Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2020, Course 2
2020-04-18 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
If joining remotely…
Topic: PLMA, Spring 2020, Course 2
Time: Apr 18, 2020 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 524 432 751
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Meeting ID: 524 432 751

Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
2020-04-22 13:00 - 14:00
Here to Serve: Being Church in the Time of COVID-19
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM Central
You are invited to join this weekly meeting designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders in all realms. Participants will hear topical presentations related to how we are called to be Church in the time of COVID-19, as well as an opportunity to be in small group discussions with an ELCA group coach facilitating the conversation. All of this is designed to help us process our feelings in this strange and fearful time and to create a space where we can each name our next most faithful step forward in our unique context.
You are welcome to share this invitation with any other ELCA leader, rostered or lay. #ELCAChurchTogether #HereToServe
Grief and Hope: Societal Chaplaincy For and Beyond COVID-19
This session will explore the concept of “societal chaplaincy” in order to provide tools for responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis. This global crisis is producing layers of grief and trauma beyond what most people are anticipating. Religiously informed leaders have particular callings to respond not just to their defined communities, but to society as a whole, helping others name their grief while pointing to paths forward. The insights of social analysis, grief coaching, and chaplaincy each have contributions to make as we move forward together. In preparation for this week’s gathering, we highly recommend you read this article in advance: https://www.ntnl.org/societal-chaplaincy-preparing-for-the-storm-to-come/.
On April 22, our guest speaker will be Robert O. Smith (Citizen, Chickasaw Nation), an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament serving as Director of Briarwood Leadership Center and Associate to the Bishop in the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod of the ELCA. Previously, he served as Director of the Jerusalem Global Gateway of the University of Notre Dame and Area Program Director for the Middle East and North Africa in the Global Mission Unit of the ELCA. He holds a PhD in Religion, Politics & Society from Baylor University, along with an MDiv and an MA in Islamic Studies from Luther Seminary. He is the author of several academic articles on the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and several books on American Christian responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ELCA Coaching is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Being Church in the Time of COVID-19 – Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: Apr 22, 2020 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 180 439 412
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Meeting ID: 180 439 412
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You may have heard concerns around using Zoom as a meeting platform. Upon conferring with leadership in our office and experts in the field, it has been affirmed that we are adhering to all of the recommended protocols and guidance for “safer use of Zoom.” It is highly recommended that participants have the most current version of Zoom. If you have concerns, please email jill.beverlin@elca.org for more information.

Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in
2020-04-23 10:00 - 10:30, 2020-04-30 10:00 - 10:30, 2020-05-07 10:00 - 10:30, 2020-05-14 10:00 - 10:30, 2020-05-21 10:00 - 10:30, 2020-05-28 10:00 - 10:30
NT-NL Synod ELCA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Leadership prayer, check-in
Time: 10:00 AM Central Time
Every week on Thursday
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/686256906
Meeting ID: 686 256 906

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Meeting ID: 686 256 906

2020 Synod Assembly POSTPONED
2020-04-24 - 2020-04-25 | Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX, 75241, United States
As of March 31, Synod Assembly has officially been postponed. It was our hope that we could find a date on which Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie would be able to commit to being with us. However, given the continued fluidity of this crisis, we have not yet been able to confirm that. So what does this mean…

Those who need to submit assembly reports should do so as soon as possible to jason@ntnl.org. We will still produce the assembly resources and make them available online.
On April 25, Bishop Gronberg will release a “state of the synod” video report similar to his bishop’s report at assembly.
All assembly registrations will be refunded when NT-NL office staff are able to be back in the office full-time (please be patient with us).
If you made reservations at the Lorenzo Hotel with our code, we will have them cancel that reservation and send you a confirmation. If you do not receive that within 10 business days after April 1, please contact them.
We will look for a date, hopefully in late summer/early fall, that we can gather at Paul Quinn College for a shortened assembly business session and then festival worship to celebrate together in person (what a joy that will be!) and also the 50th anniversary of the ordination of pastors who are women.
We are looking at an August date to host a luncheon at Briarwood for those with ordination anniversaries.
As available, more details will be forthcoming.

