Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

Ignite the Church Conference
2020-02-11 - 2020-02-13
Get inspired, encouraged, challenged and warmed up at the Ignite the Church Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 11-13, 2020. In addition to large group gatherings on Congregational Vitality, there will be electives on Reaching Younger Generations, Expanding Kingdom Impact, Church Renewal and Discipleship, Renewing Music, Vitality through Mission, Engaging Your Neighborhood, Evangelism, Social Justice, and Raising Up Leaders, along with a visit to Orlando’s Castle Church Brewing Community.
A $99 discounted rate, including 2 meals and snacks, is available until November 30th.
All proceeds benefit the ELCA Fund for Leaders.
For more information, go to IgniteTheChurch.net. #IgniteTheChurch

Download marketing resources here:
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ESET (SSTE) Módulo 6 (Día 2 de 5)
2020-02-08 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Ética en el Oficio Pastoral (Día 2 de 5)

Synod Council meeting, including Deans, Assistant Deans, MEF Board
2020-01-31 - 2020-02-01 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Tentative schedule:
Friday, January 31, 8:30am-8:15pm — Synod Council, Deans, and Assistant Deans
We will have Nick Kiger from ELCA Churchwide with us. His role is in the area of mission support funding, and we will continue to build on our stewardship conversations last time regarding the survey related to mission support, as well as hear some best practices from him.
Saturday, February 1, 9am-2:30pm — Synod Council and MEF Board

Anti-Racism Allies: Spreading Compassion and Creating Equity
2020-01-30 - 2020-01-31 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
This three-session event is part of “Weaving Community: a series of keynotes, workshops, and experiences to connect us.” Selection of which session(s) you’d like to attend is available through the ticketing link.
Thursday, 1/30 7-9 pm
Session 1 – Interactive Keynote: How white Allies Can Tap Their Special Superpower in the Anti-racism Movement. Suggested admission price $25
Friday, 1/31 9 am – 12:30 pm
Session 2: introductory Workshop: Dismantling Racism One Conversation at a Time. Suggested admission price $40
Friday, 1/3 1 1:30 pm – 4 pm
Session 3: Going Deeper (session 2 pre-requisite) – Best practices for inviting people into important conversations they tend to avoid. Suggested admission price for sessions 2 and 3 $75 (session 2 is a pre-requisite for session 3)
Discounted bundle pricing for those registering for all three sessions $90
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2894033057328983/
Additional organizers: Kairos Collaborative, The Dialogue Company, LLC – tapping the power of group intelligence, and White Ally Toolkit, an initiative of The Dialogue Company, LLC

ESET (SSTE) Módulo 6 (Día 1 de 5)
2020-01-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Advent Lutheran Church, 3232 S Cooper St., Arlington, TX, 76015, United States
Ética en el Oficio Pastoral (Día 1 de 5)

PLMA Graduation
2020-01-25 | Advent Lutheran Church, 3232 S Cooper St., Arlington, TX, 76015, United States
Begins at 2:00pm

Dr. Martin Luther King commemoration
2020-01-19 | St. John’s Lutheran Church – Dallas, 2939 Sunnyvale St, Dallas, TX, 75216, United States
Dinner 12:30 to 2:30 P.M.
Program 3:00 P.M.

