truths. These lies can be so engrained in how we were raised, the culture we live in, and the type of thinking that has kept us safe that we don't notice how they inform our decisions and affect the way we lead, work, parent, and live.

The lies we will look at aren't the obvious ones. They are sneaky--lies that can be benign, even helpful, such as "I should finish what I start," "People must like me," and "I'm responsible for it all." But these lies can keep us from owning our ideas and strengths, following a dream, confronting dysfunction, or enjoying deeper, more honest relationships. They can replace a sense of well-being and hope with regret and resentment. As church leaders, these lies can even drive productive distraction and limit both our prophetic and pastoral voice.

We will unpack these lies and how to get back on track by paying attention, examining the situation, and applying the new learning.

About the author: Rev. Sarah Ciavarri, M.Div., BCC, PCC, CDTLF, CRA, loves seeing church leaders and congregations get excited about their mission. Sarah is a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, a Board Certified Chaplain, and a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. For twelve years Sarah has traveled nationally keynoting and facilitating workshops on resilience, vulnerability, and shame. She is the Director of Strategic Learning and Coaching for The Jordan Project, a Lilly funded Thriving Congregations grant. Sarah is the author of Find Our Way to Truth: Seven Lies Leaders Believe and How to Let Go of Them and served as Vice President of Spiritual Life co-leading a team of 30 chaplains for a large senior healthcare organization in Minneapolis, MN. Sarah is a graduate of Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN where she was a Presidential Scholar. When her time on earth is done, Sarah hopes her legacy is that she loved well, wrestled with pain and heartbreak long enough to get the blessing, and danced in the joy of the Lord.

The cost for this event is $50 and includes a copy of the book.

Young Adult Retreat

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:51:17 GMT

St. John Lutheran to Host Event for Young Adults

Companion Synod Opens School

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:31:33 GMT

Keys Delivered to Lutheran Center School in Central African Republic

We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world — together. Companion church relationships enrich and deepen our ministries by exposing us to global challenges and perspectives as we seek to work with one another to build up the body of Christ and the world.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic is the Global Companion of the Western North Dakota Synod. Over the years, the Holy Spirit has worked through us to provide resources that have put roofs on churches, provided scholarships for young women to attend both secondary school and university, supported vocational training at the women’s center, provided theological education for those training to serve as pastors and evangelists, and much more. And now through our synod mission support, we are pleased to announce, the opening of a new Lutheran Center School in C.A.R. through the village education project.

Companion Synod Relationships are rooted in “accompaniment,” which promotes the values of mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, empowerment and sustainability. Through the program, companion churches and ELCA synods nurture and strengthen one another for life and ministry through prayer, study, communication, exchange of visitors and sharing of resources.

Each year, moneys raised in the Companion Synods are added to funding, committed through the ELCA Global Mission, to support key priorities identified by the EELRCA.

The Need to Speak the Truth

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 20:27:32 GMT

ELCA Conference of Bishops Issues Statement

The ELCA Conference of Bishops has issued a statement on the need to speak the truth. “We know that the power of truth is greater than the power of deceit,” the statement read, in part. “We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the ELCA, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action. ... We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit. We recommit ourselves to speaking the truth and pointing to the one who is truth.”

Lunch and Learn Series

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:11:27 GMT

FREE Synod Event Starts October 21st

The WND Synod is excited to offer a learning opportunity featuring Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto, via Zoom, for three sessions on the Gospel of Luke.

Eric D. Barreto is Weyerhaeuser Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary and an ordained Baptist minister. He is the author of Ethnic Negotiations: The Function of Race and Ethnicity in Acts 16 (Mohr Siebeck, 2010), the co-author of Exploring the Bible (Fortress Press, 2016), and editor of Reading Theologically (Fortress Press, 2014).

Dates and times:

October 21st from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM CDT

October 28th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CDT

November 4th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CST

This is a FREE Synod Event! Please join us if you are able.

Synod Enrichment and GIFTS Event

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:47:05 GMT

Study the Gospel of Luke and Learn of the "New GIFTS Vision"

Join the Western North Dakota Synod as we welcome Rev. Dr. Troy M. Troftgruben to Bread of Life Lutheran Church in Minot, for an overview and engagement on the focus Gospel for next year's lectionary: Luke's Gospel . We will consider the landscape of Luke's story, its call to discipleship in community, and pointers on preaching and teaching it.

Following the Bible study, meet WND Synod Lay and Ordained leadership for a discussion on the "New GIFTS Vision" led by the GIFTS Task Force committee members and Pastor Brad.

CLICK HERE to reserve your spot at this event.

Congregation Pulse Survey

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:40:15 GMT

Coming Soon to an Inbox Near You!

The third wave of ELCA Congregation Pulse Surveys have been sent to nearly 30 congregations across the Western North Dakota Synod.

Congregation Pulse Surveys are one way for congregations and worshiping communities to share their perspectives, strengths, and needs with the synods and the churchwide organization.

Each Pulse Survey can be completed in five minutes or less. The best person to complete the survey is likely the congregation or worshiping community’s rostered minister, administrative assistant, or council president.

This Pulse Survey includes a total of 21 questions. The primary topic is congregational vitality. There are 11 questions on a scale from disagree to agree and an open-ended question about where you find joy in your ministry. At the end, there are 10 questions about Christian Education and faith formation in your congregation.

The October survey will close Thursday October 31, 2024.

For those receiving the October survey, many thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback!

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, email SEC@elca.org .

Bringing Prayer to the People

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:56:42 GMT

An article from the MHA Times, July 31, 2024

eNewsletter - September 2, 2024

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:26:27 GMT

The Latest News and Events from the Western North Dakota Synod of ELCA

Chris Herren Presentation

Brought to you buy the Kenmare Area Ministerial Association and Kenmare Public Schools.

An extraordinary basketball player, Chris Herren was a celebrated star in his native Fall River, MA before graduating high school. He went on to play at Boston College and Fresno State, two seasons in the NBA - including one with his hometown team, the Boston Celtics - and seven seasons overseas before losing it all to the disease of addiction. With the unwavering support of his family and friends, Chris has been sober since August 1, 2008, and he now shares his story with the goal of making a positive difference in the lives of others. His recovery journey has been documented in the best-selling memoir, "Basketball Junkie", the Emmy-nominated ESPN Films documentary "Unguarded" and in countless local, national, and international stories by the New York Times, The Boston Globe, and Sports Illustrated, among others. Through Herren Talks, Chris has spoken to over 1 million students and community members, sparking honest discussions about substance use disorder and wellness. In 2011, Chris grew his vision of support for others when he founded the nonprofit Herren Project. Through the organization, Chris and hi team empower schools and communities to make healthy choices, while also guiding families through recovery. In 2018, Chris also founded Herren Wellness, a residential health and wellness program that helps guests lead healthy, substance-free lives.

You're invited to attend! On September 4th, KAMA will be grilling up a delicious meal prior to the event...so come hungry! The meal starts at 5:30 with Chris Herren's presentation beginning at 6:30.

JUSTmove...A Family Event

Saturday, September 7th at 2PM, join David Scherr and Joe Davis...the JUSTmove guys...in Harvey, ND for an afternoon of dancing, music, storytelling, poetry and healing. There will even be ice cream sundaes and floats! Brought to you by Wells County Community Cares, Eagles and Eagles Auxiliary, Harvey Art Alliance and the Lonetree Lutheran Conference.

Dollar Store Children Sermons Creator to be in Bismarck, September 27 & 28

Pastor John Stevens, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Oregon City, Oregon and creator of the Dollar Store Children Sermons, will be in Bismarck, September 27th and 28th as part of a WND Synod learning event.

Friday evening, September 27th, Pastor John, who has been a sleight-of-hand magician for over 40 years, will delight us with a magic show to benefit the four bible camps of Western North Dakota. There is no entry fee for the show that will begin at 7:00 pm at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (1143 N 26th St) in Bismarck.

Saturday, September 28th, will be a day-long learning event titled, “Using your story to tell THE STORY”. Pastor John will guide us through three sessions, sharing his insights and ideas on how we can use the various stories of our life to help us tell the greatest story of all, God’s love for God’s people.

Registration is required for the Saturday event. The cost is $50 per person or $200 total for a group of four or more from the same congregation/organization. For details, please contact the synod office at 701-223-5312

Fall LYO Event

LYO groups from across the synod, join us at the Ramada Inn of Bismarck, along with featured speaker Matt Schur, as we explore the theme of "Rest" Oct 17-18 (Sr High) or Oct 18-19 (Jr High).

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

WND Synod Presents...

Pastor Stevens shares ideas how we can we use our life-stories to tell the greatest story of all.

Reserve Your Spot

Fall Book Study

Embracing Diversity: Faith, Vocation and the Promise of America book read begins

WND Synod Presents...

