2022 Synod Assembly Registration Now Open
We are live! You can begin registering for Synod Assembly (April 29-30) here: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/4840947. Discounted pricing for registering early is available through March 18.
This will be an in-person only event. We will be taking pandemic precautions and be following the protocols of our host, King of Glory Lutheran Church (Dallas), and Dallas County. We appreciate your grace as we all navigate changing realities up to the last minute.
MEF Executive Director Job Posting
God provides all that we need. Join Bishop Gronberg and the Board of the Mission Endowment Fund as we pray for God to provide a new Executive Director to staff this grant-making ministry of the NT-NL Synod. The next Executive Director will be a self-starter who is passionate about helping great ideas for new ministries come to life. We need someone who connects well with people and is an excellent communicator and able administrator, dealing with finances and using digital tools. Click here for the full job description, which includes information on how to apply. Please pass this on to someone you think might be the answer to our prayers. Applications are due by March 9, 2022.
AMMPARO Webinar
On February 8 at 6pm Central time, AMMPARO will host an informational webinar addressing Afghan refugee resettlement and how congregations can become involved. Register here.
More information and a broader context is available in this AMMPARO blog from December 22: Urgent Need for Congregational Accompaniment of Afghan refugees.
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.
Save the Date
The Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a free webinar Addiction & Dry January on Thursday, January 27, 11:00AM – 12 Noon Central with follow-up 30 minute discussion.
A spike in drinking during the pandemic has also come with a rise in those who are “sober curious.” 1 in 5 Americans say they planned to participate in Dry January this year. In this webinar, we’ll dig into these trends and explore how they can benefit you and your faith community. We’ll be joined by Rev. Erin Jean Warde, an Episcopal priest, and founder of Discerning Sobriety. Her own journey to sobriety will illustrate some of the important ways faith leaders can help others reevaluate their relationship with alcohol and help stop more serious problems before they start.
This webinar will be co-hosted by Tim King, and Pastor Ed Treat, founder of the Center of Addiction & Faith.
The link to register is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yNyegCUSQkK11sjJUmz9hg.
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. 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. 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. 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 and Online
- 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
- Mar. 18: LAST DAY to register with REDUCED PRICING for Synod Assembly (April 29-30)
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.