Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

Lutheran Legislative Event
2018-02-11 - 2018-02-13
Theme: Rooted in Faith / Grounded in Love
Speaker: Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, Co-author of Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World
Organizers: The Poverty and Justice Task Force (PJTF) of the ELCA Southwestern Texas Synod, in partnership with Texas Impact
Location: Gethsemane, Austin, and the Capitol Building, Austin
It is our hope that the Sunday program will set the spiritual foundation so that all participants will have a better understanding of why and how we can advocate in a faith-based way for the legislative issues we hear on Monday.
Click here for a flyer with more details. Click on Event Website below for a direct link to registration.

Senior Fest 2018
2018-02-24 08:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1919 Independence Pkwy, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
Caring for God’s Creation is the theme. Main Speaker Dr. Tim H. Robinson will explore how Christian theology, ethics, and practice are being re-imagined to equip Christians to faithfully care for creation.

Participants will also take part in 3 of 7 workshops such as God’s Joy at Creation and Now, Creating Treasures out of Trash and Better Choices; Better Health
Cost: $25.00 per person (includes hot lunch)
Click here for registration brochure.

LSTC Seminary Sampler
2018-02-25 - 2018-02-27 | Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), 1100 East 55th St, Chicago, IL, 60615, United States
How is God Calling You Into the World?
Have you ever wondered about Public Ministry? Or Seminary? Or both?
Come visit the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and find out for yourself what life is like as a seminarian!
Seminary Sampler is a three-day event designed for those who want to immerse themselves in what it means to be a seminarian in Hyde Park. In addition to experiencing all the activities of an individual visit, Seminary Sampler participants meet other individuals discerning a call to ministry, enjoy a meal in Chicago’s vibrant Greektown neighborhood, engage in conversation with LSTC’s president, meet the faculty, sit in on classes, and spend time with current students.
Seminary Sampler begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday and ends at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Housing and meals during the event are provided; travel stipends are available. Spouses, partners, and parents are invited to attend.
For more information visit:
lstc.edu/admissions
Or contact us:
773.256.0727
admissions@lstc.edu

ELCA Coach Training
2018-02-26 - 2018-02-27 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Following up on the learning from our experience at NT-NL Leadership Convocation, we will be hosting an ELCA Coach Training event Monday-Tuesday, February 26-27, 8am-5pm both days. This will be an opportunity to learn more about coaching and begin the process (for those who desire) towards coaching certification. The event is limited in size and will be heavily subsidized by the ELCA and DiscipleLife Endowment Funds. The cost per person is only $100 for NT-NL members or $350 for all others. This cost will assist with materials and presenters and invites commitment from participants. (We have tentatively reached our limit of 15 registrants. Please contact jason@ntnl.org to be added to our waiting list.)

What is coaching?
Coaching is a process of coming alongside a person or team to help them discover God’s agenda for their life and ministry, and then cooperating with the Holy Spirit to see that agenda become a reality.
What is the coaching process?
Coaching is not about the Coach!!! It is a focused process in which the coachee, their community, and their goals are the center of the conversation. The coach is focused not on their needs or goals but on working with the coachee to discern their goals and develop plans and accountability to accomplish those goals. Coaching has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of ministry for both leader and community. Bishop Gronberg desires to partner with other synods around the ELCA to develop understanding about coaching and make this vital tool available to more leaders throughout our church.
Attend this two-day training event to learn, apply, and practice good coaching skills. Upon completion, you can become a Level I coach in the ELCA. After completing labs, you can become a Level II coach in the ELCA.
Click here for the ELCA Coaching Ministry Overview.

Peer Ministry (9th - 12th graders)
2018-03-02 - 2018-03-04 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Details coming soon.

Spring Retreat for 4th, 5th, & 6th graders
2018-03-02 - 2018-03-04 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Upper Elementary Spring Retreat
Just can’t wait until summer for the awesomeness that is camp?!? Well, if you’re in luck! Partnering with Peer Ministry, we are having a Spring Retreat for our 4th-6th Graders, and we’ll take advantage of all that Briarwood has to offer, including fishing, our High Ropes Tower, and more! You can expect to have a fantastic time, so sign up before all of our spots are gone!

