Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota celebrated 100 years of service through a series of statewide open houses this month, including a Jamestown event Nov. 4.
Each celebration featured a screening of the LSSND historical documentary, a glimpse of the agency’s story from its earliest
days to its current status as one of the state’s largest nonprofits, delivering services to more than 15,000 North Dakotans
annually.
Following the documentary, CEO Jessica Thomasson presented “Dove Awards” to recognize individuals, churches,
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businesses and organizations who partner with LSSND to help the people in their home communities. The dove is
significant to LSSND’s history because it symbolizes God’s presence in the world as a source of peace, way-finding and
guidance. Award recipients received a certificate and a hand-crafted glass dove ornament, made by artist Joyce White.
Dove Award recipients recognized at the Jamestown event:
• Individual: Howard Oppegard, Valley City
• Church: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City
• Organizations: Great Plains Housing Authority and the University of Jamestown
The event concluded with an original song, “Like a Dove,” which was written and performed especially for the centennial by
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Christine Lennon, annual giving officer at LSSND. The song echoes the Micah 6:8 verse to “act justly, love mercy, and walk
humbly,” which is a guiding principle for the agency.
