Message from Bishop Gronberg

Denton Wesley Campus Ministry Upcoming Events

During our 2024 Synod Assembly Bishop Gronberg announced our partnership with Denton Wesley Campus Ministry to support Lutheran students attending the University of North Texas, Denton. The Wesley is an affirming United Methodist Campus Ministry located at 1501 Maple Street. The ELCA is a full communion partner with the United Methodist Church and we appreciate the work they are doing on campus.

Denton Wesley is hosting some events as their ministry ramps up for the fall semester at UNT which you are invited to attend..

September 10th, Lunch & Learn
A workshop for congregational leaders to learn about reaching young adults through collaborative ministry. Their featured speaker is Rev. Travis Burdett who planted The Bridge, a thriving young adult ministry shared among six local churches near Rowlett, TX. Come enjoy lunch with students at the Wesley and learn about how your congregation can collaborate to offer ministry to young people.

Beyond the Bulletin: A Communication Strategy for Congregations

Beyond the Bulletin is a workbook that will help you guide your congregational leaders to communicate with their members in a way that demonstrates they are a valued part of the congregation.

This workbook is for congregation councils/teams, boards, teams—any group that needs to communicate with a larger community. The sessions can be done through meeting once a month, or as a three session retreat.

For more information or to order your workbook reach out to Rev. Marjorie Funk-Pihl.

Building a Culture of Generosity

Are you looking to expand your generosity ministry? Encourage people to grow in giving to make more ministry possible? Relieve financial anxiety?

Building a Culture of Generosity (BCG), a process co-led by GSB Partner Rev. Pete Reuss, provides a practical path to inviting families to consider growing in giving. As one leader shared, “Our Generosity team found the materials easily accessible…with just enough material and support without being overwhelmed with too many resources.”

Congregations in BCG receive:

• An easily implemented program designed to stimulate generosity
• Professionally designed, adaptable materials
• Letter templates for the stewardship drive
• Six virtual, live training events with a GSB Consultant to guide congregations through a sound stewardship appeal running from August through November
•  Clear tactics for sharing information and inspiration about your congregation’s ministry
• 1:1 guidance from your GSB Consultant
• At least 7 videos teaching the principles of this program
• The ability to achieve a strong financial response even in uncertain times
• 3 copies of Abundance: Creating a Culture of Generosity, by GSB Partner Michael Ward

The process kicks off on August 22. For an informational video or to sign up, go to bcg.gsbfundraising.com .

Prepare for Portico’s Annual Enrollment

Now is the time to identify who from your organization will decide your organization’s ELCA-Primary health benefit option.

Members Will Have a Roth Contribution Option and a New Health Benefit Option

During Annual Enrollment this fall, your sponsored members can elect to make after-tax Roth contributions into their ELCA Retirement Plan account to begin in 2025. Ensure your payroll system can accommodate after-tax Roth payroll withholdings.
In addition, Value Copay, a new ELCA-Primary health benefit option (pending approval by Portico’s Board of Trustees in August) will be available for your members to select during Annual Enrollment.
We’ll be providing more information about these options in subsequent Annual Enrollment communications.

Next Steps to Prepare for Annual Enrollment

1. Identify the decision-makers who will select your organization’s ELCA-Primary health benefit option.
2. Schedule a meeting with them in September to discuss Annual Enrollment. A simple message to get the ball rolling might be: “Heads-up: Portico’s 2025 Annual Enrollment will be required this October as it is every year. We’ll need to review Portico’s health benefit options after they become available in August. The health benefit option we choose will be applicable to all sponsored members who enroll in the ELCA-Primary coverage in 2025, even if they are currently waiving coverage.”
3. Check your payroll system. Can it handle after-tax Roth payroll withholdings?
4. Download Portico’s 2025 Annual Enrollment Checklist.

“In Search of Paul; An Aegean Odyssey” Trip in 2025

NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization’s July Newsletter

You can read about the happenings of our Synodical Women’s Organization here. 

Upcoming Installations