Message from Bishop Gronberg

Dear Partners in Mission:

“So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!” -John 12

Last Sunday morning I joined my family for Palm Sunday. Like many of you we gathered outside the sanctuary, heard the processional gospel, and processed into the sanctuary singing “All Glory Laud and Honor.” The liturgy ending with the reading of the passion narrative. In our setting 10 individuals lent their voices to the dramatic reading. Alternating to give us different timbre and pacing. As I heard the story again I wondered at what a counter-cultural event this was. In a world of multi-media performance, screens and interaction, here was an assembly simply listening as sacred scripture was read, for an extended period of time. What a powerful experience and I am so grateful for those who coordinated our worship liturgy that day. Particularly knowing how much work they have ahead of them this week.

Our rostered and lay leaders have a big week ahead of them. One that they have no doubt been engaged in months of preparations for. It takes a multitude of people to make liturgy happen. Our pastors and deacons of course have much to do but also music and worship teams, office staff, volunteers tending the altar, custodians cleaning, kitchen workers preparing the Easter breakfast, youth stuffing Easter Eggs. The list can go on as long as you want. The point is so many are working this week to make this happen and for that I give thanks and encourage you to offer your support to your leaders and gratitude.

In the midst of this on Saturday, March 30, we will gather as family and synod to remember and give thanks for the life of the Rev. Mel Hammer. This will take place at Our Redeemer, Grand Prairie at 2pm. Rostered leaders are invited to vest. I was asked recently what liturgical color those vestments should be since the funeral is on the afternoon of Holy Saturday. Can we wear white or should it still be purple? My response was the same when we set the date, we will wear white, the color of Easter and we will celebrate the resurrection. A reminder that our traditions, our rituals, are to help us mark time and create meaning. But resurrection comes whenever the gospel is proclaimed in its truth and purity.

So lets mark the time this week. Do the ritual and experience the power of sacred scripture and song. Go to dark Gethsemane and feel the tempters power. For all who will labor to help our communities experience this I give thanks. We need to do that work so when it comes time to rejoice on Easter we know God’s gift given to us in life over death.

Happy Easter!!!

Bishop Gronberg

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Nominations Open for Churchwide Assembly Voting Members

During our 2024 Synod Assembly we will be nominating voting members for Churchwide Assembly. The Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod is allotted the following voting members for Churchwide Assembly. To be considered for the slate of nominees for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly by the Synod’s Nominating Committee, please submit your vita ASAP.

Rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament – Female
Rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament – Male
Lay Female (preferably 35 or younger)
Lay Female (36 or older)
Lay Male (preferably 35 or younger)
Lay Male (36 or older) – Filled, Don Heller, Synod Vice President

Please note the Nominating Committee will be building a slate that will hopefully represent all areas, ethnicities, and genders of the Synod. If you do not make the slate, you have the right to have your name submitted by a registered voting member of the assembly to the assembly floor, and a vita and photo will be needed at that time.

The next ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be July 28-August 2, in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Dr. Norm Beck

After dedicating 49 remarkable years to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring students and colleagues alike, Dr. Norm Beck is preparing to deliver his final lecture before entering a well-earned retirement. This event marks not just the end of an era but also a celebration of the amazing impact Dr. Beck has had on the TLC community and the countless lives he has touched.

Dr. Beck will be giving his Last Lecture on April 27th from 2:00-4:00pm at the Chapel of Abiding Presence. The lecture will be followed by a reception, providing an opportunity for friends, colleagues, and former students to share stories, express gratitude, and bid farewell to Dr. Beck. It will be a time for reflection, celebration, and looking forward to the future, standing on the foundation laid by Dr. Beck’s contributions.

Please RSVP here by April 10th to attend in person. For those who cannot join us in person, there a live stream of the lecture. Should you have any questions or wish to receive information on the live stream, please feel free to reach out to Robert Burns at rburns@tlu.edu or (830) 372-8025.

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 30: Funeral Service for The Rev. Mel Hammer, Our Redeemer, Grand Prairie

Pastor Totzke:

Mar 26: First Call Pastor Check-In, Zoom
Mar 30: Funeral Service for The Rev. Mel Hammer, Our Redeemer, Grand Prairie

Pastora Bañales:

Mar 30: Funeral Service for The Rev. Mel Hammer, Our Redeemer, Grand Prairie