In This Issue
ConFest 2020
Rostered/Authorized Minister Annual Reports Available Online Now
LFSW Regional Gift Planner Opening
Important Portico Updates
Upcoming Installation
Upcoming Events
ConFest 2020
Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop
King of Glory, Dallas
March 22, 2-4pm
“For the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Featuring:
- A short worship service with a message from our DEM, Irma Bañales.
- A photo for each confirmation class taken with the Bishop.
- A ministry fair with information and involvement opportunities from synod and ELCA ministries.
- Food, of course!
The goals are for confirmation students to:
- get to know the bishop and youth from other congregations,
- learn about our wider church and how to get involved,
- worship, and
- have fun!
Congregations are invited to register your whole confirmation class, including teachers and adult advisers.
For congregations traveling more than 150 miles roundtrip, NT-NL is able to reimburse to offset mileage at the IRS Charitable rate of $0.14/mile. Please register and attend, then submit mileage to Avery Hawley at avery@bwtx.org.
Rostered/Authorized Minister Annual Reports Available Online Now
It is a responsibility of each Rostered/Authorized Minister to submit annually a report to the office of the bishop. To simplify reporting, NT-NL has built a web response form that is now available online: https://www.ntnl.org/annual-rostered-authorized-leader-report/. These reports are due by April 1.
LFSW Regional Gift Planner Opening
The Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest is searching for a Regional Gift Planner. This position will support the NT-NL Synod; the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a significant piece of this territory.
The Regional Gift Planner is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and securing new and ongoing gifts from individuals in support of churchwide ministries, congregations, synods, and related ELCA and LFSW ministries. This position is part of a nationwide network of twenty-two professional Regional Gift Planners. Each Gift Planner lives and works within their assigned territory (home office). You can find a copy of the complete Position Profile here.
Applications (resume and cover letter) and inquiries about the position may be directed, in confidence, to Gaye Lindfors of Significant Solutions, Inc., the consultant assisting with this search: Gaye@SignificantSolutionsInc.com or 651-490-9550.
Important Portico Updates
From our Portico Regional Representative, Deacon Terri Endres:
New in 2020 for the ELCA-Primary Health Plan
If you have ELCA-Primary health benefits, a suite of new online offerings provides convenient access to care at your fingertips, whether on the go, in your office, or in the privacy of your own home. Find support to strengthen your emotional resilience, learn new skills, and save on costs:
- Being is a holistic, faith-based, educational platform offering expert-led videos on a wide range of well-being skills — such as longevity, purpose, resiliency, and more.
- Learn to Live is a self-directed online mental health support program designed to help participants manage stress, depression, social anxiety, insomnia, and substance use.
- Text-Based Primary Care is available through a convenient app. 98point6 connects you 24/7 with U.S.-based, board-certified doctors. Receive on-demand consultation, diagnosis, and a treatment plan for $5 or less. Doctors can also prescribe medication (except controlled substances) and order lab tests.
Earning Wellness Dollars in 2020:
Members with ELCA-Primary health benefits can earn up to $200 wellness dollars to help pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Earn $100 wellness dollars each when you complete a physical health assessment or biometric screening and when you have a conversation with a Portico Financial Planner. If your spouse is covered by ELCA-Primary benefits, they can earn $200 as well. Sign in to myPortico to learn more.
Videos for Treasurers and Church/Financial Administrators:
Looking to learn about Portico Benefit Services and the practicalities of managing the benefits for pastors and church employees? Your congregation must have at least one registered EmployerLink user to pay your bill and manage sponsored employees’ benefits. Note: it’s important for the people who play a part in managing your employees’ benefits to be registered on EmployerLink and for those no longer involved to have their accounts deactivated.
Invite your treasurer or financial administrator to view these educational videos:
Managing Benefits 101 (may be seen without signing in to EmployerLink)
Upcoming Installation
The Rev. Moises Carrasquillo-Muniz, called to serve First Sagrada Familia, Garland, will be installed on February 23.
Upcoming Events
Here are leadership highlights:
Feb. 8: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 6 (Día 2 de 5), Argyle, TX
Feb. 11-13: Ignite the Church Conference, Orlando, FL
Feb. 15: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 6 (Día 3 de 5), Argyle, TX
Feb. 16-18: Texas Interfaith Advocacy Days, Austin, TX
Feb. 22: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 6 (Día 4 de 5), Argyle, TX
Feb. 22: Discovering Hope: Building Vitality in Your Congregation, Lubbock, TX
Feb. 22: Engaging the Border: Theology and Practice, Arlington, TX
Feb. 28-Mar. 1: NT-NL Peer Ministry Leadership Training, TBA
Feb. 29: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 6 (Día 5 de 5), Argyle, TX
Mar. 14: Public Witness Team meeting, Arlington, TX
Mar. 14: PLMA, Spring 2020, Course 1, Argyle, TX
Mar. 21: Briarwood Gala, Argyle, TX
Mar. 22: ConFest 2020: Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop, Dallas, TX
Apr 4: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 7 (Día 1 de 5), Argyle, TX
Apr 11: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 7 (Día 2 de 5), Argyle, TX
Apr. 11: Public Witness Team meeting, Arlington, TX
Apr. 18: PLMA, Spring 2020, Course 2, Argyle, TX
Apr. 19-24: Ministerial Flourishing: Exploring the Meaning, Means and Practices, Navasota, TX
Apr. 24-25: 2020 Synod Assembly, Dallas, TX
For a complete list of upcoming events in, and important to, our Synod, you can access our Calendar of Events online.