Strategic Directions summary
Propelled by a commitment to Lutheran traditions and to being a community of faith that is always forming and being renewed, the ELCA’s presiding bishop, Church Council, and Conference of Bishops initiated Called Forward Together in Christ: Strategic Directions 2025 for this church. The process sought to engage all ELCA members and partners in conversation about future directions so that this church can journey faithfully and effectively together in the years ahead. Many of you participated – THANK YOU!
Five goals came out of the of Called Forward Together in Christ process. These are the priorities that were shaped by the voices across this church:
1. A thriving church spreading the gospel and deepening faith for all people Priority areas for action.
2. A church equipping people for their baptismal vocations in the world and this church.
3. An inviting and welcoming church that reflects and embraces the diversity of our communities and the gifts and opportunities that diversity brings.
4. A visible church deeply committed to working ecumenically and with other people of faith for justice, peace and reconciliation in communities and around the world.
5. A well-governed, connected and sustainable church.
The Conference of Bishops, Church Council, and Churchwide Organization have all affirmed two main focus areas for the next few years:
• Congregational Vitality
• Leadership
You can learn more about all of this at ELCA.org/future.
We invite you to continue to engage with Called Forward Together in Christ as we live into God’s call for the future of this church.
Website Changes
We know some of us prefer to know about change before it occurs.
Stay tuned for our live announcement during Assembly this coming weekend, when we’ll be sharing some exciting developments regarding our website!
Synod Office Schedule
Following Assembly (April 28-30), the Synod office will be closed Monday through Wednesday, May 1-3. Your synod staff will also be mostly unavailable that Thursday, May 4, as we unpack and debrief from Assembly.
Featured Resource for April
Luther’s Small Catechism Anniversary Study Edition is now available in Enlarged Print.
Offers a translation of Luther’s explanations along with other catechetical helps, such as prayers, worship rites, and Luther’s introduction. NRSV and Evangelical Lutheran Worship texts are used for the wording of the Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, Apostles’ Creed, and the included worship rites. Includes a revised introduction by Timothy Wengert and features illustrations by Roman Catholic artist Gertrud Mueller Nelson. Size: 8.5 X 11
“What Does This Mean?”
Luther’s Small Catechism and Spanish El Catecismo Menor de Lutero are also available in a FREE mobile app. Content from the Study Edition is available as an in-app purchase. Search “Catechism” in the Apple or Google app stores, or DOWNLOAD HERE.
Save the Date
Join refugee-serving organizations and advocates from across Texas for Refugee Advocacy Day, co-sponsored by Texas Impact.
From 11AM to 4:30PM, participate in Advocacy 101 training, make legislative office visits, and meet refugee supports from across Texas. All refugee supporters are invited to participate!
Where in the world is?
Bishop Gronberg:
- Apr. 27-28 – Synod Council meeting
- Apr. 28-30 – Synod Assembly
Pr. Totzke:
- Apr. 27-28 – Synod Council meeting
- Apr. 28-30 – Synod Assembly
- Apr. 30 – Resurrection, Plano
Pra. Bañales:
- Apr. 25 – St. Luke’s, Richardson
- Apr. 26 – Hispanic Leadership Consultation, SWT Synod, Seguin
- Apr. 27-28 – Synod Council meeting
- Apr. 28-30 – Synod Assembly
- Apr. 30 – Preston Meadow, Plano
Upcoming Events
- Apr. 27-28: Mission / Synod Council Meeting
- Apr. 28-30: 2017 Mission / Synod Assembly
- Apr. 29: Assembly Worship Service (open to the public)
- May 4-6: “Go Baptize, Make Disciples” Catechumenate Training Institute
- May 6: Briarwood Annual Gala
- May 7: Golf Outing & Fundraiser for Lutheran Campus Ministry in Denton
- May 13: Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice monthly meeting
- May 13: BRIDGES Book Club (joint event)
- May 20: PLMA Spring 2017 Course 3
- May 20: Mission Endowment Fund board meeting
- May 28 – Jun. 2: Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive I
- Jun. 10: Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice monthly meeting
- Jun. 11-16: Building Congregational Capacity for Hispanic Ministry (Intensive II)
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to the Synod office (MissionOffice@ntnl.org) for consideration for our next NT-NL News.
Looking for information in past NT-NL News? Find NT-NL News archives here!