Tri-Synodical Theological Conference

Dear Texas and Louisiana Lutheran Leaders,

We Texas/Louisiana bishops met last week with some staff members to talk about the Tri-Synodical Theological Conference. This event used to gather over 400 rostered leaders. Now, even with the inclusion of non-rostered staff, it averages around 285 participants. As the numbers have gone down, the price point has gone up.

There are also a number of competing events that did not used to exist, such as the Festival of Homiletics and the Rostered Ministers Gathering. We wonder if our Tri-Synodical Theological Conference has come full circle. At the time of the merger in 1988, Texas and Louisiana formed one synod in the ALC and LCA. The gathering of the three synods provided well-acquainted colleagues an opportunity to hang out. Is the need for this still there?

We would like to hear from you. We are going to take a year off from the Theological Conference in 2018 and use this time to prayerfully discern whether to continue this event, discontinue it, or have it once every other year or every three years.

In a couple of weeks, we will send you a survey link via Survey Monkey with a number of questions about the Tri-Synodical Theological Conference. We truly value your input. Please take a moment and put down your honest reflections. We will share a summary of the data and responses we receive.

For the time being, you can remove our usual time this coming January of 2018 off your calendar. The funds you would normally spend can be saved or used for other things. Once we have time to reflect on your responses, we will let you know about 2019.

Thank you for your willingness to help us discern this and for your ongoing ministry.

Yours in Christ,

Michael Rinehart, Gulf Coast Synod
Ray Tiemann, Southwestern Texas Synod
Erik Gronberg, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod

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Lutheran Campus Ministry

Know a student going (back) to college soon?

Refer them to Lutheran Campus Ministry: http://lumin-networkreferral.org/student-referrals/

There are 230 ELCA campus ministry sites across the United States!

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ELCA Social Message on Human Rights

The Draft of a Social Message on Human Rights has been available on the ELCA website since the beginning of July for reading and response. The comment period runs until August 31.

The Draft is available online only, but it can be downloaded for review. There are two primary ways to provide feedback:  1) Fill out the online response form, or  2) Send comments via email to eva.johnson@elca.org. All feedback will be shared with Theological Discernment staff and the consulting group preparing the message.

In early September, the revision work will be finalized and a Proposed Message will then be shared with members of the Conference of Bishops for review before it makes its way to the November Church Council meeting.

Featured Resources for August

A reminder that the ELCA has legal resources available on its website at http://elca.org/en/Resources/Legal. The resources include information on some of the most common legal issues faced by congregations, such as employees and volunteers, tax, misconduct, property, and financial issues. While not a substitute for legal advice, these resources can help point you in the right direction.

Save the Date

Unauthorized: Nevertheless, She Preached

September 12-13

Waco, TX

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Where in the world is?

Bishop Gronberg:

• Aug. 16 – Metroplex West Conference text study
• Aug. 17 – Mission Developers and Redevelopers meeting, Briarwood
• Aug. 19 – MEF Board Meeting
• Aug. 20 – Lord of Life, Glenn Heights, and Kyrie Pub Church, Fort Worth

Pr. Totzke:

• Aug. 17 – Mission Developers and Redevelopers meeting, Briarwood
• Aug. 20 – King of Glory, Dallas

Pra. Bañales:

• Aug. 14 – Meeting with Frank Salvador, Las Colinas
• Aug. 15 – Bishop’s Convo planning team meeting, Advent, Arlington
• Aug. 17 – Mission Developers and Redevelopers meeting and Stewardship team meeting, Briarwood
• Aug. 18 – San Gabriel, Alvarado