National Young Adult Discernment Retreat
2018-11-16 - 2018-11-18
Bishop Gronberg has made Youth and Youth Adult Ministry a priority for NT-NL. This is another great opportunity for our young adults to connect with ELCA young adults from across the country.
Why Me? Why Now? Why This? – Listening for God in a Noisy World.
Hosted by ELCA Seminaries and ELCA Young Adult Ministries
November 16-18
Tallapoosa, GA
With so many voices seeking our attention, how do we learn to listen to the voice of God?
What is our vocation and how is our faith called to be alive in that vocation?
The Seminaries of the ELCA and Young Adult Ministries, along with participants from across the whole ELCA, will spend time sorting through some of the predominant voices competing for our attention – voices that stake a claim on who we should be, what we should value, and what makes us happy. We will spend time thinking about the voice of God which lays claim on our lives, how that impacts how we spend our time, and how following God’s call might help us find a sense of purpose, meaning, and even joy.
Who: Young adults (18-30ish)
How Much: $50. We know cost of attendance is a huge hurdle for young people, that’s why we’re committed to paying all travel, lodging, and food costs for this event. You will see on the event page that there is a $50 registration fee. This is so that people have a little of their own “buy in”, but please don’t let this be the reason young people you know don’t join us. Email Savanna.Sullivan@elca.org if the $50 will be a problem for potential participants.

MEF Board meeting
2018-11-17 | Our Redeemer Lutheran – Grand Prairie, 4729 S. Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052, United States

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2018, Course 3
2018-11-17 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Lutheran Campus Ministry Trivia Challenge
2018-11-18 | 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? These all come together in the Lutheran Campus Ministry Trivia Challenge, November 18, at 4pm at Briarwood Retreat Center. All funds generated go to the NT-NL Campus Ministry Mission Fund, benefitting 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, contact Pastor Celene Welch: 817/269-1229 or pastor@lcmdenton.org.

ELCA Coach Training, Level 2
2018-11-29 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Focus: Stewardship
Tentative schedule: 9:30am – 3pm (with a working lunch provided)
Participants must have completed Level 1 training and all required follow-up.
After completing labs, you can become a Level II coach in the ELCA.
Click here for the ELCA Coaching Ministry Overview.
REGISTER HERE.
The event is limited in size and will be heavily subsidized by the ELCA and DiscipleLife Endowment Funds. The cost per person will assist with materials and presenters and invites commitment from participants.

Upper Elementary Winter Retreat
2018-11-30 - 2018-12-02 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
See event link below for details and to register.

Candidacy Retreat
2018-11-30 - 2018-12-01 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Click here for full details and to RSVP.

High School Service Day (DFW area)
2018-12-01 09:00 - 19:30
We are excited to announce that we are hosting our sixth annual event for high school youth!
This will take place on Saturday, December 1, 2018, with an overnight option for those who would like it, and will combine a variety of activities:
Worship,
Service Projects,
Dinner
This year we are doing a Day of Service versus a weekend for a couple of reasons: First, we want to be good stewards of money and offer several options so that everyone can participate. Second, we know this is a busy season with Christmas pageants and want to respectful of your time. If it looks like there a quite a few who want to spend Friday night or Saturday night, we may add evening programming!
Each group will be asked to bring water bottles for their kids (for Saturday’s service project) and eat before you arrive Saturday morning. Lunch & Dinner will be provided for all participants. We will send out service project assignments with your confirmation letter so you will know if special tools or attire are needed. We will begin at 9:00am with a devotion time and then head out to work site(s). In the late afternoon, we will gather to share stories and have dinner together. Congregations who would like to have an overnight component may do so for $100/room. Those that are traveling and would like to stay at a church on Friday and/or Saturday night versus a hotel, we would be happy to arrange that for you (please let Janelle, the registrar, know).
Please send your $15 per youth and adult in by November 15 so we are sure to have enough project sites.
Blessings,
The Planning Team
info@ntnlyouth.org
Click here for the registration packet with full details.

