Message from Synod Vice President, Don Heller

At the Church Wide Assembly in Phoenix from July 28-August 2, the NTNL Synod was represented by people who have a passion for Jesus and the church. As I sat around the table in plenary or the meetings, worshiped, laughed, and ate with them, I gained a renewed confidence and hope that faith is being passed on to another generation of people! When you see Ben Frietag, Pastor Kathryn Saunders-Allen, Pastor Dan Weichart, Laz Lopez, and Mariana Reyes, thank them for taking time out of their schedules to do the much needed, sometimes very boring and tedious, holy work that needed to be done in Phoenix. They helped to elect our new presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, our new Secretary Rev Lucille “CeCee” Mills, and a whole slate of others for other committees and Church Wide Offices including our own Anthony Ormsbee-Hale for the ELCA Committee on Discipline. They helped to shape and pass a social statement on Civic Life and Faith and many other resolutions and statements.

Sometimes the actual work of any group doing the necessary politics to arrive at a position is rather messy. I have heard the expression that politics, which is what we were doing, sometimes looks a bit like making hot dogs or sausage but the end products can be very good. Pastor Kathryn very eloquently stated her position before the assembly on one matter concerning how the ELCA could accept constitutional amendments. Several people, including some of the more well-known and respected people in our church dropped by the table to thank her for her statement.

Both Bishop-elect Curry and Secretary-elect Mills began their ministry through the TEEMs (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) route which is used to lift up people from within the local congregation, to become pastors in inner city, rural, and other places that cannot afford a pastor. They both have their roots in places which serve those whose voices are muffled and financial abilities are very limited. This is one very important place where our heart as a church should be present to give voice in word, sacrament, and service proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Their jobs are difficult, and their callings will be arduous. Keep them and their families in your prayers.

Trying to put into words how moving the worship sessions are, is very difficult. One has to be present to fully experience those moments. You can find the videos of the assembly plenary and worship services here: https://tinyurl.com/ELCA-2025-CWA . In her address to the assembly in plenary 7 which you can find in the link, Bishop Eaton makes a very powerful statement starting about minute 44 into that video. She asks,

“What is the primary mission of the church?” What makes us different than a wonderful, justice, loving group of atheists who are doing good? If we cannot name the name… if we cannot put ourselves under not only the power and authority but also the protection and strength of Jesus, then we should go out of business as a church.”

She brought us back to the main point that Jesus is the main thing. All the good things we do come as a loving response to Jesus. We cannot get caught up in doing all the good things without remembering why and who is the reason for our work. As we are church together in the NTNL Synod, Bishop Eaton’s final report calls us to be firmly rooted in our understanding that Jesus is the center of our faith, our church, and our lives.

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The July 2025 Mission Support Memo enlightens us about our ELCA chaplains in specialized ministry and federal chaplaincy across our church who minister to all in all kinds of places. Our ELCA chaplains in specialized ministry and federal chaplaincy serve to support those defending our country, in places outside church walls, tending to people of all needs and backgrounds and showing the gratitude and love of God to all. We hope you will take the opportunity to learn more about this incredible ministry.

You can also check out a new way to use The Generosity Project, an intergenerational stewardship and engagement series, that could become your next vacation bible school curriculum. They also share their gratitude for the vast number of storytellers across the greater church, synods, congregations, and among our communities sharing God’s loving grace.

Click here to read the memo.

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Via de Cristo Seminary Scholarship Recipient: Aaron Colwick

Aaron Colwick was awarded the 1st Annual Seminary Scholarship of $500 at the 2025 Annual Gathering of Via de Cristo on July 26th in Charlotte, NC! Please join our closing worship with communion where he’ll accept his award from Jerry Gray, Via de Cristo National Lutheran Secretariat Treasurer:

Date: Sunday, August 17
Time: 3:30-5:00pm
Place: Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center, Bridgeport TX

Aaron attended Lutheran Via de Cristo of North Texas weekend #91 and served at several closing worship (Clausura) Music Teams. He has been active in Via De Cristo and has also been a youth minister (or volunteer) since 2003.

NT-NL synod staff are excited to engage in-person on Sundays for worship. As good stewards of time and travel dollars, we will be utilizing online meeting formats in our new hybrid reality when possible. If you would like to schedule a meeting with the bishop or Synod staff please contact them directly.

Bishop Gronberg:

Aug 3- Sep 1: Sabbatical

Pastora Bañales:

August 12: Rostered Women Leaders online Course: “Stepping Up to Supervision”
August 14: Spanish Leadership Missional Training Planning Team
August 17: Hope, Springtown
August 18: Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI), Zoom
August 19: Rostered Women Leaders online Course: “Stepping Up to Supervision”
August 22-24: Conferencia Latina Annual Couples Retreat, Cedar Hill
August 28: Dallas Area Interfaith Meeting
August 28: DEM Advisory Team Meeting
August 31: Emanuel, Dallas

Pastor Fitting-Snyder:

August 17: Holy Trinity, Lebanon PA
August 28: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom