Message from Pastor Fitting-Snyder

Community is a television show that first aired in 2010. It is based on an eclectic group of people who create community while attending community college together.  In an early episode, one of the main character’s, Jeff, convinces some of his new friends attend a particular class because it was an easy A, or so he thought. No tests, no pop quizzes, the only thing they must do to pass is Carpe Diem – Seize the day. Jeff thinks is going to be a breeze, but the professor sees right through him. 

Jeff tries to act wild and crazy doing things he would never typically do, but that isn’t what this class was about. At the end of the episode Jeff ends up kissing a girl he has a crush on, and the teacher says he passed. Why does he pass after trying to seize the day over and over again? Because Jeff was living in the moment. He was present in the moment. Presence is an easy concept to talk about, but harder live moment to moment. 

As people who work in the church roster or lay, it can be difficult to be fully present, when we are continually holding the different aspect of our ministries. We are constantly anticipating that next meeting, the next sermon, the next visit, the next newsletter article, the next church gathering, and all the while balancing our vocations within our families.

Presence is more than just sitting across the table from someone. Simultaneously occupying a space with another is not necessarily presence. We’ve probably all had the experience of going to a meeting, but never really showing up. We can be present on a zoom meeting, over the phone, text message, or card, as much as we can be present sitting around a table with others. Presence is primarily about an interior state, a condition, a way of being, and secondarily about location and proximity. Presence is the way in which we create space and place for another. 

I am reflecting on this idea of presence today because I reminded of the importance of presence last week, as I was helping to facilitate the Tri-Synodical First Call Retreat at Lutherhill in La Grange. This time together with first call deacons and pastors is crucial not just for the learning and education that takes place, but also in creating and holding space for one another as leaders. To be able to openly reflect on the joys and the burdens of ministry, the things that make us hopeful about the future of the church, and the concerns and conflicts within our ministry contexts that make it challenging. Listening, sharing ideas, and being there for one another is some of the best things we can do as leaders within the church and community.  

I am continually inspired by the way church leaders continue to show up for one another. It is important that we continue practicing presence and creating space, so that we can set this example within our congregations. 

I am also reminded that no matter how many things creep up to worry and distract us – the news, health challenges, family tensions, relationships, work, grief, anything at all – Jesus is always there, calling us back to the promise of his continued presence with us. Teaching us and leading us to be present for others.

In the presence of Christ, 

Pastor Kelsey

---

Remembering a Year Since October 7, 2023

It has been a year since Hamas crossed the southern border of Israel, attacking, killing and taking hostages. Since that time tens of thousands have died and more displaced. Bishop Eaton posted this response on October 1st.

We pray for peace and justice. We mourn those whose lives have been taken in violence that continues to escalate. There are a multitude of resources for your congregations and yourselves at https://elca.org/crisis-holy-land

---

Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest is Hiring

Morgan Schmidlin, gift planner for the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod with Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest, concluded her service as a gift planner effective Sept. 30. Schmidlin, a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Flower Mound, joined the foundation staff in 2020. During her tenure, she has enjoyed productive relationships with congregations and their members that have led to furthering ministry capacity and sustainability in the synod.

Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest now has a full-time position opening for a gift planner for the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod. The gift planner will be responsible for cultivating legacy gifts and presenting opportunities for long-term ministry investments in the LFSW Multi Asset Fund and ELCA Ministry Growth Fund.

The gift planner will report to Deacon John Dellis, director of legacy planning, and will be expected to reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. For more information contact Deacon Dellis at (830) 305-2758 or jdellis@lfsw.org.

---

NT-NL Youth 2024-2025 Calendar of Events

For more details on specific events go to NTNLyouth.org

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:

October 11-12: Wartburg Seminary Board Meeting, Dubuque, Iowa
October 13-15: Facilitating St. Paul Area Synod Theological Conference, Alexandria, Minnesota
October 21-30: Synod Trip to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone

Pastora Bañales:

October 11: Community of Hope, Fort Worth
October 13: Rejoice, Frisco
October 17: DEM Advisory Team, Zoom
October 18: ELCA Holy Innovation Design Spirit Meeting
October 21-30: Synod Trip to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone

Pastor Fitting-Snyder

October 10: Herbener Lecture, King of Glory, Dallas
October 12-13: 70th Anniversary Celebration, Grace, Abilene
October 19: Candidacy Committee, Good Shepherd, Irving
October 22: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
October 27: Christ, Dallas