Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
Having had a wonderful time at the ELCA Youth Gathering and with the start of school looming my family took our summer vacation last week to Washington D.C. As we often do when we travel we drove from Fort Worth to our nation’s capitol. Along the way we took in some sights and historic locations such as the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated.

In D.C. we were lucky to be able to take a tour of the White House, the Capitol, and many other of the monuments and museums. In all these places we were greeted warmly by the staff, our national park rangers, and those who live in the city. Welcoming us to these special places in our nation’s history and life. Our visit to the National Archives was awe inspiring to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights preserved in their original form. These documents outlining a vision for a government of and for the people.
We live in a very divided and divisive time. Washington D.C. is often spoken of in negative terms, a place of waste and corruption. And indeed those things exist in every human institution. But as Luther reminds us in the small catechism, part of our daily bread for which we pray is good government. This trip encouraged me again as a citizen of this nation to pray that prayer ever more fervently and to reject the politics and rhetoric of negativity. To engage my civic duty, to pray, and to encourage one another towards justice. That we live ever more as a country into the vision of those founding documents.
#TogetherInMission,
Bishop Gronberg
July Mission Support Memo
In the July 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo read about how Prince of Peace Evangelical August Lutheran Church in Bangor, Pa reminds us all that with dedicated leaders and faith, any congregation can reach out and meet community needs. Their POP’s Treasures Thrift Boutique offers folks a place to share their treasures, shares these with those in need, opens a way to volunteer, plus donates profits to community needs. Treasures Abound!
NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization’s July Newsletter
You can read about the happenings of our Synodical Women’s Organization here.
As we turn our attention towards cooler weather, Advent and the Christmas season the ELCA offers a place of welcome for all seeking a congregational home. Your congregation can extend an invitation to neighbors and the surrounding community through the use of these FREE and customizable communications tools. Download and use these free tools today:
Where in the world is?
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:
August 18: First United, Dallas
August 25: Rev Phil Heinz Retirement, Calvary, Richland Hills
Pastora Bañales:
August 8: Santa Maria, Irving
August 10: NT-NL Congregations Lead Initiative, St. Matthew’s, Fort Worth
August 13: DEM Advisory Team, First, Longview
August 18: Rejoice, Frisco
August 20-25: ELCA Latine Leadership Young Adult Summit, Chicago
August 27: Satna Maria, Irving
August 30: Candidacy Leadership Development Working Group
August 30-September 1: First Sagrada Familia Annual Women’s Retreat, Galveston
Pastor Fitting-Snyder
August 6-9: Out of Office
August 25: King of Glory, Dallas
August 25: Rev Phil Heinz Retirement, Calvary, Richland Hills
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:
- August 6: UNT Campus Ministry Open House
- August 10: Public Witness Team Meeting
- September 10: UNT Campus Ministry Lunch & Learn
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to office@ntnl.org for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.


