Message from Pastor Fitting-Snyder
This past weekend was a powerful reminder of what it means to be the church together. On Friday and Saturday, the NT-NL Synod Council gathered for its regular meeting. The work of the church—budgets, policies, constitutions, and dreaming up new ministry ideas—may not always seem glamorous, but it is holy work. We do this work trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we gathered for morning prayer on Saturday, I shared with the council a line from Mary Oliver: “Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” We don’t always know how the Spirit will move in one person, one congregation, or one synod, but if we are too preoccupied with day-to-day details, we may miss it. The invitation for us all is to stay open, to keep room in our hearts for the Spirit’s surprising work.
That same openness to the Spirit carried into Sunday evening, when I had the joy of joining the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod for the installation of their new bishop, the Rev. Tracey Breashears Schultz. This past year I was grateful to learn from Bishop Tracey during her service as Bishop’s Associate in the Gulf Coast Synod, and it was moving to see her installed in this new role. Bishops from across the ELCA and our Full Communion Partners surrounded her, not only with the laying on of hands, but each took time praying over Bishop Tracey—a visible reminder that no one is called to ministry alone.
Preaching on Mark 10:35–45, the Rev. Susan Candea reminded us that true greatness in Christ’s kingdom is found in service: “whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant…for the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Bishop Tracey said “yes” to this new call not out of a desire to be great but in order to serve, and we see the same calling that belongs to all of us in baptism: to serve God and neighbor, not for our own greatness but as Spirit-filled servants of Christ. Whether in a council meeting, a local congregation, or the wider church, the Spirit continues to call, equip, and send us out all by the grace of God. The question remains: how will you keep room in your heart for the movement of the Holy Spirit, so that you too may say “yes” to God’s call to serve?
Peace,
Pastor Kelsey
We will learn & have fun together by practicing Spanish language, praying, group practice, and assignments to put your learnings into action.
Target Audience: Adults (Non-Spanish Speakers) Pastors, Deacons, SAWL and Lay members
Focus: Spanish Language Skills, Liturgy Vocabulary, Hispanic Culture awareness; Religious Traditions.
Objectives:
- Introduce key liturgical vocabulary in Spanish
- Explore some of the Hispanic Religious tradition during the liturgical year.
- Practice Spanish grammar and Vocabulary
- Familiarize students with the ELCA Spanish-language liturgies.
Click here to learn more about the Spanish Liturgy program and to register.
2025 NT-NL Synod Assembly Worship
Click here to watch the worship service from Synod Assembly.
Featured Resources for September
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. September is used to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and other advocacy groups is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
For more information and resources for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, go to 988lifeline.org/chat or text NAMI to 741-741
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:
September 13: Ordination of Brady Fox, Our Saviour’s, Durant
September 14: Confirmation, Community of Hope, Fort Worth
September 27-28: Celebration of Ministry of Diana Smith, Trinity, Fort Worth
October 3-7: Installation of ELCA Presiding Bishop and Conference of Bishops
October 9-11: Wartburg Seminary Board Meeting
Pastora Bañales:
September 11: PODER Latinx Young Adult Ministry
September 13: Spanish PLMA Academy, Emmanuel, Dallas
September 14: Emanuel, Dallas
September 16: Conferencia Latina Planning Team
September 21-24: Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference, New Orleans
September 24-27: ELCA Missional Leadership Training Conference, Chicago
September 29: Stewardship of Life Institute Board Meeting
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
September 13: Ordination of Brady Fox, Our Saviour’s, Durant
September 14: Installation of Brady Fox, First, Temple
September 20: Panhandle Conference Meeting
September 21: Oslo, Gruver
September 29-October 1: First Call Retreat
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:
- September 13: Parish Lay Ministry Academy
- September 13: Public Witness Team Meeting
- September 18: NT-NL Youth Leader Lunch, Rejoice, Coppell
- September 23: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- September 27: NT-NL Youth Confirmation Retreat, Shepherd of Life, Arlington
- October 4: Seeds that Change Banquet, Santa Maria, Irving
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Save the Date
- October 8, 15, 22, 29: Fall Online Spanish Liturgy Course
- October 27-29: Rostered Minister and SAWL Retreat
- April 24-25, 2026: Synod Assembly
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to office@ntnl.org for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.