Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
While you are reading this hopefully our delegation to visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone will be on their way returning to the United States. We pray and are confident this will have been a building up time of our relationships with our partner church and seeing how best we can participate into the future.
Closer to home we are now one week away from our national election day. Many of you have probably already voted early or by mail. As we approach this significant moment in our national lives I would encourage you to reflect on the recent ELCA Conference of Bishop’s statement urging us to see the truth and be people who speak the truth.
With gratitude for your prayers and look forward to seeing you all soon.
Together In Mission:
Bishop Gronberg
Mission Endowment Fund Grant Application Window Closing Soon
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. Applications close at midnight on October 31st.
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!
Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-gram
Find updates about Lutheran Men in Mission and upcoming events here.
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 21-30: Synod Trip to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone
Pastora Bañales:
October 21-30: Synod Trip to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone
November 7: DEM Advisory Team
November 9: Teaching, PLMA Spanish Track
November 11-15: ELCA DEM Annual Gathering
November 21: First Sagrada Familia, Garland
November 22: Thanksgiving Service and Dinner, First Sagrada Familia, Garland
November 23: Community of Hope, Fort Worth
November 25-29: Vacation
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
November 2-3: Trinity, Lockney
November 5: HOT Deanery
November 7-11: Vacation
November 17: St. Paul, Crawford
November 26: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
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:
- 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.