Thank You & Farewell Social
Synod Plans Send-off Gathering for Exiting Bishop
A "Farewell & Thank You" gathering for Bishop Craig Schweitzer has been scheduled for July 27th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Heritage Center in Bismarck, ND. Everyone is invited to attend and share in cupcakes, coffee and fellowship.
Schweitzer has been appointed to a four-year, renewable term as Executive Director for the Christian Community and Leadership home area of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"As I am preparing to step into this new role in the wider church, I know you will be with me," said Schweitzer in a letter addressed to his siblings in Christ across the Western North Dakota Synod. "Though my call is changing, our shared mission and ministry remain the same: to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and to embody his welcome in a world that longs for belonging. Thank you for the gift of serving as your bishop. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
Schweitzer will begin his call with the churchwide organization in Chicago on September 8th. The Rev. Sara Cutter has served as interim executive director for Christian Community and Leadership since September 2025.