2020 Briarwood Men's Service Retreat
2020-01-18 - 2020-01-19 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
(formerly called the Lumberjack Retreat)
Join Bishop Gronberg and Dan Lund (Church of the Damascus Road) for a weekend of worship, study, and service. This is a new take on the “Lumberjack” men’s retreat and is open to men of all ages.
The theme for 2020 is “Behold the Lamb of God” based on the assigned Gospel for January 19, John 1:29-42. We will reflect on the story of John the Baptist and his call to proclaim Jesus as the light of the world. Bishop Gronberg will lead our devotions and bible study. Dan Lund, the leader of NT-NL’s prison ministry, Church of the Damascus Road, will be with us throughout the weekend to speak about this important work and how in this ministry we bring light to those incarcerated.
A service project (including some “Lumberjack” type activities to provide firewood) will be a focus of the weekend. There will be activities for all physical abilities, so please indicate your needs on the registration form.
REGISTER HERE.
Tentative Agenda:
Saturday, January 18
9:00am Welcome and Registration
9:15am Opening Devotion
9:30am Service Projects around Briarwood
11:30am Lunch and Learning with Bishop Gronberg
1pm Continue Service Projects
5pm Refreshments and Learning about Church of Damascus Road
6pm Dinner
7pm Evening Prayer
7:30pm Fellowship Time (Movie, Games, etc…)
Sunday, January 19
8am Breakfast
9am Holy Eucharist with Dan Lund preaching, Bishop Gronberg presiding
10am Continue projects as desired or head for home

NT-NL High School Gathering
2020-01-18 - 2020-01-19 | Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 3100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75215, United States
9th-12th graders from around NT-NL will gather for a weekend of fellowship, worship, service, and a great speaker — D.J. Dent!
We will begin at 9:00am Saturday morning and end at 5:00pm Sunday afternoon.
Cost:
$70 each for quad occupancy
$95 each for your own bed
(Fees will go up after December 11)
Address:
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
3100 Martin Luther King Blvd
Dallas, TX 75215
Click here for full details and to register.

Public Witness Team meeting
2019-12-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
Welcome! We are the Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana (NT-NL) Synod of the ELCA. We meet on the second Saturday of most months. Our mission is to give public witness to issues of justice and peace in the synod and in the community, and this includes both education and advocacy. One of our goals is to assist congregations in the NT-NL Synod in their efforts to be a public church within their own communities.

For 2023 meetings, the plan is to host a hybrid meeting in-person at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church in Arlington, TX, with Zoom connection available for those who would prefer that.
Anyone is welcome to join us!
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88956792219?pwd=[REDACTED] ID: 889 5679 2219Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile+13462487799,,88956792219#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Houston)+12532158782,,88956792219#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 444 9171 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 360 209 5623 US +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US +1 564 217 2000 US +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 689 278 1000 US +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)Meeting ID: 889 5679 2219Passcode: [REDACTED]

Giving Tuesday | Briarwood's Winter Carnival
2019-12-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Join Briarwood Leadership Center and Thrivent for this in-person Giving Tuesday event on December 3, 6-9pm!
Thrivent will donate $1 for every $2 raised* at this event or through online donations here: https://thrivent.cotribute.co/events/323500/detail.
*For Giving Tuesday 2019, Thrivent will donate up to $20,000 total in matching funds to organizations featured by the Thrivent Member Network – Texas Region.

Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
2019-11-18 - 2019-11-22
You are invited to attend Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, a practical workshop for clergy and other church leaders that teaches participants how to deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. This outstanding interdenominational training event will be hosted by Epworth United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX, on November 18-22, 2019.
Early-birds who register no later than October 18, 2019 can save $200! For more information, please visit https://lmpeacecenter.org/events-page/msti/. You can register either by submitting the form found on the brochure – download at https://lmpeacecenter.org/brochures/ – or by going online to https://www.brownpapertickets.com (a small service fee will be added for online registrations).
Questions? Contact the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center at 630-627-0507 or admin@LMPeaceCenter.org.

MEF Board meeting
2019-11-16 09:30 - 14:00 | Christ Lutheran Church – Dallas, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX, 75225, United States
With catered lunch

Better Conversations
2019-11-16 09:30 - 14:00 | St. Matthew’s – Fort Worth, 5709 Wedgewood Dr, Fort Worth, TX, 76133, United States
Loving your neighbor, even when you disagree about politics.
We live in a polarized society in which neither “side” listens to the other. Families are being split apart, friendships are fractured, and even our church family finds it difficult to bridge the divide. This workshop faces controversial topics head-on by teaching the skills we all need for engaging in political discourse, not just rationally, but in a way that fosters love and understanding. You will learn:

How to redefine the “win,” and why persuasion is not the point
What a “better” conversation sounds like
How to apply ground rules and conversation helpers
The role of listening and empathy in the midst of controversy

This workshop is for opinionated people from the right, left, and center of political and social positions. We encourage you to attend and participate in the biblical mandate of peacemaking.
Cost: Free (Your freewill offering is welcome.) Includes lunch.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/better-conversations-loving-your-neighbor-even-when-talking-about-politics-tickets-75607884217
Click here for a bulletin insert.

