So More People May Know the Way of Jesus

On February 1, the ELCA churchwide organization implemented Future Church, a new working structure focused on motivating the entire church to actively share the way of Jesus with more people so that they might experience community, justice, and love. The design emphasizes the belief that members, congregations, synods, the churchwide organization and its partner organizations all have important roles in the church’s mission. The church’s three expressions (congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization) will remain, but the Future Church design is centered on a “One Church” identity that will bring greater collaboration to the mission of sharing the gospel and God’s grace in the world. Living Lutheran talked about Future Church and what it means for the life of the ELCA with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton; Phil Hirsch, executive director of ELCA Christian Community and Leadership; Mikka McCracken, executive director of ELCA Innovation; and Bill Horne, ELCA vice president. Read the interview here.

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A Deeply Spiritual Act | Un Acto Profundamente Espiritual

Stewardship: In her June/July column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on what we’ve learned from the Apostle Paul about the deeply spiritual act of stewardship. Read her column in English: A Deeply Spiritual Act o lee su columna en español: Un Acto Profundamente Espiritual.

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Seeking a Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry

Abiding Love Lutheran Church (abidinglove.org) in Austin, TX is seeking a Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry to lead a vibrant ministry with our children and youth. The Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries plans, coordinates and executes programs for the spiritual formation of children and youth, from birth through the 12th grade. Working with ministry teams, sponsors, teachers, and parents, the Director is responsible for setting and accomplishing programmatic goals, calendaring, budgeting, communicating, and interfacing with staff and congregational leadership. The Director’s work involves recruiting and equipping volunteers and cultivating relationships through direct involvement with children, youth and parents. The Director takes a holistic approach to the ministry area: developing curricula, planning age-appropriate events, and celebrating milestones (Baptism, First Bible, First Communion, Confirmation, and graduations). The Director will innovate as well as build on current programming, working toward growth, improvement, and deepening engagement for our young people in spiritual life and service. Current programming includes ongoing weekly and monthly activities, some travel for periodic events, retreats, and camps. Click here for the full job description. For more information, contact info@abidinglove.org

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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. Until we can assure everyone in attendance at a meeting are vaccinated, in order to protect those gathered, the synod staff will continue to wear masks unless preaching or presiding and sufficient social distancing can be provided.

Bishop Gronberg:

Jun. 27: Ascension, Garland

Pastor Totzke:

Jun. 17-22: Vacation time
Jul. 1: Interim/Transitional Pastors monthly meeting
Jul. 4: St. Matthew, Waco

Pastora Bañales:

Jun. 22: LIRS Virtual Advocacy Day for World Refugee Day
Jun. 24: ELCA Congregational Community & Leadership all staff meeting
Jun. 27: Umoja International Chapel, Fort Worth
Jun. 29: Joy, Rockwall