Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

Living Connected Workshop on Creation's Gift of Energy
2021-05-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
Since human beings first captured fire, energy has been a gift we’ve harnessed to work for us. This Living Connected workshop looks past the one-dimensional argument of oil and gas versus wind and solar to discuss our complex relationship with energy. In the workshop, you’ll:

Reflect on our use of energy and the consequences of our use.
Consider ways energy connects us to others.
Receive resources for making energy choices that care for our families and for our neighbors.

NT-NL Public Witness is offering Living Connected: Energy online twice in May 2021. The presenter is Katrina Martich, a Lutheran Deaconess and licensed environmental engineer in Texas.
Saturday, May 22, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CST
Tuesday, May 25, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Register at www.katrinamartich.com for the Zoom link.
Living Connected presents creation care as a spiritual discipline, formed by using the gifts of creation in just and loving ways. Workshops are offered at a reduced cost thanks to a grant from the NT-NL Synod Mission Endowment Fund. For more information, send an email to Katrina at contact@katrinamartich.com
Click here for a flyer.

2021 John Hope Franklin Reconciliation in America National Symposium
2021-05-26 - 2021-05-29
The Future of Tulsa’s Past: The Centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre and Beyond
The Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod invites all our siblings from across the ELCA to join us digitally for the 2021 John Hope Franklin Reconciliation in America National Symposium, May 26-29. Following the Symposium, on the afternoon of May 29th, everyone is invited to join us for a Zoom conversation where we will continue addressing the themes of Symposium and talk specifically about how those themes speak to us as a church. Attending the Symposium is not necessary to be a part of the post-symposium gathering.
The National Symposium is an annual event sponsored by the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation in Tulsa, OK and brings together local and nationally known speakers and people from around the country to learn about and discuss ways to work against racism and for racial reconciliation. Founded in 2007, the vision of the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation in Tulsa is to transform the bitterness and mistrust caused by years of racial division and violence into a hopeful future of reconciliation and cooperation for Tulsa and the nation. In the spirit of John Hope Franklin (1915-2009), American historian and educator noted for his scholarly reappraisal of the American Civil War era and the importance of the black struggle in shaping modern American identity, the Center promotes reconciliation and generating trust through scholarly work and constructive community engagement.
Individuals must register for the Symposium through the JHF Center website: https://www.jhfnationalsymposium.org. A schedule and list of speakers for the Symposium is also available on the website.
From 1:00-3:30 PM CDT on Saturday, May 29, ELCA participants in the Symposium and others are invited to join the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod for a time of reflection and conversation. Led by a panel including Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Bishop Michael Girlinghouse, Ms. Vanessa Adams-Harris, John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, Mr. Bill Horne, ELCA Vice-president, and Ms. Judith Roberts, ELCA Sr. Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion we will discuss the complicity and silence of the white church in the perpetuation of racial injustice, including violent events like the Tulsa Race Massacre, how the church is working against racial injustice today, and ways we can show up and step up to work for change in our church, our local communities and nation in the days ahead. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will share concluding thoughts and reflections about how we can move together as a church to address these issues.
If you would like to join us for the post-symposium conversation, you will need to register at: https://www.aokelca.org/event-details/2021-john-hope-franklin-annual-symposium to receive the Zoom link and password for the ELCA event.
If you have questions please call the A-OK synod office at (918) 492-4288

Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in
2021-05-27 10:00 - 10:30
NT-NL Synod ELCA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Leadership prayer, check-in
Time: 10:00 AM Central Time
Every week on Thursday
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/686256906
Meeting ID: 686 256 906

One tap mobile
+13462487799,,686256906# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,686256906# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
Meeting ID: 686 256 906

Synod Council Meetings
2021-09-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Save the Date!
Details emailed from Bishop Gronberg on August 12.

