Message from Bishop Gronberg
The conflict between Hamas and Israel has devastated lives and produced further suffering for all in the region. I had the privilege of being part of the installation liturgy of Bishop Azar in 2018. He is a voice for many marginalized in this conflict, caught up in global political interests fueling violence. He and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land are living witnesses in this land and our partners. We pray and are called to advocate for peace and justice and the end of violence.
Official Notice: 2024 NT-NL Synod Assembly
Save the Date!
Our next annual NT-NL Synod Assembly will be April 19-20, 2024, at Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria, Irving.
Registration will open January 10th. The Synod will not be coordinating a room block at a specific hotel.
Additional details will be shared on the event page as we confirm them: https://www.ntnl.org/event/2024-nt-nl-synod-assembly/
September Mission Support Memo
This month highlights the Ecumenical partnerships with a story from the Delaware-Maryland Synod ~ these stories show how wonderfully interconnected we are across our church and other faith traditions. This memo also shares the good news of the new Congregation and Synod Support Team name that joyfully now includes Congregational Stewardship along with Mission Support and Storytelling Engagement. As always, we are grateful for the work with and among each other that brings such incredible stories. It is a joy knowing Mission Support is at work across our church: serving with each other, supporting leaders, vitalizing ministry, and engaging us all in our local communities, national church and global work.
Featured Resources for October
Clergy Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in October (October 8 this year).
Clergy Appreciation Month is celebrated annually in October.
How might you honor the faith leaders in your community to show your gratitude for their faithful leadership, especially in these times? When was the last time your community encouraged and supported your faith leaders in observing a regular Sabbath? How might that support be sustained going forward?
Recent Blog Posts
(https://www.ntnl.org/elcsl-assembly-and-ordinations/ – published October 9)
(https://www.ntnl.org/mef-dinner-celebration/ – published October 9)
(https://www.ntnl.org/say-no-to-private-school-vouchers-in-texas/ – published on October 9)
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:
Oct 22: St. Matthew, Waco
Oct 27-28: Bishop Eaton’s Advisory Council, St. Paul, MN
Oct 29: Midland Lutheran, Midland
Nov 12: Trinity, Sherman
Nov 19: Immanuel, Killeen
Pastor Totzke:
Oct 22: Installation of The Rev. Mallory Morris, First United, Dallas
Oct 24: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
Oct 29: Trinity, Sherman
Pastora Bañales:
Oct 16-20: Meetings with Mission Developers & Redevelopers
Oct 21: PLMA, Spanish Course
Oct 22: Emmanuel, Granbury
Oct 26-Nov 3: Immersion Trip, Chiapas, Mexico
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:
- Oct 24: First Call Pastors Check-in, Zoom
- Oct 26: Cultivating Compassion Session 10: A People’s History of the United States, Online
- Nov 2: Transitional Pastors Meeting, Zoom
- Nov 11: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Course 3
- Nov 11: Public Witness Team Meeting
- Nov 28: First Call Pastors Check-in, Zoom
- Nov 30: Cultivating Compassion Session 11: Practice- Reparations, Online
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.