Message from Bishop Gronberg
Partners in Ministry:
For over a decade now I have had the privilege in being involved in coaching ministry in the ELCA and NT-NL. In that time I have witnessed how coaching can make leaders more effective, insightful, and self-aware. Coaching is an intentional relationship in which the goals and learning of the person being coached is the focus. A good coach asks insightful questions, reflects the responses, and helps the coachee set and be accountable for their goals. What I love about coaching is that a good coach doesn’t provide the solution to the challenge but instead helps the coachee find that solution for themselves.
At our assembly you heard from Jill Beverlin, coordinator of coaching for the ELCA and a good friend of NT-NL. That video is available here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/539881511. She outlined the number of opportunities both for those interested in being trained as a coach as well as being coached. This is a way you can help us also. Ironically, one of the biggest challenges we face in coaching has been finding individuals willing to be coached. You can request a coach from NT-NL or beyond here.
We are continuing to lead in a challenging time. And coaching can assist you and your leaders. Another opportunity specifically for Pastors in this time is a cohort model we are developing with the help of the Rev. Dr. Wayne Menking. This cohort (information can be found here) will draw on his expertise as a pastor, chaplain, and CPE supervisor to provide a short term community of leaders who want to be intentional about their leadership in this time. To share the challenges they face but also move beyond that into learning new ways of leading.
Coaching. Participating in a leadership cohort. Working with the Rev. Kris Totzke and the Leadership for Faithful Innovation process. Being part of the LEAD Journey. These are all ways we as synod are working to partner with you, NT-NL leaders, to learn and grow together.
In Christ,
Bishop Gronberg
Redeemed, Reconciled, and United | Redimidos, Reconciliados, y Unidos
Creatureliness—Jesus and ours: In her April column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes about Easter and Earth Day, reminding us that we are redeemed, reconciled, and reunited in the beauty of the Creator’s loving handiwork. Read her column in English: Redeemed, Reconciled, and United o lee su columna en español: Redimidos, Reconciliados, y Unidos.
I’m a Lutheran
Get to know Scott Peters, a member of Christ Lutheran Church, San Diego, and representative for California’s 52nd Congressional District. Peters shares about growing up in the church as a pastor’s kid, his vocational journey, and his passion for environmental justice. Watch the video here. This video complements Peters’ “I’m a Lutheran” profile in the January/February 2021 print edition of Living Lutheran.
Featured Resources for May
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Hospitals and health systems play an important role in providing behavioral health care and helping patients find resources available in their community. Hospitals create unique partnerships to address behavioral health issues in non-traditional ways. Many of our members are leading innovations in the way behavioral health disorders are identified and treated—through the integration of physical and behavioral health services, changes in their emergency departments and inpatient and outpatient settings, and via community partnerships. These strategies improve the overall value of health care and can lead to improvements in patient outcomes, quality of care and total costs. The AHA (American Hospital Association) has a long-standing commitment to support these efforts and advocate on issues related to behavioral health. AHA supports the integration of behavioral and physical health and helps hospitals play a key role in establishing partnerships to ensure access to a full continuum of behavioral health care.
Since 1949, MHA (Mental Health America) and our affiliates across the country have observed May is Mental Health Month by reaching out to millions of people through the media, local events, and screenings. We invite other organizations to join us in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Now, more than ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles, because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. Our 2021 toolkit includes sample materials for communications and social media as well as printable handouts on the following topics:
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- Adapting after trauma and stress
- Dealing with anger and frustration
- Getting out of thinking traps
- Processing big changes
- Taking time for yourself
- Radical acceptance
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. For 2021’s Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI will continue to amplify the message of “You Are Not Alone.” We will use this time to focus on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health and acknowledging that it’s okay to not be okay through NAMI’s blog, personal stories, videos, digital toolkits, social media engagements and national events. Together, we can realize our shared vision of a [world] where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives — a [world] where no one feels alone in their struggle. Share awareness information, images and graphics for #MHAM throughout May.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. Also visit the online treatment locators.
World Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is May 3-9, 2021
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems during and after pregnancy.
It’s all about raising public and professional awareness of perinatal mental health problems, advocating for women affected by it, changing attitudes and helping families access the information, care and support they need to recover.
The daily themes and resources can be found here: http://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/news/maternal-mental-health-awareness-week-2021/
#JourneysToRecovery #MaternalMHMatters
World Maternal Mental Health Day is May 5, 2021
World Maternal Mental Health Day draws attention to essential mental health concerns for mothers and families. Life changes around pregnancy make women more vulnerable to mental illness. The negative cycle of poverty and mental illness impact on a woman’s ability to function and thrive. This may also directly affect her foetus or child, with long-lasting physical, cognitive and emotional outcomes. Mental health care provides the necessary support to empower women to identify resources and personal capabilities. This can enhance their resilience to difficult life circumstances and support them to nurture their children optimally. Caring for mothers is a positive intervention for long-term social development. #MaternalMHMatters
For full details and resources: https://wmmhday.postpartum.net/
Additional Maternal Health Resources
Save the Date
Since human beings first captured fire, energy has been a gift we’ve harnessed to work for us. This Living Connected workshop looks past the one-dimensional argument of oil and gas versus wind and solar to discuss our complex relationship with energy. In the workshop, you’ll:
- Reflect on our use of energy and the consequences of our use.
- Consider ways energy connects us to others.
- Receive resources for making energy choices that care for our families and for our neighbors.
NT-NL Public Witness is offering Living Connected: Energy online twice in May 2021. The presenter is Katrina Martich, a Lutheran Deaconess and licensed environmental engineer in Texas.
Saturday, May 22, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CST
Tuesday, May 25, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Register at www.katrinamartich.com for the Zoom link.
Living Connected presents creation care as a spiritual discipline, formed by using the gifts of creation in just and loving ways. Workshops are offered at a reduced cost thanks to a grant from the NT-NL Synod Mission Endowment Fund. For more information, send an email to Katrina at contact@katrinamartich.com
Recent Blog Posts
Bishop Gronberg:
(https://www.ntnl.org/iglesia-santa-maria-macarthur-road-progress/ – published May 10)
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:
May 16 – Christ the King, Haltom City
May 23 – Calvary, San Angelo
May 30 – Emanuel, Dallas
June 6 – Installation of Pr. Will Foster, Trinity, Fort Worth
Pastor Totzke:
May 16 – Central, Dallas
May 30 – Good Shepherd, Irving
June 1 – First Call Pastors retreat, Zoom
June 3 – Interim/Transitional Pastors meeting, Zoom
June 6 – Installation of Pr. Will Foster, Trinity, Fort Worth
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:
- May 11: White Supremacy & Racism: Facing Reality, Taking Responsibility – Introduction and Concepts, Zoom
- May 13: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
- May 15: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2021, Course 3, Online
- May 15: ESET 2021 Clase de Primavera número cinco, Online
- May 20: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
- May 22: Living Connected Workshop on Creation’s Gift of Energy, Zoom
- May 25: White Supremacy & Racism: Facing Reality, Taking Responsibility – Selections from Isabel Wilkerson, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Zoom
- May 25: Living Connected Workshop on Creation’s Gift of Energy, Zoom
- May 26-29: 2021 John Hope Franklin Reconciliation in America National Symposium, Online
- May 27: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
- Jun. 3: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
- Jun. 3: Transitional (Interim) Pastors monthly meeting, Zoom
- Jun. 8: White Supremacy & Racism: Facing Reality, Taking Responsibility – Derrick Bell, “Chronicle of the Constitutional Contradiction,” Zoom
- Jun. 10: Weekly NT-NL Leadership Prayer, Check-in, Zoom
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to Jason (jason@ntnl.org) for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.