The NT-NL Synod is a community of congregations, members, lay and rostered leaders.  And within our community there is a lot to know and a lot that is taking place.  This bulletin board is one way to keep abreast of what is happening within the synod. A partial listing is offered below. If you have a specific announcement you wish to see posted here, please contact Stan.Meyer@ntnl.org for assistance.

Spanish Liturgy and Worship
One-Day Introductory Workshop

Attend an introductory workshop on Spanish Liturgy and Worship on Saturday, May 17, 2008: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm at Calvary Lutheran Church, Richland Hills, sponsored by the Parish Lay Ministry Academy. This workshop offers an overview of various critical themes for Spanish-language and bi-lingual worship. Including simple techniques to facilitate the pronunciation in the Spanish Language, the instructor will walk through "Libro de Liturgia y Cantico" including Oracion de la Manana (Morning Prayer), Servicio de Adoracion (Worship Service), and Letania y Oraciones (Litany and Prayers). Also considered will be Special Services, including Bautismo (Baptism), Rito de Sanacion (Healing Service), Quinceaneras (15th Birthday), and Funerales. In addition to those practical resources, attention will be given to background in Rituals and Symbols and their importance for the Hispanic-Latino/Latina community, especially the Imago Dei. Finally, some consideration will be given to Music Resources, particularly knowing your context, so participants will experience different rhythms, from the Hispanic-Latino/Latina in the USA to the Andino music from Peru. Leader for the workshop will be Aura Violeta Erickson, who was born in Guatemala and now has a family that includes an Anglo husband, three teenagers, and a 10 year old. It was working with children and youth that inspired her for ministry. She completed the PLM program and began serving Walnut Hill Lutheran Church in North Dallas as Synodically Authorized Worship Leader (SAWL) for the past three years by leading English and Spanish Services, as well as working with the youth. She is currently a TEEM student in the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, preparing for ordination.

Info Contact: Pastor Russell Vardell, PLMA Dean

Chaplain Position Opening
Lutheran Sunset Ministries, Clifton

Lutheran Sunset Ministries, formerly Clifton Lutheran Sunset Ministries, is inviting applications for a full time chaplain position. The chaplain will be responsible for campus wide chaplaincy services to residents in nursing care, assisted living, retirement living and the supervision of a part time chaplain. Qualifications include ELCA clergy or in fellowship with the ELCA, four quarters of CPE, chaplaincy experience preferred. Sunset is a 54 year old ELCA affiliated SMO and is in the process of completing a major building project. Applications and requests for information are invited through June with the hope of filling the position by September, 2008. Please send your resume and/or requests to Rev. Cal Goerdel, Lutheran Sunset Ministries, P.O. Box 71, Clifton, TX 76634; 254-675-8637 Ext. 240.

Info Contact: Rev. Cal Goerdel, CLSH Executive Director

Thrivent Builds with Habitat

Through the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity International alliance, more than 650 homes have been built with families in need of simple, decent, affordable housing thanks to Lutherans, Thrivent Financial members and other volunteers. This year, 10 homes are being built in Texas and four are in the North Texas area: • South Collin County Habitat in Plano – 1 home, now under construction • North Collin County Habitat in McKinney – 1 home, beginning in September • Trinity Habitat for Humanity in Fort Worth – 2 homes, beginning in September Area Lutheran churches and Thrivent Chapters are raising 10% of the costs of the homes and providing at least 50% of the volunteers. Bishop Kanouse and the ELCA staff spent a day constructing a Thrivent Builds house two years ago. With their donation of time (and a bit of sweat!), a Dallas couple are now raising their children in a good home and have a chance for financial security. There are many ways to participate in Thrivent Builds and not all of them are swinging hammers. Food, devotions, site hosts, landscapers and other non-construction folks are also needed. A Habitat construction day for your congregation is a good opportunity for team building with your staff, council, elders, or other church members. Encourage your members to invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to come along. They will get a chance to know some of your members in a fun, comfortable setting which just might pave the way for a visit to your church and an introduction to a Carpenter from Galilee. For more information, contact: Fort Worth – Pastor Chris Bramich, 817-439-2100, pb316@sbcglobal.net; Karen Derrick, Trinity Habitat, karen.derrick@trinityhabitat.org Plano and McKinney – Doug Sloan, 972-398-0634, sloandr@verizon.net Jill Smola, South Collin County Habitat, 972-398-0634, jsmola@habitat.scc.org Don Hixon, North Collin County Habitat, 972-837-2243, dbhixon@academicplanet.com.

