Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

Public Witness Team meeting
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-11 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
Welcome! We are the Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana (NT-NL) Synod of the ELCA. We meet on the second Saturday of most months. Our mission is to give public witness to issues of justice and peace in the synod and in the community, and this includes both education and advocacy. One of our goals is to assist congregations in the NT-NL Synod in their efforts to be a public church within their own communities.

For 2023 meetings, the plan is to host a hybrid meeting in-person at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church in Arlington, TX, with Zoom connection available for those who would prefer that.
Anyone is welcome to join us!
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88956792219?pwd=[REDACTED] ID: 889 5679 2219Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile+13462487799,,88956792219#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Houston)+12532158782,,88956792219#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 444 9171 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 360 209 5623 US +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US +1 564 217 2000 US +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 689 278 1000 US +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)Meeting ID: 889 5679 2219Passcode: [REDACTED]

NT-NL Peer Ministry Leadership Event
2026-01-02 20:00 - 2026-01-04 12:00 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
January 2-4, 2026
8:00pm Friday- 12:00 Sunday
Calvary, Richland Hills
https://www.ntnlyouth.org/peer-ministry
Price:
Early Bird until December 1st- $70
Regular registration $140

NT-NL Youth Leader Lunch
2025-12-18 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-20 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-16 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-18 12:00 - 14:00
Join youth leaders from across the synod for food, fellowship and ministry resources.
All lunches will be at Rejoice, Coppell at 12:00pm
May 15: Prayer
August 21: The Teenage Brain
September 18: NT-NL and ELCA Gathering
October 16: CYF Advent Ideas
November 20: CYF Epiphany Ideas
December 18: Christmas Celebration
January 15, 2026: CYF Lent Ideas
February 19, 2026: CYF Easter Ideas
April 16, 2026: Pentecost
May 21, 2026: Planning a programming year

Installation of Jerry Nordsiek
2025-12-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Grace Lutheran Church – Carrollton, 1200 East Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX, 75010, United States
The Rev. Jerry Nordsiek has been called as Pastor to Grace, Carrollton. Join them Saturday afternoon for an installation service. Clergy are invited to vest, the color of the day is green/white

Public Witness Team meeting
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-11 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-13 10:00 - 12:30 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
Welcome! We are the Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana (NT-NL) Synod of the ELCA. We meet on the second Saturday of most months. Our mission is to give public witness to issues of justice and peace in the synod and in the community, and this includes both education and advocacy. One of our goals is to assist congregations in the NT-NL Synod in their efforts to be a public church within their own communities.
For our 2023 meetings, the plan is to host a hybrid meeting in-person at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church in Arlington, TX, with Zoom connection available for those who would prefer that.

Anyone is welcome to join us!
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88956792219?pwd=[REDACTED] ID: 889 5679 2219Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile+13462487799,,88956792219#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Houston)+12532158782,,88956792219#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Tacoma)Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 444 9171 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 360 209 5623 US +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US +1 564 217 2000 US +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 689 278 1000 US +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)Meeting ID: 889 5679 2219Passcode: [REDACTED]

Public Witness Team meeting
2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:30
Welcome! We are the Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana (NT-NL) Synod of the ELCA. We meet on the second Saturday of most months. Our mission is to give public witness to issues of justice and peace in the synod and in the community, and this includes both education and advocacy. One of our goals is to assist congregations in the NT-NL Synod in their efforts to be a public church within their own communities.
Our meeting will be on November 15 fully on Zoom. Contact Todd Porter (pwt@ntnl.org) for the Zoom information!

Racial Justice Training
2025-11-12 09:30 - 15:30
Racial Justice Training
It is expected that rostered ministers in the ELCA undergo racial justice, gender justice, and clergy ethics trainings every three years. In partnership with the AR-OK, SWT, and TLGC synods, NT-NL will begin a three-year cycle starting this year with Racial Justice training and offering Gender Justice in 2026, and Clergy Ethics in 2027.
NT-NL participants will gather by Zoom the morning of Wednesday, November 12th beginning at 9:30am to watch a presentation by The Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and have small group conversations. We will break for lunch and then beginning at 1:00pm we will gather on Zoom with the other synods for discussion time and Q&A time with Dr. Brown. We expect two hours for the afternoon session.
To receive credit, you are expected to attend both the morning and afternoon sessions. If you are unable to attend the morning session, but can make it to the afternoon, please reach out to Pastor Kelsey kelsey@ntnl.org.
This training is $25. Register and pay here: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/10564262
The NT-NL Zoom link and large group Zoom link will be sent out in early November. You must be registered to receive the Zoom link.
About Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown

Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown is an African American pastor, educator, author, and activist with more than two decades of experience advocating for underrepresented communities. With a heart for community and access for all, she stands – and activates – as a truth-teller at the intersection of faith, education, and justice.
Her personal philosophy being “I give what I need”, Dr. Starr Brown’s work is fueled by her lived experience – and lack – at the convergence of three vulnerable populations.
Equipped with a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in the field of “Social Transformation”, Dr. Starr Brown is ordained in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and is the Founding Pastor of “The Stable” – an online anti-racism study church.

