Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

Lands of Luther Tour
2016-06-20 - 2016-06-30
An 11-day tour of the lands of Luther, hosted by Bishop Kevin Kanouse and visiting:
Rhine Valley • Eisenach • Erfurt • Eisleben • Wittenberg
Berlin • Leipzig • Nuremberg • Augsburg • Munich
Dear Friends,
October 31, 1517, Martin Luther ignited the Protestant Reformation movement in the small German village of Wittenberg, Germany. From that day to this the world has not been the same.
As we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we will visit many of the German sites important to Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation movement.
In addition, we will visit Berlin, Munich, and other quaint villages and churches. A stop by the Hofbrauhaus in Munich is always in order! This is a wonderful time to tour LutherLand as Germany is all dressed up to welcome anniversary visitors.
There will be lots of fun with your family, friends and fellow church members. I hope you will join us for the vacation tour of a lifetime!
Sincerely,
Bishop Kevin Kanouse
Download the LutherLands2016 brochure here.

2016 Building Congregational Capacity for Hispanic Ministry Level II Intensive
2016-06-12 17:00 - 2016-06-17 12:00 (America/Chicago)
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

The main presenter is the Rev. Rubén Durán with several outstanding guests sharing models for Hispanic Ministry. The Rev. Ruben Duran 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.
The Rev. Ruben Duran is a native of Lima, Peru, South America. He served parishes in the Seattle,Washington and Los Angeles, California areas prior to becoming Associate to the Bishop and Mission Director for the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA. He has also served as Associate Director for Latino Outreach in the former Division for Congregational Ministries, ELCA and Executive for Congregational Outreach Services in the former Division for Outreach, ELCA prior to his current position.
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 June 12, 2016 at 5 p.m. and ending on Friday, June 17, 2016 at noon.
HOW? Contact Consuelo E. Reid at lsps@lsps.edu or register online at wartburgseminary.edu/LSPSreg
Registration Before March 15, 2016: $500 per person or $400 per person for 3 or more from the same congregation. (Includes snacks and two dinners)
Registration After March 15, 2016: $600 per person or $500 per person for 3 or more from the same congregation. (Includes snacks and two dinners)
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION
No refunds after March 15.
Sorry, no scholarships available.
Download the information flier for 2016 Seminary Program in the Southwest Level II Intensive here.

2016 Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Level I Intensive
2016-05-29 17:00 - 2016-06-03 12:00
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 29, 2016 at 5 p.m. and ending Friday, June 3, 2016 at noon.
HOW? Contact Consuelo E. Reid at lsps@lsps.edu or register online at wartburgseminary.edu/LSPSreg
Registration Before Feb. 28, 2016:

$905.00 with shared room on campus and continental breakfast, lunch and dinner on your own.
$1,000.00 single room (3 rooms available; first come first serve) and breakfast; lunch and dinner on your own.
$755.00 without lodging; lunch and dinner on your own.

Restaurants within walking distance.
Registration After Feb. 28, 2016: $1,000, $1,200 and $900 respectively
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION
No refunds after April 15.
Sorry, no scholarships available.
Download the information flier for 2016 Seminary Program in the Southwest Level I Intensive here.

"A Place for All" Webcast with ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
2016-05-25 19:00 - 20:00

2016 Briarwood Gala
2016-05-14 17:00 - 22:00

MEF Reception for Bishop & Mrs. Kanouse
2016-05-07 13:30 - 15:30
The MEF Board meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. The reception will be 1:30-3:30pm.

MEF May Board Meeting
2016-05-07 09:30 - 13:30

Candidacy Committee Meeting
2016-05-06 08:00 - 2016-05-07 15:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

2016 NT-NL Mission Assembly
2016-04-22 13:00 - 2016-04-24 12:00

First Call Theological Education
2016-04-20 13:00 - 2016-04-21 12:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Location: Quail Run Lodge

2016 Mosaic Gala
2016-04-09 18:00 - 22:00 | Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park, 5805 Granite Park, Plano, TX, 75024, United States

Bold Women's Day
2016-02-28
Observed annually on the fourth Sunday of February, Bold Women’s Day celebrates all Lutheran Women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
Women are bold in their unceasing prayers. Other women are bold in their service to those in need. Still other women are bold in their advocacy or through their hospitality.
Whether you live out your bold story of faith in the workplace, family or community, your faith compels you to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s all about living out your baptismal call, about being a disciple of Christ.
Go to the Bold Women’s Day page on the WELCA website to find resources on how you and your WELCA unit can observe this very important day in the lives of Lutheran women everywhere.

Treasurer/Financial Secretary Briefing & Best Practices
2016-02-27 11:00 - 15:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
This event is part of the Congregational Councils Retreat (if you are attending the retreat, you are already registered for these events).

