Message from Bishop Gronberg

Dear Partners in Ministry:

Last week I had two interesting online engagements that provided a great deal of food for thought. The first was a conversation with some of our leaders and Scot Lyon, CEO of www.Solace-VR.com. This organization is working to provide resources for ministries to connect with people across the new online spaces. Recognizing that ever more change is coming to our lives and how we connect, share the gospel, and encourage discipleship. This conversation was recorded and can be accessed here:

The second was an online coaching session through the Art of Leadership Academy regarding end of year stewardship emphases. Multiple models of doing end of year campaigns was discussed (much of which is well known). But what struck me was the reality that leaders, across a multitude of denominations, are realizing that ministry sustainability going forward cannot rely on continual fundraising campaigns. Particularly those focused on Sunday morning attendees. Communities are going to need to find ways to fund vital ministries in new ways.

These two engagements were challenging in that they both are pointing towards a future that has exceptional promise but also will require significant adaptation for congregations and for us as synod. We have a great opportunity to reach new people in new ways, but to fund that ministry we also must find new ways towards sustainability. And this is nothing new. For more than a generation now the ELCA has experienced financial support for synodical and churchwide ministry decline in real dollars year over year. This creates challenges as we look to serve our congregations, many of whom are also feeling this stress. It impacts ministries like Briarwood and the leadership center and has generated conversation among synod council and board regarding how to steward the assets of the synod.

My most significant takeaways from these conversations have been that our model of monthly income in and expenses out is not sustainable for the future. All our ministries need to think critically about these realities. Honestly assessing our physical facilities and their needs. If maintaining a physical location is important then are their like-minded organizations with whom you can partner? And ultimately how do our assets enable us to do the primary task of the church, to proclaim Jesus Christ crucified and risen to a broken world and serving our neighbors, working for justice, as disciples of the crucified one?

We trust that the Holy Spirit sustains and calls the church into being. Because we trust that we know that the church has and never will be a building or a bank account. As stewards of God’s abundance then we are called in this time to listen, pray, and be open to the new opportunities God is putting before us. This is challenging work, but it is work we do together.

In Christ,

Bishop Gronberg

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Pastoral / Spiritual Care Support / Disaster Chaplaincy Needed in Florida

From our partners at Lutheran Disaster Response:

Please see the below information and survey link requesting information for those willing to serve in the wake of Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida in support of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA.

Call for Disaster Chaplains / Pastoral Care support in SW Florida. Scope of work: Disaster Pastoral Care Support Providers would assist the pastoral leadership in a congregation in a disaster area, provide pulpit supply for respite of local pastors, assist in providing pastoral care for the parish, provide emotional and spiritual care for the parish and community, and assist congregation in their outreach to the community.

If you are interested and available, please complete this survey: https://forms.office.com/r/vkxycpQJSD

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Celebration of Life: Bishop Philip L. Wahlberg

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
is scheduled for
Reverend Philip L. Wahlberg
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022
2:00 p.m.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
200 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas 78752

A reception with light snacks will be provided following the Celebration event.

Those unable to attend or who are unavailable are encouraged to live-stream the service.
Live-streaming information will be on the Gethsemane website the day of the service: http://gethsemaneaustin.org

The following email address is provided for two purposes:

1. To notify the family and Gethsemane Lutheran that you are planning to attend and how many will be with you.
(If your plans change, it would be appreciated if you would use the email address to notify the family and congregation.)

2. To share a special memory of Pastor/Bishop Wahlberg for the family’s understanding of your connection with him.

Email: PLWAHL2022@gmail.com

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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. Given the rise of breakthrough infections and in order to protect those gathered, the synod staff will choose to wear masks as is deemed appropriate unless preaching or presiding and sufficient social distancing can be provided.

Bishop Gronberg:

Oct. 20: RE:formation – Reimagining New Ministries, Zoom
Oct. 22: Memorial service for Dr. Peter Hendrickson, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN
Nov. 5: Memorial service for former Bishop Phil Wahlberg, Gethsemane, Austin
Nov. 13: Abiding Grace, Southlake

Pastor Totzke:

Oct. 19: Church council meeting, First United, Dallas
Oct. 20: RE:formation – Reimagining New Ministries, Zoom
Oct. 22: Shreveport Ministry Task Force, Shreveport, LA
Oct. 23: Shreveport combined worship service, St. Stephen, Shreveport, LA
Oct. 25: First call pastors, Zoom
Oct. 30: New Life in Christ, Duncanville
Nov. 3: Transitional Pastors monthly meeting, Zoom
Nov. 6: Zion, McGregor, for 100^th anniversary of the building
Nov. 15: Synods and Seminaries summit, Zoom
Nov. 19: Candidacy Committee, Briarwood
Nov. 22: First call pastors, Zoom

Pastora Bañales:

Oct. 18: Walnut Hill, Farmers Branch
Oct. 19: ELCA Candidacy Working Group
Oct. 20: RE:formation – Reimagining New Ministries, Zoom
Oct. 21: ELCA Latine Young Adult Network
Oct. 22: Visioning Retreat, St. Matthew’s, Fort Worth
Oct. 23: St. Matthew’s, Waco
Oct. 27: Oregon Synod: Learning Garden Holy Innovation, online
Oct. 27: NT-NL Renewal Team
Oct. 29: Central, Dallas
Oct. 29: Three Shared Ministry Review: Community of Hope, King of Glory, and Umoja, Fort Worth