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2019, Course 3
2019-11-16 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
If joining remotely…
Topic: PLMA, Fall 2019, Course 3
Time: Nov 16, 2019 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/815418629
Meeting ID: 815 418 629
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 815 418 629

NT-NL Junior High Gathering
2019-11-15 - 2019-11-17 | Grace Lutheran Church – Carrollton, 1200 East Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX, 75010, United States
The NT-NL Jr High Youth Gathering is welcome to all youth in 6th – 8th grades and their friends!
Where two or more gather in my name, I am there also. Matthew 18:20
7:00pm Friday, November 15 – 12noon Sunday, November 17
Cost includes programs, hotel, meals, and Group Dynamix. The NTNL Jr. High Gathering is for ANY Jr. High / Middle School student (for most churches this event is for your Confirmation Group). The event includes Small Group Activities, Songs, Games, Worship!
Cost:
Registration fee $100 until October 20 but will jump to $125 on October 21, so sign up today while there is still room available!
(There is a $3.50 fee per credit card charge.)
Click here for a PDF version of the registration packet with full details.

SMU | Perkins School of Theology Fall Convocation
2019-11-11 - 2019-11-12 | SMU | Perkins School of Theology, PO Box 750133, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States
Mission Quest: Finding Your Place in God’s World
Together we’ll be exploring how travel can shape our faith and help us discern our own mission—whether it calls us far away or close to home.

Lutheran Campus Ministry Trivia Challenge
2019-11-10 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Looking for a fun evening out? Like to laugh? Want a great meal? Enjoy testing your knowledge? Care about young adults? Enjoy a silent auction? These all come together in the Lutheran Campus Ministry Trivia Challenge, November 10, at 4 p.m. at Briarwood Leadership Center. All funds generated go to the NT-NL Campus Ministry Mission Fund, benefiting Lutheran Campus Ministry in the NT-NL Synod.
Form your team of 8, design table décor that reflects a ministry of your congregation or some aspect of campus ministry, or simply go for creativity. Then register for lots of fun. Our meal is being catered by Chef Carlos Carrasquillo. For more information and to register, contact Pastor Jim Rowe (845.750.4606 or pastor@lcmdenton.org).
Registration deadline is November 3.

Thrivent's Cooking for Christ fundraiser
2019-11-09 10:30 - 13:30
This event has moved to the Dr. Pepper Arena parking lot in Frisco but Briarwood is still involved and will benefit from this event!

"Lutheran Young Adults" / "Lutheran Single Adults" Reunion Retreat
2019-11-08 - 2019-11-10
A Reunion Retreat of the former “Lutheran Young Adults” (LYA), later known as “Lutheran Single Adults” (LSA), is being held November 8-10, 2019, at Camp Lone Star in La Grange, TX. Spouses and friends are welcome! There will be speakers, Bible study, singing, a service project, a dance, and plenty of fellowship and renewing friendships from years past!
The event is a Reunion Retreat of Lutheran Adults who were former members of a singles group called Lutheran Young Adults (LYA), which began back in the 1960’s. We were from all over Texas and met for retreats at the various Lutheran Camps twice a year. The name of the group changed to LSA (Lutheran Single Adults) in the 90’s when “Young” didn’t exactly fit us anymore. Now we have gone our separate ways, and many of us have married. However, some singles and married couples from the group have stayed connected through a group called Austin Area Lutheran Friends, based out of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin.
The registration fee includes 4 meals, lodging, program, and recreational activities. Participants may choose to stay in the Retreat Center for $153 or in a cabin for $100 per person. Retreat Center space is limited, so register early to secure a space there. Registration is open through October 15.
Come join us in celebrating our faith in Jesus and reconnecting friendships! Hope to see you there!
For more information about the retreat and registration contact:
Lori Bachmann at l_bachmann@bellsouth.net
OR Martha (Nemky) Steele at marthansteele18@gmail.com

