Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
“Being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore Abraham’s faith ‘was reckoned to him as righteousness.'” -Romans 4:21-22
In our epistle reading for the second Sunday or Lent the apostle Paul reminds us that it is faith that brings righteousness. Faith that God is indeed able to do what God promises. This is an important reminder to us in Lent. As we take on disciplines or engage in other actions to deepen our appreciation for the season we also must be reminded it is not these things that make us right with God. Instead it is the gift of faith given through the Holy Spirit that God can and will fulfill God’s promises that make us right. That bring us hope and that thankfully it is not up to us to make that happen.
This sort of faith also frees us to try new things to serve God and neighbor. To be generous with God’s abundance and those things we are blessed to steward. To care for those in need in our midst without fearing that there will be enough. To make changes in our lives and organizations so they can better serve the gospel.
February 27-March 2nd the ELCA Council of Bishops (CoB) will be meeting in Chicago. As we gather I would invite you to pray for this group of leaders. While the CoB has limited legislative powers these gatherings are important as we learn from one another and move for change in our church. As you know the work of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church continues. At our synod assembly in April we will hear reports on their work. There is much happening in our lives together congregationally, synodically, and in our churchwide expression. So please join me in prayer that the Holy Spirit would give us courage to have faith that God will sustain God’s church and we pray that we might be a part of that work.
In Mission Together,
Bishop Gronberg
Stained Glass Vespers
Stained Glass Vespers is an event series that celebrates the intersection of fine arts and spirituality brought together with the liturgy of evening prayer, also known as Evensong. Inspired by the sanctuary’s stained-glass windows, designed by Cecil Casebier, each event features a different art form, such as music, literature, film, sculpture, painting, architecture, or performance.
The event is free, open to the public, and designed to be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
For more information, contact Dr. Zvony Nagy, Director of Music and Worship, at znagy@kingofglory.com.
Funeral Services for Dorothy Nelson
Funeral Services for Dorothy Nelson, spouse of Rev. Vince Nelson, will be held on Saturday March 2nd at 11am at Our Savior Lutheran, Mesquite with The Rev. John Schelter presiding.
Lutheran Men in Mission Updates
Lutheran Men in Mission has released their quarterly Ambassador-Gram full of events, discussion groups, and more! You can learn more about Lutheran Men in Mission here.
Featured Resources for February
March 3, 2024
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, 2024
For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. The aim of the IWD 2024 #InspireInclusion campaign is to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. Resources can be found here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Where in the world is?
NT-NL synod staff are excited to engage in-person on Sundays for worship. As good stewards of time and travel dollars, we will be utilizing online meeting formats in our new hybrid reality when possible. If you would like to schedule a meeting with the bishop or Synod staff please contact them directly.
Bishop Gronberg:
Feb 27-Mar 2: Conference of Bishops
Pastor Totzke:
Feb 27: First Call Pastor Check-In, Zoom
Mar 3: Immanuel, Killeen
Mar 7-11: Vacation
Mar 16-17: Midland Lutheran, Midland
Mar 26: First Call Pastor Check-In, Zoom
Pastora Bañales:
Feb 29: Director for Evangelical Mission: NT-NL Advisory Team
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 27: First Call Pastor’s Check-In, Zoom
- Mar 7: Transitional Pastors Meeting, Zoom
- Mar 9: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring Course 1, Zoom
- Mar 9: Public Witness Team Meeting, Zoom
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to office@ntnl.org for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.