ConFESt Updates
ConFESt: Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop
January 13, 2-4pm
As of January 2, we have 158 youth and adults registered!!!
We have an exciting opportunity for the offering. Bishop Momoh of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone (ELCSL) has requested copies of the small catechism (the pocket size). Although Krio and Mende are the languages most people speak in their daily lives, English is the official language, widely spoken, and used for official business and in schools, so our copies would be incredibly helpful. Please bring copies of the small catechism that we can collect and then send to Sierra Leone, or bring money (just $1 per copy) to cover the cost (we’ll have copies on hand for each attendee to put into the offering). We will be learning more about our accompaniment work and our connections to West Africa during this event.
If you are not attending and would like to donate toward this worthy cause, please contact westphallanny@gmail.com ASAP to make those arrangements.
Click here for a Save the Date flyer.
Deaconess Community Mission Grants
The deadline for the Mission Support Grant letters of intent is January 15, 2019.
What is a Mission Grant?
The Deaconess Community’s mission grants are available for any nonprofit organization. We award grants to organizations that are finding new, effective ways to walk with people on the margins of society.
A Little History
Since 2004, the Deaconess Community has awarded over 2 million dollars in grants. We have and are partnering with organizations that:
- Advocate with state and local governments to alleviate hunger
- Give women transitioning out of prison or from substance abuse a supportive home and training
- Provide a safe, free daytime place where homeless families can cook, do laundry, make meals and do homework
- Provide mentorship and vocational training for at-risk youth in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods
- Bridge the religious and cultural divide between historically warring groups in Bosnia
- Developed a worshiping community among homeless and disadvantaged people in Massachusetts
How to Apply
Applying for a 2019 Mission Grant is simple: Applicants submit a letter of intent by January 15, 2019.
The Deaconess Community reviews the letters and will invite full proposals from selected organizations on February 4, 2019.
Proposals are due March 15, 2019.
Awards are announced May 1, 2019.
Funds are distributed June 1, 2019.
Mission Grant Letter of Intent Instructions (PDF download)
How to Apply for a Mission Grant page on the Deaconess Community’s website
In 2017, the Deaconess Community awarded a Mission Support Grant to Rescue, Release, and Restore. Their mission is to transform the self-worth and empower at-risk youth through leadership training, artistic expression, and mentorship.
Boundaries Training
Briarwood
January 17, 9am-3pm (including lunch)
Facilitator: Joretta Marshall, Executive Vice President and Dean, and also Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care, at Brite Divinity School
Only $25/person!
Due to the busyness of the Advent and Christmas seasons and the likelihood of overlooked emails, we are extending the registration for this powerful event through January 10. REGISTER HERE.
If you need a place to stay before / after this event, please contact christi@briarwoodretreat.org.
* The ELCA highly recommends Boundaries Training every 3 years, at a minimum, for all Rostered Leaders.
Featured Resources for January
The ELCA offers a place of welcome for all seeking a congregational home. Your congregations can extend an invitation to neighbors and the surrounding community through the use of these customizable communications tools for Easter. Download and use these free tools today.
Congregational Communications Tools for Easter | Herramientas de comunicación congregacional
Save the Date
Junior High Gathering & Group Dynamix
February 16-17
1:00pm Saturday—noon Sunday
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8
Cost includes programs, hotel, meals, and Group Dynamix. The Jr. High Gathering is for ANY Jr. High / Middle School student (for most churches this event is for your Confirmation Group). The event includes Small Group Activities, Songs, Games, Worship, & Group Dynamix!
Where in the world is?
Bishop Gronberg:
- Jan. 12: Installation of Pastor Veronica Smith, Immanuel, Killeen
- Jan. 13: Con(firmation) Fest, Christ, Dallas
Pastor Totzke:
- Jan. 12: Installation of Pastor Veronica Smith, Immanuel, Killeen
- Jan. 13: Con(firmation) Fest, Christ, Dallas
Pastora Bañales:
- Jan. 7: NT-NL Renewal Table meeting, First Sagrada Familia, Garland
- Jan. 8: Indonesian Gethsemane, Allen
- Jan. 9: Santa Maria, Irving
- Jan. 10: First, Longview
- Jan. 11: The Generosity Project Training
- Jan. 12: Una introducción a El Proyecto de la Generosidad, San Gabriel, Alvarado
- Jan. 13: Lord of Life, Glenn Heights
Upcoming Events
- Jan. 12: Una introducción a El Proyecto de la Generosidad, Alvarado, TX
- Jan. 12: Public Witness Team monthly meeting, Arlington, TX
- Jan. 13: ConFESt: Confirmands’ Afternoon with the Bishop, Dallas, TX
- Jan. 17: Boundaries Training, Briarwood
- Jan. 26: Seminario sobre la homosexualidad y sus diferentes facetas, Farmers Branch, TX
- Jan. 26-27: Men’s Lumberjack Retreat, Briarwood
- Jan. 28-30: Tri-Theological Conference, Galveston, TX
- Jan. 31 – Feb. 3: IGNITE: North Texas 2019 (ALDE), Grapevine, TX
- Feb. 8-9: Synod Council meeting, Briarwood
- Feb. 9: MEF Board meeting, Briarwood
- Feb. 9: Public Witness Team monthly meeting, Arlington, TX
- Feb. 16-17: Junior High Gathering & Group Dynamix, Carrollton, TX
- Feb. 23: Senior Fest 2019 (ALOA), Plano, TX
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to the Synod office (office@ntnl.org) for consideration for upcoming NT-NL News.