A Treasurer/Financial Secretary Briefing on the Synod Financial Services Program will be held at Briarwood on Sat. Feb. 27th from 11 am until 12 pm. Additionally, a workshop on Best Financial Practices for Congregations will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm as part of the Congregation Councils Retreat offered that weekend. Finance leaders are welcome even if not attending the retreat.

2016 North Texas Senior Fest
2016-02-27 08:30 - 15:30
“Reformation Heroes—Then and Now”
The North Texas SeniorFest 2016 will take place on February 27 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Plano. All Lutherans age 50+ are invited to attend.
Dr. Joel Heck, professor of theology at Concordia University Austin, will be the primary speaker. He will talk about the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther as we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
In addition, participants may choose three of six workshops to attend dealing with various educational and inspirational topics.
Registration is $25 per person. For additional information or to register, contact Rev. Dennis D. Schurter at 940-565-8372 or email at aloasfdallas@gmail.com.
The North Texas Senior Fest is sponsored by ALOA – Adult Lutherans Organized for Action, an inter-Lutheran movement that provides resources for older adult ministry of the LCMS and ELCA. ALOA’s mission is to equip mature adults to celebrate and serve.
Download the 2016 North Texas Senior Fest brochure here.
Download the 2016 Senior Fest registration form here.

2016 Congregational Councils Retreat
2016-02-26 19:00 - 2016-02-27 15:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Registration
Event Information
Schedule

Registration is closed for this event.

Bring your leadership team to the congregational council retreat at Briarwood!
Councils will arrive on Friday evening so they can hold their council meeting that evening; Saturday morning all councils will join together for a day of learning. Topics will include healthy congregational leadership and how to do strategic planning.
This event is designed to be helpful for new or veteran council members.
A special breakout session will be offered from 1-3 during the retreat for all church treasurers and financial secretaries to discuss best practices for church finances. Bring your questions and learn how to calculate pastoral compensation, make adjustments to compensation and benefits, the proper tax reporting forms for church employees, and budget considerations.
Cost is just $60 per person and includes lodging, Saturday breakfast and lunch, program. Friday dinner will be available for $12 additional.
For those able to attend only Saturday, the cost is $25 per person.
The following events are part of Saturday’s agenda:

Treasurer/Financial Secretary Briefing 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Best Financial Practices for Congregations Workshop 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Find out more about the new financial procedures at ntnl.org/newfinancialprocedures.
Congregations may want to cover half of the registration cost for their council members.

Retreat Schedule
Friday, Feb. 26
Prior to 6:00 pm – check in at your leisure
6:00 p.m. – dinner (optional, registration required), Shalom Center
7:00 p.m. or later – individual congregational council meetings, check in at Quail Run to see what your location will be
9:00 p.m. – Evening Devotion, Quail Run Lodge
9:30 p.m. – Fellowship time (BYOB and snacks to share)
Saturday, Feb. 27
8:00 a.m. – breakfast, Shalom Center
9:00 a.m.-noon – Healthy Congregational Leadership, Streng Center
*11:00 a.m.-noon – Mission Investment Training Session on new accounting practices for Congregational Treasurers and Financial Secretaries, Quail Run Lodge
Noon – Lunch at Shalom Center
1:00-3:00 p.m. – Strategic Planning: Why, How, First Steps to Take Back to Your Church, Streng Center
*1:00-3:00 p.m. – The Ins and Outs of Church Finances for Treasurers and Financial Secretaries, Quail Run Lodge
*sessions for Congregation Treasurers and Financial Secretaries

Heart of Texas Conference MEF Seeds that Change Dinner
2016-02-21 17:00 - 21:00

Peer Ministry Leadership Event 2016
2016-02-19 20:00 - 2016-02-21 13:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Leadership training, service, and lots of fun!
Peer Ministry I, II, & III
February 19-21, 2016
8:00 p.m. Friday-1:00 p.m. Sunday
Briarwood Retreat Center
For youth in grades 9-12
Three Peer Ministry Tracks offered:
PEER MINISTRY I
You will enhance your skills of listening,
helping peers and communication. You
will discover how caring relationships are
a vital ministry.
PEER MINISTRY II
For those who have completed PM I. You
will learn more skills for sharing your
faith, addressing sensitive issues and
dealing with difficult people.
PEER MINISTRY III
For those who have completed PM I &
PMII. They will apply their skills in real world
scenarios, will help lead worship and will have
discussions on “now what?”

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

Download the 2016 Peer Ministry registration brochure here.
Questions?
Call Janelle Miller at 817-726-7031 or email NTNLYouthLeaders@yahoo.com.

