Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2019, Course 2
2019-04-13 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss, PhD, speaking
2019-04-11 - 2019-04-12
Friends,

We are thrilled that Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss, PhD, Provost of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute (the seminary for Reform Rabbis) will be in Dallas and speaking at Temple Emanu-El, April 11-13. Dr. Weiss is the editor of the newly published book, American Values Religious Voices: 100 Days 100 Letters which include letters written to the President and members of the United States Senate and Congress over the first 100 days of the presidency in 2018. Each letter was written by a different scholar of sacred scripture, and each is more inspirational than the next. The letters are powerful statements about what we, people of many faiths, cultures and ethnicities believe about the values of our country and the dreams we have for ourselves, our families and our communities. Here is the link to the project which also has information about the new book. American Values Religious Voices | 100 Days. 100 Letters.
Dr. Weiss will be speaking about her book on Thursday April 11 at 7 p.m. in the Stern Chapel at Temple Emanu-El, and we hope you and members of your community will join us for this exciting presentation. Here is a pdf of the invitation for you to share widely. (For security reasons, please RSVP in advance.)
FOR LEADERS: We invite you to join us, as faith leaders and academics, for brunch with Rabbi Weiss on Friday April 12 from 10am-12noon at the Communities Foundation. She will speak with us about how to use this book as a tool for building interfaith relationships in a variety of different settings, and we will have the chance to practice that work together. If you have colleagues that would be interested, please share this invitation with them. There is no charge for the event, but reservations are necessary for planning purposes. (And your reservation will assure you a complimentary, signed copy of her book!) You can RSVP using this link: https://participate.tedallas.org/interfaithclergybrunch.
We are proud and excited to be collaborating together to make this possible and hope you will be with us.
With blessings to all,
Rabbi Debra Robbins, Temple Emanu-El
Rev. Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles Professor, Baptist House of Studies at Perkins School of Theology, SMU
Rabbi Nancy Kasten Chief Relationship Officer, Faith Commons
Rev. Dr. George A. Mason Senior Pastor, Wilshire Baptist Church; President, Faith Commons
Almas Muscatwalla Board of Directors, Faith Forward Dallas at Thanksgiving Square
Kyle Ogden President & CEO, The Thanks-Giving Foundation
Dr. Nils Roemer Director, The Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies, UT Dallas
Dr. Andrew C. Stoker Senior Minister, First United Methodist Church Dallas

Young at Heart Retreat
2019-04-09 - 2019-04-11 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Heart of Texas conference W-ELCA Spring Gathering
2019-04-06 08:30 - 14:00 | St. Paul – Crawford, 140 Prairie Chapel Rd, Crawford, TX, 76638, United States
Guest Speaker: Karen Porter
Karen Porter is an international speaker, the author of six books, and a successful business woman. She is president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, serves on several boards, and coaches aspiring writers and speakers. She and her husband, George, own Bold Vision Books, a Christian publishing company.
Registration fee is $15 (includes lunch).
Click here for a flyer with full details.
Click here for the registration form.
For more information, call the church office: 254-486-2126.

Ecumenical Advocacy Days
2019-04-05 - 2019-04-08
The ELCA is a cosponsor of Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD). The 2019 EAD conference, which will be held April 5-8 in Washington, D.C., includes worship, education and training workshops, and advocacy, with the theme of “Trouble the Waters” as depicted in John 5:1-9 calling on God to bring healing to our nation and world.
#GoodTrouble
Lutherans will gather for networking and a Reception hosted by ELCA Advocacy during EAD.
Early bird registration closes March 9.

Faith Climate Action Week
2019-04-05 - 2019-04-14
(Previously known as the Preach-In on Global Warming)
Faith Climate Action Week will be ten days in April during Earth Month and will focus on how we can take action to protect our climate. This year, we will find joy and rejuvenation in the natural world and reconnect to why we love and protect our planet.
Go to the event website for Worship Resources, How To Participate, and much more!

