In This Edition
Youth News
MEF Fall Events
NTNL WELCA “I Am She” Conference
The Eleventh Annual Herbener Lecture: The Psychology of Christian Nationalism
Upcoming Ordinations
Upcoming Events
Prayer Requests
Roster Changes
Youth News
Introducing Pastor Adam Stockton, Synod Youth Connector
NT-NL is invested in our children, youth, young adults and families! We are excited to announce that, through a grant from the Briarwood Legacy Endowment, we have been able to add a part time staff person to focus on supporting and connecting our congregations as they minister to this important group within the church. Pr. Adam Stockton has been involved in NT-NL Youth Ministry for over a decade and will be helping to support our synodical events, and grow those events! In addition, he will be connecting with individual congregations to provide support and resources. He will begin this role on September 1, 2023.
Adam Stockton is originally from Findlay, Ohio, and grew up in Richardson, TX. He earned his Certification in Youth and Family Ministry through Wartburg Theological Seminary and Vibrant Faith Ministries. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an Associate’s degree in Psychology. He graduated from TCU-Brite with a Master’s of Divinity with specializations in pastoral care, military chaplaincy, and ethics. He is currently working on earning a Doctorate in Education focusing on organizational change and belonging. He has also served as a trauma chaplain at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for his Clinical Pastoral Education, while being involved in cultural immersion studies. He has been active in NT-NL youth ministry since 2011 and is continuing his passion for youth and family ministry. Prior to his career in ministry, he worked as an Operations Manager overseeing IT support with a variety of companies.
Pastor Adam can be reached by email at adam@rejoicefrisco.com
Youth Gathering Funding
The National Youth Gathering will be taking place next summer, July 16-20, in New Orleans! Registration opens on September 15th. At that time the total registration cost is $375, with $150 required during registration. The Briarwood Legacy Endowment has approved a grant to help our NTNL Youth attend the Gathering!
The first 200 people that register from our synod will have the balance of their registration fee, $225, paid for. In addition, the Foundation will match up to $300 of fundraising dollars per person. This includes adults (1 adult for every 5 youth registered). That is $525 per person! Make plans now to have your registration ready to go on September 15th to ensure funding from the Endowment. More details to come on how to let us know when you are registered and secure the balance of your funds.
Youth Gathering Bishop’s Group
As in 2018, there will be a Bishop’s Group for congregations with 3 or less young people. They will come together to form one group – led by Bishop Gronberg and a team of adult leaders. You may register for the Bishop’s Group by emailing Janelle Miller.
The Bishop’s Group plans to register this group on September 15th to qualify for the Briarwood Legacy Endowment funds.
2024 Summer Camp Scholarships
The Briarwood Legacy Endowment will be providing scholarships for NT-NL youth grades 1st-8th who will be attending an ELCA camp next summer. 50% of fees will be covered by the Endowment. Stay tuned for more information on how to apply for these funds.
MEF Fall Events
Mission Endowment Fund’s Grants and Celebrations
MEF Sunday serves as a reminder to our congregations of the amazing work facilitated within our Synod by the Mission Endowment Fund.
The following Tuesday, September 19, marks North Texas Giving Day! This annual event serves as reminder to metroplex residents that we must support & serve our communities. The pandemic & recent inflation – among other things – hit our neighborhoods hard. Giving days, like this, are amazing reminders that God calls us to serve in whatever manner possible – wherever possible. Donations made to the Mission Endowment Fund remind us of the fantastic ministries WE facilitate for OUR Synod through our annual grant program. Your financial confidence gives our ministries a much-needed boost.
Donations can be made here by selecting “Mission Endowment Fund” in the drop down menu.
Seeds that Change Fundraising Banquet
We look forward to celebrating with you at our next Seeds that Change fundraising banquet! This year, Calvary-Richland Hills hosts our gala on October 7, 2023. Tickets will be on sale soon!
2024 Grant Application
For over 26 years, the MEF has provided grants to congregations with ministries needing a boost of financial assistance. Some congregations have funding from sources within their church, but many rely on our grants to begin or to sustain their ministry. Our grant application process opens again this fall – yet another chance to fund amazing ministries! Applications for the 2024 grants will be accessible here beginning October 1.
Mission Endowment Fund
On behalf of the board members, I appreciate your support of the Mission Endowment Fund! We invite you to email questions or requests for clarification to: mef@ntnl.org
Jennifer Hachmeister, Executive Director
NTNL WELCA “I Am She” Conference
The 2023 NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization Convention well be held on October 13-14 at Grace, Carrolton. More information can be found here or on the NT-NL SWO webpage.
The Eleventh Annual Herbener Lecture: The Psychology of Christian Nationalism
In this time of political and religious discord, having an understanding of the Christian nationalist movement is critical for the Gospel work of social justice. What attracts people to extremist views, and how can we talk with family members, friends, and congregation members who have “gone down the rabbit hole” of right-wing politics and conspiracy theories? As the 2024 election cycle draws closer, the Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White will give a presentation based on her new book “The Psychology of Christian Nationalism” (Fortress Press, 2022), and engage in Q&A and discussion with participants around these critical and timely issues.
Join the Luther Center of North Texas on November 16th at 7pm at King of Glory- Dallas. Find more information and reserve your seat here.
Upcoming Ordinations
Mallory Morris, called to serve First United, Dallas, will be ordained on September 9 at Calvary, Richland Hills at 3:00pm
Cheryl Herreid, called to serve Christ the Servant, Allen, will be ordained on September 23 at Rejoice, Coppell at 2:00 pm
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:
- Sep. 7: Transitional Pastors monthly meeting, Zoom
- Sep. 8: Synod Council Worship, Good Shepherd, Irving
- Sep. 9: Public Witness Team meeting, Hybrid
- Sep. 9: Parish Lay Ministry, Fall 2023, Course 1
- Sep. 17: MEF Sunday
- Sep. 26: First Call Pastors Check-in, Zoom
- Sep. 28: Cultivating Compassion Session 9: Unsettling Truths, Online
For a complete list of upcoming events, you can access our Calendar of Events online.