MEF February Board Meeting
2016-02-13 09:30 - 14:00

MEF Board Meeting
2016-02-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Mission Council January meeting
2016-01-29 18:00 - 2016-01-30 14:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Deans Gathering
2016-01-29 10:00 - 16:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

First Call Theological Education - Winter 2016
2016-01-27 12:00 - 2016-01-28 12:00

2016 Tri-Synodical Theological Leadership Conference
2016-01-25 14:00 - 2016-01-27 12:00
See ntnl.org/3synod16 for more information.

High School Service Weekend 2016
2016-01-15 19:30 - 2016-01-17 12:00
High School Service Weekend Registration Packet
For more information, contact NTNLYouthLeaders@yahoo.com.

Wrestling with the Gospel: Preparing for Lent
2016-01-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
This event will focus on scripture study and preaching preparation for Lent. Register here.
The time will include presentations on lectionary texts (Revised Common Lectionary), group discussion about contextual realities and emerging themes, and individual time to reflect on preaching possibilities.
This event will be help at the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood Retreat Center (Argyle, Texas), or you may participate online. All attendees will have access to the recorded event.
The Rev. Kendra Mohn is Teaching Pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Fort Worth. She is also a PhD candidate in New Testament at Brite Divinity School (TCU). In her academic work, she works with issues of power, gender, and the Roman Empire as the context for the New Testament. She is committed to creative conversation between the academy and the Church and interested in the ways the two contexts inform each other.

NT-NL Table Talk: Weapons in Worship?
2015-12-01 09:30 - 15:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Effective January 1, 2016, NEW Texas Laws will make it legal to bring openly carried and concealed firearms into faith communities.

Please join Texas Impact in person or online for a presentation on what the new laws mean for pastors and congregations in Texas.
Register here.
Schedule
10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CST – Weapons in worship & new Texas gun laws regarding religious properties
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CST – Lunch (provided)
1:30-3:00 p.m. CST – Advocacy: how to talk to your legislators about sensitive issues
Cost:
In-person: $12 paid in advance or $15 at the door (includes lunch)
Online: FREE (please register to receive a reminder with the live stream link)
More information from Texas Impact:
Religious organizations wishing to regulate firearms in their buildings are now required to post new signs at all public entrances to their buildings. Texas Impact has secured a bulk discount rate for signs that meet the legal specifications of the new law.
Two types of signs available – you may choose one or both:

30.07 Signs to ban Open Carry inside houses of worship
30.06 Signs to ban Concealed Carry inside houses of worship
Read more at TexasImpact.org/GunSignsInfo
Order your signs today at TexasImpact.org/GunSigns

Order now to ensure that you have your signs posted before December 31st. Signs can be customized with your logo or text.

2015 Refugee Sunday: November 22
2015-11-22
Today, for the first time since World War II, there are more than 50 million refugees in the world. Yet Lutherans are not discouraged: we continue to meet conflict, war, and persecution with God’s love.
Whether the people in your congregation are new to assisting refugees, have a history of newcomer ministry, or are newcomers themselves, you can observe Refugee Sunday and create a meaningful experience with LIRS’s Refugee Sunday worship materials, Out of the Waters Bible Study, and Rebuilding Hope newsletter.
Find out more at refugeesunday.lirs.org.

Region 4 Global Mission/World Hunger Leaders Consultation
2015-11-20 13:00 - 2015-11-22 12:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Are you passionate about the mission and ministry of ELCA Global Mission and/or ELCA World Hunger? Are you looking for ways to deepen your engagement in these ministries?
2015 Region 4 Gathering
November 20th-22nd
Briarwood Retreat Center; Argyle, Texas
You’re invited to join others from your synod and region for worship and devotional time, network specific conversation, synod specific planning, idea sharing and informal fellowship. This year we will also explore practical tools to engage new people to grow your ministry.
Please join us if you are interested or already involved in these ministries and areas of work:

ELCA Global Mission/Companion Synod ministry
ELCA World Hunger and local congregationally-based hunger and poverty ministries
ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) alumni and any interested young adults

Registration
Registration deadline is November 5, 2015.

2015 Lutheran Campus Ministry Trivia Challenge
2015-11-15 16:00 - 19:30 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Join NT-NL Lutheran Campus Minstry for a fun afternoon of Bible trivia! A fundraiser and fun-raiser benefitting the NT-NL Campus Ministry Mission Fund.
Entry fee: $150 per table.
To register, send us your name, contact information, and congregation team name!

By email: pastor@lcmdenton.org
By phone: 817-269-1229
By mail: Lutheran Campus Ministries, c/o Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2121 E. University Drive, Denton, TX 76209

4:00 Silent Auction
4:30 Table Set-up & Décor Competition
5:00 Meal
5:45 Trivia Challenge
7:50 Winners Announced

MEF November Board Meeting
2015-11-14 09:30 - 14:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
