Message from Bishop Gronberg

Dear Partners in Mission:

Over the last week the entire territory of NT-NL has endured cold temperatures and frozen precipitation at levels and for periods of time that have not been seen in years. In addition the infrastructure intended to provide heat, water, and power failed in many areas. This has had dire consequences and cost human lives. It has taken a toll on facilities including homes, businesses, and churches.

My staff and I have been connecting with leaders across the synod checking in and assessing the damage this storm caused. And the damage is significant. Indeed lives have been lost or injuries sustained. Individuals have lost homes and apartments, possessions destroyed by water damage or fire. As of my writing this I am aware of 10 NT-NL congregational facilities that have sustained damage of varying levels. Some damaged to the point that it will take much time to repair them for occupancy. We are available and offering assistance to those communities as appropriate.

Briarwood did experience broken water pipes as well when power failed. However, the onsite crew was prepared and has worked diligently to mitigate damage and already begin repairs. Additionally, the insurance adjuster commended both the staff and the design and construction of the Christ Leadership Center. Had staff acted less quickly and/or the building been designed less well he believed the sprinkler system might have failed and the building completely flooded. So we give thanks for the foresight of those who planned and executed that construction.

Buildings can be rebuilt. More important always are the lives impacted, neighbors are served. In these check-ins I have heard stories of families opening their doors to one another, food and water being shared abundantly, firewood delivered to chilly apartments, donations being made to our synod disaster fund, new connections between congregations fostered as pastors and lay leaders check on their congregation members as well as those of other congregations, literally saving lives.

This is the work of Christian love and service. To love and care for our neighbor in all times, but particularly in time of trouble. We stand together in our work and our mission and that work will continue as lives are rebuilt and communities sustained. Across our territory opportunities to be generous abound and we will be collecting and sharing those as we are made aware of them.

God’s peace be with you all in this challenging time. We grieve our losses, including now over 500,000 lives lost to Covid-19, and yet we give thanks for the ways in which we are able to share and receive God’s abundance. May you continue to have a blessed and holy Lent.

In Christ,

Bishop Gronberg

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A time for leaders to take a moment to center ourselves in this Holy Season.

We will begin with a litany, special music, then read the gospel for the coming Sunday and have a short reflection.

We will close with prayer (prayer requests taken in the chat).

Bishop Gronberg will lead the liturgy; NT-NL first call pastors will bring the reflection.

Join us live on Zoom or watch on Facebook.

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 945 5397 7437
Passcode: 428877

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Lenten Journey: Landscapes of Our Soul

Wednesdays in Lent, 7pm Central

February 24 – March 24

With Biblical and landscape artist Sara Novenson, and spiritual director and pastor, the Rev. Linda Anderson-Little, we will use Sara’s nature paintings as a visual tool for prayer (visio divina) and the Psalms for reflection and renewal. Art helps open up the creative side of our heart where prayer and faith reside, as we experience our inner spiritual landscape and explore deeper ways of connecting with God. FREE and OPEN TO ALL through a Mission Endowment Fund (MEF) Grant of the NT-NL Synod. Register here, and the Zoom Link and Passcode will be emailed to you.

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Where in the world is?

Due to the rising cases of COVID-19 across our territory since November 2020, the bishop and staff will be engaging in no non-essential travel or in-person meetings through at least the beginning of 2021. For previously scheduled and essential meetings, the staff will wear masks anytime they are near people, either inside or outside a facility. All synod business will continue to be conducted online.

Pastor Totzke: Feb. 28 – Council retreat, St. Matthew, Waco (Zoom)