MEF Board meeting
2021-09-11 08:30 - 11:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Gathering Together
2021-09-11 11:00 - 16:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
We are praying we are able to be together IN PERSON as a synod on Saturday, September 11, 11am-4pm.
We will gather together — outdoors and masked — for lunch, worship, rock climbing, zipline, archery, field games, and a frozen treat! A great day for the whole family to enjoy! All ages are welcome.
Tentative schedule:
11am Lunch available at the Pavilion
12noon Worship under the Tent (including anniversary celebrations)
1:15-4pm Activities, Games, Popsicles, Free time
The Rev. Christopher Otten, ELCA Director of Chaplaincy, will be present with us to preach. During worship, we will welcome Santa Maria, Irving, and kin-dom community, and we will celebrate milestone ordination anniversaries.
Worship will be led by musicians from Abiding Grace, Southlake. Briarwood staff will be supervising the climbing wall and archery. Aaron and Katrina Colwick (Rejoice, Coppell and Grace, Carrolton) will be supervising field games for kids of all ages. Frios Pops (https://friospops.com/), one of our connections via our partnership with Paul Quinn College, will be on site with gourmet popsicles during the afternoon.
It has been a tradition at NT-NL synod assemblies to have a book of remembrance in which congregations are invited to share the names of those who have died in the past year so they can be remembered in the prayers of the community. In recent years, Bishop Gronberg has also invited us to share the names of those who have been baptized into Christ in the past year as well. We invite you to share those names through this online form, and they will be incorporated into our worship. – Romans 14:8
“The events of this day are scheduled to be outside and as such as safe as possible. Masks will be encouraged at all times and required to enter any building. I hope that you will plan to join us as we gather as synod for the first time since April 2019. To be encouraged by community, and fed by the bread of life.” Read Bishop Gronberg’s full blog post here.
Disclaimer: In the interest of safety and public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we reserve the right to enforce public health and safety measures, depending on the conditions at the time, at our discretion.

“God’s work. Our hands." Sunday
2021-09-12
Mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 12, when congregations of the ELCA will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. Our church continues to live through the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing has changed the way we worship and serve. But the need is great, and God’s church is at work.
We’re not sure what the impact of this crisis will look like in September, but we continue to be church together. We are witnessing the outpouring of love and concern that God’s people have for one another. Our congregations continue to maintain feeding ministries, serve communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 infection and assist people who are financially burdened by the economic downturn.
“Service in the Time of COVID-19” was developed to offer service project ideas and considerations for safely supporting your community in this time of pandemic.
As we gather together in service to our neighbors, we are reminded of one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: All of life in Jesus Christ — every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life — flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Be sure to save the date and visit ELCA.org/DayofService for updates to our resources.
You work every day to make your community a better place. We look forward to working together with you on “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2021, Course 1
2021-09-18 09:00 - 15:30
To register and for full details: https://www.ntnl.org/ministries/plma/

2021 Addiction & Faith Conference
2021-10-07 - 2021-10-09
Educating Clergy, Faith Communities, and Caregivers about Addiction
*** May be moved online ***
With growing concern over the devastation of all forms of addiction, including the ever-increasing opioid crisis, the Center of Addiction & Faith present this important gathering to raise awareness of the terrible addiction problem we face and how the church and people of faith can help to address it.
From the world of church: clergy, synod staff, deacons and deaconesses, parish nurses, youth leaders, addiction awareness teams, congregants, and the community of people in recovery.
From the world of addiction treatment: treatment center staff, healthcare professionals.
​
Open to anyone interested: in exploring the devastation of addiction and the remarkable healing process of faith. Together, we’ll enhance our knowledge about addiction recovery, share stories of learning and hope, and celebrate our faith in God’s abiding grace.
Featuring: Internationally-known keynote speakers
Breakout sessions and spiritual practices
​General CEUs available, up to 9 hours.
DoubleTree by Hilton • Bloomington, Minnesota *** May be moved online ***
(Only 15 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport – FREE SHUTTLE – Also free shuttle to Mall of America)
For complete schedule, pricing, and registration, visit addictionandfaithconference.com.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training
2021-10-09 13:00 - 15:00
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is like CPR training, in that the more people learn and practice these skills, the faster individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide can be supported and get appropriate help. QPR is a nationally used, evidenced based training that assists people in learning how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. These three steps can help save a life, and it’s the same technique first responders and educators use with individuals contemplating suicide. QPR is suicide prevention training designed to give every person in our community the confidence and competence to help someone at risk for suicide. Parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters and other community members – anyone can learn these 3 simple steps that teach you how to recognize the warning signs, offer hope, and get help.
Due to the Covid-19 Delta variant, we are planning to host this QPR workshop online on October 9 from 1pm – 3pm.
This is a FREE Continuing Education opportunity (usually $30) covered by Public Witness through a generous Mission Endowment Fund Grant. Donations accepted for future opportunities. (Please designate Public Witness in the Note / memo field.)
Registration required. Limited to first twelve (12) registrants. If you register and are unable to attend for any reason, please notify jason@ntnl.org ASAP so that we can open that spot back up for someone else. If you attempt to register and the course is full, please email jason@ntnl.org to be added to a wait list.

