Dear Partners in Mission:

This past weekend was full of events that demonstrate how we do this work #InMissionTogether. On Friday and Saturday your synod council met at Good Shepherd-Irving. We were in-person fully for the first time since 2019. The executive team and myself decided that while we will continue to utilize online tech for various meetings (including our February meeting where weather is often a factor) and do hybrid meetings as well, with so many new people on the council we needed to be together physically to do our work, get to know one another, and worship together.

In particular our worship together was exceptionally meaningful. To be in the beautiful space of Good Shepherd, singing and sharing the Eucharist, along with those who came from across the synod reminded us our true unity is in God’s gifts of grace poured out for us. In our meeting we had the opportunity to hear from the new ELCA Churchwide VP Mr. Imran Siddique via Zoom (using tech to connect him with us from Atlanta). Reflecting on his life journey Irman emphasized that for him becoming a Lutheran was about just that, grace. God’s grace poured out and shared. A reminder for us that we should never take that message we have for granted.

We also talked about God’s abundance being poured out by the Briarwood Legacy Endowment. Registration for the ELCA youth gathering kicks off on September 15th. If you haven’t made plans do so quickly. We are able to provide $525 in assistance for each of the first 200 youth registered. So please take advantage of that abundance. Also a reminder that youth, grades 1st-8th, attending an ELCA camp next summer can receive a 50% scholarship. It is a blessing to be able to provide these opportunities.

We do this work together. Thank you for your prayers and generous support for your congregation and our shared work. As we move into the fall season may God bless your work and ministry.

In Mission Together:

Bishop Gronberg