Info Contact: (See above)

With One Voice songbook
50 copies free

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Coryell City has been using the ELW for a couple of months. They are willing to donate about 50 copies of the WOV worship book to any ministry that could use it. Please let Pastor Kenneth Moerbe, interim pastor, know if you are interested.

Info Contact: Pastor Kenneth Moerbe

Biblical Storytelling Workshop
Sponsored by NTNL Parish Lay Ministry Academy

The Parish Lay Ministry Academy of the NT-NL Synod presents a one-day workshop in Biblical Storytelling, Saturday, April 19, 2008, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, presented by Pastor Lori Ruge-Jones of Living Word Lutheran Church in Buda, Texas. Pastor Ruge-Jones has been a storyteller for about 13 years – teaching and telling stories primarily in a congregational context. She is a member of the Network of Biblical Storytellers, and teaches according to their method of "learning the text by heart". This workshop provides an excellent introduction for those involved in Sunday School teaching, children’s sermons, pastoral ministry, public education, youth ministry, and other aspects of Christian Education. The workshop is primarily for beginners, lasts about 5 hours, and also includes lunch and opening worship. In this workshop Pastor Ruge-Jones will teach a text, usually one that is coming up in the Sunday morning lectionary about a month later, so that attendees have a goal for applying their new skills. The class will do some exegesis for storytelling and eperience some learning and telling techniques. Pastor Ruge-Jones ends the time with a 30 minute “concert” of Biblical stories. To learn more about Biblical storytelling, please go to www.nobs.org. Contact the Parish Lay Ministry Academy Dean, Pastor Russell Vardell (dean@plmacademy.org), to register or for questions. Cost for the one-day workshop is $30.00. The workshop takes place at Calvary Lutheran Church, Richland Hills.

Info Contact: Dean Russell Vardell

Gibson Day in Seguin
Honoring Professor Hugo Gibson

Pre-theological students of Greek and singers in the Texas Lutheran Choir of the mid-twentieth century remember Professor Hugo Gibson. Math majors of the same era studied under Professor Georgia Gibson. Texas Lutheran and the city of Seguin will honor the Gibsons’ contributions with the unveiling of a Texas State Historical Marker at the distinctively designed and recently restored Gibson home at 308 S. Erkel in Seguin. The 4 pm, April 8, ceremony will preceed the Gibson Memorial Concert of the TLU Concert Choir in Weinert Chapel at 7:30 pm No tickets or reservations needed. For more information contact TLU Archivist, Luther Oelke at 830-372-8021 or loelke@tlu.edu.

Info Contact: TLU Archivist Luther Oelke; 830.372.8021.

Westminster Brass Concert
Living Word, Grapevine

The Westminster Brass (a brass quintet and percussionist) will be giving a concert and playing many wonderful hymn arrangements. The group has performed for many large Christian gatherings, as well as international concerts. The event takes place at 4 p.m. on February 10 at Living Word.

Info Contact: Westminster Brass

Mileage Rates for 2008
IRS Rate now 50.5 cents for business use

The IRS recently issued the optional standard mileage rates for 2008 used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning January 1, 2008, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: * 50.5 cents per mile for business miles driven * 19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes * 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations. The new rate for business miles, medical and moving purposes has increased. The rates for miles driven in service of charitable organizations is set by law and remains the same. Taxpayers may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle, for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.

Info Contact: Clergy Financial Inc.

