Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

NT-NL SWO Summer Retreat
2017-08-05 | Seeds That Change May 2016

Briarwood Clean-Up Day
2017-08-05 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering
2017-08-07 - 2017-08-10
This will be an opportunity for our Rostered Ministers to assemble for worship, education, and fellowship. We will gather under the theme, “On the Way … Together,” using the Emmaus Road story (Luke 24:13-35) to guide our time together.
Like and follow this facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/ELCARLG2017/
Here’s the webpage for the event: http://www.elca.org/RMG
DUE TO AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE AND LIMITATIONS ON SPACE, REGISTRATION CLOSED ON JUNE 1, 2017. See the Facebook post from that day for more details.
The hashtag for this gathering will be #ELCAOnTheWay
If you have questions, please e-mail 2017RosteredGathering@elca.org.
Two pre-gatherings will take place before this main event occurs. The ELCA Federal Chaplains will meet that Sunday and Monday, and there will be a Young Rostered Leaders Gathering on Sunday and Monday for folks in their 20’s and 30’s.

Immigration “Know Your Rights” Seminar
2017-08-09 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Advent Lutheran Church, 3232 S Cooper St., Arlington, TX, 76015, United States
Immigration attorney Patricia Freshwater and colleague(s) of the firm Schwamkrug, Freshwater and Lopez, PLLC, will offer an immigration “Know Your Rights” seminar. The attorney(s) will respond to general questions during the “Know Your Rights” presentation. They will also offer an opportunity to consult briefly about specific situations with participants following the presentation.
The “Know Your Rights” presentation and the brief initial consultation with an attorney are offered free of charge and without obligation. Participants deciding that they want legal services are free to choose any law firm that they like. The attorney(s) conducting this seminar will discuss potential fees following the initial consultation with anyone who might be interested in their services. Contact information for the law firm is provided below.*
The Public Witness Team of the NT-NL Synod expresses its appreciation to the law firm Schwamkrug, Freshwater and Lopez, PLLC, for conducting this seminar and to Advent Lutheran Church for allowing the use of its facilities.
*Schwamkrug, Freshwater & Lopez PLLC
PO Box 832827
Richardson, TX 75083
Phone: 972-865-9902 ext. 502
Fax: 972-591-0050

NT-NL SWO Women's Retreat
2017-08-12 | Seeds That Change April 2016

Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice monthly meeting
2017-08-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2017-09-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
2nd Saturday of each month
Open to all

MEF Board meeting
2017-08-19 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States

NT-NL SWO Board Meeting
2017-08-26
For details and questions:
Sarah Gohlke, 254-865-1177, rsgohlke@gmail.com

Interfaith Prayer Service and Fundraiser for Sierra Leone Disaster
2017-08-27 15:00 - 19:00

"God's work. Our hands." Sunday
2017-09-10
ELCA Day of Service
On Sunday, Sept. 10, congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will again join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. As we observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we are reminded of the gospel’s promise that we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbors.
In “The Freedom of a Christian,” Martin Luther wrote: “A Christian is lord of all, completely free of everything; a Christian is a servant, completely attentive to the needs of all.”
As you begin to explore opportunities to participate in “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, I invite you to consider what the Reformation promise means for us today in our neighborhoods and globally as we carry forward our work to reconcile and restore communities in Jesus’ name.
Once you begin making plans for the day of service, we ask that you register your congregation so we can share and tell stories about the good work that we do together.
Please visit ELCA.org/dayofservice for helpful resources for your planning including:

The 2017 version of the toolkit, with a new section on advocacy-service activities.
A new worship resource
Bulletin inserts
Posters

Old Lutheran will once again have T-shirts available for purchase. The bright-yellow shirts provide a wonderful visual impact across the ELCA. The deadline for ordering your congregation’s personalized T-shirts with Old Lutheran is Aug. 15.
If it’s not possible for your congregation to participate on Sept. 10, please consider another day for your service activities.
Watch how some members shared God’s love with their neighbors during the 2016 day of service.
“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday celebrates who we are as the ELCA – one church, freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor. This is work you do in your communities every day, and we look forward to doing this work together again this year.

Unauthorized: Nevertheless, She Preached
2017-09-12 17:30 - 2017-09-13 17:00
Unauthorized: Nevertheless She Preached is a dynamic grassroots event in Waco, Texas, celebrating women’s voices in the pulpit. After centuries of underrepresentation and misrepresentation in our pulpits, churches, denominational leadership, and seminaries, we who have so often been silenced stand together to celebrate our voices. In the spirit of the brave women who have gone before us, we add our voices to theirs—in praise, in partnership, in proclamation, and in protest.
Featured proclaimers include: Rev. Emmy Kegler, Rev. Dr. Irie Session, Rev. Allyson Robinson, Rev. Connie Jackson, Rev. Dr. Courtney Pace, and Rev. Jewel London!
The $25 registration fee ($15 for students) will go directly toward travel and housing for our guest preachers, as well as some minimal venue fees and things like nametags. We do not want this fee to be prohibitive for anyone, so please feel free to use the “pay what you can” option!
*The first 100 registrations will receive a FREE “Nevertheless, She Preached” tote bag. 🙂
Click here for more details and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unauthorized-nevertheless-she-preached-tickets-36783762223
Learn more about the conference or make a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/neverthelessshepreached.

"Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World" airing on PBS
2017-09-12 19:00 - 21:00
PBS premieres Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World nationwide. The two-hour film brings to life Luther’s 16th century quest to reform the church—a journey that would profoundly reshape western civilization.
Historians rank Luther among the two or three most influential people of the last millennium. As an outcast who stood up to the world’s dominant superpower, Luther’s battle of ideas sparked reform of the church, the rise of individualism, a boon in universal education, and improved opportunities for women.
Starring Padraic Delaney (The Tudors, Knightfall) in the title role, the film follows Luther through the emotional highs and lows that marked his eventful life. Along the way, scholars offer commentary to give context to the story. Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) narrates.
Luther stepped onto the world stage exactly 500 years ago this October, as he nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. The printing and distribution of the Theses—and other crowd-pleasing critiques of the powerful—quickly made him the most famous person in Europe. Overnight, Martin Luther became the world’s first media celebrity.
Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World follows this thread, and others, to offer an engaging look at the dramatic moments that shaped Luther’s life: the massive lightning storm that nearly killed him, the bleak self-punishment of his time in the monastery, the corruption that unleashed his anger, his trial before the most powerful man in Europe, and the staged kidnapping that helped him escape the death penalty.
In a quest for authenticity, every word of Luther’s dialogue in the film was taken verbatim from his actual writings and speeches. Similarly, all filming was done in the castles, monasteries, and ancient churches of eastern Europe—chosen for their undisturbed 16th century heritage.

Parish Lay Mission Academy, Fall 2017, Course 1
2017-09-16 09:00 - 15:30 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

The Church of the Damascus Road Golf Outing and Fundraiser
2017-09-18
The Church of the Damascus Road is a ministry that assists those people that are imprisoned as well as those that are out and trying to start over. This Ministry is in the need of funds to continue to provide services to the members of the church and to grow the ministry to help those struggling. We hope that you will join us in a day of golf and support of the important work being done!
Sponsored by Thrivent Community and Abiding Grace, Southlake.
Location: The Golf Club Fossil Creek, 3401 Clubgate Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76137
12pm Registration
1pm Group Start
Click here for the registration brochure with full details.
Click here if you are interested in sponsorship.

Synod Council and Deans Meeting
2017-09-21 19:00 - 2017-09-23 15:00 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
September 21: New Member Orientation 7 p.m. – end time TBD (Davis Library)
September 22-23: Executive Committee 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. (Davis Library) / Synod Council times TBD (Friday – Quail Run / Saturday – Streng Center)

Briarwood Climbing Wall & Zip Line Dedication
2017-09-23 12:30 - 17:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
New to Briarwood – Honoring Mamma Jean Oswald and Pastor Eric Schulze

From Briarwood’s newsletter:

This summer we have added a tower that measures 30 feet tall and on this tower are a climbing wall, vertical playpen, and “Jacob’s Ladder.” Off of this tower is a 450 foot zip line that climbers get to ride after they’ve made it to the top! This addition has proven to not only be a highlight for summer campers but an attraction as we now offer BASE Camp (Briarwood’s Awesome Summer Experience) to the surrounding Community.

This new addition was made possible because of gifts given in Memory of Mamma Jean and Pastor Eric, a gift from Pastor Eric’s Estate, a major gift from Grace Lutheran Church, Fort Worth, a grant from the NT-NL Mission Endowment Fund along with gifts from Ron and Becky Brakke and Calvary Lutheran, Richland Hills.

We not only give thanks for these gifts to Briarwood but also for the opportunity to honor two pillars of Briarwood’s ministry! Everyone is invited to join us at Briarwood for a cook-out lunch on Saturday, September 23, at 12:30 pm. A dedication will follow the lunch and everyone is invited to spend the afternoon at Briarwood to enjoy outdoor activities along with the opportunity to climb the wall and ride the zip line!

Please RSVP to bw@briarwoodretreat.org by Friday, September 15.

