Christmas Break Young Adult Retreat
This Changes Everything | Esto Cambia Todo
December 27-28
Led by Bishop Gronberg and other NT-NL Leaders
Who: Young Adults 18-25 (post high school): Former LYLEs, Briarwood Camp Staff, College Students, Campus Ministry students, others interested in God’s call in their lives.
What: Conversation around scripture with other young people and leaders in NT-NL. Time to get away for a bit during Christmas break, enjoy fellowship, maybe take a ride on the zip line, worship around a campfire, and enjoy Briarwood’s beautiful campus.
Cost: Free to participants
Goal: Provide space for discernment and conversation around goals for future vocation for young people connected to NT-NL. Provide some time during Christmas break and a safe space for conversations about faith and life. Not specifically targeting church vocations, encouraging all to think about how God is working in their lives now.
Click here for full details and to apply. Limited to 25 participants.
ConFESt: Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop
ConFESt: Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop
Christ, Dallas
January 13, 2-4pm
Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good conFESsion in the presence of many witnesses. – 1 Timothy 6:12
Featuring:
- A short worship service with a message from the bishop.
- A photo for each confirmation class taken with the bishop.
- A ministry fair with information and involvement opportunities from synod and ELCA ministries.
- Food, of course!
The goals are for confirmation students to:
- get to know the bishop and youth from other congregations,
- learn about our wider church and how to get involved,
- worship, and
- have fun!
Congregations are invited to register your whole confirmation class, including teachers and adult advisers.
Click here for a Save the Date flyer. REGISTER HERE.
To serve and love the neighbor
This year marked the fifth anniversary of “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, a day when ELCA congregations across the country participate in a national day of service. Living Lutheran’s November cover story gives a look at how five congregations marked the day and includes stories from members on what it means to serve their neighbors.
Read the article and use a corresponding study guide for discussion.
Featured Resources for December
The holidays can be a tough time for many, especially those grieving.
What Faith Communities Can Do to Prevent Suicide
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Our mission is inclusive and interfaith. Our goal is zero suicides for all peoples, no matter their beliefs.
Save the Date
Women, Word, and Wine Retreat 2019
Briarwood Retreat Center
January 4-6
Join us at the Women’s retreat as we explore the past, present, and future of women changing the world using their gifts and their faith while enjoying community, fellowship, and wine!
Recent Blog Posts
Bishop Gronberg:
(https://www.ntnl.org/thanksgiving-gratitude-for-mentors-and-family-time/ – published Nov. 20)
11/11/18 Calvary, San Angelo: Confirmation, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving
(https://www.ntnl.org/11-11-18-calvary-san-angelo-confirmation-veterans-day-and-thanksgiving/ – published Nov. 28)
(https://www.ntnl.org/young-at-heart-staff-thanksgiving-gratitude-for-service/ – published Nov. 30)
(https://www.ntnl.org/building-connections-with-elca-churchwide/ – published Dec. 1)
Where in the world is?
Bishop Gronberg:
- Dec. 3: Upbring Texas Judicatory Meeting, Austin, TX
- Dec. 4-6: Region 4 Bishops Gathering, Tulsa, OK
Pastor Totzke:
- Dec. 8: Meeting with Bosque County leaders, St. Olaf, Cranfills Gap, TX
Pastora Bañales:
- Dec. 1: Demographics Training, Grace Presbyterian, Irving, TX
- Dec. 2: Rejoice, Coppell
- Dec. 3: Meeting with Church of the Damascus Road Prison Ministry
- Dec. 4-6: Synod Lay Schools Gathering, Chicago, IL
- Dec. 7: Meeting with Umoja Ministries (Dallas and Fort Worth)
- Dec. 8: Meeting with Bosque County leaders, St. Olaf, Cranfills Gap, TX
Upcoming Events
- Dec. 27-28: NT-NL 2018 Christmas Break Young Adult Retreat, Briarwood
- Jan. 4-6: Women, Word, and Wine Retreat 2019, Briarwood
- Jan. 13: ConFESt: Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop, Dallas, TX
- Jan. 17: Boundaries Training, Briarwood
- Jan. 26-27: Men’s Lumberjack Retreat, Briarwood
- Jan. 28-30: Tri-Theological Conference, Galveston, TX
- Jan. 31 – Feb. 3: IGNITE: North Texas 2019 (ALDE), Grapevine, TX
- Feb. 8-9: Synod Council meeting, Briarwood
- Feb. 9: MEF Board meeting, Briarwood
- Feb. 16-17: Junior High Gathering & Group Dynamix, Carrollton, TX
- Feb. 23: Senior Fest 2019 (ALOA), Plano, TX
- Mar. 1-3: Peer Ministry (9th-12th grades), Fort Worth, TX
- Mar. 30: Dallas Area Metro North conference retreat, Carrollton, TX
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.