Message from Bishop Gronberg
“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21
#EnMisionJuntos o #JuntosEnMision
#InMissionTogether or #TogetherInMission
Since 2016 our NT-NL tagline has been #EnMisionJuntos/#InMissionTogether. This was meant to build upon our recognition that the context we serve is a mission field. And that we do this mission together as synod.
In these years we have seen our communities-towns, cities, congregations, families-become ever more deeply fractured by the divisions of our political and economic contexts. This has challenged the idea that we can assume we are together in the mission we share.
In conversation with Spanish speaking members of our community they reminded us that while #EnMisionJuntos is grammatically correct, perhaps #JuntosEnMision would be more appropriate. They remind us that if we are not first together, how can we truly be in mission?
Our 2024 assembly will focus on this identity of being one in Christ, Together in Mission. Despite our differences we come together. Gathering at Iglesia Santa Maria de Guadalupe, a congregation that was once separated from our fellowship but is now again a part of who we are together. We will explore how we lead in divisive times centering on our baptismal identity in Christ.
Inspiritus Response to the Texas Panhandle Wildfires
Inspiritus Disaster Relief, an affiliate of Lutheran Disaster Response, has been requested to assist in responding to the Texas Panhandle Wildfires. The community of Borger has been overwhelmed with spontaneous volunteers and donations. Inspiritus will be managing the Volunteer Reception Center and coordinating all volunteers that are arriving in the community. Volunteers will be assigned to the Distribution Center and to assist with Debris Management, getting debris to curbs for pickup, sorting debris and sifting for valuables and personal items.
Anyone wishing to volunteer with Inspiritus can do so by contacting Sherry Buresh at sherry.buresh@weinspirit.org or Julie Dimitrov at julie.dimitrov@weinspirit.org.
The NT-NL Synod will share any updates from our Panhandle communities and any long term needs as they are identified.
Wartburg Choir Performing at Calvary, Richland Hills
Wartburg Choir is making a stop at Calvary, Richland Hills for a concert on April 22nd at 7pm. All are invited to attend.
Calvary is looking for local hosts to house the 80 choir members on Monday night. If you are interested in housing a student or two please reach out to Viktor Andersson, Director of Music Ministry at viktorandersson@hotmail.com
Featured Resources for March
Ever looking for images or music that doesn’t feel or sound “stock” and is available for FREE to use in newsletters, services, and so on? Here are two (of a number) of sites that offer these options direct from content creators!
“Over 2.7 million+ high quality stock images, videos, and music shared by our talented community.”
“The internet’s source for visuals. Powered by creators everywhere.”
Recent Blog Posts
(https://www.ntnl.org/conference-of-bishops-call-for-bi-lateral-cease-fire/ published on March 6)
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:
Mar 8-16: Spring Break Family Time
Mar 19: Wartburg Seminary Board Committee
Mar 20: ELCA Churchwide Resource Development Committee
Mar 22: Dallas Area Interfaith Host Committee Meeting
Mar 23: Synod Assembly Reports Due
Mar 30: Funeral Service for The Rev. Mel Hammer, Our Redeemer, Grand Prairie
Pastor Totzke:
Mar 16-17: Midland Lutheran, Midland
Mar 26: First Call Pastor Check-In, Zoom
Pastora Bañales:
Mar 13-15: ELCA Candidacy Leadership Development Working Group, Chicago
Mar 19: DEM Advisory Team Meeting
Mar 19: Conferencia Latina Synod Assembly Planning Meeting
Mar 21: ELCA Spanish Coaching Meeting, Zoom
Mar 24: Immanuel, Killeen
Mar 30: Funeral Service for The Rev. Mel Hammer, Our Redeemer, Grand Prairie
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:
- Mar 26: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- Apr 4: Transitional Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- Apr 13: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Zoom
- Apr 13: Public Witness Team Meeting, Zoom
- Apr 19-20: Synod Assembly, Santa Maria, Irving
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.