Caring for Creation
The Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice social statement explains the ELCA’s teachings on ecology and the environment, grounded in a biblical vision of God’s intention for the healing and wholeness of creation. This statement provides a Christian understanding of the human role to serve in creation, and a hope rooted in God’s faithfulness to the creation from which humans emerge and depend upon for sustaining life. It provides a framework for understanding the human role in creation, the problem of sin and the current environmental crisis.
Caring for Creation expresses a call to pursue justice for creation through active participation, solidarity, sufficiency and sustainability, and states the commitments of the ELCA for pursuing wholeness for creation — commitments expressed through individual and community action, worship, learning, moral deliberation and advocacy.
You can read or download the full social statement Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice in English or en español. This statement was adopted in 1993 by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

Interfaith Prayer Service for the Victims of New Zealand
2019-03-31
Standing in Solidarity
March 31, 2pm
Islamic Association of Tarrant County, 4901 Diaz Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107
All are welcome! Joining hearts and hands — community prayer for the victims of New Zealand. Dialogue and refreshments following the service.
Out of respect for the Muslim faith tradition:
Modest clothing dress code – legs covered, no sleeveless tops.
Shoe covers (not optional) and headscarves (optional) will be provided.
Access the news release here.
Access a flyer for this event here.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you may access the Livestream link here: https://facebook.com/IATCmasjid/
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/486368065233703/

Taller de Justicial Racial
2019-03-30 09:00 - 13:00 | Iglesia Luterana San Gabriel, 4029 County Road 610, Alvarado, TX, 76009, United States
Jennifer DeLeon, La Directora de Justicia, Mujeres de la IELA, presentará.
Por favor confirme su asistencia a Pastor Jesus Escamilla: sangabriel.jesus@yahoo.com o celular 817-739-4588.

WELCA Dallas Area Metro North conference retreat
2019-03-30 | Grace Lutheran Church – Carrollton, 1200 East Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX, 75010, United States
Save the Date for this Women of the ELCA event!

Immigration Webinar - Session III: Theological Perspectives from the U.S. - Mexico Borderlands
2019-03-28 15:00 - 16:30
This “Perspectives on the Border” webinar series on immigration is a partnership project with Rev. Dr. Jay Alanis, the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS), and the following ELCA synods: Grand Canyon, Gulf Coast, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana, Pacifica, Rocky Mountain, and Southwestern Texas.
There are three different sessions, usually at a minimum cost of $25 each per participant. We are offering all three for only $60 per person! Your synods are helping subsidize the cost of this invaluable training (valued at a significantly higher rate)!
Session I: Living in Third Spaces (March 7, 3pm Central)
Session II: Borderland Perspectives on Diverse Worldviews (March 21, 3pm Central)
Session III: Theological Perspectives from the U.S. – Mexico Borderlands (March 28, 3pm Central)
Click here for Session Descriptions.
Register here.
The sessions will likely run over an hour, based on our prior experience, where much dialogue ensued, especially when talking about culture as a paradigm.
For additional context, you may read this lecture by Rev. Dr. Jay Alanis from February 22: “Borderland Ethics Sin Fronteras: Borderland Ethics Without Borders, Neighbor-Love in Liminal Spaces”

Interfaith Advocacy Day
2019-03-28
Save the date for Texas Impact‘s Interfaith Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, March 28. Texas Impact staff and guests will provide legislative training and timely action alerts to prepare you to visit with your legislators.
There are a number of legislative days for particular faith groups (i.e., Lutheran Legislative Days – March 17-19), and this interfaith event has grown to be a favorite of Texas Impact members.
Begin to make plans to bring a group, receive updates via the Facebook Event, and register online.
For more information on the event, or if you are interested in coordinating a bus or caravan from areas outside of Austin, contact Outreach Director Scott Atnip.

Immigration Webinar - Session II: Borderland Perspectives on Diverse Worldviews
2019-03-21 15:00 - 16:30

Texas Lutheran-Episcopalian Legislative Event
2019-03-17 - 2019-03-19
(formerly Lutheran Legislative Days)
Join Texas Lutherans in welcoming Texas Episcopalians for the first annual Texas Lutheran-Episcopalian Legislative Event: a 3-day legislative intensive including worship, policy presentations from state and national leaders, workshops, fellowship, and legislative advocacy at the Capitol. Register online here.
You will not want to miss the first year of these two denominations coming together for this important conference. The Sunday-Tuesday event will include three days of legislative training, worship, policy presentations from state and national leaders, workshops, fellowship, and legislative advocacy at the Capitol. Featured speakers include Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar; Bishop Marc Andrus of the Episcopal Diocese of California; Energy Foundation Texas Director Doug Lewin; ACLU border expert Mike Seifert; and more. Find the complete event schedule here.
Austin, TX
Registration Deadline: March 7
Click here for a flyer with full details.

Taller ofrenda por internet
2019-03-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Richard Bauer de Vanco presentará este taller.
Vea este comunicado de prensa de la ELCA del 19 de febrero para más detalles (inglés): Vanco offers new online giving option for ELCA congregations.
También puedes aprender más aquí (inglés): https://www.giveplus.com/elca.