Via de Cristo weekend
2019-11-07 - 2019-11-10 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 28
Register here: https://www.vdcnorthtexas.org/sponsor-info

Upbring Golf benefiting Foster in Texas
2019-10-28
On Monday, October 28, 2019, Upbring invites you to join them at their annual golf tournament.
The 18-hole, four-person scramble benefits children they serve in their Foster In Texas program.
Monday, Oct. 28, 2019
Hackberry Creek Country Club
1901 W. Royal Ln. | Irving, TX 75063
8 a.m. Registration | 9 a.m. Start
You can also promote your business or organization at the tournament. Please contact Christie Gaderson at events@upbring.org or 512-706-7568 to discuss opportunities available.

Region 4 Deacon Gathering
2019-10-28 - 2019-10-30
Location: T Bar M, 2549 TX-46, New Braunfels, TX
Cost: Early Bird $125 (June 15-July 31)
Regular $150 (Aug. 1-Sept. 15)
Late Reg. $175 (Sept. 16-Oct. 15)
Cost includes Lodging, food & program. Transportation is on your own.
Many Regions in the ELCA have been gathering their Deacons to have conversation around the changes in the Deacon Roster and for people to get to know other Deacons in the Region and to see what the Holy Spirit is up to. We hope you will take some time away to gather with other Deacons across our region. All Deacons (active on the roster, retired, on leave from call, on disability, or in candidacy) and Deaconesses are invited to come. For more information or questions, contact Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt (dmittelstaedt@swtsynod.org) or (830) 379-9900 ext. 18
REGISTER HERE.
Click here for a flyer with full details.

Introducing LEAD Journey
2019-10-26 09:00 - 15:30 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Check out the LEAD (Living Every Day as Disciples) Journey
This seminar is for leaders who are tired of the status quo and want to see their congregation grow deeper in faith. To get the most out of this six-hour commitment, bring your council, staff, and key leaders. We are growing leaders with a deep, bold, consequential faith—join us!
$50 per Individual
$100 per Congregation (4 or more)
Click here for a flyer with full details.
REGISTER NOW! (Deadline: October 21)

MEF "Seeds That Change" FUNdraiser and Celebration
2019-10-19 17:00 - 19:30 | Advent Lutheran Church, 3232 S Cooper St., Arlington, TX, 76015, United States
You are cordially invited to the 2019 NT-NL Mission Endowment Fund’s “Seeds That Change” FUNdraiser and Celebration!
The theme is “Share the Harvest.”
➢ You’re guaranteed a fun evening, complete with a meal of heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages of your choice, including beer, wine, and soft drinks.
➢ Meet grant recipients and see the good the MEF does!
➢ Participate in live and silent auctions!
➢ Win drawings, gift cards, and prizes throughout the night!
➢ Be entertained by the exciting ethnic dance company Mexico Lindo!

All this for a single admission of $35, or a table for 8 for only $250! For tickets or to donate: https://www.ntnl.org/ministries/mef/seeds-fundraiser/.
Download a Save the Date bulletin insert.
Download a Save the Date flyer.