The Role of the Church in Undoing Racism
2018-03-09 - 2018-03-10 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
REGISTER NOW.
The NT-NL Public Witness for Peace and Justice team is offering a workshop that will address racism from a faith-based perspective:

Theology: what we believe; what God calls us to be and do
History: how the past influences us today
Accountability: how the Lutheran Church in faithfulness to God’s call must deal with the reality of racism

This workshop is designed to provide participants in the NT-NL missional area with an analysis that specifically focuses on systemic rather than individual factors of racism. Through facilitated dialogue, the workshop will increase understanding of what racism is, how it is manifested in all systems and institutions, and the role of Church in dismantling racism in the community of faith and in society at large.
The facilitators are skilled in helping to create a liberated space for developing a common language and understanding that opens the door for new, bold, and courageous conversations on institutional and structural racism. These discussions are critical for discovering the deeply rooted issues that have become barriers to pursuing the mission that God has entrusted to the Church.
This safe place creates an atmosphere for all to engage in creative thinking, that hopefully will lead to ongoing training and organizing support of a movement toward becoming an anti-racist Church.
This event is part of an effort by the NT-NL Synod to fulfill the resolution passed at the 2016 Churchwide Assembly that synods offer anti-racism training events at least once every two years.
Facilitators
Mrs. Joyce James is a racial equity consultant who provides training and technical assistance to organizations across the country as they address institutional and structural racism. She is the former Associate Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Center for the Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities and the Texas State Office of Minority Health. Mrs. James is credited with being the pioneer of efforts to address racial disproportionality and disparities in the Texas Child Protective Services (TxCPS) where she served as the Assistant Commissioner. Under her leadership, Texas became the first state in the country to pass legislation requiring that a state agency such as TxCPS address racial disproportionality. Mrs. James is recognized nationally for the model she created and implemented that led to a reduction in disproportionality and disparities for African American and Native American children served through state agencies. She is a presenter with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond and was a keynote speaker at the 2014 Synod Assembly.
Rev. Joseph Barndt is an ELCA pastor who has dedicated the majority of his ministry to addressing issues of racism. For eighteen years, he was the director of Crossroads Ministry (Chicago), an organization committed to dismantling racism and promoting anti-racist, multicultural diversity within communities. For over forty years, Pastor Barndt has been an anti-racism trainer. He is the author of a number of books, including Becoming an Anti-Racist Church: Journeying Toward Wholeness and Understanding and Dismantling Racism: The Twenty-First Century Challenge to White America. Pastor Barndt is a community organizer and trainer with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. He has served several congregations in California and Arizona.
Dates and Times
Friday, March 9, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 10, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Other Details
Cost includes lunch on Saturday. This training is valued at $400 per person, not including any meals or facilities.
There are reasonably priced hotels in the area for those who may have difficulty commuting.
Some funding is available for those who may need assistance with registration and/or hotel fees. Please contact the Rev. Chuck Hubbard, cell 214-395-6978 (leave a message or send a text).
Registration is limited to 40 people. (We will secure your spot when we receive your payment.)
Click here for a brochure / bulletin insert.
REGISTER NOW.

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2018, Course 1
2018-03-17 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Pathways to Generosity: Signs of Hope
2018-04-03 - 2018-04-05 | King of Glory Lutheran Church – Dallas, 6411 LBJ Freeway ·, Dallas, TX, 75240, United States
Ecumenical Conference on Stewardship
Click here for a “Save the Date” flyer (PDF).
Click here for a Special Invitation for NT-NL.

Explore your path to faithful generosity with insights from experts in plenary sessions and workshops.
Hear signs of hope through inspiring worship and stories in Bright Spot presentations.
Leave ready and able to create new paths of generosity in your church or organization.

Offered in partnership by these organizations:
Ecumenical Stewardship Center * Center for Faith and Giving, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) * Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America * Presbyterian Church in Canada
The Episcopal Network for Stewardship * United Church of Christ Office of Philanthropy & Stewardship
As a conference attendee, you’ll engage in:

An inspiring opening worship session
Four outstanding keynote sessions
Three interactive and educational workshops
Four inspirational Bright Spot stories
Networking and fellowship at daily lunches and breaks

Visit https://stewardshipresources.org/pathways for the latest updates.
Register to attend on-site.
Register to attend via live stream.

