For Such A Time As This
Tomorrow / Tuesday, August 21
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Episcopal Church continue our united call to Pray, Fast, and Act in support of good policies and programs that provide opportunities for, and respect the dignity of, all people.
This month, we focus on programs that support higher education and learning. The U.S. economy and way of life depend on the education system to provide opportunities for a prosperous future. Education is a pathway to significantly increase an individual’s or family’s access to a stable income, better well-being, and long-term financial security. According to the U.S. Department of Education, college graduates with a bachelor’s degree will earn 66 percent more than individuals with only high school diplomas.
Each fiscal year, Congress must reauthorize current higher education legislation or introduce new legislation. On Dec. 1, 2017, H.R. 4508, the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act was introduced. The PROSPER Act proposes possible solutions to an array of higher education issues. Unfortunately, some of the provisions in the bill do more damage than good.
On August 21, join ELCA Advocacy, the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN), and presiding bishops of The Episcopal Church and the ELCA as we #PrayFastAct.
PRAY alongside those who look to the education system to provide opportunities for a more prosperous future.
FAST in solidarity with all who struggle to gain the education and skills needed to live and thrive in the abundance of our world, particularly those who must choose between education and immediate financial requirements;
ACT by urging our lawmakers to support strong funding for our current higher education programs and oppose efforts like the PROSPER Act that threaten the affordability of higher education for students.
Here’s how to equip yourself and your congregation to #PrayFastAct on August 21:
- Read the August Advocacy Resource for more information on the PROSPER Act as the ELCA and Episcopal Church continue to support strong funding for education priorities.
- Visit ELCA.org/PrayFastAct to watch a message from The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA.
- Look out for the #PrayFastAct action alert on Tuesday, August 21, and join us as we pray, fast, and act in advocacy together.
“Undoing Racism” Training
Next week: August 28-30
Only TWO (2) spots left! REGISTER HERE.
The two and one-half day “Undoing Racism” workshop is being presented by the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. The workshop is worth approximately 16 hours of continuing education units.
The Public Witness team is making this opportunity available free of charge to those in our churches who would like to attend but find the $350.00 tuition prohibitive. The team asks those who have adequate resources to make a contribution with the possibility of not only paying for oneself but also helping to defray the costs for someone else.
Undoing Racism® is the signature workshop of the Peoples’ Institute for Survival and Beyond. Through dialogue, reflection, role-playing, strategic planning, and presentations, this intensive process challenges participants to analyze the structures of power and privilege that hinder social equity and prepares them to be effective organizers for justice. The multiracial team of organizers/trainers includes more than 100 men and women whose anti-racist organizing expertise includes years with civil, labor and welfare rights struggles, educational, foster care, social service, and health reform movements, as well as youth and grassroots community organizing.
Click here to download a flyer with full details.
Questions may be directed to chuck.hubbard@yahoo.com.
We are the branches
In her August column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton asks, “Is it possible to be Lutheran and an ecumenist?” Yes, of course. For we are “scripturally, confessionally and even constitutionally wired to be an ecumenical church.” Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/2MhhULu and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2ORpQ7X.
Featured Resources for August
Planning ahead… Rostered Ministers Appreciation (celebrated in October)
Doing God’s work in the world calls for leaders who bring a variety of training, skills, interests, and life experiences to the work they do in congregations, communities, and partner organizations. Whether serving as a pastor or deacon, rostered ministers carry out the work and mission of this church, sharing God’s love with the world through the good news of Jesus Christ.
This fall, please join us for Rostered Ministers Appreciation to thank our leaders for all they do! Using new resources, including an online peer-to-peer fundraising tool, host a Rostered Ministers Appreciation event to thank your pastor or deacon for all they do and ensure future leaders can respond to the call to serve, just like them. This is a great opportunity to show your pastor or deacon your congregation’s appreciation — all while supporting the next generation of leaders through the ELCA Fund for Leaders and Youth and Young Adults.
Save the Date
The Church of the Damascus Road Golf Outing and Fund Raiser
Fort Worth, TX
September 24
The Church of the Damascus Road is a ministry that assists those people that are imprisoned as well as those that are out and trying to start over. This ministry is in the need of funds to continue to provide services to the members of the church and to grow the ministry to help those struggling. We hope that you will join us in a day of golf and support of the important work being done!
Click here to access a flyer with all the details and to register / become a sponsor.
Recent Blog Posts
Bishop Gronberg:
(https://www.ntnl.org/elca-synod-partnership-sw-penn-synod-inmissiontogether/ – published Aug. 13)
Meet ELCA Missionary Carrie Smith, Saturday August 18th at King of Glory, Dallas
(https://www.ntnl.org/meet-elca-missionary-carrie-smith-saturday-august-18th-at-king-of-glory-dallas/ – published Aug. 14)
(https://www.ntnl.org/united-lutheran-seminary-philly-and-cheesesteaks/ – published Aug. 16)
(https://www.ntnl.org/allegheny-synod-connections-bishops-kids-unite/ – published Aug. 19)
Pastor Totzke:
(https://www.ntnl.org/go-west-old-woman/ – published Aug. 13)
Where in the world is?
Bishop Gronberg:
- Aug. 25: Ordination of Don Strickland, Trinity, Fort Worth
- Aug. 26: Ordination of Miles Holder, Grace, Carrollton
Pastor Totzke:
- Aug. 20: St. John, Bartlett
- Aug. 25: Ordination of Don Strickland, Trinity, Fort Worth
- Aug. 26: King of Glory, Fort Worth, and Ordination of Miles Holder, Grace, Carrollton
Pastora Bañales:
- Aug. 20-25: Congregational Leadership Training, Seattle, WA
- Aug. 26: Ordination of Miles Holder, Grace, Carrollton
Upcoming Events
- Aug. 28-30: “Undoing Racism” Training, Arlington, TX
- Sep. 1: Bishop Installation for the Southwestern Texas Synod, San Antonio, TX
- Sep. 7: The Bolder Board Training, North Texas
- Sep. 9: “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday
- Sep. 15: PLMA Fall 2018, Course 1, Briarwood
- Sep. 17: Boundary Training: Healthy Relationships in Ministry, Fort Worth, TX
- Sep. 20-22: Synod Council meetings, Briarwood
- Sep. 21-23: Middle School Retreat, Briarwood
- Sep. 22: MEF Board meeting, Briarwood
- Sep. 24: The Church of the Damascus Road Golf Outing and Fund Raiser, Fort Worth, TX
- Sep. 24-26: 2018 First Call Retreat, Briarwood
- Sep. 28-30: Addiction & Faith Conference, Bloomington, MN
- Sep. 29: Panhandle Fall Conference: An introduction to The Generosity Project, Wilson, TX
- Oct. 2: Mosaic Partners in Possibilities fundraiser lunch, San Angelo, TX
- Oct. 4: OLOGY The Symposium: A Dialogue Between Psychology and Theology, Richardson, TX
- Oct. 6: Fall Festival & Thrivent Cook-Off, Briarwood
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to the Synod office (office@ntnl.org) for consideration for upcoming NT-NL News.