MEF Seeds That Change
2021-10-16
Theme: Gifted and Giving… How Grace Works
Starting time: 10:00am Central
Full details can be found at this website: https://giftedandgiving.org/

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2021, Course 2
2021-10-16 09:00 - 15:30

NT-NL Leadership Convocation
2021-10-18 - 2021-10-20 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
We are planning for this to be a hybrid event, offered both in person* and online.
*capped at 35 to be able to safely physically distance, with everyone on site masked when indoors or within 6 feet of another person
Click here for a detailed schedule. (as of October 13)
Click here for the Monday Evening Prayer.
We will be focusing on how to capitalize on the new things you have been doing. How to turn our reactions and fast learnings in pandemic into more long term parts of our life. To live into the hybrid in person/online future that is a reality for us all.
To assist us in this work we will be led by Dr. Alicia Granholm. Dr. Granholm has two decades of experience in church leadership in mainline and non-denominational settings in the United States and abroad. Most recently she has been coaching four of our NT-NL congregations who are involved in the Leadership for Faithful Innovation Cohort that Bishop Gronberg highlighted in his 2021 synod assembly report. She will work with us on a theology of innovation as well as how to make new things become part of our life. Joining her will also be, living into our hybrid culture, online conversation partners that will enrich our time including folks from the Innovation Lab with the ELCA Churchwide office. As we address today’s biggest challenges and opportunities, the ELCA Innovation Lab is a space for the church to generate ideas, unleash creativity, and create positive change in the world God so loves.
Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes is a professor of liturgy and worship at Union Seminary in New York. He will be joining us online to facilitate conversation about worship and life in our new reality. Carvalhaes, a native of Brazil, has both studied and is a cross cultural scholar. He will help us think theologically about our praxis of worship in person and online. To consider practices that engage all participants as much as possible in the liturgy, the “work of the people.” Dr. Carvalhaes is featured in this August 26 article: Ten Theology Books to Watch For.
It will be a good time for us to gather, think together, and learn.
Registration closed at 12noon on Friday, October 15. We are not able to allow for late or same day / walk in registrations for this event.
Overnight lodging at Briarwood is not available this year due to delayed repairs. If you have registered to attend in person and have not already contacted Jason to arrange housing, you will need to do so on your own.
Disclaimer: In the interest of safety and public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we reserve the right to enforce public health and safety measures, depending on the conditions at the time, at our discretion.

Leading for God's Future: Service on the Congregational Council
2021-10-21 19:00 - 20:30
7:00pm-8:15pm Central each Thursday, October 21 – November 18, December 2 – 9
Local congregations are the foundation of Lutheran church life. Effective congregational councils can achieve great things in the service of God’s mission in our life together as the Body of Christ.
This series of conversations and trainings is designed to build capacities for current and future members of ELCA congregational councils. Come to learn new techniques and skills while celebrating the good things the Holy Spirit is doing in our communities.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdO-oqDsqHN3nMDxfDJ6X7DZTwFJunBDE

NT-NL WELCA Virtual Convention
2021-10-23
Save the Date!
More details forthcoming.

