Experience and discover God’s work in the world during the Northeastern Iowa Synod’s Global Church Together Festival, set for Saturday, Aug. 24, at Trinity Lutheran, Mason City. DISCOVER GOD’S GLOBAL CHURCH Sponsored by the synod’s Global Church Together Network, this event will feature a guest keynote presentation, seven workshops, a “world of 100” global simulation activity, global music sing-along, and lunch featuring global flavors. It is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Presenters with global connections will lead workshops on these topics: Hung ..read more

Men of all ages are invited to make plans for the next “One Year to Live” men’s retreat, set for Nov. 1-3, 2024, at Ewalu Camp & Retreat Center, Strawberry Point. This spiritual boot camp is an opportunity for men who yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ to band together to examine their life and priorities, and discover how God has equipped them to live. It is presented by Lutheran Men in Mission, in partnership with the Northeastern Iowa Synod and Camp Ewalu. The retreat focuses on small group discussions and activities led by lay men who have attended previo ..read more

Annual reports from partner ministries have always been included in the Northeastern Iowa Synod’s Pre-Assembly Book. Since this synod is hosting the C3 Ministry Fair this year rather than a synod assembly, submitted annual reports are available to view and download below. ELCA Synod Assembly Video — God’s love in these times Synod Assembly Letter from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton ELCA Foundation 2023 Annual Report Wartburg Theological Seminary 2023 Annual Report Wartburg Theological Seminary Video Luther Seminary 2023 Annual ReportLuther Seminary Video Wartburg College 2023 Annual Report A ..read more

Some 443 participants from more than 30 Northeastern Iowa Synod congregations are now registered to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering July 16-20 in New Orleans. As the date gets closer, new policies and recommendations continue to be announced. Check back to this page for updates from our Gathering Synod Champion, Alison Pettit. PLAN TO ATTEND THE GETTING READY EVENT May 5, 2024 Wartburg College, Waverly All youth and youth leaders from this synod who are registered for the ELCA Youth Gathering should plan to attend the Getting Ready event set for Sunday, May 5, at Wartburg College. Check ..read more

The Northeastern Iowa Synod’s Youth Ministry Cohort will host a “Plan-It” Event to help ministers and faith formation leaders develop a one-year calendar of events for their youth and family ministries. Lyle Griener of Peer Ministry Leadership will lead this free planning event Thursday, June 6, 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Decorah Lutheran, Decorah. This event is a guided planning and sharing experience for those responsible for faith formation ministries. Griener will offer planning tools, templates and a system to help participants plan out a year of themes and events that will involve nearly ..read more

All congregation members from the Northeastern Iowa Synod are invited to attend the synod’s first “Creative Collaborative Congregations (C3)” Ministry Fair Saturday, June 1, at Wartburg College, Waverly. This new event is an opportunity for lay people, pastors and deacons from across the synod to gather in fellowship, learn together, share ideas and get inspired with skills to strengthen their congregational ministries. This year’s Ministry Fair replaces the Synod Assembly, which will take place every other year and will meet again in 2025. MINISTRY FAIR June 1, 2024 Wartburg College, Wa ..read more

A new Lay Ministry Training Program will begin in 2024 to give lay leaders the tools and support they need when congregations are without a pastor or deacon. The Northeastern Iowa Synod is joining the Western Iowa Synod, Southeastern Iowa Synod and South-Central Synod of Wisconsin to develop a Lay Ministry Training Program to teach lay members how to lead worship, preach, make home visits, and do other basic pastoral ministry when their congregation does not have an ordained minister. LAY MINISTERS ARE EQUIPPED TO SERVE An average of 30 congregations in the Northeastern Iowa Synod have ..read more

A new Lay Ministry Training Program will begin in 2024 to give lay leaders the tools and support they need when congregations are without a pastor or deacon. The Northeastern Iowa Synod is joining the Western Iowa Synod, Southeastern Iowa Synod and South-Central Synod of Wisconsin to develop a Lay Ministry Training Program to teach lay members how to lead worship, preach, make home visits, and do other basic pastoral ministry when their congregation does not have an ordained minister. LAY MINISTERS ARE EQUIPPED TO SERVE An average of 30 congregations in the Northeastern Iowa Synod have ..read more

Northeastern Iowa Synod youth workers – paid or volunteer — are invited to attend free webinars offered in partnership with Youth Ministry Consultants. Youth Ministry Consultants is a nonprofit organization that offers coaching, consulting and training to help parents, leaders and churches be more effective and intentional in sharing Jesus to the next generation. Their monthly live webinars feature knowledgeable presenters on a variety of youth ministry topics, including: small church ministry caring for challenging kids nurturing lasting faith creating safe spaces for youth practical ideas ..read more

Lay and rostered members of the ELCA are invited to submit their thoughts, ideas and suggestions about the ELCA in a new survey from the ELCA’s Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC). The survey will assist the CRLC as it examines restructuring the governance of the ELCA. Survey questions focus on congregations, synods and the churchwide organization. Participation is voluntary. The survey will be available until March 15, 2024. Here’s the link to complete the survey online: Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Survey (google.com) To learn more about the CRLC, visit www.elca.org/c ..read more