Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
Happy St. Valentine’s Day! While this day has of course been co-opted by the “valentine’s day industrial complex” it is still a feast day for the church as well. The stories of Valentine, as with many of the early saints, have inconsistencies and are not “history” as we understand it but are clearly idealized to promote the person being remembered. If we recognize this, there are, however, lessons for us in the witness of Valentine. The theme of Valentine’s veneration, his commitment to evangelism, sharing Christ with others, and building human community in the midst of difficult and, ultimately dangerous, times is certainly worthy of our attention.
Living in a time of generational decline for the church can make us also nostalgic for an idealized past. We look back, particularly at the historical heights of Church adherence in the post WW2 baby boom, and can believe somehow it was easier or better then. We can pine for a time when society endorsed church attendance, when evangelism could be as simple as being ready to welcome those who came to our churches with a welcome packet. Or we can follow in Valentine’s footsteps. Not assuming people will come to us but sharing one on one with those in our midst what God has done for us in Christ. Telling the stories of how lives are changed through ministries of our congregations. How being in community helps us get through the difficulties of our life and gives us hope for the future.
St. Valentine may or may not have done the things attributed to him. However, in the stories of him we are encouraged to continue to share our faith, even in challenging times. To remember the church is not our buildings or ministry locations, but the people of God sharing the good news. News of the one who loves us more than anyone, even our Valentine, could ever love.
#InMissionTogether,
Bishop Gronberg
Lutheran Men in Mission Updates
The latest Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram has been posted online: https://www.lutheranmeninmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-01-LMM-Ambassador-Gram-wLinks-1.pdf.
Urban Servant Corps Program for Young Adults
Are you a young adult dedicated to social justice and a simpler way of life?
Are you someone who hopes to explore or deepen your faith?
Are you seeking experience in the non-profit/ministry field?
Are these values important to you? Service. Intentional Community. Simplicity. Spirituality.
Consider joining the Urban Servant Corps (USC) community in Denver, CO. ELCA-affiliated and a Reconciling in Christ organization.
“At USC, we believe that service is transformational — it creates the opportunity for shared humanity and to faithfully respond to one another’s needs. We also believe that in community, we are able to live more faithful, simple lives that are in service to one another. Our full-time volunteers live in an intentional community house in downtown Denver with others who are committed to social justice, racial justice, and accompanying vulnerable populations. Food, housing, health insurance, a monthly stipend, and an annual growth and development allotment are provided. Additionally, Spiritual Direction, alumni mentorship, and professional development opportunities are offered as part of this experience.”
Information sessions THIS WEEK:
February 15 – 11am Mountain | 12noon Central
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81296399155?pwd=SnRjTFRQbE1kMGtBYTNSN0lwTHJ6dz09Meeting ID: 812 9639 9155Passcode: 916896
February 16 – 11am Mountain | 12noon Central
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86763052550?pwd=OXp0WDMvQVByQzhWZXJXSzZaTThUQT09Meeting ID: 867 6305 2550Passcode: 863301
Click here for a brochure. Application priority deadline: March 1.
Featured Resources for February
March 5, 2023
Celebrate the bold women in your life. Bold Women’s Day–observed the first Sunday of March–celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. Some women are bold in their unceasing prayers. Other women are bold in their service to those in need. Still other women are bold in their advocacy or through their hospitality. Whether we live out our bold story of faith in the workplace, family, home, or community, our faith compels us to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s all about living out our baptismal call, about being a disciple of Christ. Resources can be found here: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/bold-womens-day
March 8, 2023
For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity. Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. Resources can be found here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Save the Date
Join Rev. Ele Clay and Rev. Austin Nickel March 17-19 at Lutherhill for The Awakening Retreat, a time set apart to open our eyes and hearts. Together we will ask, “What is it we cannot see about racism?” Group activities, personal stories, and caring conversations will create a welcome and safe place to question our certainties and doubts. This weekend retreat is an entry-point to a deeper dive into racism awareness.
Click here for a flyer with full details.
Register here: $36/per person
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. 18: First Communions and Confirmations, First Sagrada Familia, Garland
Feb. 19: Preston Meadow, Plano
Feb. 19: Call Committee Orientation, Our Savior’s, Durant
Feb. 28-Mar. 3: Conference of Bishops
Mar. 11: Parish Lay Ministry Academy (PLMA)
Pastor Totzke:
Dec. 1-Feb. 28: On Sabbatical
Pastora Bañales:
(Awaiting calendar updates)
Upcoming Events
With the ever-changing guidelines and recommendations in our world right now, as we maintain physical distance in social solidarity, please keep in mind these events may be moved online, postponed, or cancelled:
- Feb. 15: Courageous Leadership – Danielle Groth and Vicky Lovell – Self-Love (Matthew 22), Zoom
- Feb. 22: Courageous Leadership – Presenter and Topic TBA, Zoom
- Feb. 23: Cultivating Compassion Session 2: Nonviolent Communication, Online
- Mar. 1: Courageous Leadership – Coaching – Choose Your Own Adventure (breakout rooms by topic), Zoom
- Mar. 1: DEADLINE to register for Synod Assembly at Early Bird Pricing, Online
- Mar. 2: Transitional Pastors monthly meeting, Zoom
- Mar. 8: Courageous Leadership – Jill Beverlin & Jason O’Neill – Stories from the Veil, Zoom
- Mar. 11: Parish Lay Ministry Academy (PLMA), Spring 2023, Course 1, Hybrid
- Mar. 11: Public Witness Team meeting, Hybrid
- Mar. 15: Courageous Leadership – Tim Brown – Where Your Heart Is, Zoom
- Mar. 22: Courageous Leadership – Jeff Linman – Living and Leading with Resurrection Faith, Zoom
- Mar. 23: Cultivating Compassion Session 3: Practice – Disproportionality, Online
- Mar. 28: First Call Pastors Check-in, Online
- Mar. 29: Courageous Leadership – Bishop Mike Girlinghouse – Embracing God’s Future, Part 2, Zoom
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to Jason (jason@ntnl.org) for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.