Pastor Rich Hogg is the pastor of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Pastor Jack Russell is pastor of Living Waters Lutheran Church in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Brooke Watson-Summerour is a chaplain, seminarian at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and candidate for word and service.

Chaplain John Connelly is a U.S. Navy Chaplain in the North Carolina Synod, active duty, currently serving in the Norfolk, Virginia area.

Pastor Kara Stewart is pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Mount Holly, North Carolina.

In this episode, Bishop Craig is joined by several adult leaders from across the synod who led groups of youth, young adults, and adult leaders to the recent National Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They share the joys and challenges of leading a group to a gathering like this that brings together thousands of people …

Bishop was invited to be part of a group to travel to the Holy Land in June 2024. He offers this reflection as he continues to process all he experienced during the pilgrimage visit to our companion church, the Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Bishop Craig also wrote a blog about this reflection. You can find that here - https://bishopc…

Welcome Back to Season 2!

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we conclude part one of Genesis. Author: The Rev. Danielle DeNise - ELCA Director of Evangelical Mi…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This Study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Gensis Chapter 25. Author: Julie Russell Voice Actor: Jonathan Schnibben…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This Study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 24. Author: Bill Oelkers Voice Actor: Jonathan Schnibben…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This Study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 22. Author: Dan Voelkert Voice Actor: Don Schwartz…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This Study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 21 Author: Pastor Scott Berry Voice Actor: Don Schwartz…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 18. Author: Kimberly Dunbar Voice Actor: April Schnibben…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 17. Author: Pastor Peter Brown Voice Actor: Don Schwartz…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 16. Author: Pastor Jennifer Ginn Voice Actor: April Schnibben…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from acorss this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Gensis Chapter 12. Author: Pastor John Locke and Anna Lisa Locke Voice Actor: Jona…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 11. Author: Julie Arndt Voice Actor: Jen Heilemann…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This Study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapters 6, 8, & 9. Author: The Rev. Dr. Mark Ellingsen Voice Actor: Jonat…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from acorss this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 4. Author: Thomas Johnston Voice Actor: Jonathan Schnibben…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 3. Author: Pastor Laura Wind Voice Actor: Jen Heilemann…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with chapter 2! Author: The Rev. Dr. C. Pierson Shaw, Jr. Voice Actor: The Rev. Jonatha…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we continue with Genesis Chapter 1. Author: The Rev. Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore Voice Actor: Jen Heilema…

Welcome to Genesis Generations, the North Carolina Synod's 2023 Summer Bible Reading Plan! This study features writers - both clergy and lay - from across this synod. We give thanks for their contributions to this summer's journey into Genesis. Today we begin with an introduction. Author: The Rev. Dr. Alfredo Oviedo; Assistant to the Bishop in the …

Pr. Russ' story begins in Tennessee and wanders around Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas before bringing him to the prairies of North Dakota. In this episode, Pr. Russ shares a bit of his story and his gratitude for his unexpected encounters with the people and places of the Western North Dakota Synod. Trinity Lutheran Church, Turtle Lake, ND…

Bishop Craig is joined by Deacon Beth Anderson on this episode. They explore Deacon Beth's vocational journey before her time serving on the Western North Dakota Synod staff and the next places God is calling her in service to the church beyond the synod staff. Enjoy! Centered Growth Coaching & Spiritual Direction…

Karen Battle, member of Advent Lutheran in Charlotte, joins Pastor Phil Tonnesen to discuss Isaiah 43:19 and the new things God is doing her life and community. Music: Windswept by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4629-windswept License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license This podcast was recorded at the 2022 North Carol…

Matt Hansen, NC Synod Candidate and member of St. Andrew, Andrews, joins Pastor Phil Tonnesen to discuss Isaiah 43:19 and how God is doing a new thing through his call to ministry. Music: Windswept by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4629-windswept License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license This podcast was recorded at …

Skip Downs, member of St. John's in Hudson, NC, joins Pastor Phil Tonnesen to talk about the new things God is doing in his life and in his congregation. Music: Windswept by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4629-windswept License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license This podcast was recorded at the 2022 North Carolina Syn…

Pastor Nikkeya Berryhill, associate pastor at Christ the King, Cary and mission developer in the triangle area, joins Pastor Phil Tonnesen to discuss Isaiah 43:19 and how God is doing a new thing through her call to ministry. Music: Windswept by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4629-windswept License: https://filmmusic.io/s…

Kai Thurow, Outreach & Family Ministry Coordinator at St. Philip, Raleigh and former Director of Youth & Family Ministries at Good Shepherd, Mount Holly, joins Pastor Phil Tonnesen to discuss Isaiah 43:19. Music: Windswept by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4629-windswept License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license This…

Pastor Phil Tonnesen sits down with Tom Eure, musician and member of Morning Star, Matthews. They discuss Isaiah 43:19 and the new things God is doing in his life, congregation, and community. Music: Windswept by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4629-windswept License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license This podcast was …

Pastor Phil Tonnesen sits down with Dr. Sylvia Black, Synod Council member and member of Holy Trinity, Chapel Hill. They discuss Isaiah 43:19 and the new things God is doing in her life, congregation, and community. Music: Windswept by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4629-windswept License:https://filmmusic.io/standard-lic…

The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly was held on August 8-12, 2022 in Columbus, OH. There were 13 voting members from our synod participating. We have a chance to hear from several of them in this episode of Unexpected Surprises. The WND Synod Voting members were Vickie Benzmiller from Augustana Lutheran in Underwood; Rosa Berg from Christ Lutheran in…

Pastor Phil Tonnesen sits down with Julie Arndt, member of St. Mark's, Lumberton, to discuss Isaiah 43:19. Julie shares the new things God is doing. Music: Windswept by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4629-windswept License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license This podcast was recorded at the 2022 North Carolina Synod Ga…