This “Perspectives on the Border” webinar series on immigration is a partnership project with Rev. Dr. Jay Alanis, the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS), and the following ELCA synods: Grand Canyon, Gulf Coast, Pacifica, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana, Rocky Mountain, and Southwestern Texas.

There are three different sessions, usually at a minimum cost of $25 each per participant. We are offering all three for only $60 per person! Your synods are helping subsidize the cost of this invaluable training (valued at a significantly higher rate)!

Session I: Living in Third Spaces (March 7, 3pm Central)

Session II: Borderland Perspectives on Diverse Worldviews (March 21, 3pm Central)

Session III: Theological Perspectives from the U.S. – Mexico Borderlands (March 28, 3pm Central)

Click here for Session Descriptions.

REGISTER HERE.

The sessions will likely run over an hour, based on our prior experience, where much dialogue ensued, especially when talking about culture as a paradigm.

For additional context, you may read this lecture by Rev. Dr. Jay Alanis from February 22: “Borderland Ethics Sin Fronteras: Borderland Ethics Without Borders, Neighbor-Love in Liminal Spaces”

Note from Bishop Gronberg: This event is a partnership between the synods of the ELCA in Texas and on our southern border, the Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest, and Wartburg Seminary. While this is not an official Briarwood Leadership Center event, offerings like this, both in person and in webinar form, are part of the vision for the center. To provide our leaders and those of ecumenical, secular, and educational partners across the country with opportunities to learn from experts and deepen understanding on significant topics of the day.

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What is God up to? | ¿Qué planea Dios?

Amid all the talk of the church in decline, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, in her February column for Living Lutheran, wants us to ask a new question. Instead of “What can we do?” we should ask, “What is God up to?” so we can open ourselves up to the life-giving promise of God’s future. Read her column in English: What is God up to?, or lee su columna en español: ¿Qué planea Dios?.

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Churches Hiring

Joy, Rockwall, is looking for an Accompanist for one worship service each week on Sundays at 10:30am. The ability to play both organ and piano is preferred. Familiarity with Lutheran liturgy is preferred but not required. It can easily be learned. They are open to additional music leadership (i.e. choir, special concerts, different worship styles, etc.) | Pay: $150 per service | If you are interested, contact Intern Pastor Tom Schwolert at tschwolert@gmail.com and include a brief overview of your training and experience. (THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.)

Abiding Grace, Southlake, is seeking a full-time Director of Family and Youth Ministries. Here is their job description: God has blessed our mission with unprecedented growth in Northeast Tarrant County, and we are excited to continue that growth. We are looking and praying for the right person who is passionate about our children and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. | The Director of Family and Youth Ministries will provide primary leadership for developing, implementing, evaluating, and maintaining a congregation-based ministry with youth, children, and their families. This position plans, coordinates, and is responsible for activities such as Sunday school, summer programs, and youth group activities. This position will have a strong focus on proactively developing relationships between and among members of families of the congregation. | For more information, please review full the Position Description or email apply@abidinggracedfw.org. To apply for this position, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to apply@abidinggracedfw.org. 

Worship Leader for the Celebration Service at Rejoice, Frisco, at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Position involves selecting music, leading rehearsals, working with volunteers from the congregation, and leading the music for worship weekly. Job description available at https://rejoicefrisco.com/Pages/WorshipLeader.htm. Contact Pastor Neil White (pastor@rejoicefrisco.com) if interested.

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International Women’s Day

March 8 #BalanceForBetter

Better the balance, better the world. How will you celebrate women’s achievements on Friday, March 8, while calling for a more gender-balanced world?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first​ ​IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Click here for more information, links to planned events, resources, and more!

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Save the Date

Young at Heart Retreat

Briarwood

April 9-11

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Recent Blog Posts

Bishop Gronberg:

Synod Council and Teaching the Faith in Secular Times

(https://www.ntnl.org/synod-council-and-teaching-the-faith-in-secular-times/ – published Feb. 19)

Public Faith: FWISD PTA Founders Day

(https://www.ntnl.org/public-faith-fwisd-pta-founders-day/ – published Feb. 20)

#MilesAndMiles: African Descent Celebration, Walnut Hill (Farmers Branch), NTNL Youth, Trinity (Wichita Falls), and Parish Lay Ministry Commissioning

(https://www.ntnl.org/milesandmiles-african-descent-celebration-etc/ – published Feb. 21)

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Where in the world is?

Bishop Gronberg:

• Feb. 25-27: ELCA Anchor Church Conference, Calvary, Richland Hills
• Feb. 28: ELCA Spring First Call Candidate Assignment, Chicago
• Feb. 29 – Mar. 4: ELCA Conference of Bishops, Chicago

Pastor Totzke:

• Mar. 3: Faith, Sagerton

Pastora Bañales:

• Feb. 25-27: ELCA Anchor Church Conference, Calvary, Richland Hills
• Feb. 28: New Hope, Keller