Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
We are church together across many miles in NT-NL. Our Panhandle Conference experiences those miles as significantly as any. Yet despite that they work to gather and build relationships. I received just recently this communication from our Conference Dean the Rev. Arlen Lloyd about a pulpit swap they accomplished. Of note here is the joy in the message but also that we have 5 ordained pastors to do a pulpit swap in the Panhandle. As recently as just a couple years ago we only had 1 regularly called pastor in the conference due to mobility. So good news, new pastors and colleagues learning and celebrating our commonality in worship and Word…
“Bishop,
I want to report to you about an event we had in the Panhandle Conference! On Sunday, July 28, five pastors of the conference exchanged churches/pulpits! This was set up by a random drawing process. Let’s just say it worked. I went to St Paul’s Levelland and Trinity in Clovis, Eric Saed went to Shepherd King in Lubbock, Darlene Hopkins went to Oslo rural Gruver, Sean McConathy went to Beautiful Savior in Amarillo and Leah Lawson went to Trinity rural Lockney. The purpose of the pulpit exchange was to help the congregations to become acquainted with other pastors in the conference and also to help the congregations understand/feel that they are part of a larger caring group of churches and pastors.
It was a great learning experience. Vary positive remarks from the pastors and the parishioners. Example: I was totally amazed what energy it takes to serve two churches 90 miles apart (as Eric Saed does every Sunday). Darlene discovered what it is like to serve in a remote area such as Oslo and because of the distance from Lubbock she and her husband came up and stayed over night where they had gracious hosts and a Sunday potluck noon meal especially for them. The other pastors of the conference had wonderful, and positive experiences. (All want to do it again maybe during Advent or Lent). We’ll see. Logistically wise I traveled 450 miles round trip, Darlene about the
same to come to Oslo, the other pastors about 200 miles round trip.
So you see it took a bit of commitment! The next time you speak to any of the pastors from the Panhandle Conference you may want to ask them about the “pulpit exchange experience”. A further note we not only preached at the service but presided at the church we went to interesting we discovered all follow the same format for worship (Gathering, Word, Meal and Sending) but each congregation adds their
own special touches to the service.
Peace and blessings!
Arlen (Dean of the Panhandle Conference)”
We are #TogetherInMission:
Bishop Gronberg
Parish Lay Ministry Academy (PLMA) Registration Open
The Parish Lay Ministry Academy (PLMA) is a two-year program of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana (NT-NL) Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) developed for the purpose of training and preparing lay leadership in congregations or other ministries across the Church. Join in this venture of personal growth and development for Lutheran Christians in leadership and service. Tracks are offered in English and in Spanish.
See the webpage for more information and for registration. Classes begin in September!
“In Search of Paul; An Aegean Odyssey” Trip in 2025
The Rev. Dr. Don Carlson is hosting a Pauline study pilgrimage for rostered leaders and inquiring disciples from April 22-May 8, 2025. This trip is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is serious about studying scripture and growing their understanding of the first-century Christian movement. Registration closes November 1, 2024.
For more information visit The LEAD landing page here.
Featured Resources for August
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 4: Trinity, Sherman
August 18: First United, Dallas
August 25: Rev Phil Heinz Retirement, Calvary, Richland Hills
Pastora Bañales:
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 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:
- September 6-7: Synod Council Meeting, Good Shepherd, Irving
- September 6: Installation of Pastor Kelsey Fitting-Snyder, Good Shepherd, Irving
- September 10: UNT Campus Ministry Lunch & Learn
- September 14: Public Witness Team Meeting
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.