Public Witness Team meeting
2018-12-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States

Una introducción a El Proyecto de la Generosidad
2019-01-12 | Iglesia Luterana San Gabriel, 4029 County Road 610, Alvarado, TX, 76009, United States
El Proyecto de la Generosidad es un taller animado, interactivo, e intergeneracional que modela el potencial de una congregación a conectar y a equipar a miembros de todas las edades y generaciones como líderes representantes en la congregación y en el hogar.
Conferencia Latina del sínodo NT-NL, ELCA
Una introducción a El Proyecto de la Generosidad
Dirigido por Linda Staats, ELCA Coordinadora del Proyecto
en Colaboración del equipo de Mayordomía del Sínodo NTNL
Iglesia Luterana San Gabriel, Alvarado TX
Sábado 12 de Enero, 2019
Equipando a hogares para que respondan a la generosidad extravagante de Dios es una oportunidad de todo el año. Equipando a individuos de cada generación, edad y etapa a vivir como representantes agradecidos ofrece innumerable y creativas oportunidades.
Congregaciones de todo el Sínodo de NT-NL están invitadas a participar.
La participación multigeneracional es altamente motivada.
Por favor reserve de antemano para poder preparar el lugar y la comida adecuada.
Horario del dia – por favor reserve de antemano*
9:00 AM Bienvenida y Matricula / Welcome & Registration
9:30 AM Devocional Matutino / Morning Devotional
9:45 AM El Proyecto de Generosidad
11:45 AM Almuerzo / Lunch
12:30 PM Continuación “El Proyecto de Generosidad” con todos los participantes
*Por favor reserve con el Pastor Jesus Escamilla antes de 7 de Enero
Email: sangabriel.jesus@yahoo.com o Celular: 817-739-4588
Haga clic aquí para acceder a un folleto del evento.
Haga clic aquí para acceder a un folleto de testimonios en inglés.

Public Witness Team meeting
2019-01-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
2nd Saturday of every month

ConFESt: Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop
2019-01-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Christ Lutheran Church – Dallas, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX, 75225, United States
Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good conFESsion in the presence of many witnesses. – 1 Timothy 6:12
Featuring:

A short worship service with a message from the bishop.
A photo for each confirmation class taken with the bishop.
A ministry fair with information and involvement opportunities from synod and ELCA ministries.
Food, of course!

The goals are for confirmation students to:

get to know the bishop and youth from other congregations,
learn about our wider church and how to get involved,
worship, and
have fun!

Congregations are invited to register your whole confirmation class, including teachers and adult advisers. As of January 2, there are 158 youth and adults registered!
We have an exciting opportunity for the offering. Bishop Momoh of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone (ELCSL) has requested copies of the small catechism (the pocket size). Although Krio and Mende are the languages most people speak in their daily lives, English is the official language, widely spoken, and used for official business and in schools, so our copies would be incredibly helpful. Please bring copies of the small catechism that we can collect and then send to Sierra Leone, or bring money (just $1 per copy) to cover the cost (we’ll have copies on hand for each attendee to put into the offering). We will be learning more about our accompaniment work and our connections to West Africa during this event.
If you are not attending and would like to donate toward this worthy cause, please contact westphallanny@gmail.com ASAP to make those arrangements.
Click here for a Save the Date flyer.
REGISTER HERE.

Boundaries Training
2019-01-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Facilitator: Joretta Marshall, Executive Vice President and Dean, and also Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care, at Brite Divinity School
9am-3pm (including lunch)
Only $25/person!
Due to the busyness of the Advent and Christmas seasons and the likelihood of overlooked emails, we are extending the registration for this powerful event through January 10. REGISTER HERE.
If you need a place to stay before / after this event, please contact christi@briarwoodretreat.org.
* The ELCA highly recommends Boundaries Training every 3 years, at a minimum, for all Rostered Leaders.

