2022 NT-NL Youth Gathering

NT-NL Youth will be gathering at Briarwood, July 7-10, for 4 days of fun, fellowship, and service! This event is for any youth who were eligible for the 2022 National Youth Gathering. We will be using the 2022 Gathering Materials to center our time together. While we know we can’t replicate the experience of a National Youth Gathering, we still want to provide a space for our synod youth to gather together.

Each congregation must have at least 1 adult for every 8 youth attending.

Meals will be provided starting with dinner on Thursday through breakfast on Sunday as well as overnight accommodations. Events will start Thursday in the late afternoon and end with worship led by Bishop Gronberg on Sunday morning. Service projects and interfaith growth experiences will help us learn and grow in understanding of our Boundless God. See tentative schedule below.

Cost per youth: $50

This event is subsidized by the NT-NL Youth and Young Adult Leadership Funds.

Indicate your interest here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjAf7DJSQdSR3rsSinegmXE8qtfBhxXVbjB_7lPsCTUgcElg/viewform (Payment options will be sent closer to time)

Schedule (as of June 9):

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Announcing the Launch of Centro Teológio Luterano Multicultural (CTLM)

Wartburg Theological Seminary (WTS) supports the larger vision of the ELCA in its work to diversify both ordained and lay leadership and grow multicultural congregations. WTS has committed the resources of CTLM to further this work. Based in Texas, CTLM implements its role in this larger vision in two primary ways. First, CTLM provides education and support for new and existing Latinx leaders, both lay and ordained, building networks of support for both Latinx leaders and worshipping communities. Second, CTLM provides training for ELCA synods, congregations, and pastors/deacons seeking to be formed for effective multicultural ministries, particularly those that seek to accompany Latinx ministries. To do this work, CTLM offers training sessions both virtually and in person for individuals and small groups from congregations and facilitates cohort groups for ongoing support and education.

In short, Centro Teológico Luterano Multicultural exists to provide education and support for new and existing lay and ordained Latinx leaders and their worshipping communities, and to provide training for ELCA congregations, pastors, and synod staff members seeking to be formed for effective multicultural ministries.

Click here for full details in English and Spanish.

Why does this matter to NT-NL? Bishop Erik Gronberg serves as part of the advisory team, Pastora Violeta Siguenza serves as the director, and the program will be housed at Emanuel, Dallas.

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Engaging Older Adults in Ministry: A Panel Discussion

Join Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA) for their next FREE webinar on June 23, 12noon Eastern. Advance registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LUgWmMahTOiuzc4gxLwvBw

We’re putting together a panel of older adult ministry leaders in active congregations to discuss best practices for engaging the older adults in their midst. They’ll cover look at ministry to each other, their families, their church and in their community.

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:

Jun. 13-14: Visit to Wartburg Seminary
Jun. 15-17: Visit bishops/staff
Jun. 18: LMM Annual Meeting
Jun. 19-24: Family Vacation
Jul. 7-10: NT-NL Youth (High School) Gathering 2022, Briarwood
Jul. 21-23: MYJ2 Multicultural Youth Gathering 2022, Briarwood
Jul. 24: 100th Celebration, Central, Dallas
Jul. 31: Installation of Rev. Erin Swenson-Reinhold, Preston Meadow, Plano
Aug. 5-6: ELCA Latinx Young Adult Gathering, Briarwood
Aug. 7-12: ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Columbus, OH

Pastor Totzke:

June 14: First Call pastors (Zoom)
June 28: First Call pastors (Zoom)
Jul. 7: Transitional Pastors Meeting (Hybrid)
Jul. 10: Bethel, Ericksdahl (Avoca)
Jul. 12: First Call Pastors (Zoom)
Jul. 17: Mt. Olive, Dallas
Jul. 24: Central/Bethany Anniversary & New Beginnings celebration, Dallas
Jul. 31: Installation of Pr. Erin Swenson-Reinhold, Preston Meadow, Plano

Pastora Bañales:

Jun. 14: ELCA Spanish Coaching and SEMLA, MX
Jun. 16: St Matthews, Ft Worth
Jun. 18-24: Vacation
Jun. 25: Quinceañera XV, First Sagrada Familia, Garland
Jun. 26: Umoja International Chapel, Ft Worth
Jun. 30: Three Shared Ministries Quarterly Review – Community of Hope, King of Glory, Umoja – Fort Worth