Message from Bishop Gronberg
August 18-22 we will welcome Bishop Moses Kobba Momoh from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sierra Leone (ELCSL) to our territory for the first time in his tenure as bishop. A wonderful opportunity to build our partnership and learn what the ELCSL is doing to build up people in their midst.
Make plans to join us for any or all of these events:
Friday, August 19, 11am – Reception, St. Matthew, Waco
Saturday, August 20, 2pm – Reception, Advent, Arlington
Sunday, August 21, 10am – Worship with Forum Conversation, Christ, Dallas
And see below for my blog posts from the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly last week. You can also find a nice summary of the week’s activities via Living Lutheran here: https://www.livinglutheran.org/tag/2022-elca-churchwide-assembly/
Leading Faithful Innovation: Getting Clear on the Why of Your Church
From our partners at Faith+Lead (Luther Seminary):
Leading Faithful Innovation: Getting Clear on the Why of Your Church
TOMORROW, August 17, 1-2pm Central
What Difference Does the Gospel Make?
The number of people pursuing faith and spirituality outside an institution is growing. Because of that, the need for churches to be able to define their why is critical. Why do they exist? What unique message do they have for a culture hungry for hope? With division and despair at all-time highs, how are churches making meaning in day-to-day life? For generations, the answers to these questions were assumed. That’s not the case today.
In this webinar, we’ll explore ways to help your church get clear on its why — the very real difference the Gospel of Jesus makes in your congregation and community. You’ll gain simple, accessible practices churches can use to renew their focus, and learn to articulate the Gospel in ways that energize and animate life.
Advance registration required.
Lutheran Men in Mission Bold Gathering
2022 In Person National Bold Gathering
October 7-9
Ashland, Nebraska
Click here for a one-page PDF. Register by August 25 for a discount!
Invitation from ELCA pastor Jason Adams:
Featured Resources for August
FREE resources to equip you for the work of ministry.
From increasing giving, managing your congregation, and engaging your church, tithe.ly’s collection of FREE resources will keep you up to date on the latest church and ministry trends.
And another example:
Unleash Generosity: 7 Steps to Increase Giving This Month
Supercharge giving in your church with this 7-step guide.
Save the Date
Saturday and Sunday, October 7-8
The NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization (Women of the ELCA) 2022 Fall Retreat will take place at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Waco, TX.
For full details and to register: https://ntnllutheranwomen.com/
Recent Blog Posts
Bishop Gronberg:
(https://www.ntnl.org/elca-churchwide-assembly-august-8/ – published Aug. 8)
(https://www.ntnl.org/elca-churchwide-assembly-august-9/ – published Aug. 9)
(https://www.ntnl.org/elca-churchwide-assembly-august-10/ – published Aug. 10)
(https://www.ntnl.org/elca-churchwide-assembly-august-11/ – published Aug. 11)
(https://www.ntnl.org/ordination-of-deacon-jj-godwin/ – published Aug. 13)
Where in the world is?
Across a context as wide and different as NT-NL, the reality of Covid-19 is very different. As such, NT-NL synod staff are doing more in-person Sunday visits for worship and occasional meetings. However, as good stewards of time and travel dollars, we will be utilizing online meeting formats into our new hybrid future. Given the rise of breakthrough infections and in order to protect those gathered, the synod staff will choose to wear masks as is deemed appropriate unless preaching or presiding and sufficient social distancing can be provided.
Bishop Gronberg:
Aug. 18: Presiding at funeral of Bonnie Bell, Christ the Servant, Denton
Aug. 18-22: Hosting Bishop Momoh (ELCSL)
Pastor Totzke:
Aug. 10-17: VacationAug. 19-20: Candidacy Meeting and retreat, BriarwoodAug. 23: First Call pastors, ZoomAug. 27-28: Permian Basin ministry conversations, Midland/Odessa
Pastora Bañales:
Aug. 15-17: DEM’s Region 4 Retreat, Galveston
Aug. 18: Ecumenical Panel
Aug. 21-24: ELCA Becoming Service & Justice conference
Aug. 26-27: NT-NL Latina Women Retreat
Aug. 30: Meeting with Mission Developer
Aug. 31: Meeting with Mission Developer
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:
- Aug. 17: Courageous Leadership – Coaching Real and Current Topics for Attendees, Zoom
- Aug. 18: Funeral of Bonnie Bell, Christ the Servant, Denton
- Aug. 19-21: Bishop Momoh (ELCSL) visiting Texas – Waco, Arlington, and Dallas
- Aug. 24: Courageous Leadership – Coaching Real and Current Topics for Attendees, Zoom
- Aug. 31: Courageous Leadership – Coaching Real and Current Topics for Attendees, Zoom
- Sep. 1: Transitional Pastors monthly meeting, Zoom
- Sep. 7: Courageous Leadership – Coaching – Choose Your Own Adventure (breakout rooms by topic), Zoom
- Sep. 10: Synod Council and MEF Board meetings, Hybrid (Briarwood and Zoom)
- Sep. 10: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2022, Course 1, Hybrid (Briarwood and Zoom)
- Sep. 10: Public Witness Team meeting, Zoom
- Sep. 14: Courageous Leadership – TBA, Zoom
- Sep. 21: Courageous Leadership – TBA, Zoom
- Sep. 28: Courageous Leadership – TBA, 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 editions of our weekly news.