Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

"God's work. Our hands." Sunday
2018-09-09 | TX
Many of you are already making plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday on Sept. 9. New resources are now available to help you organize and prepare.
You will find the resources you need to plan your activities and worship, invite your neighbors and promote within your community. There are videos to watch and share for inspiration. New this year are Spanish-language postcards, door hangers and social memes.
You also can order yellow “God’s work. Our hands.” T-shirts. We realize that many congregations wear their T-shirts throughout the year and do various service projects in addition to the designated day of service. Thank you for bringing Christ’s love to your communities.
Let us know about your plans for Sept. 9 by answering a couple quick questions in our survey. This will allow us to learn more about your vital congregation and its mission in your community. If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 9, please consider another time. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you.
“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday celebrates the work you do every day, serving communities in ways that share the love of God with all people. We look forward to doing this work together again this year.
God’s peace,

Christina Jackson-Skelton
Executive Director, Mission Advancement
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

With “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday approaching, the Life of Faith Initiative offers a new document to expand “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday from being a single day of service to a way to equip our people for a life of faith so that “every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.”

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2018, Course 1
2018-09-15 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Public Hearing: Women & Justice ELCA Draft
2018-09-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Christ the King – Haltom City, 4200 Denton Hwy, Haltom City, TX, 76117, United States
Join us in the Fellowship Hall to discuss this important document: Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice.

Boundary Training: Healthy Relationships in Ministry
2018-09-17 09:00 - 16:00 | TX
Brite Divinity School will offer Boundary Training: Healthy Relationships in Ministry on September 17 from 9:00 to 4:00. This training will cover such things as: discerning the importance of healthy boundaries for building community; identifying behavior in self and others that can potentially compromise healthy relationships; developing professional ethics that sustain ministry; examining the dynamics in communities where clergy misconduct has occurred; and creating strategies for maintaining healthy relationships with self, others, and God. This workshop is intended to meet boundary training criteria for ministerial standing.
A certificate will be given at the end of the workshop for six contact hours of continuing education in boundary training. (Please submit your certificate to jeanne@ntnl.org to add to your Rostered Minister file in our database.)
The workshop will be led by Rev. Dr. Joretta Marshall, Executive Vice President and Dean and Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care, and Rev. Dr. Timothy Robinson, Alberta H. and Harold L. Lunger Associate Professor of Spiritual Disciplines and Resources, at Brite.
Registration is $20 for the day and does not include lunch. For more information, call 817.257.7582 or email e.theilig@tcu.edu.
Location: University Christian Church, Fort Worth, TX

Synod Council Meeting
2018-09-20 - 2018-09-22 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Thursday, September 20: Synod Council New Member Orientation
Friday, September 21 – Saturday, September 22: Synod Council Retreat and Meetings

Middle School Retreat
2018-09-21 - 2018-09-23 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
The Middle School Retreat will be using the “This Changes Everything” theme. The weekend is for 6th-8th grades and begins on September 21st 7:00 PM and ends September 23rd 11:00 AM.

MEF Board meeting
2018-09-22 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

The Church of the Damascus Road Golf Outing and Fund Raiser
2018-09-24 | The Golf Club Fossil Creek, 3401 Clubgate Dr, Fort Worth, TX, 76137, United States
The Church of the Damascus Road is a ministry that assists those people that are imprisoned as well as those that are out and trying to start over. This Ministry is in the need of funds to continue to provide services to the members of the church and to grow the ministry to help those struggling. We hope that you will join us in a day of golf and support of the important work being done!
Click here to access a flyer with all the details and to register / become a sponsor.