ACT Now! Unite to End Racism
2018-04-03 - 2018-04-05
Join us for a rally and a call to action on the National Mall in Washington, DC!
ACT Now to:
–Awaken to the truth that racism is evil and hurts us all
–Confront racism through truth-telling and action to right the wrong
–Transform the hearts, minds, and behaviors of people and institutions
ACT Now: Unite to End Racism in the areas of church life and practices, criminal, economic and social justice, civil and human rights, environmental justice, immigration, media, and education.
Join in the clarion call to heal the soul of the nation as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. Let’s finish the work!
Where: At sites across Washington, DC, including the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall
When: April 3-5, 2018
Tuesday evening, April 3: Service of Worship in the Orthodox Tradition
Wednesday, April 4: Rally on the National Mall, 7:00am to 4:00pm
Thursday, April 5: a Day of Action in the Nation’s Capital
The time is now! The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) and our partners are committed to eradicating the entrenched racism that grips the United States and paralyzes our ability to see every human being as equal. Together, we confront this systemic evil in which Christians and church institutions and policies are complicit and complacent in addressing this global problem. We challenge ourselves and our communities to join in truth-telling leading to actions that right the wrongs, and, with God’s grace, bring healing and wholeness to all people, and unity to the nation.
April 3-5 is only the beginning. Our #rally2endracism is the launch of a comprehensive, multi-year program to address racism in our nation.
Our commitment is to awaken to the trauma of racism and the legacy of white privilege in the United States through self-evaluation and institutional assessment of embedded racism; to confront racism and white privilege through disciplined truth-telling coupled with strategies in the areas of church life and practices, criminal justice, economic justice, social justice, media, civil and human rights, environmental justice, education; and thus transform the hearts, minds, and behaviors of people and institutions.
Measures of success include:

NCC member churches, communities, and institutions conducting assessments
Churches undertaking action items
Change in behaviors, policies, and representation in the Church and communities (what changes?)
Policy and Legislation work that addresses the manifestation in policing and the criminal justice system
Changes in institutional behaviors as it relates to criminalization based on race

For more context: http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/national-council-of-churches-endorse-sweeping-initiative-to-end-racism/
Q: How can I donate to this wonderful effort?
A: You may donate online. Use the link: http://www.rally2endracism.org/donate/ to donate using a credit card, PayPal, or to receive instructions on how to send a check. Consider making a donation in honor or in memory of someone important to you.
Q: What will happen after the rally to end racism?
A: This launch event will be followed by an extensive program that will address racism in the areas of church life and practices, criminal, economic and social justice, civil and human rights, environmental justice, immigration, media, and education.

Pre-Gathering Event
2018-04-06 - 2018-04-08
For any Youth planning to join us for the ELCA Youth Gathering (Jun 27 – Jul 1) in Houston, TX.
In Merkel, TX (Abilene area)
Click here for the registration packet with more details.

NT-NL Dallas Area Metroplex North Conference W-ELCA 2018 Spring Gathering
2018-04-07 08:30 - 16:00 | Rejoice Lutheran Church, 12000 Independence Pkwy, Frisco, TX, 75035, United States
The Dallas Area Metroplex North Conference of the NT-NL Synod Women’s Group is holding their 7th annual Women’s Retreat on April 7, 2018, with guest facilitator Kathy Dodson, from TX Refugee Services. See the registration form for full details.
Cost: $20, includes lunch
Please return the completed registration form, along with your payment, to the address on the form no later than March 23rd. Make checks payable to Rejoice Lutheran Church.

Immigration: Understanding the Problems & Opportunities
2018-04-12 19:00 - 21:00 | King of Glory Lutheran Church – Dallas, 6411 LBJ Freeway ·, Dallas, TX, 75240, United States
Are you confused about immigration?
Do you want to know more than just sound bites?
What are the facts and what do we really need to know?
You are invited to join us and our distinguished panel of speakers as they share their knowledge and discuss with the audience their perspective on the issue of immigration.

