Join Interfaith Leaders on Reparations Webinar

We invite you THIS Wednesday, February 16, to Atoning for Injustice and Building A Future Together, a webinar with interreligious leaders as they discuss theological perspectives related to reparations for people of African Descent, and to ongoing advocacy opportunities to pass H.R. 40 to further study the issue in the United States.

The ELCA is part of the group hosting this monthly Wednesday webinar series from the interreligious Reparatory Justice Working Group, bringing together denominations and religious advocates as they share common reflections and experiences around the issue. The February webinar will provide a theological framework for the reparatory justice movement in general. This will include repair to re-create a just world and economy for all. Previous sessions in this series are available for viewing.

Hundreds of Lutherans last year called their lawmakers to pass H.R. 40, Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, and to further examine the issue in the public square. You can still add your voice through the ELCA Advocacy Action Alert.

This webinar opportunity and Action Alert are valuable ways to experience Black History Month, as is a new ELCA series, “Talks At the Desk,” listening to diverse expressions of the church.

Register for the February 16 Reparatory Justice Series webinar here: https://bit.ly/reparjust3

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Volunteers Needed: Painting Party at Jay’s Place

Church of the Damascus Road has purchased a property to help men transition from prison: Jay’s Place (5207 E Hwy 199, Springtown, TX 76082) is getting ready to accept their first residents, and they are looking for some help to get the facility looking its best. They have a painter who donating his time and equipment to this project and has provided paint at wholesale prices to help them get going. They are planning to be painting, February 18-20, 10am-5pm each day, and are requesting volunteers to help. While scaffolding and paint will be provided, we are asking that anyone who has painting supplies they are willing to temporarily lend (paint brushes, rollers, roller brushes, paint sprayer, drop cloths, tape, etc.) to please bring with them. Pizza will be provided for all volunteers. Click here for a flyer that can be used for communication with your congregation. Contact k.lorentzen07@gmail.com with questions.

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Free Workshop for Leaders

Over the past two years of the pandemic, an increasing number of our congregants have come to the church for help with personal issues like depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Our leaders minister to them and often need to refer them to others. Synod staff members and rostered ministers are looking for community resources for emergency agencies and other agencies to meet those needs.

Barbara Keller will host a one hour Zoom workshop on March 3 at 10am CT. This workshop would be especially helpful to new pastors, interim pastors, and interns. Sign up here: Meeting Registration – Zoom. If you are unable to attend this meeting, the session will be recorded and be available for viewing; if you sign up, you will get a link to the recording. If you have any other questions, feel free to call Barbara Keller (610-308-3428) or email Kate Schnaath at Kate.Schnaath@elca.org

A handout she will use during the workshop can be found here: National Help Lines (as of Feb 11 2022)

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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. 20: King of Glory, Dallas
Mar. 2-5: Conference of Bishops, Chicago

Pastor Totzke:

Feb. 20: Gloria Dei, Garland – worship followed by Council retreat

Pastora Bañales:

Feb. 16: Meeting with kin-dom community
Feb. 20: Walnut Hill new service (LGBTQ+ Spanish), Farmers Branch
Feb. 21: Adviento, Arlington
Feb. 26: XV at First Sagrada Familia, Garland
Feb. 27: Grace, Ft. Worth