Senior High Youth Groups across the WND synod come together to explore the theme of "Rest".

September Western Whirlwind from WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

The September Western Whirlwind is now available! Included in this edition is a link to the 6-question digital strategic planning questionnaire.
Read the September Western Whirlwind

Unexpected Surprises

A Podcast of the ELCA-WND Synod.

Library of All Episodes

Through this podcast, we explore all that God is doing through people of faith on the prairies of North Dakota.

In the most recent episode, Bishop Craig Schweitzer is joined by several adult leaders from across the synod who led groups to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. They share their hopes for how this experience might have a lasting and positive impact on the ministry and mission God is calling them into in their local congregations and communities.

Listen to This Episode

WATCH THIS

In this video , Bishop Craig reflects on the great gift of ordination in Christ's church.

Fresh Start Kit Ministry

You are invited to join the Fresh Start Kit Ministry! A Fresh Start Ministry Kit is a backpack that is given to everyone leaving the Youth Correction Center in Mandan and the ND State Penitentiary in Bismarck. Many of the men leaving these facilities have nothing to carry their things in when they leave, and certainly don’t have toiletries or the ability to go buy new underwear. These kits help ease the stress of reentry.

A partnership project of Heart River Bridges of Hope, Ministry on the Margins, and Trinity Lutheran of Bismarck, backpacks are assembled, stored, and distributed to where they need to go. Also included in the backpacks is information about our organizations, and if you help, we would be more than happy to put your information in the backpack as well. Also, you will not be responsible for getting the backpacks to the facilities. Trinity Lutheran of Bismarck will take care of that. You just need to get them to us or arrange for us to pick them up. One way you can choose to help is to choose a month that you would like to do this project and continue with the project that month in the future. Maybe you would want to share a month with another church instead of trying to put 40 bags together by yourself or maybe you just want to gather the supplies, and we will put the bags together. Individuals in your congregations are also welcome to do this project or order off of the registry if you don’t want to do this as a congregational project.

It takes approximately 40 backpacks per month to pull this off. We hope you will be willing to help. You can put backpacks together – you can just collect the items, and we will put the bags together – you can financially donate. The list is attached. One note: If you decide to purchase backpacks, please only purchase the ones suggested on the list and only in black.

If you have any questions or if you decide to use this project on any level for your God’s Work. Our Hands project, or for another project, please contact Pastor Martha HarriSon or download this flyer .

Transitional Ministry Training for Faith Leaders

Faith leaders are working in challenging times. The world is experiencing rapid and continuous change. In the past, disruptions were usually followed by periods of stability. However, change is now constant, widespread, and increasing rapidly. These times call for Adaptive Leadership, requiring a deep understanding of context and culture. Leaders are called to navigate these challenges and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, demonstrate humility, flexibility, and authenticity. We need practical tools to use in this context.

The Rev. Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen, representing Wartburg Theological Seminary, and Rev. Peter Soli, founder of Dialog Works, have teamed up to introduce faith leaders to valuable tools for these challenges. With their combined experience and advice from church leaders, they share their experience and knowledge in the online course Practical Tools for the Journey .

Enrolling in this course will help you better understand your ministry setting, sharpen your leadership skills in conflict management, and grow your confidence and competence in guiding transformational change. Practical Tools will equip you to lead and adapt effectively in your unique ministry settings.

The first session of Practical Tools for the Journey is Thursday, September 19th. For more details and to enroll in this course, visit the course site.

Link to the Practical Tools course site

Fall Book Read and Coaching Series

The WND Synod will host a fall book read and coaching series, focusing on Embracing Diversity , the book by Darrell Jadock & William Nelson

The series, facilitated by ELCA-trained coaches, will:

Consist of 8 Sessions, 1 hour each. October 3rd through November 21st with 2 time options... 12PMor 6PM. Choose which works best for you!
Foster both learning and implementation! Cohort participants will not only share insights and learnings gained from the reading, but also take those insights one step further by designing a small personal action step each week to grow in embracing diversity in their life and community.
Include a leaders guide, written by our synod's ELCA-trained coaches, that participants can use to lead a similar experience in their own congregations upon their completion of the series.
Participants should come to the first session ready to discuss the introduction and chapter 1.

Dates & Times: Thursdays from October 3 – Nov 21 with 2 time options 12 pm or 6pm. Choose the time of day that works best for your schedule!

Free Download

New from Lutheran Summer Music 2024, download a new FREE arrangement by Anne Krentz Organ: The Ash Grove for a solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. The Ash Grove is a theme and variations based on the beloved Welsh folk tune and is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project .

Download FREE sheet music here.

Election Cycle Guidance

Are you interested in what you can do as a non-partisan influence in this election cycle? Take your energy to the ELCA Election Activator network - an opportunity for individuals and our congregations to share in our communities love in action.

ELCA Election Activators from various parts of our ELCA faith community are invited to a call once-a-month to for updates and to hear from each other about local initiatives. Because the ELCA does not endorse a particular candidate, party or form of government or strive for a Christian one, participation requires sign-up and a non-partisan pledge. "Lutherans care about government because it is a gift from God intended for the safety and flourishing of human life" (from ELCA social message "Government & Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy").

Learn more today! https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-election-activator-network/

FEATURED RESOURCES

Connect. Refresh. Renew.

Spirit in the Desert hosts programs and retreats for participants of all faiths to experience reconciliation, renewal and healing.
Browse upcoming events.

Suicide Prevention Skills for Rural Ministries

Together with a cohort of other faith leaders, you will learn approaches and skills that equip you for prevention, intervention, and postvention (bereavement) tasks so you can effectively care for people struggling with thoughts of suicide or those impacted by suicide.

Learn More and Register for this course

Conversations Shaping the Future

Here you will find practical tools to help leaders develop skills, confidence, and capacity for the future.

Browse upcoming live courses.

MEET PASTOR TERA KOSSOW:

Pastor Tera Kossow is the new DEM (Director for Evangelical Mission) for the WND Synod. Tera is from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (known as the U.P., where the Yoopers live). She took her first pastoral call in northwest South Dakota. Tera served her second call in the U.P. and is now back near the prairie that she grew to love. She lives in Bismarck with her dog, Dilly. Now that you know a little about Pastor Tera, let's ask her a few questions.

WHAT DOES A DEM DO?

The DEM ministry areas can vary from synod to synod, and from person to person who serves In this position. What I will do as your DEM is different from what past DEM’s in the Western North Dakota Synod have done. I would simply define my position in this way: I work with congregations to find a way to walk into the future of their ministry.

HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER?

Walking into the future as a congregation can mean a wide variety of things from exploring ways to expand mission in the world in which we live, maintaining what is currently happening, Holy Closure, and many things in between. Over this broad spectrum, the basis remains the same: rooted in the love of God through Christ Jesus, we walk together to bring Good News to the world. That’s evangelism!

WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

Looking at what is happening in your congregation and community, we can work together, imagining what the future may hold. I would love to get to know you and your congregation! Please feel free to contact me to set up a time for us to meet either via phone call or zoom, or for me to visit your ministry site. I would also like to meet your congregation by worshipping together. I’ll even preach!

WHICH CONGREGATIONS CAN BENEFIT FROM WORKING WITH THE DEM?

All congregations can benefit in some way from working with a DEM. No matter how big or how small, no matter if there is an ordained pastor called there or not, no matter if you are a solo worshipping community or a multi-point ministry, no matter if you think the future is bright or bleak, the discussion is the first step. If you would like to begin a discussion, please call me at my office number (701) 248-6898 or email me at tera@wndsynod.org .

BCS Top 10

In March of this year, Bishop Craig Schweitzer laid out 10 reasons why he loves the ELCA. If you did not get the opportunity to see it then, why not take a look now?

Read the document...

LOOK FOR DETAILS COMING SOON...

Book discussion on Finding Our Way to the Truth with author and western North Dakota native, Sarah Ciavarri. Registration for this event will open in the near future and includes a copy of the book, available in advance of the event.

January 13, 2025 from 1 - 4PM at the

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library.

January 14, 2025 from 1 - 4PM at

Minot State University

Book Read & Coaching Series

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:11:33 GMT

Embracing Diversity - Faith, Vocation, and the Promise of America

The WND Synod will host a fall book read and coaching series, focusing on Embracing Diversity , the book by Darrell Jadock & William Nelson

The series, facilitated by ELCA-trained coaches, will:

Consist of 8 Sessions, 1 hour each. October 3rd through November 21st with 2 time options... 12PMor 6PM. Choose which works best for you!
Foster both learning and implementation! Cohort participants will not only share insights and learnings gained from the reading, but also take those insights one step further by designing a small personal action step each week to grow in embracing diversity in their life and community.
Include a leaders guide, written by our synod's ELCA-trained coaches, that participants can use to lead a similar experience in their own congregations upon their completion of the series.
Participants should come to the first session ready to discuss the introduction and chapter 1.