Jewish Community Relations Council
Two Invitations

JANUARY 21, 2008: “REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., RABBI ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL, DARFUR: HOW DO WE MAKE ‘NEVER AGAIN’ A REALITY?” 8:00 a.m. at Congregation Shearith Israel. In commemoration of the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, join in a community-wide program on Monday, January 21, 2008 at Congregation Shearith Israel. Breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. and program at 8:00 a.m. Program participants include Rabbi William Gershon, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Shearith Israel and Rev. Sheron Patterson, Senior Pastor, Highland Hills United Methodist Church. Call 214-615-5261 by Monday, January 14th for a reservation. There is no cost for the breakfast. FEBRUARY 21, 2008: “NATION OF IMMIGRANTS: 21st CENTURY CHALLENGES” 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (approximately) at Temple Emanu-El on Thursday, February 21, 2008. This special conference will explore the complex issues surrounding immigration, highlight the needs of immigrants and promote communication and coordination among area groups that serve immigrants. The event will feature keynote speaker Doris Meissner, former director of U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services and currently a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute in Washington. The conference will also include workshops on a variety of issues and topics. Conference registration fee of $40 includes lunch ($30 fee for groups of 3 or more.) Sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women and the Jewish Community Relations Council

Info Contact:

Man`s Challenge: God`s Mission
The 2008 Lutheran Men`s Gathering

The NT-NL Men`s Gathering takes place at Briarwood on February 1-2 under the theme Man`s Challenge: God`s Mission. The event features a keynote presentation by Dr. Terry Germann, currently serving as interim pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas. Dr. Germann will explore the story of the unlikely hero, Gideon -- an ordinary man trying to take care of his family when God challenged him...and he challenged God. Bishop Kanouse will be attending as well and leading worship.

Info Contact: Henry Howe; 940.323.8786.

VBS Materials Available
"Avalanche Ranch"

Ready-to-go VBS supplies for Group Publishing`s "Avalanche Ranch". Includes curriculum, DVDs, decorations, and professionally-designed set. Set includes actual chuck-wagon and life-size painted figures of each VBS character. Must pick up! Available from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Grand Prairie.

Info Contact: Pastor Ryan Mills; 972.642.5683.

Responsible Care Training Seminar
All Saints Lutheran Church, Arlington

This is a seminar for Clergy, Spiritual Directors, Church Staff, and Leadership Volunteers. It (along with workbooks and live presentation) gives a broad overview of issues that result from childhood abuse, specifically addressing childhood sexual abuse. When: Saturday, January 5, 2008, 9am to 3pm. Where: All Saints Lutheran Church, 4325 SW Green Oaks Blvd Arlington, TX 76017. Topics covered during the seminar include: definitions of abuse, damage to the developing person, longings and voice, secondary symptoms and long-term damage, memory and concentration, forgiveness and confrontation, helping in ways that do not hurt, risk management and safe environment considerations to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults, and compassionate and responsible policies when a sex offender wishes to attend services and activities offered by the faith community. The Pastoral Care Training Seminar, will be presented by Sallie Culbreth, Founder and Director of Committed to Freedom Ministries and author of The Uncaged Project. Please RSVP if you plan to attend so we can have enough books on hand.

Info Contact: Pastor Kyle Rouze; 817.483.1631.

New TLU President Installation Service
Rev. Ann Svennungsen

Texas Lutheran University has announced that the Installation Ceremony for the Rev. Ann Svennungsen, the university’s 14th president, will take place in Seguin on February 1. She is the first female president in the school’s history. An ordained pastor of the ELCA, she currently serves as the chief executive officer of the Fund for Theological Education in Atlanta. Karen Norman, chair of the TLU Board of Regents said, “She has a passion for Christian higher education, a strong public presence, a record of success as a fund-raiser, and a deep understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of Texas Lutheran University.” Welcome!

