#PrayFastAct With Us on March 21

March Action: Invest in Women and Girls

We are all one in Jesus Christ and therefore must work to dismantle structures and norms that allow gender inequality to thrive. Studies show that when women and girls are meaningfully included in all aspects of decision-making, countries are more likely to be peaceful and prosper economically. However, women and girls continue to suffer greater harm from lack of economic, political, and social opportunities, as well as gender-based violence. Let us take action by asking Congress to protect programs that address the needs of women and girls around the world.

Here’s how to equip yourself and your congregation to #PrayFastAct on March 21:

1. Read the March advocacy resource to learn how ELCA Advocacy is urging the U.S. government to address the needs of women and girls around the world.
2. Visit ELCA.org/PrayFastAct to watch a message from The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA.
3. Read the 2017 World Economic Forum report on gender gap.
4. Read the U.N. Secretary General’s 2017 report on women and peace and security.
5. Look out for the #PrayFastAct action alert on Wednesday, March 21, and join us as we pray, fast, and advocate together.

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Creative Generosity Creates Powerful Stories And Garners Press

Two NT-NL congregations this spring are engaging in experiments in creative generosity, and they are both making an impact as well as garnering attention.

On February 25, for the second year in a row, congregation members at Faith, Flower Mound, received an envelope in worship. Inside that envelope were invitations for them to give to others to join in worship at Faith either in person or online, and also an amount of cash. That cash, part of the #TomorrowMatters initiative of Faith, was to be used however that member deemed appropriate. To give to whomever they desired, or pooled with others to make an impact. There were no strings attached other than an invitation to share their story of generosity at http://www.faithchangeseverything.com/tomorrowmatters/.

On March 4, the members of Preston Meadow, Plano, also received an envelope, one for each household. Inside was a check for a specific amount of money but with the “Pay to the Order” line left blank. These checks were funded by a generous $125,000 gift from a few families at PMLC with the hope of generating positive change through significant generosity. Fifty of the checks were in the amount of $1,000! Fox 4 News got wind of the story, and on Monday, March 5, this story aired about the congregation and its generosity program: http://www.fox4news.com/news/church-gives-checks-to-worshippers-to-spread-good-around-north-texas. You can read their stories at http://www.prestonmeadowgives.org/.

In both cases, powerful stories of the impact of generosity and pooling resources to make a greater impact are being told. Certainly this is but one way our congregations can inspire generosity. While your congregation may not feel called to this sort of exercise, no doubt there are many other ways you are being generous and sharing God’s abundance with your community. Please share your stories of generosity with us at the Synod office as we live and give #InMissionTogether.

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Creative Growth, Developing Leaders, and Welcoming our Neighbors

Bethel, Avoca, made the news recently: Country church’s investment in blind pianist pays off. Wonderful story about how we are #InMissionTogether

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Save the Date

NT-NL Conferences Women of the ELCA Spring Gatherings

(in conjunction with the NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization)

Dallas Area Metroplex North

April 7

Frisco, TX

Heart of Texas

April 14

Temple, TX

Panhandle

April 21

Lubbock, TX

Eastern

May 19

Shreveport, LA

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Recent Blog Posts

Bishop Gronberg:

Rejoice, and again I say, Rejoice

(https://www.ntnl.org/rejoice-and-again-i-say-rejoice/ – published Mar. 11)

 

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Where in the world is?

Bishop Gronberg:

• Mar. 19 – Latin@ Leadership Initiative, Holy Trinity, Irving
• Mar. 22 – Synod Staff team building (office closed)
• Mar. 25 – Salem, Rosebud

Pr. Totzke:

• Mar. 18 – Pr. Russell Campbell’s installation, First, Temple
• Mar. 22 – Synod Staff team building (office closed)

Pra. Bañales:

• Mar. 19 – Latin@ Leadership Initiative, Holy Trinity, Irving
• Mar. 20-21 – ELCA Future Directions Table, Chicago IL
• Mar. 22 – Synod Staff team building (office closed)