Dates & Times: Thursdays from October 3 – Nov 21 with 2 time options...12 pm or 6pm. Choose the time of day that works best for your schedule! REGISTER NOW

The Western Whirlwind

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 21:37:03 GMT

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

This edition of the Western Whirlwind includes a link to the 6-question digital strategic planning questionnaire. Read it now!
Read the September Western Whirlwind

Fresh Start Ministry Kits

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:38:32 GMT

A Project of Heart River Bridges of Hope, Ministry on the Margins, and Trinity Lutheran of Bismarck

If you have any questions or if you decide to use this project on any level for your God’s work. Our hands. project or for another project, please contact Pastor Martha HarriSon at harrison@trinitybismarck.com or download this flyer .

eNewsletter - August 19, 2024

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 21:48:24 GMT

The Latest News & Events from the Western North Dakota Synod of ELCA

Dollar Store Children Sermons Creator to be in Bismarck, September 27 & 28

Friday evening, September 27th , Pastor John, who has been a sleight-of-hand magician for over 40 years, will delight us with a magic show to benefit the four bible camps of Western North Dakota. There is no entry fee for the show that will begin at 7:00 pm at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (1143 N 26th St) in Bismarck.

Saturday, September 28th , will be a day-long learning event titled, “Using your story to tell THE STORY”. Pastor John will guide us through three sessions, sharing his insights and ideas on how we can use the various stories of our life to help us tell the greatest story of all, God’s love for God’s people.

Registration is required for the Saturday event . The cost is $50 per person or $200 total for a group of four or more from the same congregation/organization. For details, please contact the synod office at 701-223-5312

Fall Rostered Minister's Gathering

The annual Fall Rostered Minister's Gathering will be September 8 - 10 in Medora, ND. It is an opportunity for all rostered ministers and synod authorized ministers of the WND Synod to gather for a time of worship and prayer; rest and renewal; and conversation around the ministry and mission God is calling us to lead across our synod and church.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

If you are unable to register online, please call the synod office at 701-223-5312 to register by phone.
The registration fee covers all meals, but lodging is not included. Please make your own lodging arrangements.

Registration Deadline is August 23, 2024. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER AUGUST 30TH!

The Medora Foundation has tightened their cancellation policy but will allow cancellations for clergy who need to preside at a funeral during the conference. If you need to cancel your lodging due to a funeral, please contact Lesley Gorby and we will make the request on your behalf.

No childcare will be available this year.

All Are Welcome

Karen Anne Nies will be ordained to the ministry of Word & Sacrament on Saturday, August 24th at 3PM Mountain Time at St. John's Lutheran Church in Killdeer, ND.

Pastor Nies has been called to serve as Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Bottineau, ND.

All Rostered Ministers are invited to vest (red) and process during this time of great celebration!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Registration Deadline

Reserve Your Spot

The Prairie Liturgies

Join the worship & music event for clergy, worship leaders and church music enthusiasts.

Learn More

WND Synod Presents...

Pastor Stevens shares ideas how we can we use our life-stories to tell the greatest story of all.

September Western Whirlwind from WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

The September Western Whirlwind is now available! Included in this edition is a link to the 6-question digital strategic planning questionnaire.

Read the September Western Whirlwind

Unexpected Surprises

A Podcast of the ELCA-WND Synod.

Library of All Episodes

Through this podcast, we explore all that God is doing through people of faith on the prairies of ND. In the current episode, Bishop Craig Schweitzer is joined by several adult leaders from across the synod who led groups to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans.

Listen to The Current Episode

WATCH THIS

For the first time in six years, thousands of ELCA young people from across the country gathered in one place. The ELCA Youth Gathering was held July 16-20 in New Orleans under the theme, "Created to Be." Check out this recap video.

Fresh Start Kit Ministry

Heart River Bridges of Hope, Ministry on the Margins, and Trinity Lutheran of Bismarck are partnering together to expand a current Heart River project. They will be putting together backpacks that will be handed out to everyone leaving the Youth Correction Center in Mandan and the ND State Penitentiary in Bismarck. Currently backpacks are being given out at the Youth Correction Center, but the NDSP is being added to this project which greatly increases the number of backpacks given. Many of the men have nothing to carry their things in when they leave, and certainly don’t have toiletries or the ability to go buy new underwear.

You are invited to join in this project. We will be putting together backpacks, storing them, and getting them to where they need to go. There will also be info in the backpacks about our organizations, and if you help, we would be more than happy to put your information in the backpack as well. Also, you will not be responsible for getting the backpacks to the facilities. Trinity will take care of that. You just need to get them to us or arrange for us to pick them up. One way you can choose to help is to choose a month that you would like to do this project and continue with the project that month in the future. Maybe you would want to share a month with another church instead of trying to put 40 bags together by yourself or maybe you just want to gather the supplies, and we will put the bags together. Individuals in your congregations are also welcome to do this project or order off of the registry if you don’t want to do this as a congregational project.

Engaging God's Future

The first session of Practical Tools for the Journey is Thursday, September 19th. For more details and to enroll in this course, visit the course site.

Link to the Practical Tools course site

Guidance for Church and Clergy Participating in the Electoral Process

Participating in the electoral process is one way in which ELCA members live out the public witness of advocacy.

However, an important part of faithful civic engagement is abiding by the law. Any participation by congregations in activities related to the electoral process must be strictly nonpartisan and abide by IRS guidelines. Congregations and clergy must ensure that activities related to the electoral process are transparent, nonpartisan and legal. Tom Cunniff, General Counsel of the ELCA has provided guidance documents in this regard. Visit our website or click on these links for details.

Being a Public Church

Political Activity and Tax Status

FEATURED RESOURCES

Who Will Your Love Reach Next?

When we work together to love people in crisis, we can go farther and stay longer to make a deep and lasting difference. Lutheran World Relief is God's love in action. Browse resources available to congregations.

Project Twelve

Project Twelve exists to be a place for men to find resources that will help them become better men, fathers, husbands, and leaders. Find resources available through Lutheran Men in Mission

Continuing Education for Faith Leaders

Practical tools to help leaders develop skills, confidence, and capacity for the future. Browse upcoming live courses.

Lunch & Learn

Did you miss the last Lunch & Learn with Joe & Dave? Click here to get caught up! Replays of the educational modules are found on the WND Synod Vimeo page.

JUSTmove: Becoming God's Breach Repairers in a Polarized World

How do we invite people into God’s Breach Repairing work of justice in a way that does not alienate them? While many diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts can utilize “guilt, blame, and shame”, there is a way to graciously invite people into a new vision of humanity that makes space for all people.

In these engaging educational modules, JUSTmove (David Scherer and Joe Davis) will give us tools and resources to start courageous conversations that bring us closer to Gospel inclusion (Every other Thursday through August 22nd @ 12pm Noon CST) .

CLICK HERE to join the next discussion module.

“Go and Do …” (Aug 22) As Martin Luther points out, our faith is active and living. How do we remain faithful to the next step toward God’s preferred and promised future? This last session together will help us deter mine our next faithful steps and create a plan for operationalizing the compassionate justice about which we are learning.

WND Synod Presents...

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 21:23:46 GMT

REGISTER NOW! Pastor John Stevens to be in Bismarck, September 27 & 28

Pastor John Stevens , pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Oregon City, Oregon and creator of the Dollar Store Children Sermons on YouTube, will be in Bismarck, September 27th and 28th as part of a Western North Dakota Synod learning event. Pastor John will be offering two events during his time in North Dakota.

On Friday evening, September 27th, he will offer a magic show to benefit the four bible camps of Western North Dakota. Pastor John has been a sleight of hand magician for over 40 years, delighting audiences of all ages. The show will begin at 7:00 pm at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (1143 N 26th St) in Bismarck, ND. A free-will offering will be taken and all are invited to attend.

Saturday, September 28th, will be a day-long learning event titled, "Using your story to tell THE STORY" . Pastor John will guide us through three sessions, sharing his insights and ideas on how we can use the various stories of our life to help us tell the greatest story of all, God’s love for God’s people. Everyone who attends the Saturday event will leave also leave with a copy of his new Advent Devotional, “Grace-Filled Beginnings” which focuses on the Gospel of Luke. The cost for this event is $50 a person or $200 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. The cost includes the devotional as well as lunch. The event will begin at 9am with registration and coffee. The event will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND.

During these sessions, Pastor John will talk about his life experiences and how they help to shape his preaching and teaching. By the end of the day, every participant will leave with concrete ideas that they can apply to their own preaching and teaching. Pastor John will draw on his experiences as a pastor, YouTube content creator, author, and coffee roaster – to help demonstrate how our varied experiences shape the stories we tell.