Celebration of the Life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2019-01-20 | St. John’s Lutheran Church – Dallas, 2939 Sunnyvale St, Dallas, TX, 75216, United States
St. John’s, Dallas, and the
Public Witness for Peace and Justice Team
Celebrates the Life of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Willard McKiver, Keynote Speaker
Rev. Doris Dupree Harris, Presiding

12:30 – 1:45 pm Soul Food Pot Luck
1:30 – 1:50 pm Hymns and Praise
2:00 pm Commemoration Program

Click here to access a flyer for this event.

An Introduction to The Generosity Project
2019-01-26 09:30 - 15:00 | Preston Meadow Lutheran Church, 6801 Coit Road, Plano, TX, 75024, United States
The NT-NL Dallas Area Metro North Conference and NT-NL Stewardship Team invite you to join them for an introduction to The Generosity Project.
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.
Congregations from across the NT-NL are invited to participate.
Multi-generational participation is highly encouraged.
Please RSVP by January 24 so that we can prepare adequate meeting space and food. You may email gass@att.net or text 214-803-3391.
Click here for a flyer with full details.
Click here for access to a set of documents to learn more about The Generosity Project.

Seminario sobre la homosexualidad y sus diferentes facetas
2019-01-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Walnut Hill Lutheran Church, 14008 Distribution Way, Farmers Branch, TX, 75229, United States
Iglesia Luterana Walnut Hill estara impartiendo un seminario acerca de la homosexualidad y sus diferents facetas. Dia: Enero 26, 2019. Hora: 10am a 4pm. Lugar: 14008 Distribution Way Farmers Branch. Registrate al 214-351-6785.
(Walnut Hill Lutheran Church will be teaching a seminar IN SPANISH about homosexuality and its different facets. Day: January 26, 2019. Time: 10am to 4pm. Place: 14008 Distribution Way Farmers Branch. Register at 214-351-6785.)

An Ecumenical Service of Prayer, Unity, and Thanksgiving
2019-01-27 | King of Glory Lutheran Church – Dallas, 6411 LBJ Freeway ·, Dallas, TX, 75240, United States
Join Bishop Gregory Kelly of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and Bishop Erik Gronberg of the NT-NL Synod of the ELCA
With music by the combined choirs of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and King of Glory Lutheran Church
Begins at 7:00pm

2019 Tri-Theological Conference
2019-01-28 - 2019-01-30
To PIVOT means to rotate or revolve; to depend on…
What would it mean for faith leaders to pivot towards courage, change, and community?
What would it look like if we actually depended on God to lead us as we lead others?
What would it feel like return to ourselves, to each other, and ultimately, to God?
We are excited to announce that online registration is now open for the 2019 Tri-Theological Conference PIVOT.
The Tri-Theological Conference is a ministry of three synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA): the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, and the Southwestern Texas Synod. After a break in 2018, we are back with a newly designed conference. Tri-Theological is designed for lay and rostered leaders who are seeking to transform their leadership, renew their spiritual life, and inspire their theological imagination.
The Gulf Coast Synod serves as host for the 2019 conference. We are excited to partner with The Lyceum of Galveston and First Lutheran Church of Galveston as our conference venues.
The speakers, Reesheda Graham-Washington and Shawn Casselberry, are the authors of Soul Force: Seven Pivots toward Courage, Community, and Change.
Connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tritheological/ or on Twitter and Instagram, both @tritheological.
Questions may be directed to tritheological@gmail.com.
Costs:
Early Bird – $250 (until 11/30/18)
Regular – $275 (until 1/20/19)
Late/Onsite – $300
Hotel – $109 nightly @ The Tremont House

