Saturday October 7, 2023 we had our NT-NL Synod, ELCA Mission Endowment Fund dinner. This is a celebration of the work of the endowment fund, an opportunity for fellowship, and a chance to raise a little money as well. Thank you Pastor Phil Heinze, Pastor Kyle Rouze, and Ms. Janelle Miller of Calvary-Richland Hills for coordinating this evenings food and hospitality
Each year the MEF is able to grant between $70-90K in chunks to ministries in our synod who have a plan for reaching beyond their doors in mission. We heard from one such ministry, Emanuel Lutheran Church; Iglesia Luterana Emanuel, Dallas and about the impact they are making in welcoming political refugees from Venezuela who found their way to Dallas and Emanuel’s open doors. Remembering their immigrant heritage as an Augustana (Swedish) Lutheran Church Emanuel has opened themselves to serve this community and we are grateful. Many other stories of ministry, particularly to communities on the margins across our synod from Amarillo to Shreveport.
A wonderful evening, thank you to Ms. Jennifer Hackmeister, MEF director, for her planning and work.
This Sunday morning I had the privilege of guest teaching confirmation at my family’s congregation (Trinity-Fort Worth). We talked about the healing stories of Jesus and how those stories are both exciting and powerful but also can bring mixed feelings from those who have not experienced the healing they hoped for. A good conversation with the 5 young people whose parents made the commitment to get them to Sunday discipleship. I don’t take that for granted ever, and particularly in this post Covid-19 era.
Another product of the Covid-19 reality is that Trinity, like so many, have made it a mission to have a quality livestream for their worship. There were folks away for Fall Break so my 15 years old and I were recruited to take up the task. Frankly I was largely an observer, running sound, but fun to learn and see again how congregations have pivoted to learn to do this ministry and thankful for the many volunteers who make it possible. We are #InMissionTogether #NTNL