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.
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.
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.
Featured Resources for April
ELCA World Hunger Grants
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.
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)
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.
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Recent Blog Posts
Bishop Gronberg:
(https://www.ntnl.org/stewardship-and-covid-19/ – published Apr. 20)
(https://www.ntnl.org/yom-hashoah-april-21/ – published Apr. 20)
(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)
(https://www.ntnl.org/remembering-sandra-gass/ – published Apr. 26)
(https://www.ntnl.org/religious-freedom-public-health-and-covid-19/ – published Apr. 26)
Pastor Smith:
(https://www.ntnl.org/reopening-congregations-in-the-time-of-covid-19/ – published Apr. 20)
(https://www.ntnl.org/impact-diamonds-societal-chaplaincy-and-covid-19/ – published Apr. 21)
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.
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:
- Apr. 28: Holy Hollywood for NT-NL Young Adults, Zoom
- Apr. 29: Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders, Zoom
- Apr. 30: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
- May 2: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 7 (Día 3 de 5), Zoom
- May 5: Learning Coaching Skills for Grief and Loss, Zoom
- May 6: Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders, Zoom
- May 7: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
- May 9: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 7 (Día 4 de 5), Zoom
- May 9: Public Witness Team meeting, Zoom
- May 12: Holy Hollywood for NT-NL Young Adults, Zoom
- May 13: Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders, Zoom
- May 14: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
- May 16: PLMA, Spring 2020, Course 3, Zoom
- May 16: Briarwood 2020 Gala: Adventure Awaits, Online Experience
- May 20: Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders, Zoom
- May 21: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
- May 23: ESET (SSTE) Módulo 7 (Día 5 de 5), Zoom
- May 24-29: Spanish Language and Hispanic Ministry Intensive I, Austin, TX
- May 26: Holy Hollywood for NT-NL Young Adults, Zoom
- May 27: Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders, Zoom
- May 28: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to Jason (jason@ntnl.org) for consideration for upcoming NT-NL News.