Revisiting Luther's 95 Theses
2017-09-25 19:30 - 21:00
2017 Annual Lecture Series
Guest Lecturer: Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Wengert
Noted Reformation scholar and co-editor of the 2000 English edition of The Book of Concord
Timothy J. Wengert is the Ministerium of Pennsylvania emeritus professor of Church History at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. A parish pastor for seven years in Minnesota and Wisconsin, he received his doctorate from Duke University (Durham, North Carolina, USA) in 1984 and taught on Philadelphia’s faculty from 1989-2013. He has written extensively on the Reformation, was co-editor of the English edition of The Book of Concord and translated Luther’s Small Catechism, which is widely used throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In addition to several books on Philip Melanchthon, he published a study of early Lutheran disputes over justification (Mohr Siebeck, 2012). He is general editor of The Dictionary of Luther and the Lutheran Traditions (Baker, 2017). He also co-authored (with Susan Wood) a book on Lutheran/Roman Catholic relations, Shared Spiritual Journey (Paulist, 2016) and edited the first volume of The Annotated Luther, from which his translation of the 95 Theses has also appeared separately (Fortress, 2015).

Junior High Retreat
2017-09-29 - 2017-10-01 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
“Formerly known as our Confirmation Retreat, we’ll get to do all the great things available at Briarwood, like Archery, Swimming, S’mores, and whole lot more! New this year will be our high ropes adventure, which includes a climbing wall, vertical playpen, Jacob’s Ladder, and a 400 ft. zip line! Briarwood is the exciting place to be for adventure and to grow in your faith.”
For full details and to register: http://www.briarwoodretreat.org/junior-high-retreat

Chapel Service & Public Lecture with Rev. Bradley Schmeling
2017-10-04 | Texas Lutheran University, 1000 West Court St, Seguin, TX, 78155, United States
Chapel Service at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of the Abiding Presence
Public Lecture at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Abiding Presence
Rev Bradley Schmeling is an ELCA pastor who was called to the work of reformation simply for living honestly and with integrity. While he was serving as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Atlanta in 2006, he announced that he had entered a committed relationship with another Lutheran pastor, Rev. Darin Easler. Until then, he had been single and therefore not in violation of the ELCA’s policy at the time, which prohibited “practicing” LGBT clergy. The Southeastern Synod brought formal disciplinary charges against him, and he was removed from the ELCA clergy roster in 2007. Nonetheless, Schmeling continued to serve St. John’s and to advocate for reform. In 2009, the ELCA’s Churchwide Assembly voted to change its policy to enable partnered lesbian and gay clergy to serve congregations that call them. Schmeling was reinstated to the clergy roster in 2010. Today, he and Easler are married, and Schmeling serves Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn.—the largest ELCA congregation in St. Paul, as well as the largest in the country to be led by an openly gay pastor. He continues to be concerned that the work of reformation is not finished, particularly in matters of gender, race, and culture.
This is a part of TLU’s year-long series of events recognizing 500 Years of Reformation.

Briarwood Fall Festival and Thrivent Cooking for Christ Cook-off
2017-10-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
From Briarwood’s newsletter:
Briarwood is holding its Fall Festival and Annual Meeting of the Advisory Board at the Thrivent Financial’s 4th Annual Cooking for Christ Cook-off on Saturday, October 7, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, at Briarwood.
The festival and cook-off will be a fun-filled family day at Briarwood! There will games available for children of all ages, tours of the camp and the Annual Meeting of the Advisory Board. We will also have the usual treats, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and sodas, along with treats provided by the various cooking teams, available throughout the day!
The Cooking for Christ Cook-off is sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Teams will compete in three categories: beef brisket, spare ribs, and chicken. The Judging Panel consists of representatives from each registered team. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category, and Grand Carnivore. Space for the Cook-off is limited so turn in a Registration Form and $100 Registration Fee, payable to Briarwood.
For more information, please contact the Briarwood office at bw@briarwoodretreat.org or call 940.241.2099. This will be a “can’t miss” event so make plans now to attend!
Tickets for the event cost $10 per person and can be purchased from participating congregations and online here via Briarwood.

Celebración de la Reforma
2017-10-07 12:00 - 17:00 | Advent Lutheran Church, 3232 S Cooper St., Arlington, TX, 76015, United States
Worship starts at 4pm, Bishop Gronberg presiding and preaching.
Pastor Gus will talk about the 5 solas.
More details forthcoming.

NT-NL SWO Fall Retreat
2017-10-13 - 2017-10-15 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
For details and updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/774590642690679/
Women from all over the NT-NL Synod are coming together for a spiritually enriching weekend October 13-14 (with the option to stay over until the 15th), and are encouraged to bring a friend. The retreat begins Friday afternoon at 2:00.
The SWO Board voted to offer eight $50 scholarships with two of those scholarships designated for women of our Hispanic/Latin@ churches. Look for more information in future issues of the Tapestry.
Ann Hanley, and Ginny Grundei are responsible for the planning of this retreat. They are in need of volunteers to help plan, coordinate, and execute this retreat. Volunteers from the Metroplex West churches are particularly needed. Contact Ann Hanley at ahanley444@aol.com.
Register here.