IGNITE: North Texas 2019 (ALDE)
2019-01-31 - 2019-02-03
As a passionate Christian leader, you want to ensure your organization is utilizing the best strategies and resources to meet its mission, while growing your skills and career. Whether you are an Executive Director, Principal, Director of Development, Marketing Specialist, Pastor, Gifts Officer, Social Media Manger, staff contributor, volunteer, or in any other position involved in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or marketing, you sometimes find yourself stuck doing the same things that get your organization the same results.
You need a community of fellow Christian development professionals where you can get expert training, networking and resources to help you implement new ideas and proven best practices in your organization. Are you ready to grow beyond the status quo and increase support for the great mission of your organization?
ALDE has been a leading community of faith-based fundraisers for 40 years, and our annual conference, IGNITE: North Texas 2019, is the best place to connect with faith-based colleagues; receive world-class training; learn about new and innovative resources and tools; and grow your skills and talents alongside fellow Christian leaders.
IGNITE 2019 will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, January 31-February 3, 2019. Early Bird Registration saves you $175 (ends January 3). There are $300 scholarships available to help make the conference more affordable. Scholarships are first come, first served, and a limited number are available. Get more info at www.ignitespark.org/scholarships! Are you local to the Dallas-Fort Worth area? We even have day rates at www.ignitespark.org/dayrate! IGNITE is affordable, accessible, and valuable!
When you register for IGNITE, be sure to become a full member of ALDE and get access to ongoing training, webinars, networking, and resources year-round. Visit www.alde.org to start your membership in this community of world-class Christian fundraisers. You’ll also get the lowest IGNITE rate.
By attending IGNITE 2019, you’ll learn from experts on how to increase giving; build better teams; get insights into new trends and emerging technologies; boost your strategies in marketing; communications, and social media; strengthen your organization and fund your mission; and build new relationships with fellow Christian nonprofit leaders that last far beyond the conference. Don’t stay stuck in the status quo, working on your own. Join this community of Christian fundraisers who are utilizing the things they learn at IGNITE every day in their ministries. IGNITE your organization and career with ALDE and IGNITE 2019!
Learn more about ALDE at www.alde.org
Learn more about IGNITE 2019 at www.ignitespark.org
ALDE inspires, educates, and mentors the Christian fundraising community to spark generosity for mission. We are an international community of fundraising and communication professionals rooted in the Lutheran tradition of the Christian faith and dedicated to serving God’s people in the church and the world.

Synod Council meeting
2019-02-08 - 2019-02-09 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

MEF Board meeting
2019-02-09 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

"Faith Formation in a Secular Age" with Dr. Andy Root
2019-02-09 - 2019-02-10 | TX, United States
John Tietjen Speaker Series
Hosted by Trinity, Fort Worth
Dr. Andy Root, Luther Seminary
Saturday, Feb. 9, 9:30 am
Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall
*child care provided*
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2:00 pm
Briarwood Retreat Center
*co-hosted by the Briarwood Leadership Center*
Sunday, Feb. 10, 9:30 am
Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall
*child care provided*
Click here for a flyer/poster with information about each event.

Public Witness Team meeting
2019-02-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
2nd Saturday of every month
Anyone is welcome to join us!
If you’re unable to join in person, you can now join us via Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/2143847705
One tap mobile:+16699006833,,2143847705# US+14086380968,,2143847705# US
Dial in using any of these numbers:+1 669 900 6833 US+1 408 638 0968 US+1 646 876 9923 USMeeting ID: 214 384 7705

Junior High Gathering & Group Dynamix
2019-02-16 - 2019-02-17 | Grace Lutheran Church – Carrollton, 1200 East Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX, 75010, United States
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8
1:00pm Saturday—noon Sunday
Cost includes programs, hotel, meals, and Group Dynamix. The 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, & Group Dynamix!
Click here for a registration packet with full details.

Black History Month Celebration
2019-02-16 | Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 3100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75215, United States
The program will run from 11 AM to about 12:30 PM, with worship to follow, and a meal to follow worship. We have the distinct blessing of having Bishop Erik Gronberg present with us to bring the Word.
All are welcome to join us.

