Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
In September 2023 the Rev. Craig Sturm (Trinity-Sherman) was the victim of a horrific car accident as a result of a negligent driver. Over the past 10 months his family and care team have tried to find the right path forward for him. Unfortunately the injuries he suffered and the subsequent hospitalizations left him deeply wounded and in a compromised state. After many frustrating months of hospitalization, attempts at rehabilitation, and painful struggle Craig claimed the promises of his baptism on Monday July 15th.
Monday July 22nd we gathered to give thanks for Craig’s life. The life he lived with us and the life he lives now in Christ. I was so grateful to see the gathering of Trinity Lutheran-Sherman members, family and friends, greetings and condolences from his alma mater Texas Lutheran University, as well as the clergy who attended to pay honor to Craig. We grieve his death but we rejoice in the promises that he has claimed.
Please keep Craig’s wife Kerri and daughter Emma in prayer. For the last 10 months they have been faithfully by his side. Now they and we move into a new phase of grief and also in living forward into God’s future for them and us.
Blessed be the memory of the Rev. Craig Matthew Sturm.
Bishop Gronberg
God’s Love Made Real: A Conversation with Bishop Eaton
This a conversation with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton to share with ELCA members in a personal way, through examples, stories, and questions and answers, why God’s Love Made Real is vital to her and the church. Join Bishop Eaton on July 31st at 7:00pm.
Registration and more information can be found here.
“Understanding Who Guadalupe Is” Webinar
Wartburg -CTLM’s is hosting a webinar on August 17th from 9:00-12:00pm titled “Understanding Who Guadalupe is” Lutheran and the Virgen of Guadalupe – a Latino Perspective. Pastor Jesus Escamilla from San Gabriel, Alvarado will be the facilitator.
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!
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:
August 4: Trinity, Sherman
August 18: First United, Dallas
August 25: Rev Phil Heinz Retirement, Calvary, Richland Hills
Pastora Bañales:
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:
- 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.