Harmony Conference
2017-10-15 - 2017-10-16
WHAT IS HARMONY?
Harmony is The Center for Congregational Song’s launch event. Together, we’ll facilitate a prophetic conversation about the future of congregational song.
One God, Many Voices
What happens when we assemble church music leaders from across denominations? We’ll see! One thing is for sure: You’ll leave HARMONY with a new perspective on congregational song and a new energy for worship through music.
Illuminating Resources
Want to know about the best blogs, podcasts, articles, and videos out there? We’ll highlight them using our brand new Resource Connection Tool which will be showcased during HARMONY.
WHERE
The Room on Main + Hotel Indigo, 1933 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Click here for full details and to register.

NT-NL Convocation
2017-10-15 - 2017-10-17 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Focus: Coaching for Ministry Effectiveness and Leadership
Key Goals: To provide a time away for our Rostered Ministers and SAWLs of worship, fellowship, and learning. The learning will be focused on informing and equipping leaders to understand the concepts of ministry coaching. Particularly the basics of how to ask good questions, reflectively listen, set goals, and achieve accountability in relationship with trusted coaches. Two morning sessions will provide this introduction and development with those interested in follow-up invited back for a session in January 2018.
Trainers: Amy Walter-Peterson, Coordinator of Area Ministry Strategies, Coaching, and Natural Church Development for the ELCA; and The Rev. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold, Pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Northern Virginia, Coaching Coordinator for the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, and Coach Trainer for the ELCA
Schedule: Please note the timing changes. Convocation will begin on Sunday evening and officially end at 12noon on Tuesday. However, there will be opportunity for groups to meet by conference, interest group, or to meet with staff regarding any issues you wish to discuss. Bishop and staff will remain through dinner on Tuesday evening. Lodging is available also on Tuesday night if you prefer to return home on Wednesday morning.
These changes have been made to facilitate a maximum of learning hours while also time for fellowship, worship, retreat, and learning. The cost of the convocation has been held steady this year due to these changes.
Pricing $185 for Oak Grove (8-12 person cabin), $160 for Trails End (18-person cabin), $150 for Commuter (all 3 days) and $140 for Commuter Spouse (all 3 days), $55 per day for Commuter (less than 3 days) and $50 per day for Commuter Spouse (less than 3 days). Quail Run is sold out. This pricing includes all programming and meals!
Online registration closed on October 9. If you are still interested, please email sharon@briarwoodretreat.org.
Tentative schedule
Sunday, October 15
5pm Check in
5:30pm Dinner
6:45pm Evening with the Bishop
8pm Worship (Vespers)
9pm Fellowship
Monday, October 16
7:30am Breakfast
8:30am Morning Prayer
9-12noon: Learning Session
12noon: Lunch
1-5pm: Free time (Golf, Skeet, Climbing Wall, Hiking, Practice Coaching)
5pm Happy Hour
6pm Cookout
7:30pm Eucharist
9pm Fellowship
Tuesday, October 17
7:30am Breakfast
8:30am Morning Prayer
9-12noon Learning Session
12noon Lunch (by Reservation, included in fee) and free to go
1-5pm Free time (Meetings of clergy, conversations with staff, Practice Coaching)
5pm Dinner (by Reservation, included in fee) with the Bishop and Staff
Tuesday Night lodging available on request (included in fee)

LMM presents One Year to Live Men's Retreat
2017-10-20 - 2017-10-22 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Click on event website address for PDF brochure with all details and to register.

Briarwood's Golf Outing
2017-10-20
Click here for all details: http://www.briarwoodretreat.org/golf
Briarwood is excited to announce that the Briarwood Invitational Golf Outing will be held on Friday, October 20. We will again hold the outing at the beautiful Bridlewood Golf Club, 4000 W. Windsor Dr., in Flower Mound. Registration opens at 7:00 am followed by breakfast and 8:30 am shotgun start. The cost is only $95 per golfer and includes breakfast, lunch, cart, range balls, 2 drink tickets and 1 raffle ticket. You can register and purchase sponsorships on line at www.bidpal.net/briarwoodgolf.

Congregations are encouraged to purchase sponsorships and form teams for a fun fellowship event that supports Briarwood and to participate in the “Bishop’s Challenge!” $250 – $3,000 Sponsorships are available. For more information contact Pastor Phil at phil@briarwoodretreat.org.

Parish Lay Mission Academy, Fall 2017, Course 2
2017-10-21 09:00 - 15:30 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

MEF "Seeds That Change" Dinner / Fundraiser
2017-10-21 16:00 - 19:00 | Christ Lutheran Church – Dallas, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX, 75225, United States
The MEF board is seeking donations for the live and silent auction at the dinner. Contact Sandra Gass, MEF board member, at gass@att.net.
More details will be provided as we have them.
