Pray. Fast. Act.

     

“For Such A Time As This”

DECEMBER 21: As we near the end of the year, we recognize the final month of our shared #PrayFastAct campaign with The Episcopal Church. Over the course of the last two years, we have been grateful for our shared ecumenical partnership, focusing on the ways systemic change can make a meaningful difference for those of us struggling with poverty.

Focusing on a different theme each month (from hunger, health, community, shelter, and much more), the #PrayFastAct campaign stemmed from the recognition that effective approaches to poverty address the needs of the whole human person. Taking a small amount of time out of our busy schedules each month to pray, fast, and act may seem like a small step; but in routine action, it can serve as a transformative tool to ensure our neighbors do not fall through the cracks when times are hard. Through the end of this month, we hope you have a chance to review the current alerts found at ELCA Action Center and ELCA.org/prayfastact that address many of those needs today.

We act out of the conviction that the status quo has not been effective enough for many of us in need, and that conviction continues. Look forward to an upcoming video later this month to see a full review of our campaign and what steps are ahead for 2019.

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From cradle to grave

In the December issue of Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on Christmas, a time when “God reversed the cradle-to-grave progression.” We are on a joyful journey, where we are loved, we are alive, and we are free to greet this holy season. Read her column in English: From cradle to grave, or lee su columna en español: De la cuna a la sepultura.

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“The hope to see my dream come true”

A new class of future leaders has just completed their first semester of studies at ELCA colleges, universities and seminaries, including 26 women from our global companion churches pursuing four-year degrees with the International Women Leaders initiative. Dora, an International Women Leaders scholarship recipient from Cameroon studying at Concordia College, shares, “If I were to use one word to describe this program, it’s hope. The hope to gain better education than I would have ever had at home, the hope to be a pillar in my church and my society, and the hope to participate in life-changing experiences. The hope to bring a contribution to the development of my church and my country. The hope that one day, like those who help me, I will help young girls who can’t afford education. The hope to see my dream come true.”

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Save the Date

Boundaries Training

Briarwood

January 17, 9am-3pm (including lunch)

Facilitator: Joretta Marshall, Executive Vice President and Dean, and also Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care, at Brite Divinity School

$25/person

For planning purposes, registration will only be open through January 3. REGISTER HERE.

If you need a place to stay before / after this event, please contact christi@briarwoodretreat.org.

* The ELCA highly recommends Boundaries Training every 3 years, at a minimum, for all Rostered Leaders.

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Recent Blog Posts

Bishop Gronberg:

Visit to UpBring and Pastoral Call to former bishop Wahlberg and family

(https://www.ntnl.org/visit-to-upbring-and-pastoral-call-to-former-bishop-wahlberg-and-family/ – published Dec. 10)

First Sunday of Advent at Trinity, Sherman

(https://www.ntnl.org/first-sunday-of-advent-at-trinity-sherman/ – published Dec. 11)

Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe/Posada Season is upon us!

(https://www.ntnl.org/festival-of-the-virgin-of-guadalupe-posada-season-is-upon-us/ – published Dec. 12)

Region 4 Bishops: ASSEMBLE!

(https://www.ntnl.org/region-4-bishops-assemble/ – published Dec. 15)

Saint Lucy

(https://www.ntnl.org/saint-lucy/ – published Dec. 16)

Pastor Totzke:

Thankoffering Service at Calvary

(https://www.ntnl.org/thankoffering-service-at-calvary/ – published Dec. 16)

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Where in the world is?

Bishop Gronberg:

• No visits planned this week

Pastor Totzke:

• No visits planned this week

Pastora Bañales:

• No visits planned this week