Registration is required for the Saturday event . You can register by clicking here . Or, if you have any questions, please contact the synod office at 701-223-5312

FRIDAY Sept 27th

7:00pm – Magic Show – Free will offering to benefit the four bible camps of Western North Dakota.

SATURDAY Sept 28th

9:00 am to 3:30pm – Day-long Learning Event – Using your story to tell THE STORY.

$50 registration or $200 for a group of four or more from the same congregation/organization.

Confession & Forgiveness

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:01:27 GMT

JUSTmove Lunch & Learn Session 4 with Joe & Dave - July 25

While we confess our own complicity in human suffering every week in church (“by what we have done and by what we have undone”), we often allow shame to paralyze us in anti-racism efforts. How do we move our understanding of racism beyond an individualistic “bad people trying to hurt others on purpose” toward a more communal understanding of racism that we can recognize and repair? This session will help us do this important work.

If you were not able to attend Session 2 of our Lunch and Learn with Joe and Dave, click this link to watch the recorded session.

Christ's Dance of Power

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:57:13 GMT

JUSTmove Lunch & Learn Session 3 with Joe & Dave - July 11

JUSTmove Lunch & Learn Session 2 with Joe & Dave - June 27

In order for us to move from the “Golden Rule” (treat others how you want to be treated) to the “Platinum Rule” (treat others how they want to be treated), we need to be able to understand other cultural patterns. This session will help us understand some of our micro and macro cultural differences and give us tools to bridge those differences.

If you were not able to attend Session 2 of our Lunch and Learn with Joe and Dave, click this link to watch the recorded session.

eNewsletter - July 22, 2024

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:34:01 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Congregational Vitality Survey

A Tool for Congregations of the ELCA

An Assessment

The Congregational Vitality Survey is a simple 36 question survey tool to gain input from both leaders and participants on how they see key areas for both vitality and sustainability.

Questions use a 3-point scale to ask people to assess their understanding of 36 key issues in congregational life and mission. It also helps show how leaders see the ministry in comparison to how regular participants see it - a great help in seeing how perceptions and communication are happening.

A Conversation Starter

The main value in using this tool is not the numeric answers produced as each question is scored. Although those numbers will be very insightful, the biggest gains will happen when these results are used to frame a discussion to see why people see what they see and said what they said. Each congregation will receive a report and also some key insights for discussing them from their synod's Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) or another key staff person.

Foundations for Planning

The benefits of insights are not for their own ends. Rather, the survey results and the ensuing dialog are to foster meaningful actions. So, each ministry will be able to develop contextually appropriate plans to move forward in their own settings. By knowing what key issues are and discussing what the root cause are as well, effective plans for ministry adjustments can be developed and implemented. The real goal of this survey is not information but informed action!

To get started, please email DEM, Tera Kossow , or contact the synod office and ask to speak with Tera, who can give you more information, begin a dialog with you about it and get you started.

WND Synod Women Elect New President

At the last WND SWO gathering, attendees elected Michelle Lauckner of Minot as the new President of their organization.

Outgoing President, Lois Schmalz, would like to send her thanks and appreciation to all that made her time as president a great experience, filled with consideration, kindness, and concern for our faith. "It has been an honor to have served and participated with this board as we walk with God in various ways to carry out his work", Schmalz said.

New President Lauckner can be reached here via email.

New Resource for "God's work. Our hands."

On Sunday, Sept. 8, ELCA congregations will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, ELCA.org/DayOfService has the resources you need to plan and promote your day, including a toolkit, worship materials, videos, posters, social media graphics and a special hymn. Click here to browse resources .

LWR Delivers Relief

On Monday, July 8th, Ukraine's largest children's hospital was struck by a Russian missile. Just hours later, LWR Quilts and Personal Care Kits were being distributed to patients, their families and others affected by the attack. Lutheran World Relief thanks the congregations in the Western North Dakota Synod for the generous care and support which has allowed their teams to be able to carry love throughout Ukraine.

Livestream LSM Through July

Lutheran Summer Music invites you to livestream over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services throughout the entire month of July. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 to explore the schedule and access the livestream and video archive. You won't want to miss this!

PORTICO BENEFIT SERVICES

Staying On Track with Retirement Planning

The idea of retirement can bring up many questions and emotions. Portico offers a series of 30-minute, prerecorded, online workshops called the Retirement Readiness Series to help ELCA Retirement Plan members feel confident about discerning their next steps.

Workshops are easily accessible on myPortico . There’s no need to preregister — just sign in and watch. What to go deeper?

Schedule a conversation with a Portico Financial Planner to understand more about where you are now and how to ensure you’ll reach your retirement goals.

Time for a Mid-Year Checkup?

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to get regular checkups, vaccinations, and screenings. Preventive care is not only essential for maintaining overall health, it’s also one of the best ways to catch unknown health issues early. An annual preventive exam is part of your ELCA-Primary health coverage and this video can help you maximize the time with your doctor so you can live, work, and serve well.

WATCH THIS

In her video addressing Christian nationalism, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that “what binds us together is not ethnicity, but shared participation in our civic life springing out of our cultural heritages and working for the common good.”

SAVE THE DATE: Monday, August 26 @ 6PM

Come have free supper at Olive Garden and meet other incoming freshmen from our area ELCA congregations! Please let Rachel know if you plan to come so she knows what sized table to get (email Paster Rachel at Rachel.Simonson@MinotStateU.edu ) . This will be an easy way to meet people as school begins!

And remember, you have a chance to WIN FREE TEXTBOOKS for Spring 2025 semester! There are two opportunities to register. One, by following LCM on Instagram (@LCM.MSU) and another is by signing up to LCM's e-Newsletter.

JUSTmove: Becoming God's Breach Repairers in a Polarized World

CLICK HERE to join the next discussion module.

“Confession and Repentance” (Jul 25) While we confess our own complicity in human suffering every week in church (“by what we have done and by what we have undone”), we often allow shame to paralyze us in anti-racism efforts. How do we move our understanding of racism beyond and individualistic “bad people trying to hurt others on purpose” toward a more communal understanding of racism that we can recognize and repair? This session will help us do this important work.

“Wounded Healers” (Aug 8) How do we metabolize the racialized trauma that each of us carry in our bodies? If we know so much about the system of oppression that harms people in our minds, why have our bodies not gotten the memo? This session will give practical tools and a methodology that can help us re member the body of Christ that we are a part of to create the change that we wish to see.

Footsteps of Paul Tour

The Eastern North Dakota Synod ELCA 's Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth and our own Bishop Craig Schweitzer are leading a tour of Greece and Turkey in October 2024. We invite you to join us on this journey in the footsteps of Paul.

On this life-changing adventure, we will explore the land of Greece and Turkey as the history of the New Testament comes alive. We will retrace the voyages of Paul and learn about the early church and the spread of the Gospel. Our journey will begin in Athens and Corinth, then into Ephesus, as we make our way to Patmos.

CLICK HERE for more info and to reserve your spot!

Congregational Vitality Survey

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:23:53 GMT

Congregational Self-Assessment Tool Available

The Congregational Vitality Survey is a tool to help congregational participants assess where they see themselves as a congregation. It uses 36 questions to gain insights into 36 ways to look at a local congregation’s ministry. Participants take the survey using an online link. A separate link is generated for leaders (most often congregation council and staff) and for members (usually everyone else who is active in the congregation). This gives the congregation an overall score in each area. Having two links also provides a chance to see if congregation leaders and the people in the pew are on the same page for each issue. Although aggregate scores are provided for both groups – all input is anonymous and people can share freely and without external pressure.

Because the survey uses a three-point system (all questions have three defined answers from which to choose), the responses should be useful for both gaining insights about current reality and also for generating good conversation about the ministry. In addition, a congregation should be able to take the survey at a later date and compare results and discuss where changes have happened and what impact they have had.

It is helpful to remember that the survey will give a good idea about what people think is happening. At the same time, it may also be important to check their perceptions with actual reality (for example: respondents can share their impressions of worship attendance and trends, but you should also be able to check attendance records and compare that data to the respondent’s answers). You may discover people have misconceptions about some of the realities facing their situation.

Usually a survey is open for responses for multiple weeks. A common pattern is to open the survey on a Sunday, keep it open for two full weeks, and the close it on the final Sunday – a 2-week and 3-Sunday window. Once the deadline is completed, the Director for Evangelical Mission, Tera Kossow, or another key staff person will download the results, add some comments to help start a meaningful discussion, and send them for congregational leaders to see.