2018 First Call Retreat
2018-09-24 - 2018-09-26 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
It’s time yet again for our annual First Call Retreat. This year, it will be held at Briarwood Retreat Center from Monday, September 24, to Wednesday, September 26. Our theme this year is about tending to your own spiritual care and sharing best practices with each other.
There will be:
* Fellowship & free time
* Bible study, worship, and devotional elements
* time with some spiritual directors to learn about the practice
* opportunities for you to share with each other about your own best practices.
* text study group time to prepare for the upcoming Sunday (if you desire)
What we need to know from y’all is, are there spiritual/relaxation practices you do that you would be willing to share/teach/guide during our Tuesday afternoon session? If so, please let us know on your registration form. That will be helpful as we continue to develop the plans and schedule. We’re open to ideas of all kinds.
The $145 cost includes:
* two nights lodging (double rooms with two full beds – sorry, single rooms are not an option due to space & numbers)
* breakfast & dinner for both days
* lunch on Tuesday (lunch Monday & Wednesday are on your own, but there are plenty of options within a few miles of Briarwood)
Two of the Tuesday afternoon free time options do involve an additional cost of $25, so if you choose to participate in archery or the zip line/ropes activity at Briarwood, please indicate that when you register, and that cost will be added to your registration.
We realize that for some of you this registration cost may exceed your budget. If it is a hardship for you, please let us know. We also know that some of you have generous continuing education budgets that may allow you to contribute to help underwrite the cost for those who need some financial assistance. If that is the case, there is an option to do that as well with your registration.
We look forward to our time together in September!
REGISTER HERE.

Addiction & Faith Conference
2018-09-28 - 2018-09-30 | TX
For Congregations, Clergy, & Care Givers
September 28-30
Bloomington, MN
​Addiction in every form, including the current opioid problem, is ravaging our world. ​
​How will we, as people of faith, respond?

Click here for full details and to register.
Open to anyone interested in exploring the devastation of addiction and the remarkable healing process of faith. Together, we’ll enhance our knowledge about addiction recovery, share stories of learning and hope, and celebrate our faith in God’s abiding grace. Featuring:

Internationally-known keynote speakers
Interactive workshops and breakout sessions

CEU’s available for nurses and health care professionals
You’re Invited to Join Us!
From the world of church: clergy, synod staff, deacons and deaconesses, parish nurses, youth leaders, addiction awareness teams, congregants, and the community of people in recovery.
From the world of addiction treatment: treatment center staff, healthcare professionals.
Throughout the Addiction and Faith Conference:

12-Step Meetings
Recovery Yoga Meditation Room (always open!)
Conscious Contact (11th Step Meeting with drumming!)
Therapeutic Massage (fee, sign up to save your space!)
Spiritual Direction (free, sign up to save your space!)
Music
Prayer
Worship

Panhandle Fall Conference: An introduction to The Generosity Project
2018-09-29 09:30 - 15:30 | St. John Lutheran Church – Wilson, 1305 Dickson Ave, Wilson, TX, 79381, United States
The Generosity Project is a lively, interactive, intergenerational workshop, modeling a congregation’s potential to connect and equip all ages and generations as steward leaders in the congregation and in the home.
Equipping households to daily respond to God’s extravagant generosity is a year round opportunity. Equipping individuals of each generation, age and stage to live as grateful stewards offers endless, creative possibilities.
Led by Linda Staats, the ELCA Generosity Project Coordinator
St. John Lutheran Church, Wilson, TX
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Congregations from across the NT-NL are invited to participate for FREE.
Multi-generational participation is highly encouraged.
Please RSVP by September 20 so that we can prepare adequate meeting space and food. Email: dtfreitag@windstream.net or Text: 806-759-1584
Schedule for the Day
9:30 AM Welcome Reception & Registration
10:00 AM Worship with Holy Communion
11:00 AM The Generosity Project
12:30 PM Lunch (Freewill Offering)
1:30 PM The Generosity Project Continued
3:00 PM Panhandle Conference Business Meeting
3:30 PM Sending
Click here to access a flyer with full details.

Mosaic in San Angelo's Partners in Possibilities fundraiser lunch
2018-10-02 12:00 - 13:00 | TX
Tuesday, October 2, 12-1pm
LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center, San Angelo, TX
People who would like to join Mosaic in San Angelo for this event can RSVP by calling 325-651-3333 x206, or by email, ami.flint@mosaicinfo.org.