Installation of Pastor Erik Rude
2025-11-09 15:00 - 17:00
Pastor Erik Rude will be installed at Advent, Arlington on November 9th at 3pm

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2025
2025-11-08, 2025-10-11
Find more information on the PLMA page https://www.ntnl.org/ministries/plma/description-registration/

NT-NL Youth Upper Elementary Fall Retreat
2025-11-07 - 2025-11-08
November 7-8, 2025
Ascend Camp & Retreat Center
https://youthofcalvary.wufoo.com/forms/m11m50oa1xcli32/

Fall Online Spanish Liturgy Course
2025-10-29 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:00
All pastors, deacons, SAWLs and lay leaders are invited to register for the Fall Online Spanish Liturgy Course.
Classes will be on Zoom on Wednesdays starting on October 8, 2025.
Session 1: Introduction to ELCA Spanish Liturgy and Basic Spanish Vocabulary
Session 2: Hispanic Religious Traditions and Grammar Review
Session 3: Learning Lent and Epiphany Season
Session 4: Liturgical Practice and Final Presentations
If you have any questions please contact Pastor Irma Banales at Irma@NTNL.org

Rostered Minister and SAWL Retreat
2025-10-27 - 2025-10-29
What: This is a retreat for rostered ministers and SAWLs in the NTNL synod to be together. We will take time for intentional conversation, workshops lead by synod colleagues, fellowship, recreation/down time, worship with renewal of ministry vows, and open conversation with Bishop Gronberg.
When: Beginning early evening of Monday, October 27th and ending the morning of Wednesday, October 29th.
Where: Spring Lakes Ranch. 3662 Patton Lake Rd, Aquilla, TX 76622. We will be renting out the entire ranch. We will have access to the lake, kayaking, hiking trails, fishing, pickleball court, fire pit, cute farm animals, and more. To ensure the most comfortable accommodations as possible, rooms will most likely be double occupancy and each room will have access to a private bathroom (so encourage your friend to put you as their roommate when registering).
Registration:
Early Bird Registration now through Aug. 31 $175
Regular Registration Sept. 1 – Oct. 6 $250
For the registration link please email Pastor Kelsey Fitting-Snyder directly at kelsey@ntnl.org

Rostered Minister and SAWL Retreat
2025-10-27 - 2025-10-29
Spring Lakes Ranch – 3662 Patton Lake Rd Aquilla, TX 76622
This is a time to be together. We will gather for worship, workshops, conversation, fellowship, and recreation. More details and registration information coming soon.

Lutheran Hymn Festival 2025
2025-10-19 16:30 - 21:00 | Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas, Texas, 75201
The Lutheran Hymn Festival Board is pleased to announce the date for their next Hymn Festival will be Sunday October 19th, 2025 at 4:30 in the evening at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.
Their guest organist will be David M. Cherwien. Mr. Cherwien was also the featured organist in 2016 and they are delighted to have him join again.
Find more information here

Congregation Constitutions 101
2025-10-14 19:00 - 20:30
Congregation Constitutions 101
When: Tuesday, Oct. 14th, 2025 @ 7 PM via zoom
Audience: Congregational Leaders, Pastors & Deacons
The Office of the Secretary of the ELCA will have an informative session on the 2025 changes to the congregational model constitution as well as tips on how to make the process of changing your constitution as smooth as possible. Come with your questions!
This webinar is hosted for Region 4 leaders.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81415931442?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 814 1593 1442

Seeds That Change Banquet
2025-10-04 17:00 - 21:00 | Iglesia Luterana Santa María, 2601 S. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX, 75060, United States
The Mission Endowment Fund of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod (NT-NL) of the ELCA joyfully announces the official Save the Date for its most anticipated event of the year: the Seeds That Change fundraising banquet, happening on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Irving, Texas.
Anchored by the theme “Dream Boldly. Give Generously. Serve Faithfully.”, this powerful evening will bring together a community of hope-filled believers committed to planting seeds of sustainable change in ministries across the synod. Widely celebrated as a vibrant evening of generosity, storytelling, and community impact, Seeds That Change has become the event-of-the year for those passionate about planting hope and growing ministry across the region. This year’s banquet promises to be even more memorable—with powerful testimonials, unforgettable entertainment, and a renewed vision for transforming lives through strategic, long-term support of local ministries.
Event Details
What: Seeds That Change Fundraising Banquet
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Where: Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Irving, TX
Why: To support the Mission Endowment Fund and grow sustainable, life-giving ministries
throughout the NT-NL Synod
Tickets Go On Sale in August!
“This is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement! This banquet embodies what it means to be the church together—dreaming boldly, giving generously, and serving faithfully,” said Jennifer Hachmeister, Executive Director. “It’s the event-of-the-year for everyone who believes in transforming lives through faith-driven generosity.” The fundraiser brings together congregations, donors, and synod leaders for an unforgettable night of connection, celebration, and purpose. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Mission Endowment Fund, empowering ministries with grants that support outreach, innovation, and long-term mission sustainability.
Mark Your Calendars
Save the date now—and stay tuned! Sponsorship details, ticket links, and event announcements are coming soon. Be ready to claim your seat when tickets go on sale this August. Together, we dream. Together, we give. Together, we grow change.
For inquiries, sponsorship interest, or to get involved:
Jennifer Hachmeister
mef@ntnl.org

NT-NL Youth Confirmation Retreat
2025-09-27 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday, September 27- Sunday September 28
Ascend Camp & Retreat Center
https://www.ntnlyouth.org/

Installation of Brady Fox
2025-09-14
Brady Fox will be installed as Pastor at First Lutheran, Temple on September 14th

Ordination of Brady Fox
2025-09-13 15:00 - 17:00
Brady Fox will be ordained on September 13th at 3:00pm at Our Saviour’s, Durant
