Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
We have experienced a hot and dry summer across the vast majority of our territory. The heat has persisted even into late September and strong storms have hit much of our area across the last months. As a result of this change in our climate, the high number of claims paid, and the increased risk going forward insurance companies dropping both residential and commercial clients. They are making a calculated business decision based on the reality of climate change. Unfortunately this means that over the past month multiple NT-NL congregations have received notice they would not be renewed. This is particularly the case with Church Mutual Insurance who is, for reasons of risk aversion, dropping the majority of its Texas/Louisiana congregations.
Church insurance is about more than just the building. Congregations need liability insurance for the potential of physical injury on their property and also the potentiality of misconduct by church staff. As a result many national carriers do not understand the unique needs of congregations for insurance. If your congregation has been dropped by their carrier or is looking for different insurance options we have a couple names that we can share with you who are still willing to insure here in Texas/Louisiana.
Having insurance as a congregation is now an expected and necessary reality. However, that was not always the case. There was a time when purchasing insurance was seen as having a lack of faith in God’s providence. In fact, my first call congregation was founded out of a split in the 1890s over individuals who desired to join a fraternal insurance company and those who believed this showed a lack of faith. Today we understand that being good stewards of that which God has entrusted us involves making good decisions to ensure the future of our communities. As you engage these realities know your synod staff stands ready to assist you and provide resources and connection. This is why we do church…
#InMissionTogether,
Bishop Gronberg
Seeds That Change Fundraising Banquet
We look forward to celebrating with you at our next Seeds that Change fundraising banquet! Each year, this gala offers an opportunity to celebrate our grant recipients and to raise money to support our next group of grant award recipients. This year Calvary, Richland Hills hosts our gala on October 7, 2023 at 6:30pm.
Tickets are on sale now! The cost is $45 per person or $300 per table for a group of eight (8) people. Payment accepted: Check (payable to NT-NL) or Zelle (office@ntnl.org).
Respond by email to mef@ntnl.org or by mail at :
Mission Endowment Fund
NT-NL Synod of the ELCA
2620 W Grauwyler Road
Irving, Texas 75061
Unable to attend? We hope that you open your heart and challenge yourself to donate that perfect & unique item for auction. We encourage you to look within your congregation to support small business. Purchasing a gift certificate from a fellow member to be auctioned off is fantastic way to bolster our church. Trust me, the small business owner remembers their supporters!
Sponsorship opportunities are also available! Direct Inquiries to mef@ntnl.org
We look forward to celebrating with you on October 7, 2023!
Is God Calling You?
You may already be active in leadership for your congregation, but have you been feeling that Holy Spirit tapping you on the shoulder? There are countless ways to serve as lay leaders, but there is also a need in the church for Pastors and Deacons. What does “Call” to ministry look like?
We are planning to have an overnight discernment retreat from January 26-27, 2024. If you are wondering if it’s time to pursue ordained ministry or if it’s time to simply expand your lay leadership in your congregation, this is for you.
Pastor Kris Totzke, Bishop’s Associate for Leadership Formation and Congregational Care, will be leading the retreat. Location is still to be determined based on the interest level and number of participants. Please contact Pastor Totzke (kris@ntnl.org) if you are interested and you will be added to the list for future information.
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:
Sep 26-30th: Conference of Bishops
Oct 8: Guest Confirmation Instructor, Trinity, Fort Worth
Oct 12-14: Wartburg Theological Seminary Board Meeting, Dubuque, IA
Oct 15: Abiding Grace, Southlake
Oct 22: St. Matthew, Waco
Oct 27-28: Bishop Eaton’s Advisory Council, St. Paul, MN
Oct 29: Midland Lutheran, Midland
Pastor Totzke:
Sep 25-27: Tri-Synodical First Call Pastors Retreat, Gonzales, TX
Oct 1: Hope, Springtown
Oct 5: Interim/Transitional Pastors meeting & MSP Training, Zoom
Oct 8: First, Temple
Oct 13: WELCA Conference, Grace, Carrolton
Oct 14: PLMA
Oct 15: Installation of Pastor Cheryl Herreid, Christ the Servant, Allen
Oct 24: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
Oct 29: Trinity, Sherman
Pastora Bañales:
Sep 24-26: ELCA Candidacy Working Group, Chicago, IL
Oct 5: First Sagrada Familia, Garland
Oct 9-14: Director for Evangelical Mission Gathering and Mission Developers & Redevelopers Training, Chicago, IL
Oct 16-20: Meetings with Mission Developers & Redevelopers
Oct 21: PLMA, Spanish Course
Oct 26-Nov 3: Immersion Trip, Chiapas, Mexico
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:
- Sep 26: First Call Pastors Check-in, Zoom
- Sep 28: Cultivating Compassion Session 9: Unsettling Truths, Online
- Oct 5: Transitional Pastors Meeting, Zoom
- Oct 7: Seeds That Change, Calvary, Richland Hills
- Oct 13-14: WELCA Conference, Grace, Carrolton
- Oct 14: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2023, Course 2, Zoom
- Oct 14: Public Witness Team Meeting, Zoom
- Oct 24: First Call Pastors Check-in, Zoom
- Oct 26: Cultivating Compassion Session 10: A People’s History of the United States, Online
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.