Today in NT-NL Synod, ELCA was a spirit led and powerful day. Across our territory congregations gathered wearing red to celebrate the birthday of the church on Pentecost.
Your synod staff was also across our territory. Pastora Irma Banales was in Dallas for an ecumenical gathering of leaders brought together by Brite Divinity school at TCU.
Pastor Kris Totzke participated in confirmations celebrations at Calvary, San Angelo. Last fall I participated in confirmation celebrations there and how exciting that they have more young people ready to affirm their baptism. Grateful for the work of Pastor Zwarich and the community of Calvary.
I found myself in Norse, TX Sunday the 8th for the 150th Anniversary of this founding congregation of Lutheranism in Bosque County. In the 1860s leaders from 4 Mile Lutheran, Mabank (the oldest Lutheran congregation in NT-NL and perhaps Texas, founded 1847) came to be present with the new settlement in Norse and encouraged them to call a pastor. In 1869 that group established a congregation with 200 or so founding members. Many of those founding members family and descendants were on hand for this celebration including members from my previous call Trinity, Fort Worth who trace their roots to Bosque County. We were honored the Norwegian Consul General to Texas was present as well. In 1982 the King of Norway Gustav 5 had paid a visit to the congregation in Norse as part of honoring immigrants from Norway who came to America seeking that which immigrants today seek, hope and opportunity.
In addition to the consul the new mayor of Clifton, TX the municipality in which Norse resides was present as well. I also stopped by and checked on the building of Faith, Meridian also in Bosque County. Faith chose to end their ministry as a word and sacrament community. So we are working to steward the property and make plans for the future. Driving back I encountered a storm that while didn’t bring much excitement to my drive has caused damage in other areas. Praying for all affected.
A great day of remembering those who were #InMissionTogether across the #MilesAndMiles so many years ago. I pondered with the congregation, when they celebrate again in 150 years the 300th anniversary of Our Saviours, what they will remember of us. I pray they will find we were in mission, sharing the inclusive gospel of Christ, and serving our neighbors in the freedom of that gospel. #NTNL #OSLCNorse #CalvarySanAngelo
