Churchwide Assembly Reflection 6 of 6

From Thomas Blaney (Rejoice, Frisco), Synod Vice President Voting Member:

Attending the 2019 Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee was a reaffirming experience. It reaffirmed my belief that the ELCA is a denomination that cares and respects all people and religions in the world and reaches out to show support, compassion, and understanding to them. I felt like we were a denomination that celebrated and lived the “Good News” of the Gospel. I gained a better understanding of how the ELCA creates Social Statements for justice issues. When the Assembly addressed our commitment to migrants and refugees and becoming a sanctuary church body, I remembered two bible passages (Matthew 25 34-46 and Matthew 22 37-41). These two passages seemed to circumvent conservative and liberal points of view on Migrants and refugees and provide a Christian explanation to our point of view. Attending the worship services that featured multiple groups within our denomination solidifies my feelings that the inclusiveness of the ELCA has always been on the right path. The services were filled with hope, mercy, and energy and was the most uplifting part of my day. As with other churchwide events I’ve attended, I met wonderful Lutherans from all parts of the country. It was a joy sharing successes and setbacks and hearing the efforts folks take to strengthen and steward to their neighborhoods, communities, and church.

---

MEF Grants Update

The Mission Endowment Fund of NT-NL granted $80,000 in 2019 to underfunded or start up ministries in our Synod. The Board is now receiving applications for 2020. Do you have a service, educational or outreach ministry in mind that is not currently funded? If so, you are invited to review the guidelines and complete the application found at https://www.ntnl.org/ministries/mef/. Grants will be awarded in February 2020. Contact Linda Ness, mef@ntnl.org with questions. Grant requests for 2020 must be received by THIS Thursday, October 31.

This is the story of one of the ministries funded in 2019:

 

2019 MEF Grant Recipient – Emanuel, Dallas

With the 2019 Mission Endowment Fund Grant, Emanuel has focused on training leaders and developing intentional strategies to be invested in the surrounding neighborhood and community. Emanuel really has “no immediate neighbors” except for many who are homeless who sleep on the church doorsteps and are served with a Food Pantry and Homeless breakfasts each week. Pastor Cindy Carroll says: There are challenges just because of how the neighborhood is “hardwired,” but there are also unexpected things happening. Continue reading.

---

The Bold Gathering

Saturday, November 9

Zion Lutheran Church, San Antonio, TX

The Bold Gathering is a day for men to come together to learn, to network, and be equipped to BOLDY live out their faith!

You may join in person or online.

---

Save the Date

Bishop Gronberg:

MEF Dinner and a Busy Saturday across NT-NL

(https://www.ntnl.org/mef-dinner-and-a-busy-saturday-across-nt-nl/ – published Oct. 20)

Joy, Rockwall, Pumpkins, New Bishops, and Tornadoes

(https://www.ntnl.org/joy-rockwall-pumpkins-new-bishops-and-tornadoes/ – published Oct. 22)

Pastor Totzke:

Oslo in Gruver

(https://www.ntnl.org/oslo-in-gruver/ – published Oct. 26)

Installation of SAWL Sean McConathy

(https://www.ntnl.org/installation-of-sawl-sean-mcconathy/ – published Oct. 26)

---

Where in the world is?

Bishop Gronberg:

• Oct. 28-30: ELCA Partnered Synod Project – Grief and Transition retreat, Briarwood
• Nov. 3: First Salem, Roscoe

Pastor Totzke:

• Oct. 28-30: ELCA Partnered Synod Project – Grief and Transition retreat, Briarwood
• Oct. 31: Youth Leaders Lunch, Grapevine
• Nov. 2: Ordination service for Austin Nickel, Waco
• Nov. 3: St. Matthew Consecration leaders dinner, Fort Worth

Pastora Bañales:

• Oct. 28-30: ELCA Partnered Synod Project – Grief and Transition retreat, Briarwood
• Nov. 2: Ordination service for Austin Nickel, Waco