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ELCA Secretary Lucille “CeCee” Mills delivered the sermon for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and commemoration worship service hosted by the African Descent Lutheran Association.
www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa...
www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa...
Walking in hope | Living Lutheran
ELCA Secretary Lucille “CeCee” Mills delivered the sermon for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Commemoration Worship Service.
www.livinglutheran.org
February 9, 2026 at 3:16 PM
ELCA Secretary Lucille “CeCee” Mills delivered the sermon for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and commemoration worship service hosted by the African Descent Lutheran Association.
www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa...
www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa...
North Carolina Synod's own Cetera Jacobs was one of 11 ELCA delegates to the second All Africa Youth Congress in November. Read her reflection.
www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa...
www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa...
Perspective: “Africa: My home, my future” | Living Lutheran
Cetera J. Jacobs reflects on being one of 11 ELCA delegates to the second All Africa Youth Congress held in Nairobi, Kenya.
www.livinglutheran.org
February 5, 2026 at 2:33 PM
North Carolina Synod's own Cetera Jacobs was one of 11 ELCA delegates to the second All Africa Youth Congress in November. Read her reflection.
www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa...
www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa...
In her February reflection, Bishop Emily Hartner draws on Ezekiel’s story of the valley of dry bones to invite us to consider how God’s Spirit connects us for shared life and ministry across the synod.
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
A Lenten Invitation to Connection - North Carolina Synod
Dear friends, as we approach the season of Lent and look toward what our lectionary texts will offer us, you will find that on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we’ll read the familiar story of the valley of ...
nclutheran.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:17 PM
In her February reflection, Bishop Emily Hartner draws on Ezekiel’s story of the valley of dry bones to invite us to consider how God’s Spirit connects us for shared life and ministry across the synod.
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
That’s what’s really at the heart of this year’s NC Synod Gathering theme: Come and See, Go and Tell. During our time together, we hope to hear from children of God of all ages as they say, “look!”
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
Come and See, Go and Tell - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
January 27, 2026 at 2:11 PM
That’s what’s really at the heart of this year’s NC Synod Gathering theme: Come and See, Go and Tell. During our time together, we hope to hear from children of God of all ages as they say, “look!”
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
"It takes time to learn how to live with a new baby, especially when that baby is the light of the world. Perhaps this Epiphany season, we can gift ourselves with a bit of grace as we allow the light of the world to grow in us."—Bishop Emily Hartner, January 2026
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
Learning to Live with the Light - North Carolina Synod
This was the first year in fifteen years that I have not led worship on Christmas Eve…or planned for a Service of Lessons and Carols for the Sunday after Christmas (so as not to have to preach!)…or ot...
nclutheran.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:45 PM
"It takes time to learn how to live with a new baby, especially when that baby is the light of the world. Perhaps this Epiphany season, we can gift ourselves with a bit of grace as we allow the light of the world to grow in us."—Bishop Emily Hartner, January 2026
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
"The first Sunday of Advent, though, also reminds us that Christ comes in smaller ways every day—in the time between the manger and the end of the age... The kingdom of God, ushered in by Jesus, is constantly coming to us."—Bishop Emily Hartner, December reflectio
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
God Is Coming Near - North Carolina Synod
Dear friends, I’m writing this reflection on the evening of the First Sunday of Advent. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now we’ve flipped our liturgical calendars to a new year. Happy New Year! In...
nclutheran.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:40 PM
"The first Sunday of Advent, though, also reminds us that Christ comes in smaller ways every day—in the time between the manger and the end of the age... The kingdom of God, ushered in by Jesus, is constantly coming to us."—Bishop Emily Hartner, December reflectio
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
Bishop Emily Hartner joined other NC faith leaders for a press conference yesterday regarding federal immigration enforcement in North Carolina.
“We draw on Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God and love our neighbor...Everyone is our neighbor.”
ncnewsline.com/2025/11/20/n...
“We draw on Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God and love our neighbor...Everyone is our neighbor.”
ncnewsline.com/2025/11/20/n...
North Carolina faith leaders condemn federal immigration crackdown • NC Newsline
North Carolina clergy condemn federal immigration raids, calling for compassion after hundreds arrested in North Carolina.
ncnewsline.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Bishop Emily Hartner joined other NC faith leaders for a press conference yesterday regarding federal immigration enforcement in North Carolina.
“We draw on Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God and love our neighbor...Everyone is our neighbor.”
ncnewsline.com/2025/11/20/n...
“We draw on Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God and love our neighbor...Everyone is our neighbor.”
ncnewsline.com/2025/11/20/n...
