Message from Bishop Gronberg

Partners in Mission:

Living with uncertainty is a part of our daily lives. While we may think we know what will be, the reality is change is a constant companion. And over the last two years we have become even more aware that our ability to plan must include willingness and ability to adapt. This particularly has impacted ministry with youth and young adults.

In NT-NL our summer synod youth and young adult ministries have largely centered in two places, Briarwood and the ELCA Youth Gathering. Both have been subject to significant uncertainty. In the case of Briarwood the pandemic’s effects were magnified by damage from the 2021 Winter Storms and the long delays in getting a settlement from insurance and repair work. The good news is Briarwood is hosting small groups of folks, including the deans and synod council this weekend. But to effectively think about this summer, the leadership also needs your help. In December a survey was sent by Briarwood to NT-NL congregations inquiring about the number of young people engaged in your congregation’s ministry. Now they also are offering an opportunity for you to note your desire for summer camp and pre-register on their website. As we endeavor to make decisions based on actual numerical feedback of demand, it is important you share these links widely.

The ELCA Youth Gathering has also been a big part of our lives together every three years. In January the gathering paused registration due to the continued uncertainty of hosting this event this summer. This uncertainty relates to the pandemic but also the difficulty in youth groups to plan now for events in July. We realize that getting commitments from young people and parents is hard in this time. A decision about the gathering will be forthcoming so please check the ELCA Youth Gathering website regularly for updates.

We live with uncertainty and it can seem overwhelming at times. But in the midst of this we also know we have the certainty that our lives are secure in Christ. Our salvation, our life, are not contingent on any human institution. We are secured in our baptism by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. So we move forward in hope and faith. Looking forward to Assembly 2022 (April 29-30th) and gathering together for the first time in three years. God’s peace be with you and thank you for your ministry.

In Mission Together:

Bishop Gronberg

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HymnSING

HymnSING

Advent Lutheran Church, 3232 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015

Sunday, February 27, 3:30PM

HymnSING is a fun, informal, event created to help support the Lutheran Hymn Festival with its mission and operating costs. Come together for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and your favorite hymns. A free-will offering will be collected during the event.

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Where in the world is?

Across a context as wide and different as NT-NL, the reality of Covid-19 is very different. As such, NT-NL synod staff are doing more in-person Sunday visits for worship and occasional meetings. However, as good stewards of time and travel dollars, we will be utilizing online meeting formats into our new hybrid future. Given the rise of breakthrough infections and in order to protect those gathered, the synod staff will choose to wear masks as is deemed appropriate unless preaching or presiding and sufficient social distancing can be provided.

Bishop Gronberg:

Feb. 2-3: Faith Commons Gatherings at Paul Quinn College, Dallas
Feb. 5: Synod Council and Deans meeting, Briarwood
Feb. 7: UpBring Annual Texas Judicatory Leaders Conference
Feb. 20: King of Glory, Dallas

Pastor Totzke:

Feb. 3: Transitional (Interim) Pastors meeting
Feb. 5: Synod Council and Deans meeting, Briarwood
Feb. 20: Gloria Dei, Garland – worship followed by Council retreat

Pastora Bañales:

Feb. 3: ELCA Training Vital Congregations
Feb. 5: Synod Council and Deans meeting, Briarwood