Our Mission Developments
South Durham Connections
South Durham Connections (SoDuCo) is a community committed to addressing all the ways that people are hungry: physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and intellectually. This community’s signature ministry is the Parktown Food Hub (the Hub). SuDuCo meets to gather as a community in their garden and celebrates the sacrament as part of their garden potluck. The community started in 2018 is led by Pastor Sharon Schulze.
Christ’s Beloved Community
This multi-racial, multi-cultural community is a partnership between the ELCA and The Episcopal Church. The community worships bilingually in English & Spanish. Three times a month, they host the only bilingual food pantry in Forsyth County serving over 300 neighboring families. The community meets every Sunday for worship – and has celebrated over 15 baptisms to far this year! This community began in 2016 and is led by Pastor Javier Arias.
Emmaus
In May 2017, Emmaus began in West Charlotte led by Dr. Shanitria Cuthbertson. This ministry is anchored in mentoring of African-American students, using arts for expression, and community cares events. Additionally, the community is engaging disciples in their faith through their Tuesday night bible study. They gather for worship each Sunday allowing gospel music, sacrament and powerful preaching to create space for the community to encounter the transformative love of Jesus Christ. In 2021, the ministry moved to a permanent location in Kannapolis making is possible for them to serve the larger Charlotte-metro area.
Living Waters Lutheran Mission
Begun in 1985, this community is on the Qualla Boundary and is an embodiment of the gospel with the people of the Eastern-band Cherokee tribe. The signature ministry of Living Waters is their food pantry and resource center. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals a year through its feeding ministries, it addresses the immediate need that all might be fed. Additionally, Living Waters serves as a place for job placement, education connection, seniors support and more. The community worships on Wednesdays and Sundays blending Cherokee culture including beginning each Sunday with a morning song to greet the day sung in Cherokee. This ministry is led by Pastor Jack Russell and Lisa Russell.
Arbol de Vida
Gathering in North Durham, this community is a Spanish-speaking gathering of believers anchored in Word & Sacrament. This community began in early 2017 and is made up of as many children as adults. The community is finding energy in their monthly women’s brunch and community cares events like backpack program. In 2021, the community received a permanent home on N. Duke Street. The congregation meets in their church home every Sunday for worship. The mission development is led by Pastor German & Clara Santana.
The Dwelling
This ministry walks alongside persons experiences homelessness. Each Sunday they gather for worship and a meal. This community is sharing a meal with nearly 200 people every Sunday. Throughout the week they are loving their neighbors by offering showers with their shower trailer. This federated ELCA/Moravian ministry is led by Pastor Emily Norris and Pastor Tobi Fleck. In December 2022, the Dwelling received a new home and will share space with local non-profits in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem.
Anam Cara Community
Anam Cara, "soul friend in Gaelic”, is a digital first community with monthly worship services, a monthly Thoughtcast podcast, and a bi-weekly newsletter. The community will continue to build through small groups. Anam Cara is led by Pastors Tuhina Rasche, Tim Brown & Jason Chesnut.
Community of Spiritual Practice
This ministry led by Pastor Elizabeth Rawlings began in October 2021 in Asheville. This community is dedicated to encouraging one another in individual and communal spiritual practices that grow roots for liberation.