“It is a great joy to see a person so ready to be bishop, with a depth of wisdom and one who is young, vibrant, and full of ideas,” the Rev. Mary Canniff-Kuhn said. “It’s a great day for the church.”
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
Historic Installation Marks New Chapter for NC Synod - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:01 PM
“It is a great joy to see a person so ready to be bishop, with a depth of wisdom and one who is young, vibrant, and full of ideas,” the Rev. Mary Canniff-Kuhn said. “It’s a great day for the church.”
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
"There is something incredibly powerful about actually knowing that, as one community gathers around the word of God and the Holy Supper, nearly 180 other congregations across our synod are gathering to do the same."—Bishop Emily Hartner, November 2025
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
For All the Saints—Including You - North Carolina Synod
“So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the prophets, with Christ Jesus him...
nclutheran.org
November 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
"There is something incredibly powerful about actually knowing that, as one community gathers around the word of God and the Holy Supper, nearly 180 other congregations across our synod are gathering to do the same."—Bishop Emily Hartner, November 2025
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
"There is something incredibly powerful about actually knowing that, as one community gathers around the word of God and the Holy Supper, nearly 180 other congregations across our synod are gathering to do the same."—Bishop Emily Hartner, November 2025
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
For All the Saints—Including You - North Carolina Synod
“So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the prophets, with Christ Jesus him...
nclutheran.org
November 4, 2025 at 1:43 PM
"There is something incredibly powerful about actually knowing that, as one community gathers around the word of God and the Holy Supper, nearly 180 other congregations across our synod are gathering to do the same."—Bishop Emily Hartner, November 2025
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
nclutheran.org/bishops_refl...
St. Andrew Lutheran in New Bern welcomed Marty the Bear to their congregation's campus this week—a nod to Martin Luther, just in time for Reformation Day!
wcti12.com/news/local/m...
wcti12.com/news/local/m...
Marty the bear joins New Bern's bear family, representing the legacy of Martin Luther
The city of New Bern welcomed a new bear on Sunday. Everyone can say hello to Marty, the newest addition to the town.He sits at the St. Andrews Lutheran Church
wcti12.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:31 PM
St. Andrew Lutheran in New Bern welcomed Marty the Bear to their congregation's campus this week—a nod to Martin Luther, just in time for Reformation Day!
wcti12.com/news/local/m...
wcti12.com/news/local/m...
Check out this Bold Café article written by NC Synod Bishop Emily Hartner back in 2014.
"Standing for our faith can sometimes feel very risky and uncomfortable. Claimed in the waters of baptism, we remember that we are backed—and loved—by the One who stood for us.”
"Standing for our faith can sometimes feel very risky and uncomfortable. Claimed in the waters of baptism, we remember that we are backed—and loved—by the One who stood for us.”
October 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Check out this Bold Café article written by NC Synod Bishop Emily Hartner back in 2014.
"Standing for our faith can sometimes feel very risky and uncomfortable. Claimed in the waters of baptism, we remember that we are backed—and loved—by the One who stood for us.”
"Standing for our faith can sometimes feel very risky and uncomfortable. Claimed in the waters of baptism, we remember that we are backed—and loved—by the One who stood for us.”
"God is at work in a myriad of ways in this one group. We have come to love one another, sharing our joys, sorrows, questions, and deep convictions as we open the Word each week."
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
Recreating What We Miss—Together - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
October 21, 2025 at 8:27 PM
"God is at work in a myriad of ways in this one group. We have come to love one another, sharing our joys, sorrows, questions, and deep convictions as we open the Word each week."
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
From February to August, 971 volunteers gave more than 16,800 hours of service to help communities recover from Hurricane Helene.
As Pastor Ruth Ann Sipe reminds us: “Every little step is progress. Everything helps.”
Read more about the ongoing recovery effort: nclutheran.org/special_post...
As Pastor Ruth Ann Sipe reminds us: “Every little step is progress. Everything helps.”
Read more about the ongoing recovery effort: nclutheran.org/special_post...
971 Volunteers, 16,800 Hours, Countless Blessings - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
September 16, 2025 at 1:21 PM
From February to August, 971 volunteers gave more than 16,800 hours of service to help communities recover from Hurricane Helene.
As Pastor Ruth Ann Sipe reminds us: “Every little step is progress. Everything helps.”
Read more about the ongoing recovery effort: nclutheran.org/special_post...
As Pastor Ruth Ann Sipe reminds us: “Every little step is progress. Everything helps.”
Read more about the ongoing recovery effort: nclutheran.org/special_post...
"Because the same Spirit that calls, gathers, and enlightens them in their ministry is at work in me—at work in my congregation, at work in the NC Synod."