Via de Cristo
2019-03-14 - 2019-03-17 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
You’re invited to attend Via de Cristo from Mar. 14-17 at Briarwood Retreat Center.
Our mission is “By grace, with the Holy Spirit, we challenge leaders to discover and achieve their personal calling, assisting them to influence their environments with the Gospel.”
Please submit your registration by Mar. 4 with your signatures from your sponsor and pastor from https://www.vdcnorthtexas.org/sponsor-info.
Please call Rev. Phil Heinze at 817-284-8724 or Jane Winge at 972-658-4387 with any questions.

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2019, Course 1
2019-03-09 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Public Witness Team planning retreat
2019-03-09 08:30 - 16:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
We will gather for our mostly-annual Public Witness Team planning retreat Saturday, March 9, with fellowship beginning at 8:30 A.M., worship at 9:00, and continuing to 4:00 P.M., at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington.
The goals of our retreat are:
· Build community and receive inspiration and strength from the Word and Sacrament
· Share our concerns and passions
· Review accomplishments from the past year and since our last retreat
· Develop specific goals and strategies for the year ahead (working in interest groups)
Pastor Robert Smith, the new head of the Briarwood Leadership Center, will join us by remote in the morning for some discussion about how our social justice efforts will intersect with his work.
We will break for a jolly potluck lunch, so please bring some food to share as you are able. Drinks will be provided.
I look forward to our time together. Everyone’s input is important at this point in the life of our Public Witness work. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Peace in Christ,
The Rev. Franz J. Schemmel, Chair

Upper Elementary Spring Retreat
2019-03-08 - 2019-03-10 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
4th-6th Graders
Watch the Briarwood website for updates.

Immigration Webinar - Session I: Living in Third Spaces
2019-03-07 15:00 - 16:30

AMMPARO Workshop en Español
2019-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Join Mary Campbell, ELCA AMMPARO Program Director, for this workshop en Español to learn more!
“Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza,” (“God is our refuge and strength,”) – Psalm 46:1
AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany children today and in the future.
The word “amparo” in Spanish means the protection of a living creature from suffering or damage. The ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) was envisioned after witnessing the plight of children who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Due to our connection to companion churches in the region, including companion synod relationships, and existing ministries in the U.S., the ELCA is well-positioned to help ensure that these vulnerable children are protected.
In a holistic, whole church response that connects international and US outcomes, the ELCA has developed this strategy based on the followingcommitments:

Uphold and guarantee basic human rights and safety of migrant children and their families;
Address the root causes of migration in countries from Central America’s Northern Triangle and Mexico and the treatment of migrants in transit;
Work toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the U.S.; and
Engage as a church body with all of its companions, affiliates and partners to respond to the migration situation and its causes and to advocate for migrant children and their families.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, the ELCA is called to bear witness to the conditions affecting so many communities and to work to find solutions that will acknowledge the humanity in all of God’s children. Join us in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Peer Ministry (9th-12th grades)
2019-03-01 - 2019-03-03
What is Peer Ministry?
It is the story of the good Samaritan. Only instead of preaching and teaching it, you get the skills necessary to live it!
We equip people with Christ-centered training, resources, and support to be Peer Ministers!
This Peer Ministry weekend will be held in Fort Worth, TX.
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

Click here for a registration brochure with full details.

Anchor Church Conference
2019-02-25 - 2019-02-26 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
SCHEDULE: Monday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (includes lunch and refreshments) / Tuesday 8:00-11:30 am
What Is An Anchor Church?
Is your congregation ready to serve as an Anchor Church? If you attended the intro events in Denver or Charlotte in 2018 or have heard about this ministry model and are ready to go deeper – then this event is for you. We encourage a senior pastor and lay leader of the Anchor congregation to attend.
This event will delve deeper into the models of “Accompaniment” and “Adoption” and explore cross-cultural understanding, theological foundation for ministry, organizational intelligence and understanding our strengths.
Anchor Churches with plans to begin or continue their anchor ministries will be able to apply for Congregational Vitality “Anchor Church” grants. Part of the grant will include a budget for coaching. Pastor Doug Hill from Abiding Hope Church in Littleton, Co and Pastor Scott Suskovic from Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte, NC will be providing a year of webinars and coaching for churches moving forward as an Anchor Church.
All costs for this training, other than lunch on Monday, are at your own expense. If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact Rob James.
Presented by:
Congregational Vitality Team, ELCA Domestic Mission, with Pastors Doug Hill and Scott Suskovic
Rev. Ruben Duran, ELCA Director, Congregational Vitality, ruben.duran@elca.org, (630)440-8591 (cell)
Rev. Rob James, ELCA, Congregational Vitality, Program Director for Learning and Evaluation, rob.james@elca.org, (773)380-2999
REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 7.

