In This Issue
Rostered/Authorized Minister Annual Reports Available Online Now
Young Adults in Global Mission
ConFest 2020
Emergency Planning Resources
Upcoming Events
Prayer Requests
Roster Changes
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.
Young Adults in Global Mission
The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program invites ELCA young adults ages 21-29 into a transformative, year-long journey in international service. As they offer themselves in service, ELCA young adults are shaped by the witness of our global neighbors.
A year of service through the Young Adults in Global Mission program invites young adults to become the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, providing critical support to ministries and projects in communities of need. It also invites volunteers into a journey of self-reflection, providing space to consider their sense of identity, God’s work in the world, and their place within it all.
Young adults serve in the spirit of accompaniment, walking alongside global companions in a manner that practices mutuality, interdependence, and solidarity. Areas of service include, but are not limited to, health and development, congregational ministry, human rights, education, homelessness, addiction recovery, women’s issues, and children and youth. All site placements provide opportunities for young adults to confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, economic disparity, and globalization, all through the lens of faith.
Candidates for Young Adults in Global Mission apply to the program at-large rather than to a specific country. Applicant preferences are taken into account but the final decision about where volunteers serve is made by Global Mission staff and YAGM country coordinators in mid-April. Current YAGM country programs include: Argentina/Uruguay, Australia, Central Europe, Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal and United Kingdom
Applications for the program are open through February 15 each year, for service starting the following August. Priority is given to those who apply before January 15.
We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world – together. Come, imagine yourself in the world!
To learn how you can support Young Adults in Global Mission, visit their sponsorship page.
For further information contact YAGM at 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2861 or by email.
ConFest 2020
Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop
Sunday, March 22, 2-4pm
Location: King of Glory, Dallas (6411 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75240)
“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 the bishop.
- 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.
Emergency Planning Resources
On the NT-NL website are resources for Congregational leaders to consider how to plan for emergency situations that might arise in the course of the ministry of the church and particularly during worship. These situations can include medical emergencies, natural disasters, and potential violent actions. Each congregation should have a plan for how to handle these situations, and training for ushers, worship leaders, and others in the community is important. As more resources become available, they will be shared here: https://www.ntnl.org/resources/emergency-planning-for-churches/.
Upcoming Events
Here are leadership highlights:
Jan. 11: Public Witness Team meeting, Arlington, TX
Jan. 18-19: NT-NL High School Gathering, Dallas, TX
Jan. 18-19: 2020 Briarwood Men’s Service Retreat, Argyle, TX
Jan. 19: Dr. Martin Luther King commemoration, Dallas, TX
Jan. 25: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 6 (Día 1 de 5), Argyle, TX
Jan. 25: PLMA Graduation, Arlington, TX
Jan. 31-Feb. 1: Synod Council meeting, including Deans, Assistant Deans, MEF Board, Argyle, TX
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: Public Witness Team meeting, 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
For a complete list of upcoming events in, and important to, our Synod, you can access our Calendar of Events online.