PLMA Graduation
2019-02-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
Graduation for our Parish Lay Ministry Academy

Cries From the Cross (Roads): The Intersection of Poverty, Inequality and Race in the Context of South Africa
2019-02-19 | Brite Divinity School, 2925 Princeton St, Fort Worth, TX, 76109, United States
Brite Divinity School
presents
Dr. Nadine Bowers Du Toit
12noon Community Conversation
7:30pm Public Lecture (Reception to follow)
Both events at the Bass Conference Center at Brite Divinity School
Click here for a flyer with full details.
Prof Nadine Bowers Du Toit is an Associate Professor in ‘Theology and Development’ (Dept. Practical Theology & Missiology) at the Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. She is also the former Dean and Head of the Department of Community Development at Cornerstone Institute (formerly Cornerstone Christian College). She holds a PhD in Practical Theology (Theology and Development) and has published close to 30 articles and chapters in both local and international journals and books. Nadine’s research has focused on the role of faith communities in addressing issues of social injustice and poverty and her most recent projects have been funded by grants from the National Research Foundation and the Nagel Centre for World Christianity. Besides lecturing, publishing and supervising post graduate students, Nadine is often invited to address congregations, church leaders and Faith Based Organizations on this topic. She sees herself as an activist academic always seeking to push for space for more voices to be heard and also chairs both the Community Engagement and Transformation Committees within the school of Theology. Nadine also serves on the boards of two Non-Governmental Organisations and is the current chairperson of the Practical Theology Society of South Africa. She is married to Andries and they have an 8-year-old daughter, Daniela.

Senior Fest 2019
2019-02-23 | Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1919 Independence Pkwy, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
Theme: “Our Church—Faith in Action”
Bishop Erik Gronberg will be the keynote speaker.
Participants may attend three of the six workshops listed here:

New Models of Outreach – to children and families in neighborhoods.
The King of Instruments – the organ as a tool for praising God.
Worldwide Discipleship – local responses through Lutheran World Relief.
Christian Caregiving/Care-Receiving – personal discipleship through touching the needs of others.
Feeding the Hungry – local and broader ministries.
Brain Health – advances in science and resources for individuals.

Click here for a Save the Date flyer.
Additional information and registration material will be posted in January.

Anchor Church Conference
2019-02-25 - 2019-02-26 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
SCHEDULE: Monday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (includes lunch and refreshments) / Tuesday 8:00-11:30 am
What Is An Anchor Church?
Is your congregation ready to serve as an Anchor Church? If you attended the intro events in Denver or Charlotte in 2018 or have heard about this ministry model and are ready to go deeper – then this event is for you. We encourage a senior pastor and lay leader of the Anchor congregation to attend.
This event will delve deeper into the models of “Accompaniment” and “Adoption” and explore cross-cultural understanding, theological foundation for ministry, organizational intelligence and understanding our strengths.
Anchor Churches with plans to begin or continue their anchor ministries will be able to apply for Congregational Vitality “Anchor Church” grants. Part of the grant will include a budget for coaching. Pastor Doug Hill from Abiding Hope Church in Littleton, Co and Pastor Scott Suskovic from Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte, NC will be providing a year of webinars and coaching for churches moving forward as an Anchor Church.
All costs for this training, other than lunch on Monday, are at your own expense. If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact Rob James.
Presented by:
Congregational Vitality Team, ELCA Domestic Mission, with Pastors Doug Hill and Scott Suskovic
Rev. Ruben Duran, ELCA Director, Congregational Vitality, ruben.duran@elca.org, (630)440-8591 (cell)
Rev. Rob James, ELCA, Congregational Vitality, Program Director for Learning and Evaluation, rob.james@elca.org, (773)380-2999
REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 7.

Peer Ministry (9th-12th grades)
2019-03-01 - 2019-03-03
What is Peer Ministry?
It is the story of the good Samaritan. Only instead of preaching and teaching it, you get the skills necessary to live it!
We equip people with Christ-centered training, resources, and support to be Peer Ministers!
This Peer Ministry weekend will be held in Fort Worth, TX.
What will we be doing during this weekend:

Attending peer ministry sessions
Worship
Service project
Great food and fellowship

What your registration includes:

2 nights lodging (bring linens/sleeping bag)
Saturday meals (3), Sunday breakfast & lunch
Materials

Click here for a registration brochure with full details.