Assembly Reference Materials

Scripture: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.” Psalm 126:3 (NRSV)
Theme | Tema: Crossing Borders | Cruzando Fronteras

We are excited to partner with Paul Quinn College (PQC), the oldest HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in Texas, to bring our Assembly to South Dallas. Learn more about PQC in this recent news article: Nestled in a poor Dallas neighborhood, Paul Quinn College aims to be a national model for overcoming poverty.

We are honored to have African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie as our preacher for this year’s Assembly! Bishop McKenzie is the presiding Bishop of the 10th Episcopal District AME church and serves as the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church. Her election in 2000 was historic as she became the first woman, in the more than 200-year history of the church, to be elected to that office. Watch this recent local news interview with her: First Woman Bishop Talks Life Lessons for All Faiths.
ELCA Churchwide Representative: Pastor Christopher Otten, Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and Director of Federal Chaplaincies
Assembly offering: half to the Eastern conference for hosting us, and half to the new Stewardship team
Tentative Summary Agenda (updated March 7)
REGISTRATION HAS BEEN SUSPENDED.
Registration Fees:
Voting Member Early Bird (until March 15) = $150
Voting Member Regular (March 16 – April 12) = $185
Voting Member On-Site = $225
Retired Rostered Voting Member Early Bird (until March 15) = $125
Retired Rostered Voting Member Regular (March 16 – April 12) = $150
Retired Rostered Voting Member On-Site = $165
Visitors Early Bird (until March 15) = $50
Visitors Regular (March 16 – April 12) = $75
Visitors On-Site = $100
Vendors = $150
Displayers = $75
Hard Copy of Assembly Reference Materials (previously called the Book of Reports) = $25
Meals provided with registration = 3 (three)
Official Assembly Hotel: Lorenzo Hotel, 1011 S Akard St, Dallas, TX 75215 | 214-273-3000
Register with the hotel here. (see note above)
A question often asked is… “Can we book at a different hotel or motel for a cheaper rate?”
Our answer: With the proliferation of online travel sites, indeed, it is possible you would be able to find a better rate at another hotel. Because of this, there has been conversation about the synod not offering a preferred hotel at all and allowing assembly members to find their own lodging.
But we are still having a preferred hotel. Why? First and foremost, at Assembly, we build a community. We know from experience that this happens best when we are all together, both formally and informally. Through connections and time together. Given how short our assembly is, this time is at a premium, and we encourage fellowship.
Secondly, many of our assembly voting members are coming from other parts of the state. As a result, they appreciate having a vetted hotel option so they don’t have to try to do so themselves in a city or location they do not know well.
Finally, it is a stewardship opportunity. We sign a contract with the hotel guaranteeing our group will book a minimum number of rooms. Because of this guarantee, the hotel gives us better rates, some complimentary rooms for staff/presenters (which lowers synod costs), and deals on meeting space. These elements all help make Synod Assembly possible and help us keep our rates lower (assembly registration rates are 40% lower than in 2016).
If you book elsewhere, it could jeopardize our ability to meet our contract obligations, and the cost of our annual Assembly would go up. So, if you are able, please book at the Lorenzo Hotel using our link to guarantee your reduced rate and help support Assembly for all!
(Please note: While there are other hotels closer to the college, none were able to offer us a room block.)
Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Forms

Holy Hollywood for NT-NL Young Adults
2020-04-28, 2020-05-12, 2020-05-26
Are you between the ages of 18 and 39? Do you like movies? Then Holy Hollywood is the place for you! Holy Hollywood is a study offered to young adults in the NT-NL Synod every other week, starting at 6:30pm!
We invite you to join and watch a film together via Netflix party and participate in the conversation afterwards on Zoom (1-hour conversation). There is no commitment, you can watch the film at a different time if that works better for you, and you are not obligated to join the conversation after. Our goal is to create space for community and connection, not additional stress.
Send a request for the Zoom link via email to: YoungAdultsNTNLsynod@gmail.com.
We are praying for you already. Your presence in this community makes us all stronger.
For current information, join the Young Adults of NT-NL Synod Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369699966655810.

Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
2020-04-29 13:00 - 14:00, 2020-05-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2020-05-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2020-05-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2020-05-27 13:00 - 14:00
Here to Serve: Being Church in the Time of COVID-19
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM Central
You are invited to join this weekly meeting designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders in all realms. Participants will hear topical presentations related to how we are called to be Church in the time of COVID-19, as well as an opportunity to be in small group discussions with an ELCA group coach facilitating the conversation. All of this is designed to help us process our feelings in this strange and fearful time and to create a space where we can each name our next most faithful step forward in our unique context.
You are welcome to share this invitation with any other ELCA leader, rostered or lay. #ELCAChurchTogether #HereToServe
ELCA Coaching is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Being Church in the Time of COVID-19 – Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: Wednesdays 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/180439412?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,180439412#,,#,648160# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,180439412#,,#,648160# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: [REDACTED]
You may have heard concerns around using Zoom as a meeting platform. Upon conferring with leadership in our office and experts in the field, it has been affirmed that we are adhering to all of the recommended protocols and guidance for “safer use of Zoom.” It is highly recommended that participants have the most current version of Zoom. If you have concerns, please email jill.beverlin@elca.org for more information.

ESET (SSTE) Módulo 7 (Día 3 de 5)
2020-05-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Entendiendo el Nuevo Testamento (Día 3 de 5)

Learning Coaching Skills for Grief and Loss
2020-05-05 12:00 - 14:00
Presenter: Dr. Don Eisenhauer, Coaching at End of Life
Every day, we receive updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has resulted in another pandemic — a pandemic of grief. This session will explore how leaders can use basic Coaching skills to be present with individuals in the midst of their grief. The focus will be on supporting our local faith communities, as well as society as a whole.
This webinar is open to all. You do not need to be a rostered/authorized leader in NT-NL or even the ELCA, nor do you need coach training or certifications. These skills are applicable in a variety of vocational service, and we encourage you to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 995 5063 2250
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Meeting ID: 995 5063 2250

ESET (SSTE) Módulo 7 (Día 4 de 5)
2020-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Entendiendo el Nuevo Testamento (Día 4 de 5)

ELCA Youth Gathering Information Meeting
2020-05-12 20:00 - 21:00
We are encouraging every congregation to have at least one person attend this meeting (or the one on May 14): a pastor, youth leader, or parent of a high school student. Even congregations that don’t have youth are encouraged to log in for this call and get the information (and find out how they can be involved whether or not they currently have youth). Zoom login information below.
Learn more from Bishop Gronberg and Janelle Miller:

NT-NL Synod ELCA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering Leaders Meeting
Time: May 12, 2020 08:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95179988742?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 951 7998 8742
Password: [REDACTED]
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Webinar 1 of 2: Theological Perspectives on Immigration from the U.S. Mexico Borderlands
2020-05-13 15:00 - 16:00
This “Perspectives on the Border” webinar series on immigration is a partnership project with Rev. Dr. Jay Alanis, the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS), and the following ELCA synods: Gulf Coast, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana, Sierra Pacific, and Southwestern Texas.
There are two sessions, and we are offering both for only $50!
Session 1: Theological Perspectives on Immigration from the U.S. Mexico Borderlands (May 13, 3pm Central)
The recent refugee and migrant crisis along the U.S. – Mexico border provides a window into the complex social, political, and cultural worldview of two neighbor nations, a location and human condition that calls for a theological response to how we treat ‘the other.’ The current pandemic has exacerbated the human response to migration. The webinar will offer theological perspectives on immigration as a border-crossing response of faith.
Session 2: Living in Third Spaces: Where the church meets asylum seekers (May 14, 3pm Central)
This webinar will explore liminal space as a third space of faithful living and offer theological perspectives on liminality as sacramental, eucharistic space where the church encounters the migrant other.
Register here.
The sessions will run about an hour in length.
For additional context, we recommend you read this lecture by Rev. Dr. Jay Alanis: “Borderland Ethics Sin Fronteras: Borderland Ethics Without Borders, Neighbor-Love in Liminal Spaces”