OLOGY The Symposium: A Dialogue Between Psychology and Theology
2018-10-04 08:30 - 13:30 | First United Methodist Church – Richardson, 503 N Central Expwy, Richardson, TX, 75080, United States
Convened by the Pastoral Counseling Center
Join us for a dialogue between psychology and theology for mental health professionals and the faith community.
Research indicates the need for a dialogue between the disciplines of psychology and theology. People often go to ministers first when they face a challenge and many clients want to be able to include their faith and spirituality in therapy. The Center is convening psychotherapists, psychologists, ministers, church leaders, congregational care volunteers, and medical professionals to learn about the latest research and thought on the intersection of mental health and spirituality.
Cost
Symposium/Lunch: $45.
Symposium/Lunch and 4 hours of CEU credits for LCSWs, LPCs, LMFTs, and Licensed Psychologists: $100.

Seating is limited.
Symposium Schedule:
8:30 Registration
8:45 Prayer and Why OLOGY?
9:00 Plenary Panel Discussion: What Research Says About Mental Health and Faith
10:00 Attend one of three breakout sessions (see detailed descriptions below)
11:30 Guided table discussions and lunch
12:00 Keynote Address: Dr. Mark McMinn, The Science of Virtue – Why Positive Psychology Matters to the Church
1:30 Dismissal
Sessions include:
Opening Prayer | Reverend April Johnson Bristow, Director, Caring Ministry, First United Methodist Church Richardson
Plenary Panel Discussion | What Research Says About Mental Health and Faith A panel of representatives from the fields of social work, research, psychiatry, and theology will discuss what needs to be said in the dialogue between mental health professionals and those involved in ministry.
Panelists:

Dr. Mark McMinn, PhD
Dr. Paula Dobbs-Wiggins, MD, Psychiatrist and Adjunct Associate Professor of Pastoral Care, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University
Dr. Holly Oxhandler, PhD, LMSW, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and Assistant Professor, Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University
Dr. Marisol De Jesús-Pérez, Licensed Psychologist with the Pastoral Counseling Center

Breakout 1 | Speaking into the Silence: Building Awareness and Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness in the Church
Angela  Whitenhill,  M.Div., LCSW, Mental Health Initiative Manager, National Benevolent Association
Explore cultural norms and stigmas that exist in our congregations about mental health challenges, offer transformative ways to address these stigmas, and discuss practical ways to engage congregational culture to be more welcoming and inclusive of persons with mental health challenges.
Breakout 2 | About Faith: Cultivating Spiritual Competence in Clinical Practice
Dr. Nathaniel Strenger, Dr. Marisol De Jesús-Pérez, Dr. Garrett Woods, Licensed Psychologists on the Center Staff
Develop an understanding of the relationships between faith, psychology, and social science as a whole. Increase awareness of potential pitfalls in work that “integrates” mental health and faith/theology. Gain insight into specific spiritual competencies and their practical approaches.
Breakout 3 | Adolescent Mental Health: Dealing with Crisis, Encouraging Well-being
Dr. Sarah Feuerbacher, LCSW-S, Director, SMU Center for Family Counseling
Examine families’ mental health issues as related to the success of students, parents, and supportive communities. Look at the impact that the “need to succeed” has on our stress levels, anxiety, exhaustion, depression, self-harm, and suicide particularly as related to the pressures of being overscheduled in the “Rushed Child Syndrome.”
Keynote Address |

Keynote Address by Dr. Mark McMinn
The Science of Virtue:
Why Positive Psychology Matters to the Church
Dr. McMinn will guide exploration of several virtues currently being studied in positive psychology, including forgiveness, wisdom, gratitude, and humility, how Christian thought can help refine the constructs being studied in positive psychology, and ways the scientific study of virtue may be helpful in Christian faith communities.

Briarwood Fall Festival & Thrivent Cook-Off
2018-10-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
CHANGES: Briarwood’s Annual Meeting time has changed for Saturday October 6. The meeting will now take place in the Chapel at 1:15pm. The Cook Off fellowship will be at 9AM with the awards ceremony now scheduled at 1PM.