Senior Fest 2019
2019-02-23 | Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1919 Independence Pkwy, Plano, TX, 75075, United States
Theme: “Our Church—Faith in Action”
Bishop Erik Gronberg will be the keynote speaker.
Participants may attend three of the six workshops listed here:

New Models of Outreach – to children and families in neighborhoods.
The King of Instruments – the organ as a tool for praising God.
Worldwide Discipleship – local responses through Lutheran World Relief.
Christian Caregiving/Care-Receiving – personal discipleship through touching the needs of others.
Feeding the Hungry – local and broader ministries.
Brain Health – advances in science and resources for individuals.

Click here for a Save the Date flyer.
Additional information and registration material will be posted in January.

Cries From the Cross (Roads): The Intersection of Poverty, Inequality and Race in the Context of South Africa
2019-02-19 | Brite Divinity School, 2925 Princeton St, Fort Worth, TX, 76109, United States
Brite Divinity School
presents
Dr. Nadine Bowers Du Toit
12noon Community Conversation
7:30pm Public Lecture (Reception to follow)
Both events at the Bass Conference Center at Brite Divinity School
Click here for a flyer with full details.
Prof Nadine Bowers Du Toit is an Associate Professor in ‘Theology and Development’ (Dept. Practical Theology & Missiology) at the Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. She is also the former Dean and Head of the Department of Community Development at Cornerstone Institute (formerly Cornerstone Christian College). She holds a PhD in Practical Theology (Theology and Development) and has published close to 30 articles and chapters in both local and international journals and books. Nadine’s research has focused on the role of faith communities in addressing issues of social injustice and poverty and her most recent projects have been funded by grants from the National Research Foundation and the Nagel Centre for World Christianity. Besides lecturing, publishing and supervising post graduate students, Nadine is often invited to address congregations, church leaders and Faith Based Organizations on this topic. She sees herself as an activist academic always seeking to push for space for more voices to be heard and also chairs both the Community Engagement and Transformation Committees within the school of Theology. Nadine also serves on the boards of two Non-Governmental Organisations and is the current chairperson of the Practical Theology Society of South Africa. She is married to Andries and they have an 8-year-old daughter, Daniela.

PLMA Graduation
2019-02-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
Graduation for our Parish Lay Ministry Academy

Black History Month Celebration
2019-02-16 | Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 3100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75215, United States
The program will run from 11 AM to about 12:30 PM, with worship to follow, and a meal to follow worship. We have the distinct blessing of having Bishop Erik Gronberg present with us to bring the Word.
All are welcome to join us.

Junior High Gathering & Group Dynamix
2019-02-16 - 2019-02-17 | Grace Lutheran Church – Carrollton, 1200 East Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton, TX, 75010, United States
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8
1:00pm Saturday—noon Sunday
Cost includes programs, hotel, meals, and Group Dynamix. The Jr. High Gathering is for ANY Jr. High / Middle School student (for most churches this event is for your Confirmation Group). The event includes Small Group Activities, Songs, Games, Worship, & Group Dynamix!
Click here for a registration packet with full details.

Public Witness Team meeting
2019-02-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
2nd Saturday of every month
Anyone is welcome to join us!
If you’re unable to join in person, you can now join us via Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/2143847705
One tap mobile:+16699006833,,2143847705# US+14086380968,,2143847705# US
Dial in using any of these numbers:+1 669 900 6833 US+1 408 638 0968 US+1 646 876 9923 USMeeting ID: 214 384 7705

"Faith Formation in a Secular Age" with Dr. Andy Root
2019-02-09 - 2019-02-10 | TX, United States
John Tietjen Speaker Series
Hosted by Trinity, Fort Worth
Dr. Andy Root, Luther Seminary
Saturday, Feb. 9, 9:30 am
Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall
*child care provided*
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2:00 pm
Briarwood Retreat Center
*co-hosted by the Briarwood Leadership Center*
Sunday, Feb. 10, 9:30 am
Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall
*child care provided*
Click here for a flyer/poster with information about each event.

MEF Board meeting
2019-02-09 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