ELCA Youth Gathering Information Meeting
2020-05-14 11:30 - 12:30
We are encouraging every congregation to have at least one person attend this meeting (or the one on May 12): a pastor, youth leader, or parent of a high school student. Even congregations that don’t have youth are encouraged to log in for this call and get the information (and find out how they can be involved whether or not they currently have youth). Zoom login information below.
Learn more from Bishop Gronberg and Janelle Miller:

NT-NL Synod ELCA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering Leaders Meeting
Time: May 14, 2020 11:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96232032748?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 962 3203 2748
Password: [REDACTED]
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+13462487799,,96232032748#,,1#,689246# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,96232032748#,,1#,689246# US (Tacoma)

Webinar 2 of 2: Living in Third Spaces: Where the church meets asylum seekers
2020-05-14 15:00 - 16:00

2020 Briarwood Gala
2020-05-16 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Postponed to May 16
Online Experience
Details forthcoming

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2020, Course 3
2020-05-16 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Contact PLMA for Zoom information to join remotely.

ESET (SSTE) Módulo 7 (Día 5 de 5)
2020-05-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Entendiendo el Nuevo Testamento (Día 5 de 5)

Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive I
2020-05-24 - 2020-05-29 | Seminary of the Southwest, 501 E. 32nd St., Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The Summer Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive is a resource for Lutherans and those of other denominations who recognize the growing need for competency in the Spanish language and an understanding of Hispanic culture in light of the increasing Hispanic population in this country and in the church. The course focuses on study of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture.
WHERE? On the campus of the Seminary of the Southwest, 501 E. 32nd St., Austin, TX 78705. See ssw.edu for map.
WHEN? Beginning Sunday evening May 24, 2020 at 5 p.m. and ending Friday, May 29, 2020 at noon.
HOW? Contact Consuelo E. Reid at lsps@lsps.edu or register online at lsps.edu/programs/hispanicminintensive
Registration Fee: $1,300.00 single room (3 rooms available; first come first serve) includes a daily continental breakfast and lunch and a dinner on Memorial Day. $800.00 without lodging on campus: includes a daily lunch and a dinner on Memorial Day.
All other meals are on your own. Restaurants within walking distance. You may request a list of nearby hotels.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION.
No refunds after April 30. Sorry, no scholarships available.
Click here for a flyer with full details.

For the Healing of the Nations - Invitation to a Global Companion Prayer Service
2020-05-31 13:00 - 14:00
ELCA Global Mission invites you to join a contemplative prayer service:

For the Healing of the Nations
Invitation to a Global Companion Prayer Service
Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 1pm Central
For the Healing of the Nations will speak specifically to this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, our anxieties and stress, and calling for God’s hope, comfort, and healing.
Participating in the leadership of this contemplative prayer service will be some of our synod and companion church colleagues, who will offer prayers of intercession.
This will be an online event. This service will be approximately 45 minutes in length and will be recorded.
Click here for a flyer.
Afterwards, a PDF file of the service will be made available on the Global Mission webpage (https://elca.org/Resources/Global-Mission) to use in your own settings / gatherings.
Please light a candle and join us in this global effort to pray together for the healing of the world.
You may use this link or call into these numbers to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81205106222?pwd=[REDACTED]
Password: [REDACTED]
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13462487799,,81205106222#,,1#,982124# or +12532158782,,81205106222#,,1#,982124#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 812 0510 6222
Password: [REDACTED]
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/knhu3rmZ9

Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
2020-06-03 13:00 - 14:00
Being Church in Times of Crisis
Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM Central
You are invited to join this weekly gathering designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders across the church. Participants will hear topical presentations related to how we are called to be Church in times of crisis, as well as an opportunity to be in small group discussions with an ELCA group coach facilitating the conversation. All of this is designed to help us process our feelings in this strange and fearful time and to create a space where we can each name our next most faithful step forward in our unique context. You are welcome to share this invitation with any other ELCA leader, rostered or lay. #ELCAChurchTogether
ELCA Coaching is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Being Church in Times of Crisis – Weekly Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Time: Wednesdays 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/180439412?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,180439412#,,#,648160# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,180439412#,,#,648160# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 180 439 412
Password: [REDACTED]