MEF Board meeting
2021-11-06 09:00 - 13:30 | Iglesia Luterana San Gabriel, 4029 County Road 610, Alvarado, TX, 76009, United States

2021 Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium
2021-11-16 - 2021-11-17
LSTC will partner with Other+Wise for the 13th Annual Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium on November 16 and 17. The event will be offered virtually. The theme for this year’s symposium is “On Our Way to Truth and Healing.” The symposium educates seminarians, church leaders, and allies about the work of Vine Deloria Jr. and about Indigenous culture, movements, and activism. This year, symposium content will focus on the intersection between Indian boarding schools and Christian and theological education.
Click here for full details: https://www.lstc.edu/news-events/events/vine-deloria-jr
Cost = FREE
Register here: https://www.lstc.edu/news-events/events/vine-deloria-jr-registration

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2021, Course 3
2021-11-20 09:00 - 15:30

Leading for God's Future: Service on the Congregational Council
2021-12-02 19:00 - 20:30
7:00pm-8:15pm Central each Thursday, October 21 – November 18, December 2 – 9
Thanks to everyone who has participated in the latest series of events hosted by Briarwood Leadership Center. Given some technical and scheduling issues, we’ve needed to reschedule some sessions.
Our conversation on Thursday, December 2, will feature Jerry Gray, longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Flower Mound. Our closing session will be on Thursday, December 9.
Local congregations are the foundation of Lutheran church life. Effective congregational councils can achieve great things in the service of God’s mission in our life together as the Body of Christ.
This series of conversations and trainings is designed to build capacities for current and future members of ELCA congregational councils. Come to learn new techniques and skills while celebrating the good things the Holy Spirit is doing in our communities.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdO-oqDsqHN3nMDxfDJ6X7DZTwFJunBDE

Public Witness Team meeting
2021-12-04 10:00 - 12:00
2nd Saturday of every month (exception for December 2021)
Anyone is welcome to join us!
Join via Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/9028368725
One tap mobile:
+17207072699,,9028368725# US (Denver)
+16465588656,,9028368725# US (New York)
Or dial either number:
+1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 902 836 8725

2021 LuMin Denton Online Trivia and Auction
2021-12-04 19:00 - 21:00
Benefitting the NT-NL Campus Ministry Mission Fund
Join us for an evening of fun and supporting the ministry of Lutheran Campus Ministry in Denton!
December 4, 7-8 pm on Zoom: Join us for a fun, free Trivia challenge. Trivia questions will be wide ranging, including Lutheranism, Denton, UNT, TWU, pop culture, and topics within LuMin students’ areas of study. You can join us on Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7635000884
December 4-5 on BidPal: Purchase Christmas gifts and support the NT-NL Campus Ministry Mission Fund through our online auction all weekend. You can access the auction here: https://one.bidpal.net/lumindenton/welcome or text “lumindenton” to 243-725.

Leading for God's Future: Service on the Congregational Council
2021-12-09 19:00 - 20:30
7:00pm-8:15pm Central each Thursday, October 21 – November 18, December 2 – 9
Thanks to everyone who has participated in the latest series of events hosted by Briarwood Leadership Center. Given some technical and scheduling issues, we’ve needed to reschedule some sessions. Our closing session will be on Thursday, December 9.
Local congregations are the foundation of Lutheran church life. Effective congregational councils can achieve great things in the service of God’s mission in our life together as the Body of Christ.
This series of conversations and trainings is designed to build capacities for current and future members of ELCA congregational councils. Come to learn new techniques and skills while celebrating the good things the Holy Spirit is doing in our communities.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdO-oqDsqHN3nMDxfDJ6X7DZTwFJunBDE

PLMA / SSTE Graduation
2022-01-08 | Iglesia Luterana Santa María, 2601 S. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX, 75060, United States
Time: 1pm

Synod Council and Deans meeting
2022-02-05
Online meeting

ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza 2022
2022-02-11 - 2022-02-14
Main Event: February 11-14
Intensive Care Courses: Feb. 10-11
one live experience, two options:
onsite in Minneapolis and online
The Extravaganza is the ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s annual ministry conference for adults who work with children, youth and family ministry! Join us in Minneapolis or online to be renewed and equipped for ministry as you network and learn from leaders across the ELCA. There is something for everyone – whether you are a volunteer or professional, new to ministry or have years of experience.

