Message from Bishop Gronberg

Dear Partners in Mission:

Last Thursday night I had the privilege of joining our Lutheran Campus Ministry in Denton on the campus of the University of North Texas. The occasion was their weekly Thursday night cookout where they cook burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers for anyone walking by who wants one. In this way they are both visible publicly on campus as well as demonstrating Christian service and love to their neighbors. More than a few times in the evening I heard someone ask, “is this really free?” or “why are you doing this?” both providing opportunity to talk about how our faith leads us to serve. That call, to service then became central in our bible study time when we engaged Luther’s “The Freedom of a Christian.”

What also struck me was that this serving event could only happen because of partnerships. Partnerships between NT-NL congregations supporting campus ministry as well as partnership with the Wesley House (United Methodist) Campus Ministry. We do not have a facility on the campus of UNT. But the Wesley House partners with us by allowing our ministry to have space and utilize their front porch for this meal. Additionally, the Wesley House joins our LuMin as the only two explicitly open and affirming Christian campus ministries at UNT to the LGBTQ+ community. This spirit of partnership and welcome gives even greater authenticity to our witness to God’s grace given freely in Christ Jesus.

As I look towards the end of 2021 and into 2022 it is clear to me ever more our future as a church in our mission field can only take place #InMissionTogether. Through partnerships between congregations and synodical ministries and even across synodical boundaries where we recognize we are stronger together. But to have these partnerships happen we are going to be challenged to let go of some things. To come together in mission will mean recognizing the giftedness of others, to get out of our silos. To be open, as the Wesley House is, to having us utilize their space and for our ministry to recognize the giftedness of not having to maintain a facility. These types of partnership conversations are happening across NT-NL and our wider church. I pray that, focused on our Christian freedom and call to witness, we will grow in our desire to come together to strengthen our mission and welcome.

#InMissionTogether,

Bishop Gronberg

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Are You a Hidden Evangelist?

Do you come home from a trip with a new best friend? Have you ever prayed with someone in line at the grocery store? Do you know the life stories of all of your Lyft drivers? Do you talk to your neighbors about Jesus? If these scenarios ring true for you, you might be a hidden evangelist. Join us for a virtual gathering and a lively conversation with people who have a similar passion for sharing Christ’s love. Join Rev. Phil Hirsch, ELCA Executive Director for Christian Community and Leadership, and Louise Johnson, ELCA Executive for Administration, on Zoom, TODAY, November 9, at 7 p.m. Central time. As the ELCA seeks to engage new people, discern how you can share your gifts of interpersonal connection to help activate your community. Register today.

Does this sound like someone you know? Share this invitation with them!

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Addiction and Veterans

The webinar is hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, Tim McMahan King, and Pastor Ed Treat.

NT-NL, Briarwood Host ELCA Region 4 DEMs

(https://www.ntnl.org/nt-nl-briarwood-host-elca-region-4-dems/ – published Nov. 3)

UT Longhorn Hoops honors TLU Coach Mike Wacker

(https://www.ntnl.org/ut-longhorn-hoops-honors-tlu-coach-mike-wacker/ – published Nov. 3)

Promises of Baptism Claimed

(https://www.ntnl.org/promises-of-baptism-claimed/ – published Nov. 5)

LuMin Denton Cookout and Bible Study

(https://www.ntnl.org/lumin-denton-cookout-and-bible-study/ – published Nov. 5)

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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:

Nov. 9: Speaker for White’s Chapel United Methodist, Southlake Men’s Group
Nov. 21: Retirement celebration for Rev. Gordon Illausky (Christ the Servant, Allen)
Nov. 28: Gloria Dei, Garland

Pastor Totzke:

Nov. 13-14: Lubbock for meetings at both Shepherd King and Gloria Dei
Nov. 21: Hope, Comanche
Dec. 2: Transitional/Interim Pastors meeting (Zoom)
Dec. 4: Candidacy Committee, Briarwood
Dec. 5: Christ the Servant, Allen

Pastora Bañales:

Nov. 9-11: ELCA Latino strategy team
Nov. 11: NT-NL Congregational Council Session
Nov. 12: NT-NL Renewal Team
Nov. 13: Latinx Conference boundaries training for PLM in Spanish, then Quinceanera (XV) at First Sagrada Familia, Garland
Nov. 14: New Start, Adviento, Arlington
Nov. 15: Faith, Fort Worth
Nov. 16: Latinx Conference gathering and Thanksgiving service, Adviento, Arlington
Nov. 18: NT-NL Congregational Council Session
Nov. 20: PLMA
Dec. 3: Dallas Catholic Dioceses Christmas reception
Dec. 4: First Sagrada Familia (Garland) wedding
Dec. 12: Community of Hope, Fort Worth
Dec. 19: Emmanuel, Granbury
Dec. 20-31: Holidays and time off