Dr. Caroline B. Brettell is University Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Ruth Collins Altshuler Director of the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute at Southern Methodist
University. Brettell has a B.A. degree from Yale University and a Ph.D. degree from Brown University. She has spent her career studying the immigrant populations in Europe, Canada, and
the United States (most recently in the DFW area). Her particular and most current interests are in the gendered aspects of migration, issues of identity and citizenship, and the relationship
between immigrants and cities.
Francisco de la Torre Galindo is the Consul General of Mexico in Dallas, Texas, as of June 1st, 2016. Previously, he served for three years as the Executive Director of the Institute for
Mexicans Abroad at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has been a member of the Mexican Foreign Service since 1998. Mr. de la Torre holds a JD from Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM) and a Master’s Degree in Diplomatic Studies with a thesis on “Considerations on the Vote for Mexicans Abroad”.
Chris Salcedo is a veteran broadcaster, author and a political analyst. The Chris Salcedo Shows can be heard on AM 700 KSEV, Houston and on 820 AM WBAP in Dallas/Fort Worth, right before
the great Rush Limbaugh Show. A graduate of San Diego State University, Chris got started in radio in news and traffic and was a news anchor in the 5th largest TV market in the nation at
CBS11/TXA 21 in DALLAS/FORT WORTH. He has filled in for the nationally syndicated Glenn Beck, Andrea Tantaros and Roger Hedgecock radio shows.
(Part of the Dr. Debbie Jacob Life Enrichment Series at King of Glory, Dallas)
Click here for a poster.
Click here for a two-page flyer that includes the panelist bios.

NT-NL Heart of Texas Conference W-ELCA 2018 Spring Gathering
2018-04-14 | First Lutheran – Temple, 1515 West Adams Ave, Temple, TX, 76504, United States
“Plug Into Your Power!” That’s the theme of the HOT Conference W-ELCA Spring Gathering at First Lutheran Church, Temple, on Saturday, April 14. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with refreshments.
We will be reminded throughout the day of how Prayer, Others, Word, & being Equipped by the Spirit, helps us Respond with P-O-W-E-R in lives of service. Chaplain Judy Hoelscher of Baylor Scott & White will speak about finding much Power in “Aging with Grace and Wisdom.”
A bible study and music will also highlight the Power we have as followers of Christ. Fellowship with good food, a Silent Auction, and a presentation by Jared Hoellein of Mosaic are also part of the day.
A “Love Offering” will be received & given to 2 charities chosen by FLC Women.
Registration forms were sent to Unit Presidents the week of February 19. Those will then be made available to the members. Registration fee is $10. Registering by April 4 will be rewarded with a special gift.
A Business Meeting led by HOT Conference W-ELCA President, Kimberly Fehler, will conclude the day at 1:30 p.m.

NT-NL Panhandle Conference W-ELCA 2018 Spring Gathering
2018-04-21
The Panhandle Conference Women of the ELCA will meet at the Red Zone Café, 3602 Slide Rd., Lubbock, Texas, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 for their Spring Gathering. The Theme will be “Growing as Lutherans.” All ladies are welcome to join the event.

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2018, Course 2
2018-04-21 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

2018 Regional Interfaith Conference
2018-04-21 09:00 - 16:30
An Opportunity for Interreligious Experiences
Saturday, April 21 | 9:00am – 4:15pm
Clarion Grand Park Hotel | Lubbock, TX
Opening Keynote: The Rev. Dirk Ficca, International Director, Twin-Cities Social Cohesion Initiative
Rev. Ficca has been involved in the global interfaith movement for more than 20 years, including his tenure as Executive Director of the Council for A Parliament of the World’s Religions.
Plus multiple interest sessions and the Unity Celebration
For registration materials, hotel accommodations, or more information, contact the Lubbock Interfaith Association | 806-792-9060 | lubbockia@att.net.
Pre-Registration by April 1: $30 (lunch provided)
On-site Registration: $40 (lunch provided)
Children, Students with ID: Free (pre-registered or on-site)
Family/Household discount available

2018 Synod Assembly
2018-04-27 - 2018-04-28 | Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, 3303 N 3rd St, Temple, TX, 76501, United States
*For some links on this page, you may need to have a PDF reader on your device.*