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2019, Course 2
2019-10-19 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Festival of Church Music
2019-10-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
The Church Music Institute presents a Festival of Church Music on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas. Held every three years, the Festival features prominent national and international conductors. This year, Eric Nelson, artistic director of the Atlanta Master Chorale, will conduct the 400-voice choir comprised of singers representing dozens of churches throughout North and East Texas. Cynthia Nott, artistic director and conductor of the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas, will lead a children’s choir prepared specifically for this festival. Bradley Hunter Welch, Organist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, will accompany the choir and the gathered assembly in singing the inspiring and timeless music of the Church.
Click here for a flyer/poster to help promote this event.
Designed to highlight sacred music representing many eras and styles, the Festival will feature music from chant to gospel to classic hymns, as well as a new setting of Psalm 150 composed by Eric Nelson, all led by brass, organ, and choir. A conference entitled “Best Practices for Faithful Twenty-First Century Worship and Music Leaders,” featuring nationally-recognized clergy and church musicians, including Rev. Dr. Peter Marty, editor of The Christian Century, will precede the Festival on October 10 and 11 at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. Contact Benjamin Kolodziej, Director of Programs and Communications, (bkolodziej@churchmusicinstitute.org), visit www.churchmusicinstitute.org or call 214-751-7669 for information about the conference or Festival.
The Church Music Institute (CMI) is dedicated to the advancement and stewardship of the best sacred music for the use of Christian congregations. Using proven practices, CMI trains new generations of clergy, musicians and laypersons for leading worship through workshops, courses and conferences across the country. CMI also houses the most extensive online library of choral and organ music anywhere.

Ministerial Flourishing: Exploring the Meaning, Means and Practices
2019-10-13 - 2019-10-18
Feeling tired and disconnected from what called you to ministry? Are you struggling to improve the quality of your daily life? Or are you seeking a time for personal reflection on what comes next?
Brite Divinity School is pleased to offer Ministerial Flourishing: Exploring the Meaning, Means and Practices
This week-long, residential workshop in a retreat setting employs a values assessment tool and a close reading of our life stories to lay a foundation for understanding the connection between our values, our stories, and the ways they support/inhibit our flourishing. We will learn practices of flourishing, including re-storying, practicing love, self-compassion, and honoring the body as steps toward creating a sustaining story of life and ministry that moves us toward flourishing. The workshop begins Sunday evening with dinner and ends mid-afternoon on Friday. Sessions consisting of instruction, small-group work, journaling, and personal reflections will be interspersed with open time for relaxation.
Dr. Barbara McClure (“Bar”) is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Practice at Brite Divinity School.
Dr. Karen Scheib is Professor of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology at Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
Two opportunities –
Fall – October 13-18, 2019 at The Cliffs Resort on Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
Spring – April 19-24, 2020 at Camp Allen Conference and Retreat Center, Navasota, TX
Who should apply – clergy serving in congregations and other settings of ministry.
Cost – includes single occupancy lodging, meals, workshop, assessment tool, a copy of Attend to Stories: How to Flourish in Ministry, and up to 2 hours consultation with Dr. McClure.
Cost is based on a sliding scale related to the size of the congregation’s or agency’s budget.

Church budget > 400,000

$225

Church budget 200,000 to 400,000

$150

Church budget < 200,000

$75

For more information and to apply – www.brite.edu/flourishing or email h.neal@tcu.edu or call 817-257-7582. Space is limited and the workshops are expected to fill quickly.
Application deadlines are:
October Workshop – September 6, 2019
April Workshop – March 13, 2020
Click here for a brochure with full details.

National Council of Churches Christian Unity Gathering
2019-10-13 - 2019-10-16
This year, the National Council of Churches will be marking 400 years since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in America. At the Christian Unity Gathering, we will join together in a public witness at Point Comfort, Virginia, where it is recorded that the suffering of millions began in a legacy that lives on today through systemic racism that ravages our churches, communities, and lives.
This year’s theme: Confronting the Hierarchy of Human Value: Revisiting Our Past and Naming God’s Preferred Future
The Christian Unity Gathering is the signature, annual event of the National Council of Churches. All members of NCC governance structures, convening tables, and all ecumenical officers and regional, state, and local ecumenical executives are urged to attend.
Register here.
About the National Council of Churches:
Serving as a leading voice of witness to the living Christ in the public square since 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) brings together 38 member communions and more than 35 million Christians in a common expression of God’s love and promise of unity.

Secondary School of Theological Education (SSTE) | Escuela Secundaria de Educación Teológica (ESET)
2019-10-12 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
SSTE | ESET Session
