Message from Bishop Gronberg

Siblings in Christ,

As we were unable to have an assembly this past weekend as hoped, the embedded video below has been prepared for you, which is part of what I would have included in my report of the bishop to the assembly. Over the course of the next few weeks, other videos highlighting other aspects of the synod assembly will be produced and shared. I give thank for you all that work you are doing. The text of the video is also included below for accessibility, as are the links included in the slide show.

It is also important to note that much of the success of the re-vitalized NT-NL Synod Stewardship team has been the product of hard work by Sandra Gass (member of Rejoice, Frisco). Sandra claimed the promises of her baptism on Wednesday April 22nd. Information about remembering her can be found at this link.

Continue reading this State of the Synod post from Bishop Gronberg.

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Learning Coaching Skills for Grief and Loss

Learning Coaching Skills for Grief and Loss

Tuesday, May 5, 12:00-2:00pm

Presenter: Dr. Don Eisenhauer, Coaching at End of Life

Every day, we receive updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has resulted in another pandemic — a pandemic of grief. This session will explore how leaders can use basic Coaching skills to be present with individuals in the midst of their grief. The focus will be on supporting our local faith communities, as well as society as a whole.

This webinar is open to all. You do not need to be a rostered/authorized leader in NT-NL or even the ELCA, nor do you need coach training or certifications. These skills are applicable in a variety of vocational service, and we encourage you to attend.

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Freed to serve | Liberados para servir

In her April column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on this paradox found in Martin Luther’s treatise On the Freedom of a Christian: “A Christian is lord of all, servant of all, completely free of everything. A Christian is servant, completely attentive to the needs of all.” Read her column in English: Freed to serve o lee su columna en español: Liberados para servir.

ELCA World Hunger’s Daily Bread Matching Grants support congregations and their partners as they work toward a just world where all are fed. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations with feeding ministries are eligible to participate. Apply today!

As part of the ELCA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 200 grants will be available to eligible ministries on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once your application has been approved, you will be able to invite your congregation, networks and friends to donate. To kickstart your campaign, the funds you raise will be matched by ELCA World Hunger with a grant of $500.

DOMESTIC HUNGER GRANTS

We are church together, working toward a just world where all are fed.

ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job readiness, human rights, policy change, leadership development and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger — for good. Learn how to register and apply. (due before June 1)

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Save the Date

Bible Based Recovery meetings

Monday-Thursday, 7-8pm

Hosted by Pastor Dan Lund.
For anyone having problems with addiction, anxiety, or anger issues, or even just coping with COVID-19.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8176291757?pwd=WHk4VVhub0F5ZUdzNHBPNEsrYmh0UT09

Meeting ID: 817 629 1757
Password: 680606

One tap mobile
+13462487799,,8176291757#,,#,680606# US (Houston)
+14086380968,,8176291757#,,#,680606# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 817 629 1757
Password: 680606

Bishop Gronberg:

Stewardship and COVID-19

(https://www.ntnl.org/stewardship-and-covid-19/ – published Apr. 20)

Yom Hashoah: April 21

(https://www.ntnl.org/yom-hashoah-april-21/ – published Apr. 20)

Advocating with Dallas Area Interfaith

(https://www.ntnl.org/advocating-with-dallas-area-interfaith/ – published Apr. 21)

COVID-19 Gathering Guidelines and Worship Resources (Ingles y Espanol)

(https://www.ntnl.org/covid-19-gathering-guidelines-and-worship-resources-ingles-y-espanol/ – published Apr. 22)

Remembering Sandra Gass

(https://www.ntnl.org/remembering-sandra-gass/ – published Apr. 26)

Religious Freedom, Public Health, and COVID-19

(https://www.ntnl.org/religious-freedom-public-health-and-covid-19/ – published Apr. 26)

Pastor Smith:

Reopening Congregations in the Time of COVID-19

(https://www.ntnl.org/reopening-congregations-in-the-time-of-covid-19/ – published Apr. 20)

Impact Diamonds: Societal Chaplaincy and COVID-19

(https://www.ntnl.org/impact-diamonds-societal-chaplaincy-and-covid-19/ – published Apr. 21)

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Where in the world is?

Based on recommendations from public health officials, and to live out our call to love and protect “the least of these,” Bishop Gronberg, Pastor Totzke, and Pastora Bañales are suspending all congregational visits, in-person meetings, and travel until further notice. They will continue to meet with individuals and groups online. Though many buildings are closed, the church is all of us, and ministry continues.