The main benefit of using this tool is to gain insights that can begin a conversation on what people are thinking about the ministry. Processing the results is not about simply receiving them, but taking the time to discuss them, prayerfully digging deeper into some areas that seem to rise to the top, and making plans for action steps to move the ministry forward in ways that advance God’s desires for the ministry. It is a tool to begin a conversation and new ways of working together to strengthen the whole church and participate in the mission of God to love and bless the world.

If you are interested in utilizing this helpful tool, please email DEM, Tera Kossow , or contact the synod office and ask to speak with Tera, who can give you more information, begin a dialog with you about it and get you started.

WND SWO Elect New President

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:13:55 GMT

Lauckner Replaces Schmalz After 7 Years of Service

At the last WND SWO gathering, attendees elected Michelle Lauckner of Minot as the new President of their organization.

New President Lauckner can be reached here via email.

eNewsletter - July 8, 2024

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:35:53 GMT

The Latest News & Events from the Western North Dakota Synod of ELCA

Livestream LSM Through July

Employment Opportunities

If you or someone you know is being called to work as a congregational leader, CLICK HERE to check our website for job openings at some of our WND Synod Congregations.

SAVE THE DATE: Monday, August 26 @ 6PM

PORTICO BENEFIT SERVICES

Benefits reExamined Survey Reminder

Through an initiative called Benefits reExamined, Portico seeks input as we discern and design potential benefit changes to continue to meet the evolving needs of this church.

Portico plan members and registered EmployerLink users,

if you received an email invitation to take the survey, we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes before the survey closes July 12 and add your voice to the conversation.

Staying On Track with Retirement Planning

Workshops are easily accessible on myPortico . There’s no need to preregister — just sign in and watch. What to go deeper?

Schedule a conversation with a Portico Financial Planner to understand more about where you are now and how to ensure you’ll reach your retirement goals.

Time for a Mid-Year Checkup?

JUSTmove: Becoming God's Breach Repairers in a Polarized World

CLICK HERE to join the next discussion module.

“Christ’s Dance of Power” (Jul 11) “Power” has often been a dirty word in the church, but it is important that we understand how it functions in scripture, in our world, and in our own lives. This session will help us understand how power dynamics shape our interactions and how we can follow Christ’s model of power sharing rather than power hoarding.

Footsteps of Paul Tour

CLICK HERE for more info and to reserve your spot!

Same Spirit Different Gifts

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 03:02:36 GMT

JUSTmove Lunch & Learn Session 2 with Joe & Dave - June 27

If you were not able to attend Session 2 of our Lunch and Learn with Joe and Dave, click this link to watch the recorded session.

Not Being But Becoming

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:57:15 GMT

JUSTmove Lunch & Learn Session 1 with Joe and Dave - June 10, 2024

Many of us allow our own perfection to get in the way of starting important conversations with our neighbors. This session will give us tools to utilize compassionate curiosity and learn about the “differences that make a difference”. If you were not able to attend Session 1 of our Lunch and Learn with Joe and Dave, click this link to watch the recorded session.

Time For a Mid-Year Checkup?

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:47:14 GMT

Live, Work and Serve Well

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Staying On Track

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:44:48 GMT

Portico Retirement Planning

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Portico Survey Reminder

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:42:18 GMT

Portico is Seeking Your Input Through Benefits reExamined Initiative

Through an initiative called Benefits reExamined, Portico seeks input as we discern and design potential benefit changes to continue to meet the evolving needs of this church. Portico plan members and registered EmployerLink users, if you received an email invitation to take the survey, we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes before the survey closes July 12 and add your voice to the conversation.

Lutheran Summer Music

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:36:12 GMT

Livestream LSM Throughout July

eNewsletter - June 24, 2024

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 02:32:02 GMT

The Latest News & Events from the Western North Dakota Synod of ELCA

Synod E-news

News & Events from the Western North Dakota Syno d

June 24, 2024

Western N Dakota Synod! We would love to continue to partner with you! Perhaps we could come to your church some time and lead a worship service or “edutainment” event for your people? We will be “in the area” September 6th and 7th. Have your people talk with our people. If you're interested, click the Booking Form below, and JUSTmove.

Joe & Dave's Booking Form

The Sweet Deal for C.A.R. Fundraiser

The sweet deal for C.A.R fundraiser is back!! During worship, your congregation may distribute a tube of M&M’s to each family to enjoy, inviting them to return the tube with a check inside made out to the church, or some bills or quarters as they are inspired to give. If you have plenty of tubes, it may also be a fun Sunday School project.

You may want to set a financial goal such as a Good Gifts item, a Display with details, and attach a Label to each tube as a reminder.

Check out the synod’s C.A.R. page for more information on our partnership, videos to show, and other resources. Contact Matthew to reserve your M&M tubes, for more details, or to brainstorm. Thanks to a grant from the endowment of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Bismarck, a quantity of tubes will be available for distribution at Assembly.

June Western Whirlwind from WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

The June Western Whirlwind is now available! This edition contains registration information for the Synodical Convention in Bismarck on June 21-22. Also included is the form for submitting resolutions.

Read the June Western Whirlwind

Employment Opportunities

If you or someone you know is being called to work as a congregational leader, CLICK HERE to check our website for job openings at some of our WND Synod Congregations.

Calling All Incoming MSU Freshman

You have a chance to WIN FREE TEXTBOOKS for Spring 2025 semester! One chance to win by following LCM on Instagram (@LCM.MSU) and a second chance to win by signing up to LCM's e-Newsletter (email Paster Rachel at Rachel.Simonson@MinotStateU.edu )

Come have free supper at Olive Garden and meet other incoming freshmen from our area ELCA congregations!

Save the Date: Monday, August 26, 2024 at 6PM . Please let Rachel know if you plan to come so she knows what sized table to get (same email as above) . This will be an easy way to meet people as school begins!

Luther Seminary has special upcoming opportunities for both high school and college students in our synod. Please pass this along to your young adults!

High School

The Confluence at Augsburg University - June 23-28

The Confluence is an opportunity for high schoolers to explore their vocation – the life they live at the intersections of God’s story, the world’s story and their own personal story. Participants are invited to tap into their own God-given sacredness and power to participate in God’s vision of a more just and sustainable world for all. Held on the campus of Augsburg University in Minneapolis, the Confluence offers youth a chance to experience college life by living in the dorms, working with Augsburg professors, students and staff and getting a taste of life in the city.

Study with Augsburg professor, Dr. Jeremy Myers, Christensen Chair of Religion and Vocation to explore the arc of God’s biblical story, using that story as a lens to evaluate the past, inform the present and direct the future. Youth will come away from their time at The Confluence empowered, energized and equipped to live lives of purpose and meaning, ready to actively engage their neighbors and communities. Learn more about The Confluence at https://www.augsburg.edu/confluence/ or email confluence@augsburg.edu

Application deadline extended to May 31!

College Students

Seminary Immersion at Luther

August 18-21

The Young Adult Summer Seminary Immersion is 4-day experience of conversation and study with current Luther Seminary staff, students, faculty and alumni as well as exploration of an incredible ministry sites around the Twin Cities.

Participants will live on campus, share in meals and experiences with current students, mentors and ministry folks, and be given holy space to explore their own call as they discern next steps in their journey. Costs are covered by our generous donors for all accepted participants (some limited financial support available for travel expenses).

Applicants are asked to apply by June 1!

Wage and Hour Rule Revision

An Update from Synod Attorney, Murray Sagsveen

On Apr. 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor published its Overtime Final Rule designed to update and revise overtime protections for workers employed by nonprofits, for-profits, and governments. The final rule, set to start going into effect on July 1, 2024, increases the minimum salary level that white-collar employees must be paid to exempt them from overtime pay of time and half of wages for hours worked in excess of 40 in any week. Additional information is available at this National Council of Nonprofits website .

Footsteps of Paul Tour

CLICK HERE for more info and to reserve your spot!

JUSTmove: Becoming God's Breach Repairers in a Polarized World

In these engaging educational modules, JUSTmove (David Scherer and Joe Davis) will give us tools and resources to start courageous conversations that bring us closer to Gospel inclusion (Every other Thursday through August 22nd @ 12pm Noon CST) .

Meeting Link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83032013471?pwd=cmJkZTNuaGVVMGMrV3ZQZ2JzZ1JwUT09

“Same Spirit and Different Gifts” (Jun 27) In order for us to move from the “Golden Rule” (treat others how you want to be treated) to the “Platinum Rule” (treat others how they want to be treated), we need to be able to understand other cultural patterns. This session will help us understand some of our micro and macro cultural differences and give us tools to bridge those differences.

Join LSM in Person or Online!

Lutheran Summer Music announces its 42nd season, offering over 30 free and open-to-the-public concerts and recitals. All events take place this July at Valparaiso University, and most will be livestreamed. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. The LSM 2024 season will culminate during Festival Week (July 21-28), featuring the LSM Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra, a Festival of Hymns, and closing each day with sung Evening Prayer. Of special note, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) will join this year’s LSM community and offer an intergenerational performance of J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion.

Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 for a complete listing of events and to access the livestream.

Visit our Website

eNewsletter - June 10, 2024

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 01:04:46 GMT

The Latest News & Events from the Western North Dakota Synod of ELCA

JUSTmove - A message from Joe and Dave

Western N Dakota Synod! Thank you so much for your openness to the Spirit of God this weekend and for welcoming us with open arms. It was truly a blessing to spend time with you and see how God is using each of you to build beloved community in each of your churches and communities.

We would love to continue to partner with you! Perhaps we could come to your church some time and lead a worship service or “edutainment” event for your people? We will be “in the area” September 6th and 7th. Have your people talk with our people. Click our Booking Form if you are interested. In the meantime, please keep us in your prayers and we will do the same. And please don’t ever forget:

YOU ARE A BELOVED CHILD OF GOD!!

Move with grace. Move with courage. JUSTmove!

Synod Summer Hours

The WND Synod is now operating under our summer hours. Through Labor Day, the Synod office will close at noon on Fridays.

The Sweet Deal for C.A.R. Fundraiser

You may want to set a financial goal such as a Good Gifts item, a Display with details, and attach a Label to each tube as a reminder.

June Western Whirlwind from WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

Read the June Western Whirlwind

Calling All Incoming MSU Freshman

Come have free supper at Olive Garden and meet other incoming freshmen from our area ELCA congregations!

Luther Seminary Opportunities

Luther Seminary has special upcoming opportunities for both high school and college students in our synod. Please pass this along to your young adults!

High School

The Confluence at Augsburg University - June 23-28

Application deadline extended to May 31!

College Students

Seminary Immersion at Luther - August 18-21

Applicants are asked to apply by June 1!

Wage and Hour Rule Revision

An Update from Synod Attorney, Murray Sagsveen

Footsteps of Paul Tour

CLICK HERE for more info and to reserve your spot!

JUSTmove: Becoming God's Breach Repairers in a Polarized World

Meeting Link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83032013471?pwd=cmJkZTNuaGVVMGMrV3ZQZ2JzZ1JwUT09

“Not being but becoming” (Jun 13) Many of us allow our own perfection to get in the way of starting important conversations with our neighbors. This session will give us tools to utilize compassionate curiosity and learn about the “differences that make a difference”.

“Same Spirit and Different Gifts” (Jun 27) In order for us to move from the “Golden Rule” (treat others how you want to be treated) to the “Platinum Rule” (treat others how they want to be treated), we need to be able to understand other cultural patterns. This session will help us understand some of our micro and macro cultural differences and give us tools to bridge those differences.

Join LSM in Person or Online!

Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 for a complete listing of events and to access the livestream.

ELCA Announces Young Adults in Global Mission

We are thrilled to share that the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission has recently called 25 young adults to serve starting in September. Among the 25 newly-called YAGM volunteers, two have named a congregation, campus ministry, ELCA outdoor ministry, or ELCA college/university as a faith home within the Western North Dakota Synod. They are Emily Wenning and Elise Whitehead .

We invite your prayers as they prepare for their journey and as they continue to discern God's call in their lives. Your continued encouragement and support are deeply appreciated.

CLICK TO VIEW a video to learn more about the impact these YAGM volunteers are making around the world.

ELCA Announces Young Adults in Global Mission

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:27:52 GMT

25 young Adults Tapped to Serve

The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission has recently called 25 young adults to serve starting in September. Among the 25 newly-called YAGM volunteers, two have named a congregation, campus ministry, ELCA outdoor ministry, or ELCA college/university as a faith home within the Western North Dakota Synod. They are Emily Wenning and Elise Whitehead .

We invite your prayers as they prepare for their journey and as they continue to discern God's call in their lives. Your continued encouragement and support are deeply appreciated.

CLICK TO VIEW THIS VIDEO to learn more about the impact these YAGM volunteers are making around the world.

JUSTmove: Becoming God's Breach Repairers in a Polarized World

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:20:45 GMT

How do we invite people into God’s Breach Repairing work of justice in a way that does not alienate them?

While many diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts can utilize “guilt, blame, and shame”, there is a way to graciously invite people into a new vision of humanity that makes space for all people.

Meeting Link - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83032013471?pwd=cmJkZTNuaGVVMGMrV3ZQZ2JzZ1JwUT09

Calling All Incoming MSU Freshmen

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:14:01 GMT

Win FREE Textbooks for Spring 2025 Semester

You have not one, but two chances to WIN FREE TEXTBOOKS for Spring 2025 semester! One chance to win by following LCM on Instagram (@LCM.MSU) and a second chance to win by signing up to LCM's e-Newsletter (email Paster Rachel at Rachel.Simonson@MinotStateU.edu )

You are also invited to come have free supper at Olive Garden and meet other incoming freshmen from our area ELCA congregations! Save the Date: Monday, August 26, 2024 at 6PM . Please let Rachel know if you plan to come so she knows what sized table to get (same email as above) . This will be an easy way to meet people as school begins!

The Western Whirlwind

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:01:51 GMT

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

This edition of the Western Whirlwind contains registration information for the Synodical Convention in Bismarck on June 21-22. Also included is the form for submitting resolutions.

Read the June Western Whirlwind

Wage and Hour Rule Revision

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Sun, 19 May 2024 14:09:57 GMT

An Update from Synod Attorney, Murray Sagsveen

Sweet Deal for C.A.R. Fundraiser

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Sun, 19 May 2024 14:09:35 GMT

The sweet deal for C.A.R fundraiser is back!!

During worship, your congregation may distribute a tube of M&Ms to each family to enjoy, inviting them to return the tube with a check inside made out to the church, or some bills or quarters as they are inspired to give. If you have plenty of tubes, it may also be a fun Sunday School project.

You may want to set a financial goal such as a Good Gifts item, a DISPLAY with details, and attach a LABEL to each tube as a reminder.

Contact Matthew to reserve your M&M tubes, to brainstorm, or CLICK HERE for more details . Thanks to a grant from the endowment of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Bismarck, a quantity of tubes will be available for distribution at Assembly.

eNewsletter - April 29, 2024

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:42:48 GMT

The Latest News & Events from the Western North Dakota Synod of ELCA

Synod Assembly is Fast Approaching

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

We are about a month away from the 2024 Synod Assembly, May 31 - June 2 in Watford City, N D.

The theme for this year's event is “Witnessing Jesus” based upon Jesus’ encounter with the disciples following the resurrection.

Please visit the Synod Assembly page for all things Assembly-related and watch for an "All Things Assembly" communication coming soon to an inbox near you!

Lodging for Assembly

We are blessed with a wide variety of hotels in the Watford City Area who are partnering with us for the 2024 WND Synod Assembly! Below you will find a list of partner locations. At applicable locations, when reserving your rooms, request the Western North Dakota Synod Assembly block by the dates listed. Learn more about each hotel by clicking on the hotel name.

Mainstay Suites | 701.444.4002 | WND Synod room block open until 4/30/24

Little Missouri Inn & Suites | 701.842.6262 | WND Synod room block open until 4/30/24

Comfort Inn & Suites | 701.842.6565 | WND Synod room block open until 5/17/24

The Watford Hotel | 701.840.2945

The Roosevelt Inn & Suites | 701.842.3686

Mission and Ministry Photos

During Synod Assembly, we would like to celebrate the many ways and places God is active in congregations and ministries across our synod. If you have a photo or two to share with Synod Assembly, send it to info@wndsynod.org by May 17, 2024.

Quilts

Quilting is an activity that happens in many of the congregations across the Western North Dakota Synod. But, just how many quilts are made in our congregations each year?

Let us know!!

How many quilts were created in your congregation's quilting ministry in 2023? How many will be made in 2024?

Send your total to info@wndsynod.org . Deadline is May 17, 2024

Installation of Chaplain Angie

All are welcome to the installation of Pastor Angie as Director of Pastoral Care at Missouri Slope, 4916 N. Washington Street, Bismarck, ND.

Wednesday, May 1st, 10:00 am
During Wednesday worship
Held at the Washington Chapel

Guest Preacher: Pastor Brad Dokken, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy, Call and Leadership, Western North Dakota Synod of the ELCA.

Collection Sites and Dates Set

Quilts and kits for Lutheran World Relief will be collected in several communities across the WND Synod, offering comfort and care to those who need it most.

In the coming weeks, participating congregations may bring their quilts and kits to the following drop sites.

May 15-16 in Minot; 1900 22 ^nd Ave SE
May 15-16 in Bismarck; 5015 Main Ave
May 13-14 in Dickinson; 77 9 ^th Ave East

If you have questions, contact info@wndsynod.org .