Planned and hosted by the Heart of Texas Conference
Theme: Under Construction: Transforming in Christ
Scripture: Romans 12:2
Bible Study Leader: The Rev. Mandy Brobst-Renaud (St. Peter, Malone)
ELCA Churchwide Representative: Kathryn Lohre (Assistant to the Presiding Bishop, Executive for Inter-Religious & Ecumenical Relations)
Offering: Fund for Leaders
Location: Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, 3303 N 3rd St, Temple, TX 76501
Now that we have a website built from a database and with responsive design (i.e. mobile-friendly), we are opting out of using Guidebook this year and will use our website for all resources needed for Assembly.
Book of Reports
Tentative Agenda (for general planning purposes):
Thursday, April 26
Synod Council Meeting
Friday, April 27
Morning: Display Set up and Synod Council Meeting
1pm: New Member Orientation
1:30pm: Order for Opening of Assembly
1:45pm: Business Session/Bible Study and First Ballot (including Churchwide Assembly Voting Members)
5:30pm: Adjourn
7pm: Banquet and Anniversary Recognition
Saturday, April 28
8:15am: Morning Prayer
8:30am: Business Session/Bible Study
10:45am: Festival Worship, Installation of Conference Deans, Recognition of Word and Service Roster
Noon: Lunch and Affinity Group Conversations
1:45pm: Business Session/Bible Study
5pm: Closing of Assembly
6pm: Optional dinner (on your own) with Bishop Gronberg and Synod Staff at The Oscar Store
Sunday, April 29
For those wishing to stay, options will be noted for worship in local ELCA congregations
Housing: These special rates for our Assembly cannot be guaranteed after April 4, 2018.
Headquarters Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Temple, 1749 Scott Blvd, Temple, TX 76504. SOLD OUT!
(Breakfast not included; Can be purchased from their on-site restaurant)
Other Hotel Options: *Ask for the Lutheran Assembly Rate
Fairfield Inn ($89 per night plus taxes and fees) – 800-228-2800 or 254-771-3030
1402 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Temple, TX 76504
(Breakfast included)
Candlewood ($85 per night plus taxes and fees) – 254-773-8342
850 Scott Blvd, Temple TX 76504 (across the street from the headquarters hotel, where breakfast can be purchased)
(No breakfast; Kitchenettes; Cafe within walking distance)
Holiday Inn Express ($99 per night plus taxes and fees) – 254-773-5500
2609 South 39th St, Temple, TX 76504
(Breakfast included)
Online Registration is Closed
Registration Fees
On Site Rates
Voting Members – $315
Retired Rostered – $160
Visitors – $100
Hard Copy of the Book of Reports – $25
Displayers (NT-NL / ELCA Ministries) – $50
Vendors – $100
Non-Participant Food Package (includes 2 meals – Friday banquet, Saturday lunch) – $55
Elections at the Assembly
(Nominations are now closed)
Synod Treasurer (4 year term)
Synod Council Positions (nominees come from the related conference – 4 year term)
Heart of Texas Conference – Lay Male and Lay Female (one 35 or under, and one 36 or over)
Conference Out West – Lay Male and Lay Female (one 35 or under, and one 36 or over)
Eastern Conference – Ordained
Latin@/Hispanic – Ordained
ELCA Churchwide Voting Members
Rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament – Female
Rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament – Male
Lay Female (35 or younger)
Lay Female (36 or older)
Lay Male (35 or younger)
Lay Male (36 or older)
The next ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be August 5-10, 2019, in Milwaukee, WI.
ELCA Church Council Members (nominees to be then voted on at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly)
TWO Rostered Ministers of Word and Sacrament
The NT-NL Synod is paired with the Arkansas Oklahoma (AOK) Synod in continuing resolution 19.02.C05. for the purpose of nominating two persons to the ELCA Church Council to be elected by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. The nominating committee has assigned the category of Minister of Word and Sacrament to our synod for nomination.
We are looking for people who would bring a commitment to the work of this church in all of its expressions. It is important that those nominated can work with the other members of the Church Council in assuming the governance role that has been assigned to the council.
This means that our 2018 Synod Assembly will select two persons who fit this category. These persons will then be nominated to the Churchwide Assembly, which will elect one to a six-year term on the Church Council, beginning upon the conclusion of the 2019 Assembly.
The process that our synod uses to identify and nominate these people is not described in the constitution. What is required is that the Synod Assembly nominates them. That means there will need to be a vote of the assembly to place these two people in nomination. Once these names are presented to the assembly in Milwaukee, there is not provision for nominations from the floor for this position. The two people we nominate from our 2018 Synod Assembly will be the only two on the ballot for the 2019 Churchwide Assembly.
Affinity Groups
We have four meeting spaces available during Assembly. We will be hosting the following Affinity Groups and encourage everyone to attend one:
Leadership Formation (with Bishop Erik Gronberg)
ELCA Churchwide (with Kathryn Lohre, ELCA Churchwide Representative)
Youth (facilitator being confirmed)
Latin@/Ethnic-specific Ministry (with DEM Irma Bañales)
THANK YOU!!!
ELCA Mission Investment Fund for underwriting part of the costs of this Assembly
Heart of Texas Conference for hosting, and especially The Rev. Heath Abel and The Rev. Chris Farrow for leading the Assembly planning team, Karen Atkins for providing the logo, and The Rev. Terry Atkins for providing the banners and magnets
The Rev. Mandy Brobst-Renaud for leading our Bible Study sessions
HB PhotoGraphic Imagery for taking professional photos of our leaders and capturing most of the happenings throughout Assembly
Aaron Colwick for managing all the PowerPoint slides for the entire Assembly
The following people who assisted with our Worship services: The Rev. Kris Totzke (Bishop’s Associate), Betty Penny (St. Peter, Malone), The Rev. Erik Gronberg, PhD (Bishop), Dr. Christopher Richmann, SAWL (St. John, Coryell City), Charlie Begesse (Salem, Rosebud), Austin Nickel, SAWL (First, Waco), The Rev. Irma Bañales (Director of Evangelical Mission), NT-NL Conference Deans, The Rev. Chris Farrow (Zion, McGregor), The Rev. Heath Abel (Covenant, Temple), Ann Pearson (First, Waco), The Rev. Dave Anfenson (Clifton Sunset Homes), and the “HOT Band” [Melissa Lowdermilk (First, Waco), The Rev. Mandy Brobst-Renaud (St. Peter, Malone), SAWL Austin Nickel (First, Waco), Dr. Christopher Richmann (St. John, Coryell City), The Rev. Joe Woodward (St. John, Bartlett)]

