Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
As we draw nearer to the festival of Christmas know that I and your synod staff are in prayer for you. For all our worship leaders, rostered and lay, paid and volunteer, young and old. For musicians, office staff, janitors, copiers, and poinsettia deliverers. All preparing to welcome those who come to our congregations across NT-NL to once again worship the wonder of God made flesh in Jesus. We are grateful for you all. May your Christmas celebrations across the12 days of the festival be joyful and may you know always God’s peace.
Merry Christmas! Bishop Gronberg and NT-NL Staff.
In his Christmas message to the church, Bishop Curry delivers a children’s sermon, describing the night when Jesus was born. “One silent night, far away in a town called Bethlehem, the stars twinkled brighter than ever. And the angels were there too. It was as if the whole sky was whispering: ‘Something wonderful is happening.’”
Curry emphasizes that “whispers make us stop, listen and pay attention” and reminds us that, this Christmas, we should listen closely because “the heavens are still whispering: ‘Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.’”
You can read the message here in English or here in Spanish.
Recent Blog Posts
Featured Resources for December
Our friends at Compassionate Christianity offer an extensive array of FREE resources, such as Personal Nourishment and Spiritual Practices, Family and Pastoral Resources, Compassion in Action (including a partnership with How to Heal Our Divides), and so much more:
Resources for the Compassionate Christian Community
“Inclusive, welcoming, and affirming resources, reflecting the compassion Jesus modeled for us.”
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:
December 27-January 1: Family Vacation
January 4: Central, Dallas
January 5-7: Region 4 Bishops Gathering, Omaha, NE
January 18: Central, Dallas
January 24: Parish Lay Ministry Academy Graduation Service, Good Shepherd, Irving
January 31: Texas Lutheran University Corporation Board Meeting, Seguin
Pastora Bañales:
December 22-January 2: Vacation
January 11: Adviento, Arlington
January 12: Spanish Coaching Team
January 15: DEM Advisory Team Meeting
January 22: ELCA & UMC Fresh Expression Planning Team
January 24: PLMA Graduation, Good Shepherd, Irving
January 25: First Sagrada Familia, Garland
January 29: Brite Divinity School: “The Foreigner Among Us” Bass Conference Center, Fort Worth
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
December 25-January 2: Vacation
January 8: Region 4 Assistant to the Bishop Meeting
January 10: Candidacy Committee, Zoom
January 11: Rejoice, Flower Mound
January 18: St. Matthew, Waco
January 25: Immanuel, Killeen
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:
- January 2-4: NT-NL Peer Ministry Leadership Event, Calvary, Richland Hills
- January 10: Public Witness Team Meeting
- January 15: NT-NL Youth Leader Lunch, Rejoice, Coppell
- January 24: Parish Lay Ministry Academy Graduation, Good Shepherd, Irving
- January 27: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Save the Date
- April 24-25, 2026: Synod Assembly
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to office@ntnl.org for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.