Info Contact: Texas Lutheran University

Listening in Love & Seeking Peace
A Trip to the Holy Land

Announcing: Listening in Love and Seeking Peace in the Holy Land. "The Holy Land" - these three words evoke the riches of the three religious traditions that claim them and, for Christians especially, the promises of Jesus. At last spring`s Synod Assembly, a number of people indicated interest in exploring the Holy Land with us on a 9-day tour. Now I am working to assemble a traveling group. Sisters and brothers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) are ready to welcome us. Tentative dates in June 2008 are being explored and the cost will be forthcoming, most likely under $3,000. A blessing of faith and challenge awaits those who make the pilgrimage. This journey will take us to the sites associated with the Jesus` life and ministry. We will meet the leaders of today`s Lutheran ministries in Palestine, who work and minister in a context of struggle. We will see the Separation Barrier being built across the Palestinian landscape, and its effects on daily life. Taste and experience the cultures of Israel and Palestine. Explore the old city of Jerusalem. Meet with people who are passionately involved in the effort toward peace with justice today - Jewish, Christian and Muslim. Worship (in Arabic!) with Lutheran congregations in the West Bank. This trip will truly be a pilgrimage, engaging the world of the Bible - both ancient sites and modern struggles. I look forward to being the leader of for an unforgettable journey. Join us!

Info Contact: Ann Hafften; 817.594.6698.

Yamaha organ
Available

Ascension Lutheran Church, Garland, TX has a working but older and once repaired Yamaha organ that it will donate to any church or anyone who will come and get it.

Info Contact: Pastor Kurt Friederich; 972.276.0023.

Parish Nurse position
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Dallas

Parish Nurse sought for King of Glory Lutheran Church, Dallas, TX. Five years RN experience, BSN preferred, Parish Nurse certification desirable. Must have active TX nursing license, strong interpersonal skills, and knowledge of area health care assets. An active faith life and knowledge of spiritual beliefs is required. 30-40 hrs/wk with annual renewable contract.

Info Contact: King of Glory Lutheran Church

Forward Thinking Seminar
For those in the ELCA Pension Program

Join other ELCA church professionals and learn how to use your pension accumulations for yourself, your family and the ministries that you value. Polly Bergerson (Board of Pensions) and Bob Buschkemper (ELCA Foundation) will lead this event. Register in advance for the event which takes place immediately before the Theological Conference: January 28th in Galveston.

Info Contact: Pastor Carol Spencer

Scholarships for Seminarians
Providing for our Future Leaders

The cost of attending seminary -- which once was paid for in large measure by the denomination and synods -- has shifted to the seminarians themselves. Many students complete their college and seminary studies with debt in excess of $30,000. The NT-NL Synod recently gave $450 gifts to each of 11 seminarians as a token of our synodical support. The synod is also moving to expand its Scholarship Fund by investing in the ELCA`s Fund for Leaders in Mission which will professionally manage the endowment on our behalf and enable us to give scholarships to students from our synod. This seminary scholorship fund will soon have a corpus of $15,000, but it will serve us well if that amount climbs rapidly. Your support is welcome.

Info Contact: Pastor Stan Meyer

Bi-Lingual Service Planned
St. Paul, Farmers Branch

¡Bienvenidos a Todos! All Are Welcome! Servicio Bi-lingue de Oración y Santa Comunión, Domingo, 14 de Octubre, 6:00 pm, 11 de Noviembre y 9 de diciembre. Iglesia Luterana San Pablo, 13605 Webb Chapel, (Golfing Green y Webb Chapel), Farmers Branch, TX. Bi-Lingual Worship Service of Prayer & Holy Communion, Sunday, October 14th, 6:00 pm, November 11th & December 9th. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 13605 Webb Chapel Road, (Webb Chapel & Golfing Green), Farmers Branch, TX.

