Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
Today is Election Day in our nation. Although I doubt you need my reminder of this. We have been the subject of messaging, advertisements, speeches, and more in what seems to have become a constant election news cycle. Given all this it is deeply tempting to tune it out. And yet, the decisions we collectively make in this election will have real consequences for our lives, and as disciples of Jesus we know more importantly, the lives of our neighbors.
One of the most troubling aspects of our political state continues to be the willingness to demonize opponents and twist the truth in so doing normalizing deceit. This is a violation of the 8th commandment’s admonition not to lie as well as Luther’s explanation of the commandment charging us to speak well of our neighbor and explain their actions in the kindest manner. As a member of the conference of bishops I signed on to our recent statement about the need to speak truth and reject the rhetoric of violence and hate.
Regardless of the outcome of the elections today we as followers of Jesus have real work to do. Our nation is deeply divided, families are divided, by the politics of winning at all costs. As disciples of the crucified Christ we know true power is found in self giving love. And this should inspire our response to our neighbor and our community. In the coming days and weeks I pray that our NT-NL communities can and well model that self-giving service. To be people of peace and justice in the midst of fear and confusion. To seek and serve those marginalized and excluded. To live into our baptismal identity over any political identity.
In explaining the petition of the Lord’s prayer “Give us this day our daily bread” Luther includes in what is “daily bread” good government. So we pray today for peace, justice, and daily bread for all.
Together In Mission,
Bishop Gronberg
Wedgwood Arts Series and St. Matthew’s, Fort Worth Upcoming Events
The Wedgwood Arts Series was established to enrich their community with exceptional musical performances and art exhibitions. Tbelieve that community-driven arts organizations are the heartbeat of a vibrant and thriving society. In honoring the rich history of the Wedgwood area, their mission extends beyond showcasing the arts: they also strive to provide scholarship opportunities and performance platforms for local students. By elevating both the community and the live arts scene across North Texas and beyond, they aim to support and inspire the next generation of artists.
You can see their upcoming concerts on their website here.
NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization’s October Newsletter and Continuing Education Scholarship Application
You can read about the happenings of our Synodical Women’s Organization here.
The NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization is offering $500 scholarships to women in their organization who want to further their education and need some financial assistance. Applicants must be a participant in a WELCA unit and a voting member of the ELCA. Course of study may have a ministry job component, or it may be for continuing education in job training or updating vocational training. Deadlines for application are November 15 and May 15.
Apply here: https://ntnllutheranwomen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Application.pdf
Understanding Who “Guadalupe” Is
Join Centro Teológico Luterano Multicultural (CTLM) for a webinar facilitated by The Rev. Jesus Escamilla (San Gabriel, Alvarado) to learn about the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Lutheran Church from a Latine perspective on Saturday, November, 16th from 9:00am-12:00pm.
More information and registration can be found here.
Lutheran women have a long history of Bible study, discipleship, and desire to deepen their spiritual life and learn about issues.
You can learn more about NT-NL’s Synodical Women’s Organization on their website: https://ntnllutheranwomen.com/
Women of the ELCA offers FREE downloadable program resources—including many in Spanish—to help you grow in faith and engage in ministry and action: https://www.
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:
November 5: Dallas Area Interfaith Meetings
November 12: Conference of Bishops, Zoom
November 19: Wartburg Seminary Board Committee Meetings
November 21: Dallas Area Interfaith Clergy Assembly
December 1: Installation of The Rev. Kyle Symanski, Calvary, Richland Hills
December 6-9: Hosting Region 4 Bishops
December 8: Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, San Gabriel, Alvarado
December 26-January 3: Family Vacation
Pastora Bañales:
November 7: DEM Advisory Team
November 9: Teaching, PLMA Spanish Track
November 11-15: ELCA DEM Annual Gathering
November 21: First Sagrada Familia, Garland
November 22: Thanksgiving Service and Dinner, First Sagrada Familia, Garland
November 23: Community of Hope, Fort Worth
November 25-29: Vacation
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
November 5: HOT Deanery
November 7-11: Vacation
November 17: St. Paul, Crawford
November 26: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
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:
- November 9: Public Witness Team Meeting
- November 9: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2024
- November 9: Upper Elementary Retreat, Resurrection, Plano
- November 26: First Call Pastors Check-in, Zoom
- December 14: Public Witness Team Meeting
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.