It’s Happening
The Extravaganza is both in person in Minneapolis and online. The goal for Extravaganza 2022 is to answer 5 questions together:
What has changed?
What is still binding us?
Where is God calling us now?
How do we get there? What tools do we need to get there?
What releases us to move forward?
Extravaganza 2022 will offer you spiritual renewal, continuing education and opportunities for networking and connection whether you attend online or join us onsite in Minneapolis.
Learning Tracks
Leadership In Your First Few Years
Skills And Tools For Volunteers
Leadership: A Systems Approach
Mental Health In Ministry
Essentials Of Lutheran Theology
Reimagining Children’s Ministry
Technology And Digital Storytelling
When you register, you will select one of these 7 Learning Tracks to focus your learning at the Extravaganza. Each day you will meet with your Track Leader for an in-depth learning session, then have opportunities to choose from workshops within your track or from a different track.
Learn More about each Learning Track

Group Registration Rates?
Yes! To receive group rates, your group members must be registered with you. The first member of your group pays the current rate, and a discounted rate is applied to each additional registration guest. Network membership is required to access these discounted rates.
Registration Information
Take a look at the Extravaganza Schedule
“Boundless” What is that all about?
What are the learning opportunities?
Joining us in Minneapolis?
The Extravaganza event will take place at the Hilton Minneapolis.
Extravaganza participants get the great room rate of $109 + tax.
Book Housing
Extravaganza Speakers
We’ve got a great line up of dynamic speakers already and more will be announced soon.
Speaker List

Register Today:
Early Bird Rate is available through October 15
Onsite (in person) Participant: $290
Guest Rate: $145
Onsite Participant Registration
Online Only Participant: $70
Guest Rate: $35
Online Participant Registration
Questions?
For more Extravaganza details, visit: ext22.org

WELCA Leadership Event: For Such a Time as This
2022-02-18 - 2022-02-19
Learn more about this exciting online event and explore servant leadership with hundreds of Lutheran women. More details are being added here daily: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/for-such-a-time-as-this. To register, there’s a link in the welcome paragraph. Advance registration is required.

Together We Welcome
2022-03-04 - 2022-03-06
Join faith leaders and community organizers for Together We Welcome, a national faith gathering to strengthen support for refugees, immigrants, and migrants.
The conference will train and equip leaders in welcoming displaced populations across topics such as advocacy, asylum processes, supporting resettlement, and the impacts of climate change on migration. ELCA AMMPARO and guests will make appearances throughout the conference.
Register now: https://cwsglobal.org/take-action/together-we-welcome/
If you have questions about the event or registration, please contact togetherwewelcome@cwsglobal.org

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2022, Course 1
2022-03-12 09:00 - 15:30

Dallas Area Metroplex North Conference Retreat
2022-04-02 08:30 - 16:30 | Preston Meadow Lutheran Church, 6801 Coit Road, Plano, TX, 75024, United States
Theme: Just Love
The Dallas Area Metroplex North Conference of the NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization is holding their annual Women’s Retreat, with guest speaker Rev. Linda Anderson-Little.
Time: 8:30am – 4:15pm
Registration: Early Bird ends 3/5/22 = $20 | Registration deadline 3/19/22 = $25 | At the door = $30
Includes lunch and childcare (with advance registration only)
Register online here: https://pmlc.org/give, Fund Type “Other”, include “WELCA Spring Retreat” and any childcare needs in the Memo Field
Click here to download a flyer with full details.
Questions? Call 918-978-4046 or email pgrosze@tx.rr.com

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2022, Course 2
2022-04-09 09:00 - 15:30
