Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
On Saturday January 15, 2022 the rabbi and 3 leaders of Congegation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX were taken hostage by an armed assailant. Many of us, particularly those who have gotten to know Rabbi Charlie, watched in shock and anxiety as the situation played out over the course of the next 11 hours. We are thankful that the Rabbi and leaders escaped this event physically unharmed. But the trauma that was experienced by them, and by extension other communities, will not quickly vanish. I join with Presiding Bishop Eaton in sharing the statement of the “Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign” regarding this event. Religious based violence, particularly anti-Semitism continues to be a reality in our world and must be condemned and actively resisted.
Resisting and working against hatred and violence is core to who we are as people of faith and particularly as Lutheran Christians. God in Christ has given us all we need and our call then is to actively care for and seek the well being of our neighbor. I pray that our communities will continue to be places of hospitality and welcome, always aware however of taking needed precautions to ensure we keep those in our care safe. Know my office stands ready to assist you in this work.
May God bless you all this week in your work. A reminder that Synod Assembly (April 29-30th) registration will be going live soon. Please make plans at your annual meeting for those you will send to the assembly. We have significant business to attend to, including the election of a synod treasurer and a bishop. While I have indicated my willingness to serve another term in this office, we will have an election. I am thankful for Rick Bidne for agreeing to chair the election team. Victoria Flood from the ELCA Churchwide office will be our guest and preside over the election proceedings.
Please note it will be in-person at King of Glory, Dallas due to scheduling changes by Paul Quinn College, our original hosts. Precautions will be taken to ensure it is as safe an event as possible. Masks and other requirements will be determined when we are closer to the event and in communication with King of Glory staff and Dallas County health officials.
In Christ’s Peace:
Bishop Gronberg
MEF Executive Director Job Posting
Giving is what Christians do, and giving leads to cheerfulness. What better part-time job can there be than making sure that money is given so that imaginative ministries can happen throughout our synod? The next Executive Director of the NT-NL Mission Endowment Fund also gets to ask fellow Lutherans to give generously to the Fund so that grant giving can not only continue, but increase. Click here for the full job description, which includes information on how to apply. Applications are due by March 9, 2022.
ALOA Webinar
How Your Church Can Become a Center of Long Life Learning & Faith Formation
January 27, 2022 – Noon ET
Join John Roberto, Founder of LifeLong Associates, to explore how essential learning and faith formation is to our churches and the older adults they serve. He’ll present examples and resources for addressing the spiritual and religious needs of adults 60 and over. Discover how to engage this age group in meaningful, faith forming experiences that are easy to access and designed in multiple formats. Register here.
Did you Know? ALOA has more than 20 webinars that you can access anytime. Find information and inspiration on spirituality, aging, health & wellness, or ideas for congregational ministry, along with links to resources recommended in their webinar archive. Go to aloaserves.org to check it out. ALOA’s webinars are free and last approximately 60 minutes. If you cannot be available for the webinar, sign up anyway and they will email you a link to the recording and associated resources.
Featured Resources for January
The ELCA offers a place of welcome for all seeking a congregational home. Your congregation can extend an invitation to neighbors and the surrounding community through the use of these customizable communications tools. Download and use these free tools today.
Recent Blog Posts
Bishop Gronberg:
(https://www.ntnl.org/lutheran-presence-with-global-christians-in-jerusalem/ – published Jan. 12)
(https://www.ntnl.org/busy-productive-office-january-days/ – published Jan. 13)
(https://www.ntnl.org/new-agreement-increases-services-to-palestinians-in-gaza/ – published Jan. 14)
(https://www.ntnl.org/jan-16-2022-walnut-hill-and-bethany/ – published Jan. 16)
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:
Jan. 23: Teach Confirmation at Trinity, Fort Worth
Jan. 29: TLU Corporation Board Meeting
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:
Jan. 22: Faithful Innovation with COW Conference congregations at Bethel, Avoca (Ericksdahl)
Jan. 23: Bethel, Avoca (Ericksdahl)
Jan. 30: Joint service with Holy Trinity and St. Stephen, Shreveport
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:
Jan. 23: Mount Olive, Dallas
Jan. 27: ELCA Training Vital Congregations
Jan. 29: Faith, Fort Worth
Feb. 3: ELCA Training Vital Congregations
Feb. 5: Synod Council and Deans meeting, Briarwood
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. 3: Transitional Pastors monthly meeting, Zoom
- Feb. 5: Synod Council and Deans meeting, Briarwood
- Feb. 11-14: ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza 2022, Minneapolis (MN) and Online
- Feb. 12: Public Witness Team meeting, Zoom
- Mar. 3: Transitional Pastors monthly meeting, Zoom
- Mar. 12: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2022, Course 1
- Mar. 12: 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 Jason (jason@ntnl.org) for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.