Ministry in North and South Carolina
Shepherd of the Sea is involved with several ministries in North and South Carolina
Lutheran Services for the Aging
LSA was founded in 1960 by the NC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to live out Christ’s message to care for “the least of these,” and established its first ministry, a Hickory nursing home, in 1962. Since that time, LSA has expanded services to include both frail and active seniors, and now operates five nursing homes; two retirement communities; an assisted living residence; and an adult day services program. In Hickory, LSA collaborates in the operation of Adult Life Programs and in low-income housing for seniors. LSA also provides geriatric care management on a limited basis throughout the state, and provides information and referral services as requested.
Though Lutheran Services for the Aging was established as a not-for-profit social ministry of the Lutheran Church and receives support from many Lutheran congregations, it is not for Lutherans only. LSA believes that a foundation of common values exists within the community and embraces all those seeking services.
Lutheridge/Lutherock Ministries
Lutheridge Conference Center and Camp in South Asheville, North Carolina, and Camp Lutherock near Boone, North Carolina, comprise two sites in western North Carolina providing summer camp for children and youth, family programs, adult programs, and opportunities to plan your own retreat or conference for your group. Affiliated with the ELCA, faith-based programs for children and youth of all denominations dominate the summer calendar. Family and adult program opportunities are growing in the summer and are offered year-round. Youth groups, family groups, public and private schools, college groups and more are customizing high-adventure and group-building retreats called LEAPS.
Agape/Kure Beach Ministries
The Agape and Kure Beach Retreat Centers offer a beautiful place apart; where you can explore what it means to be a unique and important part of the Body of Christ!
With two sites, Camp Agapé (near Raleigh) and Kure Beach (near Wilmington), this ministry offers beautiful escapes from the hustle of everyday life to focus on what is truly important in life.
During a stay, guests are encouraged to take the time to wander the woods or to play in the ocean’s waves; to pause and live life at a slower pace. The goal at both of these natural retreats is for guests’ spirits to be refreshed and renewed.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Since 1830, “Southern” has prepared leaders for the church through quality theological education in a community environment. Southern Seminary strives to teach, form, and nurture its students to be public ministers ready to serve from day one of a call. The seminary is located in Columbia, SC.
The North Carolina Synod
Organized in 1803 to help congregations find qualified pastors, the North Carolina Synod unites over 200 North Carolina congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Each of the ELCA’s 65 synods elects a bishop and a Synod Council. As the synod’s pastor, the bishop oversees the ministry of other pastors and congregations. Our NC Synod bishop is the Rev. Dr. Leonard H. Bolick. Together with his staff, the bishop provides support to congregations and leaders.
The NC Synod strives to live out its mission statement: Walking Together–Sharing Christ, and is headquartered in Salisbury, NC.