Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
This week over 200 youth and adults from the NT-NL Synod are preparing and departing for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. This is the first time in 6 years this event has been able to be held. And it will be different. The vast majority of synods have seen a significant decline in the number of young people registering. As such the event will be about 60% the size of previous gatherings. Thanks to the hard work of our NT-NL youth leaders and the generosity of the Briarwood Legacy Foundation (which has provided over $110,000 in scholarship funding for our youth) we have not seen that dramatic decline in NT-NL. And as we did in 2018 there is a bishop’s group that I am the primary leader for to help ensure any youth that desire can attend. For that I am grateful and look forward to this week.
So now I ask for your prayers. For our youth and leaders as they engage new opportunities to grow in faith through learning and service. That we might be open to new experiences and new people. For safety in travel and good spirits. For patience and wisdom for group leaders. Most of all that the Holy Spirit might work the gift of faith in those participating so that they might return home energized to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with their neighbors.
Thank you NT-NL for your support of our young people as we are #Juntosenmision.
Bishop Gronberg
Livestream LSM 2024 throughout July
Lutheran Summer Music invites you to livestream over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services throughout the entire month of July. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 to explore the schedule and access the livestream and video archive.
Featured Resources for July
We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world together. ELCA Youth Ministry partners with the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, a group dedicated to renewing, educating and connecting those who work in youth ministry; with synod youth ministry leaders; with congregations across the church.
As a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life, the ELCA offers a variety of opportunities for youth to grow in and explore their faith. One of the most powerful events, offered every third year, is the ELCA Youth Gathering. This July 15,000 high school youth, their adult leaders and young adults from around the country will converge on New Orleans to serve, worship and learn how to lead lives of discipleship. You can follow along on the Gathering’s Facebook page to see our youth in action!
For those far away from high school age, Cross Trails Ministry offers amazing programs in the Texas Hill Country every summer!
If you want more information on NT-NL’s youth programs reach out to Pastor Adam Stockton, our Synod Youth Connector!
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:
July 11-20: Leading Bishop’s Group, ELCA Youth Gathering, New Orleans
August 4: Trinity, Sherman
August 18: First United, Dallas
August 25: Rev Phil Heinz Retirement, Calvary, Richland Hills
Pastor Totzke:
July 22: Last Day on NT-NL Staff
Pastora Bañales:
July 9: New Life in Christ, Duncanville
July 12-14: First Sagrada Familia Annual Women’s Retreat, Galveston
July 14-19: Servant Companion, ELCA Youth Gathering, New Orleans
July 23: First Sagrada Familia, Garland
July 27: 2nd Congregations Lead Initiative Gathering, St. Matthew’s, Fort Worth
July 30: Santa Maria, Irving
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:
- July 13: Public Witness Team Meeting
- July 16-20: Youth and Young Adult Gathering, New Orleans
- August 10: Public Witness Team Meeting
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.