About Unexpected Surprises - A Podcast of the Western North Dakota Synod
Unexpected Surprises is a podcast of the Western North Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Through this podcast, we explore all that God is doing through people of faith on the prairies of North Dakota.
The WND Synod at the ELCA National Youth Gathering
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 from across the church. They also share their hopes for how this experience might have a lasting and positive impact on the ministry and mission Go...
30 Jul 2024
Holy Land Pilgrimage Reflection with Bishop Craig
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://bishopcraig.net/2024/07/30/holy-land-2024-a-post-pilgrimage-reflection/
27 Apr 2023
The Rev. Russell Lambert - Trinity Lutheran Church, Turtle Lake, ND
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
13 Apr 2023
Deacon Beth Anderson
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
12 Sept 2022
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Voting Members
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 Minot; Bruce Carlson, Synod Vice-President from Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva; Crystal Engel from Lord of Life Lutheran Church in B...
22 Aug 2022
Anne & Willie Langdji, Global Mission Regional Representatives in West Africa for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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 the multi-facets of their ministry across West Africa and specifically as it relates to the ELCA's bilateral relationship with the many Luthera...
8 Aug 2022
The Rev. Randy Emgarten, St. Olaf in Turtle Lake, ND and Our Savior's in Mercer, ND.
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 out why God's people in this place are so special to Pr. Randy and the ministry he leads. Unexpected Surprises is made possible through a mission g...
25 Jul 2022
Deacon Terri Endres, Regional Representative from Portico Benefit Services
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 the church. Find out more about Portico Benefits Services here - https://porticobenefits.org/ Find out more about Deacon Terri here - http://wnd...
11 Jul 2022
The Rev. Dave Myers - Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot, ND
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 mission grant from the WND Synod Mission Endowment Fund. More information on all of our synod's endowment funds is available here - http://wnd...
27 Jun 2022
The Rev. Dawn Busch - Medora, Belfield, & Daglum Lutheran Churches
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 congregations she is called to serve in the western region of the synod. Unexpected Surprises is made possible through a mission grant from the WND...
13 Jun 2022
Rev. Keith Pearson, ELCA Foundation
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. Keith's contact information here - http://wndsynod.org/synod-staff/ Unexpected Surprises is made possible through a mission grant from the ...
23 May 2022
Pr. Jon Halvorson, Executive Director of Metigoshe Ministries
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 the exciting things God is doing through Metigoshe Ministries.
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