In This Edition
Message from Bishop Gronberg and Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Update
Synod Assembly Registration and Nominations Now Open
Online Discernment Groups – exploring God’s call to lead
Seminaries of the ELCA Fireside Chat: Exploring Diaconal Ministry in the ELCA
Upbring’s Hope in Motion Walk
Upbring Sunday is May 4, 2025
Altar, Pulpit and Baptismal Font Available
Upcoming Ordinations and Installations
Upcoming Events
Prayer Requests
Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
In 2022 the NT-NL Synod was the first of several synods in the ELCA to send a memorial to the Churchwide assembly regarding a Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC). That memorial was overwhelmingly adopted by the assembly and the commission, made up of 35 ELCA leaders from a variety of contexts, began its work in 2023. The NT-NL Synod has been blessed to have Anthony Ormsbee-Hale (member of Messiah, Weatherford) on this commission and we are grateful for Anthony’s faithful work. As the commission was to report to the 2026 Churchwide assembly they have completed their work. Anthony’s report to us regarding that is below. The recommendations the commission is making will be considered first by the ELCA Church Council (of which the Rev. Nick Billardello, Abiding Grace-Southlake is a member) and then by the Churchwide Assembly. Again we thank all those who serve our church.
Together In Mission:
Bishop Gronberg
Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church Update
Dear Members of the Northern Texas – Northern Louisiana Synod,
I am pleased to share that the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) has completed its two-year work, and we have submitted our final report to the ELCA Church Council. This report will be reviewed during their April 2025 meeting and subsequently made available at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly as part of the assembly materials.
For those interested in learning more about our process, I encourage you to visit the CRLC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/elcacrlc, where you can find videos developed throughout our work. These videos include educational materials about Lutheran heritage, our constitutions and overviews of the survey results received by the Commission. Additionally, summaries of our meetings are available online at https://www.elca.org/about/leadership/church-council/crlc.
As we conclude the work of the Commission, we encourage the church to continue its efforts for renewal in all matters. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on this Commission and look forward to sharing more details and engaging in further discussions during our upcoming synod assembly.
Thank you,
Anthony Ormsbee-Hale
Synod Assembly Registration and Nominations Now Open
Synod Assembly registration is now open. All information can be found on our Assembly page: https://www.ntnl.org/event/2025-nt-nl-synod-assembly/.
Assembly registration will close on April 16th.
At our Synod Assembly on April 25-26 we will be electing a Synod Secretary to a 3 year term (2025-2028) to complete Pastor Fitting-Snyder’s term on Synod Council.
If you know of someone who would be a good fit for this role please talk with them about standing for election. If you are interested in standing for either of these positions please fill out this form. Nominations will close on April 8th.
Online Discernment Groups – exploring God’s call to lead
Do you ever get a sense that God is tapping you on the shoulder?
Are you wanting to learn more about church leadership and wondering whether it might be for you? Have you ever thought about enrolling in seminary, or even just wondered what seminary study is like today?
You are not alone! The ELCA, in partnership will all our seminaries, is once again offering online groups where you can share your curiosity with others across the church. Over three sessions, explore how God might be calling you to lead in the ELCA. Sign up by visiting elcaseminaries.org and filling out the contact form, or by emailing recruitment@elca.org.
Are you a rostered minister interested in leading such a group? Email Rick.Summy@elca.org to learn more.
Seminaries of the ELCA Fireside Chat: Exploring Diaconal Ministry in the ELCA
The Seminaries of the ELCA are happy to host a Fireside Chat on April 10th at 7:00pm with Deacons Krista Anderson and Beth Anderson about Word and Service Ministry.
You can find out more information and register at this link.
Upbring’s Hope in Motion Walk
Did you know April is Child Abuse Prevention Month? Join Upbring in support of Texas children and families for their 2nd Annual Hope in Motion State-Wide Walk during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Across the state, Upbring is encouraging everyone to walk, urging communities to actively participate and unite in a powerful effort to shed light on child abuse and neglect in Texas.
Walk with Upbring at their FREE events in Austin at the State Capitol at 12:00pm or Dallas at Kiest Park at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 30th. For those unable to join their organized walks in Austin and Dallas, you are encouraged to walk independently in your local community as part of our ‘My Walk, My Why’ Virtual Walk Event and ask family, friends, or coworkers to join you.
Click here to learn more about Hope in Motion and how to participate in either walk.
Upbring Sunday is May 4, 2025
Upbring Sunday is an opportunity to share the story of Upbring’s impact through the life-changing programs we offer to children, families, and individuals in Texas. On Sunday, May 4, join churches across the state to learn about Upbring’s mission and impact, hear stories from children and families in our care, and pray together as we ask for God’s protection, healing, and comfort for the thousands of children who are victims of child abuse each year.
Learn more and download resources here: Upbring Sunday – May 4, 2025
Altar, Pulpit and Baptismal Font Available
Calvary, Richland Hills is looking to donate an altar, baptismal font and a pulpit to another church within our Synod. If you are interested in these items please reach out directly to Calvary at calvary@calvaryftw.org or 817-284-8724.
Baptismal Font is 16x16x34
Pulpit is 18x30x54
Altar is 36x72x38
Upcoming Ordinations and Installations
The Rev. Adam Stockton, called to serve as Pastor to Trinity, Sherman, will be installed on May 18th at 3pm
Trenten Ormsbee-Hale will be ordained on May 24th at 11am at St. Matthew’s, Fort Worth
Connie Ortega will be ordained and installed on June 1st at 2pm at Adviento, Arlington
Christine Cracchiolo will be ordained and installed on June 8th at 3pm at Abiding Grace, Southlake
Upcoming Events
With the ever-changing guidelines and recommendations in our world right now, as we maintain physical distance in social solidarity, please keep in mind these events may be moved online, postponed, or cancelled:
- April 12: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2025
- April 12: Public Witness Team Meeting
- April 25-26: NT-NL Synod Assembly, Lubbock
- May 10: Parish Lay Ministry Academy
- May 10: Public Witness Team Meeting
- May 24: Ordination of Trenten Ormsbee-Hale, St. Matthew’s, Fort Worth
- May 27: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
For a complete list of upcoming events, you can access our Calendar of Events online.