Info Contact: Pastor Deb McCann

Oaks Indian Mission
Search for Executive Director

The Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Oklahoma, is a unique child care facility with 100 years of history affiliated with the Lutheran church. The Mission seeks a new Executive Director who is a visionary risk taker to create a model program for the care and development of children in need. A minimum of eight (8) years experience in children’s services, including staff supervision and working with board of directors is required. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling , education, and/or psychology from an accredited college or university is required. The new Executive Director must display excellent leadership skills in program development, communications, staff development, supervision, relationship building, fund raising and financial management. Resumes and requests for complete position description should be address to the following

Info Contact: Edgar Myers; Fax: 914.664.0191.

Stewardship of Creation
Promoted by Texas Impact

Texas Interfaith Power and Light (TXIPL) is part of a national movement with branches in 23 states devoted to helping people of faith recognize and fulfill their responsibility as stewards for creation. To achieve this goal, IPL has created Shop IPL which offers an array of inexpensive, energy efficient products, including compact fluorescent light bulbs, rechargeable batteries, programmable thermostats, educational kids’ books, solar ovens, water faucet aerators, and more at competitive wholesale prices. We want to make it as easy as possible for people and faith communities to take concrete steps toward preserving our environment.

Info Contact: Shop IPL

The 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering
New Orleans, Louisiana

Start planning (it’s not too early): the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering event will be in New Orleans July 22-26 under the theme Jesus, Justice and Jazz.

Info Contact: Sign up for the Youth Event newsletter

Help in a Disaster
Red Cross Online Training

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded the American Red Cross a grant to offer a training program that will increase awareness of Weapons of Mass Destruction / Terrorism incidents. The program is for non-governmental and volunteer groups. The goal is to help people respond to the humanitarian needs following WMD/T incidents. You can take the training online.

Info Contact: Red Cross Training

Our Shared Ministry
2007 Calendar of Emphases

During 2007 the NT-NL Synod honors each of the following agencies and institutions for their partnership with us in mission and ministry. We are thankful for their work, and we urge all congregations and synod members to support them in their work on our behalf: JANUARY: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sierra Leone FEBRUARY: NT-NL Synod`s DiscipleLife Emphasis MARCH: Clifton Lutheran Sunset Home and Mosaic APRIL: Region IV Seminaries: LSTC, LSPS, Wartburg MAY: Briarwood Lutheran Ministries JUNE: Texas Conference of Churches and Louisiana Interchurch Conference, JULY: ELCA Vision for Mission AUGUST: NT-NL Synod Campus Ministry Fund SEPTEMBER: Texas Lutheran University OCTOBER: NT-NL Mission Endowment Fund and Lutheran Foundation of the SW NOVEMBER: ELCA World Hunger Appeal DECEMBER: Lutheran Social Services

Info Contact: Calendar of Emphasis

Worship Works
New Web Resource

The synod`s Worship Committee has put together a new web site to provide resources and information about worship forms and worship planning. The site is especially important now as the ELCA begins to introduce the new worship resource, Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Use this site to learn more, but also as a place to log in your questions and comments. You can access the site from the NT-NL Synod`s home page or by clicking on the link below.

Info Contact: Worship Works

Attention: Congregations with Literacy Programs
Get listed in a Statewide Directory

The Center for Literacy at Baylor University has partnered with the Texas Conference of Churches on a project to locate all of the literacy ministries (ex: ESL classes, adult basic education, tutoring) in its member congregations throughout the state of Texas. The Center would like to develop a directory of all programs and welcomes our NT-NL congregations to complete a brief survey found online. Michael Ormsby at the Center for Literacy can answer your questions.

Info Contact: Center for Literacy -- Michael Ormsby. Literacy Survey Online

Satellite Ministry in Alvarado
An Outreach of San Miguel Lutheran Church

San Miguel Lutheran Church in Fort Worth is testing the possibility of a satellite ministry in Alvarado, TX. The ministry will seek to gather individuals and families into a worshiping community. The ministry needs a guitar, speakers, microphone, amplifier and other such equipment to support their worship times. Your assistance is welcome!

Info Contact: Irma Godinez, Latino Ministry Coordinator; 214.637.6865.