The Briarwood Gala is going... Fiesta
2018-05-05 | Texas Star Golf Course Conference Centre, 1400 Texas Star Pkwy, Euless, TX, 76040, United States
Briarwood Retreat Center is changing the theme of their annual gala to a fiesta!
Saturday, May 5
5:30pm Registration and Silent Auction Begin, Dinner and Entertainment to follow.
Texas Star Conference Centre, Euless, TX
You are invited to join us for a wonderful evening of fun and entertainment as we raise funds and celebrate our shared ministry at Briarwood!
Get your tickets and/or sponsor the event at bidpal.net/briarwoodfiesta.

Dr. Michael W. Waters to discuss "Stakes Is High: Race, Faith, and Hope for America"
2018-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 | King of Glory Lutheran Church – Dallas, 6411 LBJ Freeway ·, Dallas, TX, 75240, United States
Dr. Michael W. Waters, author and founding pastor of Joy Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Dallas, will discuss Stakes Is High: Race, Faith, and Hope for America. Dr. Waters is a sought-after speaker, community leader, and social commentator. He has received numerous awards and was listed among the Dallas Business Journal’s 2015 “40 Under 40.”
From the press release:
“At times, the mantle of ministry mandates that you both see and hear difficult things. Prophetic ministry then requires that you speak out concerning what you have witnessed. Always, the mantle of ministry requires courage.”
Those words are from the book Stakes Is High: Race, Faith and Hope for America, and they are powerful words indeed. The book’s author, the Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters, will bring his message of hope and empowerment in the realm of social justice to King of Glory Lutheran Church’s GUSTO! program at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 14.
Waters is an award-winning author, community leader and social commentator. He is founding pastor of Joy Tabernacle A.M.E. Church and an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. He is well known in Dallas and across the country for speaking out on current issues such as diversity, ethical leadership, race, religion and even hip hop culture. His words of hope and empowerment have inspired national and international audiences.
Waters was a Dallas Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and received SMU’s Distinguished Alumni Emerging Leader award, the university’s highest honor, both in 2015. He holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from SMU. In 2016 he received the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Community Leader of the Year award. He has been featured in EBONY magazine among America’s emerging leaders and has appeared on national TV and in the press. Recent commentaries have been published in The Dallas Morning News. Waters’ book Stakes Is High contains narratives of racial violence and offers ways people can live out their faith for the cause of social justice. Sojourners magazine, shortly after the book’s release in 2017, wrote that “Michael W. Waters…is both blunt and lyrical as he meditates on police violence, racism, hip-hop, and the power of faith.” The book will be available for purchase and author signing following the meeting.
Stakes Is High earned the Wilbur Award at the April 2018 conference of the Religion Communicators Council. Wilbur Awards are given to promote and encourage excellence in the communication of religious faith and positive values through a variety of secular media. Waters first book, Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture, was published in 2014. In it Waters confronts issues within the urban community such as addiction, education, incarceration, family issues and absentee fathers. His latest book, For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World, is soon to be released.
For more information:
Excerpt from Stakes Is High: Race, Faith, and Hope for America | In this collection of columns written originally for The Huffington Post, the Rev. Michael W. Waters offers stories from the front lines and offers ways that he and others can live out their faith for the cause of social justice.
Stakes Is High: An Interview on Race, Faith, and Hope with Michael Waters | The Rev. Michael Waters talks about his new book, Stakes Is High: Race, Faith, and Hope for America and what we can do to build a more just world for African Americans and all people.
Good God Episode #3: Reverend Michael Waters | George Mason and Michael W. Waters of Joy Tabernacle AME Church discuss economic justice, poverty, race relations in Dallas and America, and how we can address it with our faith.

Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber: "Stop saying the church is dying!"
2018-05-15 19:00 - 20:00
“The church is dying!” It’s a phrase we hear within and outside of the church all too often. Average worship attendance keeps going down. The average age of regular church attendeees keeps going up. Professions of faith are far and few between. And yet, in the midst of what seems like terrible news, God keeps showing up. New faith communities and creative ways of being church keep forming. People who feel lost, unwanted, or leftout keep being found.
Stop saying the church is dying!
Join Nadia Bolz-Weber for this one-night only event, as she brings to light some of the beautiful and creative ways in which the church is not only alive, but thriving.
Hosted by our friends at Arborlawn UMC, 5001 Briarhaven Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76109.
Doors open at 6pm. Event: 7-8pm.
NADIA BOLZ-WEBER is the author of two New York Times bestselling memoirs: Pastrix; The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint (2013) and Accidental Saints; Finding God in All the Wrong People (2015). She is an ordained Lutheran pastor (ELCA) and still works as the founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver, Colorado. Nadia travels domestically and internationally as a speaker and has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, On Being with Krista Tippett, Fresh Air, CNN and in the Washington Post, Bitch magazine, The Daily Beast, More magazine and The Atlantic. International media coverage includes BBC World Service and The Guardian and magazine features in Germany, Poland, and Switzerland. Nadia lives in Denver with her family and her Great Dane, Zacchaeus.
Full event details here: https://arborlawnumc.org/events/nadia
Purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nadia-bolz-weber-tickets-42770712352

MEF Board meeting
2018-05-19 | Our Redeemer Lutheran – Grand Prairie, 4729 S. Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052, United States

NT-NL Eastern Conference W-ELCA 2018 Spring Gathering
2018-05-19 | St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 8400 Kingston Rd, Shreveport, LA, 71108, United States
Save the Date!

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2018, Course 3
2018-05-19 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

The Vigil of Pentecost
2018-05-19 14:00 - 17:00 | St. John’s Lutheran Church – Dallas, 2939 Sunnyvale St, Dallas, TX, 75216, United States
Bethany Lutheran Church, Community of Hope Lutheran Church, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, and St. John’s Lutheran Church
Invite you to
The Vigil of Pentecost
Bishop Erik Gronberg, NT-NL Synod, ELCA, Preaching
Saturday, May 19, 2018
2:00 pm Gathering, Music and Fellowship
3:00 pm Worship Service with Meal following
at
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2939 Sunnyvale Street, Dallas, TX 75216
Come for Worship, Singing, Drumming, Fellowship
Click here to download a flyer with full details.
Questions – Pastor Doris Dupree Harris 214.649.8601

2018 Lutheran Campus Ministry Golf Outing
2018-05-20 | TX, United States
The Trails of Frisco Golf Club
10411 Teel Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034
1:00pm Shotgun Start
$90 per player
Come join us for an afternoon of fun, benefiting Lutheran Campus Ministry at Denton, serving students at the University of North Texas and Texas Women’s University.
Enjoy:

Green fee and cart
Range balls
Buffet dinner
Replay certificate at the Trails
2 Mulligans per player
1 Raffle ticket per player
Hole 10 par 5 (150 out)
Awards
Prizes

Entry Deadline and full payment due on or before May 13, 2018. Make checks payable to LCM Denton. Write “golf” on memo line.
Questions or comments should be directed to Mike Minard (940-783-8529 | michaelminardlt@gmail.com) or Dave Grieser (214-437-9591 | davegrieser@yahoo.com).
Return your registration form with payment in person to Mike or Dave, or mail to:
Mike Minard
2625 Calmwater Dr
Little Elm, TX 75068
Raffle prizes include a Calloway XR driver, other quality golf accessories, gift baskets, gift certificates to great restaurants, and other terrific items.
Don’t play golf? Provide a hole sign with your personal or business message for $100. You will get the sign to keep.
Click here to download the tri-fold brochure to register.
Support this vital ELCA outreach to young adults on campus. For more information about campus ministry, contact Pastor Celene Welch (817-269-1229 | pastor@lcmdenton.org).

