Message from Bishop Gronberg

In this final video in preparation for our 2020 online synod assembly, I reflect on the 10 of the 50-40-10 anniversaries we are commemorating. In 2009, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to remove the prohibition on pastors who are Gay or Lesbian and in a committed publicly accountable relationship from serving on the roster of the ELCA. These pastors have brought tremendous gifts to our church, including serving in the conference of bishops. However, there are still significant barriers to their service, even in congregations that have stated a claim to being open and welcoming.

Our polity allows for congregations to choose the pastor they desire to serve them, and the 2009 decision made that explicit. It is my prayer as bishop that we will continue to study, learn, and grow in our understanding of how God calls people to serve and grow in our willingness to be open to the gifts of all the people God calls. As we celebrate these anniversaries of the church crossing over barriers to inclusion, it is vital we continue to listen to how the Holy Spirit is working in and through God’s people. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday for assembly. For those not registered as voting members, you can observe the assembly as a visitor via the live stream on our NT-NL facebook page.

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Events This Week

Lutheran Sunset Ministries Webinar Series: How to Detect and Manage Depression & Anxiety

Wednesday, September 23, 2-3 pm

Guest speaker Courtney Mayfield, LPC-S, a Licensed Professional Counselor at Goodall-Witcher Clinic in Clifton, will share the symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety, how to discuss these concerns with a loved one or friend, and various methods to manage symptoms and improve outcomes.

Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3994218289818571021

Addiction & Race: Generations of Trauma

A one-hour free webinar on Thursday, September 24, at 12:00 pm Eastern Time

Addiction and drug policy in America are inextricably linked to race. In this seminar, we’ll dive into the dynamics of racial injustice, trauma, and oppression that contribute to addiction rates. We’ll also look at the ongoing racial disparities in policing and incarceration that perpetuate inequality and fail to address the root causes of addiction and the potential negative consequences of drug use.  

If you are working to lead your congregation or community through issues of racial justice, this webinar will be a valuable resource.

The link to register is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9416001257644/WN_ZtYXWEOnTaCJMmbdV6sPGA

Long Term Care in a Pandemic: A Look at Challenging Decisions

Thursday, September 24, Noon ET

Daily life in the time of COVID is difficult for many, but those who may need rehabilitation or nursing home placement face greater decision making process challenges. Alice H. Hedt, former Long Term Care Ombudsman for the State of Maryland, will look at concrete steps that those needing placement can take to help in making decisions, including:

• How to find information on nursing homes and COVID cases
• Questions to ask when needing rehabilitation
• Exploring in-home alternatives to facility placement
• Communication strategies when visits are restricted
• How congregations can support those in long term care

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f8DsSvyzRBmhNleWCImSWg

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Uncertain Times | Tiempos Inciertos

In her September column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the uncertain times that we find ourselves in during the pandemic. But she believes we are on the brink of a “new thing that God is bringing about.” Are we ready to answer God’s call? Read her column in English: Uncertain Times o lee su columna en español: Tiempos Inciertos.

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Save the Date

Bishop Gronberg:

Serving in the midst of Covid-19: #GodsWorkOurHands and Church of Damascus Road Golf

(https://www.ntnl.org/serving-in-the-midst-of-covid-19-godsworkourhands-and-church-of-damascus-road-golf/ – published Sep. 16)

Life at Briarwood in Covid-19: Assembly prep, Archery, and Ordinations

(https://www.ntnl.org/life-at-briarwood-in-covid-19-assembly-prep-archery-and-ordinations/ – published Sep. 16)

In Memory of Rev. Robert Graetz

(https://www.ntnl.org/in-memory-of-rev-robert-graetz/ – published Sep. 21)

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Where in the world is?

The bishop and staff have resumed limited in-person travel for special events or to tape or livestream worship. The staff will wear masks for all services and anytime they are near people, either inside or outside a facility. All synod business will continue to be conducted online, including our synod council meetings and online assembly on September 26.

Bishop Gronberg:

• Sep. 25: Synod Council and Deans Retreat
• Sep. 26: Synod Council and Online Assembly
• Sep. 27: Abiding Grace, Southlake

Pastor Totzke:

• Sep. 25: Synod Council and Deans Retreat
• Sep. 26: Synod Council and Online Assembly

Pastora Bañales:

• Sep. 25: Synod Council and Deans Retreat
• Sep. 26: Synod Council and Online Assembly