A #milesandmiles Sunday October 20th in NT-NL Synod, ELCA. Bishop’s Associate Kris Totzke was far into the panhandle this morning at Oslo Lutheran, Gruver. She then went 120 miles south to Trinity, Lockney (Providence) to install SAWL Sean McConathy. We are excited for Sean to be partnering with Wartburg Seminary in his education as he learns in place serving this historic congregation in the Panhandle.

I drove a mere 60 miles east through the metroplex early on Sunday to Joy, Rockwall served by SAWL Tom Schwolert. Good time meeting with the leadership of this relatively new congregation in our synod and being with their leadership. Joy is situated in the middle of downtown Rockwall. A site that offers a challenge during the week for parking but also connects them with a variety of social and outreach events. Each Christmas they do a living nativity scene during the Rockwall Christmas parade, providing an excellent Instagram background.

This afternoon my family and I enjoyed time at the Christ, Dallas pumpkin patch. An old friend from college lives in the neighborhood of Christ and so we have made it a point of connecting there. Fun to watch our kids play and enjoy fall in Texas.

I was sad to miss today the installation of Susan Candea as bishop of the Central States Synod, part of Region 4. Grateful that NT-NL was represented as Pastor Linda Anderson-Little of St. Lukes, Richardson was asked by Bishop Candea to be the preacher for the day.

Sunday night a surprise came when Tornado sirens went off in many places in the metroplex and news media came on to announce not just warnings but that tornadoes had been sighted on the ground in the north Dallas area. Thankfully no one was killed in the path of the three tornadoes that struck various areas of Dallas, Richardson, Garland, and other parts of the Metroplex. However, some homes were extensively damaged. While no NT-NL congregational buildings or affiliated ministries were physically impacted we do know that some members of the congregations have experienced losses. We are grateful for the efficient first responders and all who helped ensure the safety of our community and pray for those dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Lutheran Disaster Response and other agencies are already connecting with communities that have been impacted.

Lots of miles crossed. Praying for those impacted by Tornadoes. Blessed to be #InMissionTogether #NTNL