We Want Your Feedback

For many years the ELCA Annual Congregation Report included Form C. As time went by, the Office of the Secretary determined that the data collected through Form C lacked depth or thematic focus, and it took too long to report.

With those concerns in mind, instead of soliciting information from all congregations and worshiping communities simultaneously through Form C, we will be conducting Congregation Pulse Surveys. These surveys are one way for congregations and worshiping communities to share their perspectives, strengths, and needs with the synods and the churchwide organization in an expedient way.

Each Pulse Survey can be completed in five minutes or less and without any research. The best person to complete the survey is likely the congregation or worshiping community’s rostered minister, administrative assistant, or council president. The April survey will close Friday, May 8, 2024. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Scholarship Recipients Announced

Congratulations to Karin Selland, the ELCA Fund for Leaders Western North Dakota Synod Full Tuition Scholar. Karin will attend Pacific Lutheran Theology Seminary beginning this fall.

In total, a new class of 30 Full Tuition Scholars and 6 Mission Developer Scholars were awarded. Each Full Tuition Scholar will receive 3 years of support valued at $60,000 (or 2 years and $40,000 for Deacon Candidates) over the course of their studies. Mission Developer Scholars will receive $8,000 for each year of remaining coursework.

Click here for the full list of recipients

It's Not Too Late! Join Lutheran Summer Music

We’re looking forward to an incredible year at LSM, and we’ve been able to add extra spots for this summer!

Final openings are available for the four-week Full Session (June 30-July 28) for students in grades 8-12 who play clarinet, flute, horn, oboe, trumpet, euphonium, violin, or string bass.

Contact LSM Admissions for questions or to refer students: admissions@lutheransummermusic.org .

For more info, or to apply, visit LSMacademy.org.

Cultivating Confidence: Unlocking Your Power as a Woman in Ministry

Feel like you've got way too much going on but you're not doing enough? Tired of second guessing your every decision?

Consider joining this upcoming free, five-day training series hosted by Dr. Crystal Hall.

Developed as a resource to support rostered and lay church professionals who self-identify as women, this series is packed with tools to cultivate your confidence to lead effectively. You'll walk away knowing what’s next. And how to unlock your power as a woman in ministry. Click here to register now

An Invitation from NEMNSynod

Northeastern Minnesota Synod will host

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 local 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.

Scholar Recipients Announced

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 16:15:09 GMT

ELCA Fund for Leaders Award 36 Candidates

Congratulations to Karin Selland, the ELCA Fund for Leaders Western North Dakota Synod Full Tuition Scholar. Karin will attend Pacific Lutheran Theology Seminary beginning this fall.

It is with great joy that the full list of recipients is announced and t hanks for the generosity across this church that makes FFL’s support possible.

Full Tuition Scholarship Recipients

* Denotes provisional scholarship award, to be removed upon a positive entrance decision from Candidacy received by 12/24.

Northwest Washington 1B - Amanda Neill* - Luther Seminary

Northwest Intermountain Synod 1D - Mary Riedl* - Luther Seminary

O regon Synod 1E - Julia Rankin* - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Sierra Pacific Synod 2A - Katie Dyer* - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Christiana Slater* - Luther Seminary

Southwest California Synod 2B - Kristin Johnson* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Bilal El Kaissi* - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Rocky Mountain Synod 2E - Cole Chambers* - Luther Seminary

Darra Kingsley - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Western North Dakota Synod 3A - Karin Selland* - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

South Dakota Synod 3C - Juliana Jimenez Arevalo* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Northwestern Minnesota Synod 3D - Calista Wolf* - Luther Seminary

Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod 4D - Aaron Colwick - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Metropolitan Chicago Synod 5A - Hailey Bianco* - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Kristen Combs* - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Michelle Lata* - Luther Seminary

Cynthiya Varghese* - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Northern Illinois Synod 5B - Nathaniel Knutson - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Southeastern Iowa Synod 5D - Levi Faas* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Kelsey Grulke* - Luther Seminary

Northeastern Iowa Synod 5F - Ellie Taylor* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Northwest Synod of Wisconsin 5H - Allison Klein* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Indiana-Kentucky Synod 6C - Meganne Masko* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

New England Synod 7B - Lindsay Sanneman - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Upstate New York Synod 7D - Klodeen Elzughbi* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod 7F - Kelby Reed* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Lower Susquehanna Synod 8D - Matthew Grobinski* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

North Carolina Synod 9B - Tamika Wells* - Wartburg Theological Seminary

South Carolina Synod 9C - Kali Kadelbach* - Wartburg Theological Semi nary

Southeastern Synod 9D - Stephen Schrader - Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

Mission Developer Scholarship Recipients

Sierra Pacific Synod 2A - Andrea Elliott - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Southwestern Texas Synod 4E - Adam Groenke - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod 4F - Jadher Abad - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Metropolitan Chicago Synod 5A - Catherine Abihudi - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

South-Central Synod o f Wisconsin 5K - Juan Cabrera - Wartburg Theological Seminary

Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod 7E - April Mulvey - United Lutheran Seminary

Fund for Leaders would like to thank the following volunteers for serving on the Full Tuition Scholarship Selection Committee: Deacon Sarah Bjornebo (CO), Rev. Rick Summy (MN), Rev. Dianne Lewis (NJ), Rev. Andy Yee (WA), Rev. Nicolette Penaranda (IL), Rev. Brett Wilson (DC), Deacon Wendy Roberts (NC), Rev. Tawanda Murinda (ND), Rev. Adam Miller-Stubbendick (NY).

Installation of Chaplain Angie

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 20:43:15 GMT

All Are Welcome!

All Are Welcome to the Installation of Deacon Angie as Director of Pastoral Care at Missouri Slope, 4916 N. Washington Street, Bismarck, ND.

Wednesday, May 1st, 10:00 am

During Wednesday worship

Held at the Washington Chapel

Guest Preacher: Pastor Brad Dokken, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy, Call and Leadership, Western North Dakota Synod of the ELCA.

Congregation Pulse Survey

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 19:14:37 GMT

Coming to an inbox near you!

With those concerns in mind, we are trying something new in data collection. Instead of soliciting information from all congregations and worshiping communities simultaneously through Form C, we will be conducting Congregation Pulse Surveys. These surveys are one way for congregations and worshiping communities to share their perspectives, strengths, and needs with the synods and the churchwide organization in an expedient way.

Over the next year each congregation and worshiping community will receive one survey, in either April, July, October, or January 2025.

This Pulse Survey includes a total of 15 questions. The primary topic is congregational vitality, using the ELCA’s Gifts of Baptism – Five Gifts of Discipleship resource as a guide. Additionally, because congregations and worshiping communities frequently ask the churchwide organization to share a narrative about some aspect of their ministry, the Pulse Survey asks where your congregation or worshiping community finds joy in ministry. We hope that this will allow you to communicate a deeper level of information about vitality. To further amplify these stories, we intend to share them with staff in your synod. At the end, there are three questions about how you communicate with participants in your ministry, and their awareness of God’s Love Made Real.

The April survey will close Friday, May 8, 2024.

For those receiving the April survey, many thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback!

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, email us at SEC@elca.org .

eNewsletter - April 15, 2024

joel@wndsynod.org (Joel S) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:56:29 GMT

News & Events from the Western North Dakota Synod of the ELCA

All 159 congregations of the Western North Dakota Synod of the ELCA will gather together for worship, education, celebration, and to do the business of this synod May 31 - June 2, 2024.

For the very first time, the 2024 Synod Assembly will be held in Watford City, ND in the beautiful Roughrider Cente r.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Who Can Serve as a Voting Member at Synod Assembly?

Rostered Ministers: All ELCA Rostered Ministers (pastors and deacons) under call by a congregation of the Western North Dakota Synod or Western North Dakota Synod Council as well as all retired ELCA Rostered Ministers (pastors and deacons) who are on the retired roster of the Western North Dakota Synod who register, and attend may serve as a voting member at Assembly. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER GUIDANCE.

Lay Voting Members : The number of lay voting members allotted per congregation is based on the congregations’ baptized membership. CLICK HERE to view the chart which determines the number of lay voting members your congregation may bring.

Visitors Are Welcome: Anyone is welcome to attend the Synod Assembly by registering as a visitor and paying the visitor fee. Visitors do not have voice or vote at the Assembly.

Lodging for Assembly

We are blessed with a wide variety of hotels in the Watford City Area who are partnering with us for the 2024 WND Synod Assembly! Simply click on the hotel image for more information on partner locations.

When reserving your rooms, please let them know you are there for the Western North Dakota Synod Assembly for special pricing. Also note that some hotels are holding a block of rooms, for our event, until a certain date. After that date, the rooms are open to the public for reservations.

