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…

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…

Anne & Willie Langdji join Bishop Craig in this episode. Anne and Willie have served a variety of countries in West Africa for many years. They continue to be one of the central points of contact for the ministry we share with our global companion synod in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic. The Langdjis share with us t…

Bishop Craig is joined by the Rev. Randy Emgarten on this episode of Unexpected Surprises. Pr. Randy serves as pastor of St. Olaf and Our Savior's Lutheran Churches in the central region of our synod. He shares his deep love for the people and holy place of the North Dakota prairie that God has called him to serve for more than two decades. Find ou…

In this episode of Unexpected Surprises, Bishop Craig and Deacon Terri Endres discuss Portico and the many ways it serves the leaders of our church, her journey toward ordained ministry in the church from a vocation in medicine, her love of all things Green Bay Packers, and a few of the things she has heard recently that give hope for the future of…

Pr. Dave Myers joins Bishop Craig for this episode of Unexpected Surprises. Pr. Dave is a retired Air Force serviceman and recently ordained into the ministry of word and sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He serves as Associate Pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot, ND. Unexpected Surprises is made possible through a mis…

Bishop Craig is joined by the Rev. Dawn Busch on this episode of Unexpected Surprises. Pr. Dawn serves as pastor of Belfield Lutheran Church, Medora Lutheran Church, and Daglum Lutheran Church on the western edge of our synod. She shares her unique and unexpected journey to ordained ministry, her love of Biblical languages, and the spirit of the co…

The Rev. Keith Pearson serves as Regional Representative for the ELCA Foundation. This episode is from the May WND Synod "Lunch & Learn Zoominar" where Pr. Keith shared a bit of his story with us as well as many insights available to our synod through the ELCA Foundation including endowments, gift policies, and planned giving ideas. You can find Pr…

In the maiden voyage of Unexpected Surprises, Bishop Craig is joined by Pr. Jon Halvorson, Executive Director of Metigoshe Ministries. Pr. Jon shares part of his story growing up in many places around our country, his discernment toward seminary and ordained ministry in the ELCA following a time in the Peace Corps serving in Nicaragua, and a few of…