Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
Sunday October 6th I had the joy of visiting the “Faiths” of Wichita Falls. Faith Lutheran, which has been doing ministry in Wichita Falls for decades. And Faith Episcopal, who are the faithful Episcopal remnant after the schism in the former Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. Together now they worship led by Pastor Ernie Barr. Most Sundays they do the Episcopal rite at 8:45am and the Lutheran at 10:45am. But for this Sunday they came together to worship and fellowship together as I was honored to preach and preside.
This coming together is a hopeful sign for me of God’s abundance in the midst of challenge. There is grief of course for those who were quite literally banished from their house of worship. But that grief has found meaning in organizing themselves as Faith Episcopal, a new branch from the stump of the pain others brought.
As we live into the realities of our new time I encourage all our congregations to look around and see your neighbors. Seek opportunities to partner together either as ELCA congregations or with full communion partners. To offer hospitality to those in need and understand our buildings are for mission, not for maintenance. Grateful for the Faiths of Wichita Falls and for all our work we do #Juntosenmision #TogetherinMission…
Bishop Gronberg
Mission Endowment Fund Grant Application Window Now Open
The Mission Endowment Fund (MEF) is pleased to announce the opening of its annual grant application window on October 1, 2024. This opportunity provides funding for congregations engaged in innovative projects that align with the mission and vision of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana (NT-NL) Synod.
The Mission Endowment Fund exists to support initiatives that promote outreach, growth, and sustainable change in local communities and beyond. Grants are awarded to programs that foster spiritual growth, social justice, leadership development, and creative ministry models that reflect the mission of the NT-NL Synod.
Who Can Apply:
Applications are open to all congregations within the NT-NL Synod who are seeking financial support for mission-driven projects that address urgent needs, create lasting impacts, and engage the community in meaningful ways.
How to Apply:
The application form and detailed guidelines are available at NTNL.org/ministries/MEF. Applicants are encouraged to review the criteria and requirements carefully before submitting their proposals. The submission deadline is October 31, 2024.
Key Focus Areas for Funding Include:
- Community outreach programs
- Leadership and ministry development
- Educational projects
- Youth and family ministry
Questions?
The Mission Endowment Fund team is available to assist with any questions or clarifications. Interested applicants can reach out to mef@ntnl.org for further information and support during the application process.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a significant impact in your community through the Mission Endowment Fund!
Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, In the Language of the People
You are invited to join a group of learners and practitioners wanting to enhance their cultural and ministry competence to help start or strengthen Latine, Bilingual, or Multi-Ethnic worshipping communities. This virtual 10-hour workshop features the learnings of local and synodical strategies, core principles, ministry models, and best practices in the development of minitry among the diversity of Latinx audiences in New Jersey, Texas, and the Chicago area.
Click here to find more information and to register.
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.
Featured Resources for October
Clergy Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in October (October 13 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?
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:
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 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 19: Candidacy Committee, Good Shepherd, Irving
October 22: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
October 27: Christ, Dallas
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:
- October 22: First Call Pastors Check-in, Zoom
- 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
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.