Footsteps of Paul Tour

CLICK HERE for more info and to reserve your spot!

Join Ryan Panzer, author, former Google employee, and Christian ministry practitioner, as he teaches you to navigate the shifting cultural landscape with wisdom and skill.

An added bonus, this workshop will dive into practical coaching skills to help you learn to host conversations and foster curiosity, with time dedicated to small-group breakouts and coaching circles so you can apply that learning in real time! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Vocation Gathering for High School Students - The Confluence

The Confluence is a week at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN where high school students are invited to explore their vocation -- that space where their personal story, God's story and the world's story converge. This year The Confluence will be held June 23rd-28th.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Faith Forward Grant Program - Grand View University

Faith Forward is a new grant program working alongside 20 rural pastors each year in family ministry. Led by David Lynn and Lyle Griner of Peer Ministry, rural pastors will learn to weave in various ways to engage, equip, and encourage parents, grandparents, and caregivers with ways to model and live faith in their own households and daily practices. The church becomes the learning lab for families to discover and practice ways to live faith in their homes. Young ones learn and value a faith that is practical and lived within their own family.

The cost-free program's kick-off event is April 29-30, 2024, in Des Moines at Grand View University. A summary of the components of Faith Forward are:

Pastors will receive personal and group coaching and training sessions.
Recruit parent and grandparent participants for your church
Starter Kits for parents and grandparents to begin at-home faith conversations.
Personalized resource Web site for families to download more activities.
A $500 mini grant to carry out a kick-off event and implementation plan.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE and APPLY .

Best Practices for Recording and Livestreaming Church Services

The ELCA has published " Best Practices for Recording and Livestreaming ." This document addresses notices to the congregation about live streaming and recording the worship service, recording moments during the service when children may appear on camera, parental consent for posting a video or photo of a child, the privacy of members who desire to not be recorded, and other key issues.

November 2023 Gospel Seeds

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:44:00 GMT

Inviting Volunteers
Western North Dakota Synod
Paul N. Marsh, CFRE, GSB Fundraising

For more than a decade, church clients have repeated the same challenge to me: volunteers are harder to recruit than ever before.

Volunteers are the backbone of any successful congregational ministry. What used to be called the 80/20 Rule (80% of the work is done by 20% of the people) is now 90/10 or worse. So how do you reverse this trend in your church?

We have talked in this space about the process to get a financial gift: we inform about what we are raising money for specifically, we inspire by answering the question why this project is so important, we invite a specific gift or gift commitment, and we thank the donor. The process for recruiting a volunteer is the same!

Prospective volunteers want to serve, but most are concerned about signing on for an endless term of service, being drawn into unrelated tasks for which they have no interest or ability, and being unsupported. When you address these concerns up front, you will have a far greater chance of success in recruitment.

We suggest preparing a one-pager that describes three to five specific tasks of the role, the specific term of service (usually one year except for council members), and email and phone numbers for leaders who will respond to questions or problems which may arise. Also nice to have are some quotes from those who have served in that role in the past, describing how meaningful the role was to them.

Finally, plan an exhaustive annual volunteer orientation and training program.

When you begin implementing this plan for recruitment, you will see an increase in dedicated volunteers.

The post November 2023 Gospel Seeds appeared first on Western North Dakota Synod .

August 2023 Gospel Seeds

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:05:00 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

Dear Sister Congregations and Central African Republic Supporters,

In the April Gospel Seeds, you were invited to the Cities for a Centennial Celebration of our partner church in CAR. Many gathered from far and wide to celebrate, worship together, attend workshops, hear a panel of bishops, participate in a youth event, hear a panel about being a youth in the African church. There was history about the early church in Africa, live messages from their bishops with translation about church life today, and what they envision as we walk forward together in faith into the next chapter.

The celebration continues in Cameroun this October. Later in November Bishop Schweitzer plans to attend the centennial events in the Central African Republic. Here he will present your Synod Assembly resolution as a Certificate they can hang in their church offices, congratulating them as they mark 100 years of life in the Gospel, and recommitting us to future ministry together as companions in the common work to which our Lord calls us.

We are called to strengthen one another for life and ministry through prayer, study, communication, and sharing of resources. Every year we raise funds for CAR, although in recent years we have seen a marked decline.

We could list many heartbreaking statistics about this land-locked country with so many needs, where a quarter of the population is displaced by continuous instability, and where life is so much shorter. As church together, we are called to address the bodily needs. The church there has schools, clinics, and Bible Schools we can support to help do this. As I listened to President Ngoe on the live feed, it was clear to me that even as we support these needs, we are ultimately ministering to the spirit, to those who hunger to meet Jesus. With us walking by them, the church there is best placed to nourish the heart, to strengthen believers, and to help us learn what it means to follow Christ in the midst of struggles.

Metigoshe Lutheran would like to challenge you to match their $7,500 fundraiser, about the number of miles from Metigoshe to Bangui in CAR.

Acknowledging their blessings and all they have to share, Metigoshe Lutheran launch the “BRING US CLOSER” campaign to support our brothers and sisters of the CAR and give generously that they might be strengthened in God’s love through us.

What is it that inspires you to generosity. Is it meeting people’s physical and educational needs? Is it the thought of having our bishop there in person to greet them from you, or to help support their celebration of 100 years of hearing and sharing the Gospel? No matter what it is, each dollar sent is life changing and a rare opportunity to inspire them as they receive these gifts from Bishop Schweitzer’s hand on your behalf. Join Metigoshe Lutheran in this exciting challenge to support the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Central African Republic.

The post August 2023 Gospel Seeds appeared first on Western North Dakota Synod .

Western North Dakota Synod

Phishing Scams Persist

Take the Time to See the Signs

1. The message is sent from a public email domain

2. The domain name is misspelled.

3. The email is poorly written

If you’re in any doubt, look for other clues that we’ve listed here or contact the sender using another line of communication, whether in person, by phone, via their website, an alternative email address or through an instant message client.

4. It includes suspicious attachments or links

5. The message creates a sense of urgency

Boundaries Workshop

Space is Limited. Reserve Your Spot, Today!

2026 Pre-Assembly Workshop

Equipping Storytellers: Practical Tools for Storytelling in Your Church

The Palm Sunday Path

Non-partisan Path of Action Set for March 25, 2026

WND Synod Receives Grant

Financial Support for Rural & Small-Town Congregations

The Western Whirlwind

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

Food Support Is Available

Local Pantries and Caring Neighbors Lend a Hand

Ways To Help

Lunch & Learn Zoominar

When: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 12:00 p.m. CT

2025 Advent Worship Resource

An Advent Liturgy Based on "Ground Floor Grace" by John Stevens

LivingWorks FAITH Curriculum

This is a subtitle for your new post

Boundaries Workshops Scheduled

Space Is Limited. Reserve Your Spot Today!

LYO 2025: Wanted

WND Synod Youth Gathering Set for October

LYO 2025: Wanted

Best of Egypt with WND Synod

A Land Where Ancient Wonders and Vibrant Culture Come to Life

Overview

DETAILS:

What makes this tour special

Itinerary

2025 Bishop's Convocation

Expect Less, Nourish More

The Western Whirlwind

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

Journey Through the Enneagram

An Online Group Experience with Deacon Beth Anderson

The Western Whirlwind

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

Retreat for Church Musicians

September 11-13, 2025 in Rural Windom, MN

Addressing Financial Wellness

Financial Wellness for You and Your Congregation

Healthy Boundaries Training

For ELCA Region 3 Leaders Who Work with Children, Youth, and Family Ministries.

Tuesday, May 6th

6:00-7:30pm on Zoom

Cost: $10 donation to benefit Global Refuge

The Western Whirlwind

News from the WND Synodical Women of the ELCA

eNewsletter - February 17, 2025

Get the Latest News from the Synod, All in One Convenient Location

The Intersection of Addiction and Faith with Timothy McMahan King

WATCH THIS ﻿

SAVE THE DATES

2025 SYNOD ASSEMBLY: Rooted and Grounded in Love

2025 BISHOP'S CONVOCATION

Supporting Families Living with Dementia in Spiritual Communities - Virtual ALZ Learn

NORTH DAKOTA SYNOD GUIDELINES FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS BY THE ANNUAL SYNOD ASSEMBLY

Ministry Endowment

Get Ready for Tax Season

March WND Synod Enrichment and GIFTS Event

The Intersection of Addiction and Faith with Timothy McMahan King

Stewardship for All Seasons

Expanding Ministry!

A Pastoral Message

A message from ELCA Bishops of Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota

Lenten Worship Resources

A worship service resource to use and adapt as you wish

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Discipleship Reset

Rooted Faith, Fresh Approaches

WATCH THIS