Message from Pastor Fitting-Snyder

Ministry is holy work—but it can also be lonely work. Pastors, deacons, and church leaders spend so much time walking with others through their joys and sorrows that it’s easy to forget that they, too, need places of rest, renewal, and support. Some serve in contexts where they are the only rostered leader for miles around. Even when surrounded by people every day, ministry can still feel isolating.

Jesus knew the importance of stepping away. Throughout the Gospels, we see him withdrawing to quiet places to pray, to rest, and to be renewed. Jesus’ ministry was full of demands, and yet he made time for stillness and renewal.

That’s why our recent retreat for rostered ministers and SAWLs was so important. It offered sacred time and space to step away from the constant demands of ministry and to reconnect—with God, with one another, and with our own callings. We laughed, prayed, worshiped, and listened. We shared stories of both heartache and hope within our ministry settings. In spending time together, we were reminded that we are not alone in this work.

As we look toward the Advent season, this reminder feels especially timely. Advent invites all of us to slow down, to wait with hope, and to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. In a world—and in ministries—that often rush from one demand to the next, Advent calls us to breathe, to pause, and to make space for God’s presence. The time we took together on retreat mirrors that same invitation: to make room in our own hearts for Christ’s renewing love.

When we take time to nurture our own spirits, we are better able to serve our congregations, our communities, and our neighbors with renewed energy and compassion. The body of Christ is stronger when its leaders are connected, grounded, and cared for.

As we prepare to enter this holy season of waiting and hope, may we continue to hold one another in prayer and remember that support and connection are not extras in ministry—they are essential parts of it.

Peace,

Pastor Kelsey

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You can read about the happenings of our Synodical Women’s Organization here.

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:

November 16: Central, Dallas
November 22: Adult Confirmations, Iglesia Santa Maria, Irving
December 6: Texas Lutheran University: Verne Lundquist Athletic Center Dedication, Seguin

Pastora Bañales:

November 15: Conferencia Latina Conflict Management Workshop, Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Irving
November 16: Immanuel, Killeen
November 20: ELCA and UMC: Fresh Expressions Planning Team Meeting
November 20: NT-NL DEM Advisory Team Meeting
November 20: ELCA and Mexico Spanish Coaching Digital Working Team Meeting
November 21: Conferencia Latina Thanksgiving Dinner, Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Irving
November 24-30: Vacation

Pastor Fitting-Snyder:

November 12: Racial Justice Training, Zoom
November 16: Faith, Flower Mound
November 18: Assistant to the Bishop Portal Training, Zoom
November 21-25: Vacation
November 30: Covenant, Temple