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
Step Up to the Mic: God Is at Work - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
August 19, 2025 at 12:48 PM
"Because the same Spirit that calls, gathers, and enlightens them in their ministry is at work in me—at work in my congregation, at work in the NC Synod."
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
Bishop Tim Smith closes out the Summer Bible Reading Plan with a Hebrews Benediction.
nclutheran.org/summer-bible...
nclutheran.org/summer-bible...
Hebrews Benediction - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
July 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Bishop Tim Smith closes out the Summer Bible Reading Plan with a Hebrews Benediction.
nclutheran.org/summer-bible...
nclutheran.org/summer-bible...
"Pastors and Deacons. SAMs and Certified Lay Preachers. Voting Members and guests. From Andrews to Elizabeth City, from the mountains to the coast, we came together as church. And we got to work."
nclutheran.org/the-gift-of-...
nclutheran.org/the-gift-of-...
The Gift of the Ministry We Share - North Carolina Synod
Walking Together As you may already know, synod means “walking together.” And that’s exactly what we did at the Koury Convention Center last week—not just from one hotel tower to the other, but across...
nclutheran.org
June 9, 2025 at 2:59 PM
"Pastors and Deacons. SAMs and Certified Lay Preachers. Voting Members and guests. From Andrews to Elizabeth City, from the mountains to the coast, we came together as church. And we got to work."
nclutheran.org/the-gift-of-...
nclutheran.org/the-gift-of-...
A resolution came from Synod Council to the Assembly on May 31 to approve and officially welcome Emmaus as a chartered congregation. Presented by Vice President Haywood, the resolution was enthusiastically approved by the Assembly with applause and a standing ovation.
nclutheran.org/emmaus-welco...
nclutheran.org/emmaus-welco...
Emmaus Welcomed as Newest Congregation - North Carolina Synod
“In reflection on what Emmaus has been the last seven years, I’m a preacher so allow me to share two parables,” said the Rev. Dr. Shanitria Cuthbertson from the stage of the 2025 North Carolina Synod ...
nclutheran.org
June 6, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A resolution came from Synod Council to the Assembly on May 31 to approve and officially welcome Emmaus as a chartered congregation. Presented by Vice President Haywood, the resolution was enthusiastically approved by the Assembly with applause and a standing ovation.
nclutheran.org/emmaus-welco...
nclutheran.org/emmaus-welco...
"...My prayer is that we, as the church, in turn, continue to live out that very ethos: to serve together with our young adults and others in community and in service to the world." - Tyler Ruddy (Grace, Boone & Connect NC)
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
I Am Not Worried - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
May 21, 2025 at 12:44 PM
"...My prayer is that we, as the church, in turn, continue to live out that very ethos: to serve together with our young adults and others in community and in service to the world." - Tyler Ruddy (Grace, Boone & Connect NC)
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
In January 2025, Lutheran Church of Reconciliation (LCOR) Congregation Council President, AJ Oberempt, saw a need in the local community—a serious lack of feminine hygiene products being distributed. With the support of LCOR, she began the Dignity.Period project.
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
Reconciliation's Project: Dignity. Period. - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
May 21, 2025 at 12:43 PM
In January 2025, Lutheran Church of Reconciliation (LCOR) Congregation Council President, AJ Oberempt, saw a need in the local community—a serious lack of feminine hygiene products being distributed. With the support of LCOR, she began the Dignity.Period project.
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
What is a “land acknowledgement” and why does the North Carolina Synod, ELCA have one? Hear from a handful of Lutheran voices across the state of North Carolina as they reflect on land acknowledgments, the beauty of God’s creation, and the mission of the church.
youtu.be/LG7ryOFpKx8?...
youtu.be/LG7ryOFpKx8?...
Acknowledge the Land. Honor the People.
YouTube video by NC Synod
youtu.be
April 23, 2025 at 12:30 PM
What is a “land acknowledgement” and why does the North Carolina Synod, ELCA have one? Hear from a handful of Lutheran voices across the state of North Carolina as they reflect on land acknowledgments, the beauty of God’s creation, and the mission of the church.
youtu.be/LG7ryOFpKx8?...
youtu.be/LG7ryOFpKx8?...
"In a small group, learning becomes authentic. It means more. Leaders emerge. It might get messy. It’s noisy. But it’s true, honest, and real... In small congregations, this is also true."
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...
All We Need Is Here - North Carolina Synod
nclutheran.org
April 15, 2025 at 3:59 PM
"In a small group, learning becomes authentic. It means more. Leaders emerge. It might get messy. It’s noisy. But it’s true, honest, and real... In small congregations, this is also true."
nclutheran.org/special_post...
nclutheran.org/special_post...