Briarwood is holding its Fall Festival and Annual Meeting of the Advisory Board at the Thrivent Financial’s 5th Annual Cooking for Christ Cook-off on Saturday, October 6, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Briarwood.
The festival and cook-off will be a fun-filled family day at Briarwood! There will games available for children of all ages, tours of the camp, and the Annual Meeting of the Advisory Board. We will also have the usual treats, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn, and sodas, along with treats provided by the various cooking teams, available throughout the day!
The Cooking for Christ Cook-off is sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Teams will compete in three categories: beef brisket, spare ribs, and chicken. The Judging Panel consists of representatives from each registered team. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category, and Grand Carnivore.
Tickets for the event cost $10 per person and can be purchased from participating congregations and Briarwood. Space for the Cook-off is limited, so turn in a Registration Form and $100 Registration Fee, payable to Briarwood. For more information or registration forms, please contact the Briarwood office at bw@briarwoodretreat.org or call 940.241.2099. This will be a “can’t miss” event, so make plans now to attend!

Teaching Fish to Walk: Church Systems and Adaptive Challenges
2018-10-12 09:00 - 15:00 | King of Glory Lutheran Church – Dallas, 6411 LBJ Freeway ·, Dallas, TX, 75240, United States
Informative | Interactive | Provocative | Imaginative
The Teaching Fish to Walk: Church Systems and Adaptive Challenges workshop will have no elephants in the room. We will explore with participants in an open and provocative way the future of the Christian faith in the context of the great velocity and reach of change in North America.
We have no “golden” answers. But we believe that a vital, realistic yet encouraging and collaborative conversation needs to happen. The church faces many adaptive issues, not unlike the early church had to contend with such as defining leadership roles and establishing its own lexicon to define words to convey fresh meaning regarding what they believed and who they were.
Adaptation means making structures or situations more suitable to the environment. Adaptation is evolutionary, and evolution is always messy. In Germany, for instance, arborists have discovered that certain types of trees are beginning to grow “anxiety shoots.” With changes in climate, trees are adapting with new root systems. Could we do less?
“We” are two Lutheran pastors (veteran church leaders). The Rev. Dr. Jon Lee is the former Senior Pastor at King of Glory, Dallas, and a past president of the Dallas Clergy Association. The Rev. Dr. Pete Steinke is an internationally respected church consultant and author/speaker. Together, they will offer presentations, guide group activities, and learn alongside of others.
Remember what William Deming said: “Your system is perfectly designed to give you the results you are getting.” We will start from there.
Cost:
Early Registration: $40 per person (Sept 28th deadline)
Regular Registration: $50 (or $45 for two or more from the same congregation)
Check payments to be made to New Visions Workshop, or Pay online

Public Witness Team meeting
2018-10-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
Virtual participation also available, from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/930852498
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +16699006833,,930852498# or +19294362866,,930852498#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 930 852 498

Public Witness Book Club: Birth of a White Nation
2018-10-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
12:15pm – 2:00pm
Discussing Birth of a White Nation
Potluck lunch

The Eighth Annual Herbener Lecture: "Is It Time for Another 'Sola'? A Latino Immigrant Reading of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation and Lectures on Genesis As a Lens for Dealing With Migrants Today"
2018-10-14 | Christ Lutheran Church – Dallas, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX, 75225, United States
Sponsored by the Luther Center of North Texas (LCNT)
Honoring and Remembering the LCNT Founder, Bishop Emeritus Mark B. Herbener

Sunday, 14 October 2018, 4:00 P.M.
Christ Lutheran Church, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX

The Lecture, “Is It Time for Another ‘Sola’? A Latino Immigrant Reading of Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation and Lectures on Genesis As a Lens for Dealing With Migrants Today”
The Lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.
The Werner R. H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries
Director of the Center for Hispanic Studies
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO

NT-NL Leadership Convocation
2018-10-14 - 2018-10-16 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Adaptive Leadership in Anxious Times
REGISTER HERE!
Presenter
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Lynch – He is formerly the commanding officer of Fort Hood and an active member of Immanuel, Killeen. He is the author of two books Adapt or Die: Leadership Principles of an American General and Work Hard Pray Hard: The Power of Faith in Action. As a speaker, he is in demand across the world for the unique blending of his experiences, faith, and knowledge of the principles of adaptive leadership. He will speak particularly on the challenges of leading adaptively in times of anxiety and change.
Key Goals
The learning will be focused on informing and equipping leaders to understand the concepts of adaptive leadership particularly in anxious settings. This event is open to rostered leaders, spouses, lay members of congregations, and ecumenical colleagues.
Planned Schedule
Sunday, 14 October
(Arrive anytime after 3pm to check in; Book Exchange in Shalom)
6:00pm – Pizza and Hot hors d’oeuvres available in Streng Center
6:45pm – Evening with the Bishop Presentation and Conversation
8:00pm – Worship (Campfire Ring near Pavilion)
9:00pm – Fellowship @ Quail Run
Monday, 15 October
7:30am – Breakfast @ Shalom
8:30am – Morning Prayer
8:45am – Learning Session 1
10:15am – Break
10:45am – Learning Session 2
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Free time (Skeet, Hiking, Conversation with Synod Staff, Personal time, or Golf – contact Nick Billardello for info: 817-688-8799)
5:00pm – Happy Hour @ Quail Run (Sponsored by Revitalizing Congregations Team)
6:00pm – Cookout Dinner
7:00pm – Optional Q&A with Presenter in Chapel
8:00pm – Fellowship @ Quail Run
Tuesday, 16 October
7:30am – Breakfast @ Shalom
8:15am – Hymn and Devotion
8:30am – Learning Session 3
9:45am – Break
10:00am – Learning Session 4-Final Thoughts
11:00am – Break for Setup
11:15am – Sending Eucharist and Affirmation of Vocation
(Please note, due to lack of interest in 2017, it is not good stewardship to offer lunch at Briarwood on Tuesday; please enjoy lunch at one of many options in the area, if you so choose.)
Costs (Held steady as last 2 years)
Commuters: $150 (Spouse – $140) for all three days
Commuter Daily Rates: $55 per day (Spouse – $50 per day)
Quail Run (Hotel rooms) – $245 (double occupancy) / Spouse – $180
Oak Grove (Cabins) – $185 (8 to 12 to a cabin) / Spouse – $100
Trails End (Cabin) – $160 (18 person cabin) / Spouse – $100
If you are in need of one of a limited number of partial scholarships, email kris@ntnl.org with your request.
REGISTER HERE!

An Interdisciplinary Dialogue: The ABC's of Theology and Criminal Justice Reform and How They Impact the Lives of School Children of Color
2018-10-15 | SMU | Perkins School of Theology, PO Box 750133, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States
Join SMU | Perkins Office of External Programs for this panel discussion exploring the ways in which theology and criminal justice reform influence the systemic conditions that set a path from school to prison for many children of color today. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions, this event is FREE and open to all with an interest. Online registration will be available August 15. Contact Isabel Docampo for more information.

Briarwood Golf Outing / Fundraiser
2018-10-19 | Bridlewood Golf Club, 4000 Windsor Dr., Flower Mound, TX, 75028, United States
Funds raised from this Invitational Golf Outing are used to make camp affordable for all children and youth and provides camperships for those with specific needs. Thank you very much for your support of this endeavor and for your continued support of the ministry at Briarwood!

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2018, Course 2
2018-10-20 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

MEF "Seeds That Change" Dinner/Fundraiser
2018-10-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
REGISTER / DONATE HERE.

“Seeds That Change”
The Executive Director and Board
of the
Mission Endowment Fund
NT-NL Synod of the ELCA
would be honored by your presence at the
Annual Dinner and Fund Raiser
with
Silent Auction/Entertainment
Saturday, October 20, 2018, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Ticket Donation: $40.00
Table of 8 Discounted at $300.00
Calvary Lutheran Church
7020 Baker Blvd. Richland Hills, TX 76118

REGISTER / DONATE HERE.

“Semillas Que Cambian”
la Directora Ejecutiva y el Consejo
de
Mission Endowment Fund
NT-NL Synod of the ELCA
se Honra en invitarle a la
Cena Anual para Recaudacion de Fondos
con
Subantas Silenciosa y en Vivo/con Entretenimiento
Sabado 20 de Octobre de 2018, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Donacion: $40.00
Mesa para 8 con Descuento: $300.00
Calvary Lutheran Church
7020 Baker Blvd., Richland Hills, TX 76118

REGISTRARSE / DONAR AQUÍ.

Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence Presents ﻿The Second Annual ArkLaTex Lecture
2018-10-22 | SMU | Perkins School of Theology, PO Box 750133, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States
Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas
Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie

Dr. O. Wesley Allen
Co-sponsored by The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence and Williams Memorial United Methodist Church of Texarkana, Texas, this year’s keynote lecture is “How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon” by Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas, a renowned preacher, author, and Director of the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. Alyce McKenzie, Director of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence and La Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins, will offer a workshop titled “Holy Boldness: The Four Virtues of the Prophetic Preacher” at the conference. A second workshop titled, “Sermon Series vs. the Lectionary—A False Dichotomy,” will be taught by Wes Allen, Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics at Perkins. Email the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence or visit their website for more information.

Mosaic in Dallas Partners in Possibilities Luncheon
2018-10-25 | Addison Conference and Theatre Centre, 15650 Addison Rd, Addison, TX, 75001, United States
Save the Date!
More details forthcoming.

Lutheran Men in Mission "One Year to Live" Retreat
2018-10-26 - 2018-10-28 | Camp Chrysalis, 391 Upper Turtle Creek Road, Kerville, TX, 78028, United States
The ELCA’s Lutheran Men in Mission sponsors One Year to Live Retreats for men all across the nation. The retreat this year is at Camp Chrysalis (between Bandera and Kerrville, TX) on October 26-28, 2018. These retreats provide men with an opportunity to spend time away together and to come closer in their walk with Christ. They have been described as life-changing weekends; recognizing, embracing, and living confidently through God’s grace. About 15 to 25 participants attend each retreat. There are sponsorships for men between 20 and 30 years of age. These sponsorships will pay up to 90% of the registration fee.
Prayerfully consider being one of the men to take advantage of this spiritual awakening.
Early Registration = $195 (by September 15)
Regular Registration = $225 (by October 8)
Registration includes 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, and retreat materials.
Click here for a brochure with complete details and registration information.
For more information, contact Jim Monkman at 817-346-0943 or jim_monkman@yahoo.com.

NT-NL Synodical Women's Organization 2018 Convention
2018-10-26 - 2018-10-27 | Rejoice Lutheran Church, 12000 Independence Pkwy, Frisco, TX, 75035, United States
Save the Date!
There will be a business meeting on Friday afternoon, where a new president and board will be elected.
Saturday morning, our speaker will be Kathryn Koob from Iowa, who will speak about her 444 days in captivity during the Iran Crisis in late 1979 and early 1980.
There will be other events and activities during the weekend.

Building an Inclusive Church training
2018-10-26 - 2018-10-27 | St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1210 W. Belt Line Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, United States
St. Luke’s, Richardson, and the NT-NL Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice, have partnered with Reconciling Works: Lutherans for Full Participation to host a training workshop on creating dialogue in your faith community about intentionally and publicly welcoming people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. The goal of training is to help you create a process that deepens relationships rather than divides.
Friday, October 26, 5:30-9pm
Saturday, October 27, 9am-5pm
Cost is $100 ($25 for students, $50 for restricted income) which includes training, materials, and food.
Register at RWKS.org/BIC. Fifteen registrants are necessary to hold the training, so we hope to see you there!
Click here for a flyer with more information.

Community-Wide Texas Advocacy Training
2018-10-27 09:00 - 12:00 | TX
You are invited to a Community-Wide Advocacy Training on Saturday, October 27, from 9am to 12n at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas.
Join us for a Faith Leader Panel, Advocacy 101 training, and Breakout Sessions focused on Hunger, Immigration, Payday Lending, and Public Education.
Register online at http://texasinterfaith.org/training/.
A light breakfast will be provided.
Updates can be found on the facebook event page.
Access a flyer here.

Calvary Organ Dedication
2018-10-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
All are invited to enjoy the dedicatory program for the new organ at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX 76118. The program will incorporate both hymn singing and organ performance. There will be a reception following the program.
We are delighted that Robert A. Hobby, Director of Music for Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, will be with us to play the organ. Mr. Hobby is a highly regarded recitalist, performer, and workshop leader. He has over 150 compositions in print with many publishers.
We hope you will come and enjoy the celebration!
