Message from Bishop Gronberg
Sunday August 25, 2024 was a busy and important time. I opened my day by driving down to St. Matthew’s in Waco. Their most recent pastor, the Rev. Kelsey Fitting-Snyder has now joined my staff. So I went to be with them to help provide pulpit supply in this time. I also had the task of saying “sorry” for taking their pastor, but also encourage them that their work with her prepared her for this next task.
I was grateful that they did not throw anything at my while I preached and for their kind and encouraging words about Rev. Fitting-Snyder. They are proud of her new role while they also recognize the grief and transition now they face.

Then back to the metroplex and up to Calvary-Richland Hills for the retirement eucharist of the Rev. Phil Heinz. Phil has served at Calvary for 33 years. From intern to pastor to co-pastor. He has cultivated community there in a multitude of ways and supervised 22 interns. A great number of which were back for this service today. I was gratified to see a number of NT-NL clergy, even from beyond the Metroplex West conference in attendance for this day. We give thanks for Pastor Phil’s ministry and look forward to what God has in store for him in retirement.
#Juntosenmision #togetherinmission #MilesandMiles
Bishop Gronberg
Virtual Discernment Event 2024 “Are You Ready for Seminary?”
Join Seminaries of the ELCA for a virtual discernment event with representatives from all seven ELCA seminaries on Sunday, September 15th from 3:00-5:30pm.
Click here for more information and to register.
Funeral Service for Cindy Klaus
Cindy Klaus, daughter of Carolyn Klaus and sister to SAWL Tonda Freitag, died unexpectedly this past weekend.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, August 31 at 10:00 AM at St. John Lutheran, 1305 Dickson Ave. in Wilson, Texas. Please keep the entire Klaus family in prayer.
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 27: Satna Maria, Irving
August 30: Candidacy Leadership Development Working Group
August 30-September 1: First Sagrada Familia Annual Women’s Retreat, Galveston
September 6: Synod Council, Good Shepherd, Irving
September 7-16: Vacation
September 19: Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) Board Meeting
September 20: DEM Advisory Team Meeting, Waco
September 21: Spiritual Feast for the Journey Gathering, Waco
September 22: Latinx Young Adult Worship Service, San Gabriel, Alvarado
September 24-26: Region 4 DEMs Retreat, Kansas City
Pastor Fitting-Snyder
August 27: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
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 27: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- 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
- September 24: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
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.