Transforming Loss: Finding Potential for Growth
2018-05-24 07:30 - 10:00 | Good Samaritan Society – Denton Village, 2500 Hinkle Dr, Denton, TX, 76201, United States
Denton Area Partnership for End-of-Life Care
Presents the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA)
25th Annual ‘Living with Grief’ Program
Join us for an inspirational program about positive change and action by the bereaved in the aftermath of loss. This program is 95 minutes in length, with additional 30-minute post-program discussion required for CEs.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
7:30 AM – Registration
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM – DVD program
9:30 – 10:00 am – Panel Discussion with local experts
Location: Good Samaritan Society – Denton Village, 2500 Hinkle Dr, Denton, TX 76201 | Please enter through the Administration entrance.
Cost: $15 | Snacks and refreshments will be available.
2 CEs for Nurses, Chaplains, Clergy, Social Workers, Funeral Directors, trauma counselors, hospice workers, emergency room staff, bereavement staff, police, firefighters, school staff through HFA
Click here for the registration form with full details.
Questions? E-mail DAPEC@AOL.com or call/text Ginny Hudson at 940-367-0598.

Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive
2018-05-27 - 2018-06-01 | 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.
Level 1 Intensive
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 27, 2018, at 5 p.m. and ending Friday, June 1, 2018, at noon.
HOW? Register online at MyWTS. Contact Consuelo E. Reid at lsps@lsps.edu with questions.
Click here for a webpage with full details.
Click here for a flyer with full details.

Building Congregational Capacity for Hispanic Ministry
2018-06-10 - 2018-06-15 | Seminary of the Southwest, 501 E. 32nd St., Austin, TX, 78705, United States
This new Level II Intensive is designed for congregational leaders in those congregations where consideration is being given to starting Hispanic Ministry in their community. Teams from congregations are encouraged to attend. During this week, teams will learn:

To increase capacity for doing Hispanic ministry
To learn several models for engaging in Hispanic ministry in congregational settings
To improve facility in Spanish language, especially liturgical Spanish
To build a cohort of colleagues preparing for Hispanic ministry within their community
To avoid cultural violence in mission development.

The main presenter is Rev. Rubén Durán with several outstanding guest-sharing models for Hispanic Ministry. The Rev. Durán serves as Director for New Congregations in the Congregational and Synodical Mission unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is responsible for promoting the development of Synodical mission strategies, local initiatives and emerging models for the multiplication of new communities of faith in the USA and the Caribbean. He will be joined by our very own Director for Evangelical Mission, The Rev. Irma Bañales.
You need not have completed the Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Language Intensive.
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, June 10, 2018, at 5 p.m. and ending Friday, June 15, 2018, at noon.
HOW? Register online. Contact Consuelo E. Reid at lsps@lsps.edu with questions.
Click here for a webpage with full details.
Click here for a flyer with full details.

Walk Gently on Earth: A Multi-Faith invitation to Sustainable Lifestyles
2018-06-10 13:30 - 15:00
Sunday, June 10, 1:30 p.m.
Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (Houston, TX) and ONLINE
Last fall, world religious leaders presented the interfaith climate declaration, Walk Gently on Earth, to the UN Conference on Climate Change in Bonn. The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to a talk about the declaration by Imaad Khan, of the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy (TICPP), who was there.
Imaad will discuss the presentation of the declaration, its message, and how houses of worship and their members can leverage this initiative. Walk Gently on Earth invites people of faith to lead the world in adopting a sustainable lifestyle. The focus for 2018 is in transforming three areas of our lives: energy use, food consumption, and travel. This talk takes place at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church in Houston and online via a simultaneous web meeting.
Please register for this FREE event. Texas Interfaith Power and Light, the environmental program of TICPP, has joined this initiative. For more information on the Walk Gently on Earth initiative, see their site at: http://www.txipl.org/content/walk-gently-earth. For more information about this talk, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.
