Message from Pastor Fitting-Snyder

As people of faith, we know that transitions are a part of life’s journey. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals and communities navigating change. Abraham left his homeland, grieving the familiar while trusting in God’s promises. The Israelites were led out of Egypt, into the unknown of the wilderness. Even the early disciples had to transition from walking with Jesus, to being led by the Holy Spirit after the ascension.

Life is full of transitions. Some are anticipated, like moving to a new home or starting a new job, while others arrive unexpectedly, like the loss of a loved one or a sudden change in health. The transitions in my life whether joyful or painful, have often been met with the same two primary emotions grief and gratitude.

During my installation as Bishop’s Associate over this past weekend, I was overcome with the emotions of the transition. As the introduction to “This is the Feast” was played (a setting I had not done in a while, but I grew up with in my home church), I felt the sadness and heartache of grief. It was in that moment, that I was thinking about the great cloud of witnesses, those who have completed their earthily journeys, and if they could see me now, would be so proud of the person and pastor I have become because of their influence. I was also grieving closing a chapter of ministry that I enjoyed, loving and serving the people of St. Matthew in Waco.

As Lutherans, we understand that we can hold space for multiple things to be true at once. Gratitude certainly doesn’t erase the pain or grief, but it does remind us of God’s presence in the midst of it. While I was overcome with grief, my heart also burst with gratitude. Gratitude for the people who have shaped me along the way, gratitude for my previous ministry experiences, and gratitude for the people of NT-NL who are trusting me with this new role and ministry.

When my husband Jon and I moved to Texas five years ago, we didn’t know anyone, and because of covid, it made feeling like we were part of a community difficult. Looking at the people who joined in worship on a Friday night, I was overwhelmed, not only because the love of Christ was truly present in that room, but because I felt the support of the community of the NT-NL synod.

Transitions, whether unexpected or planned, are never easy. It takes time to walk the grief journey, while at the same time looking with hope and anticipation to the future. I am thankful for your patience and grace as I transition into this new role, and I look forward visiting you across the synod.

In gratitude and hope,
Pastor Kelsey

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The 12th Annual Herbener Lecture: Who is My Neighbor?

Join The Luther Center of North Texas for an enlightening event at King of Glory, Dallas on October 10th at 7pm. The question of Who is my Neighbor is very challenging in the context of the Israeli war on Gaza. It challenges the core of our theological understanding of this biblical story and the essence of our faith. How can I love my neighbor when my neighbor is my enemy? How do we move from political polarization to be the peacemakers?

Rev. El-Yateem’s is a Palestinian-American Lutheran Pastor born in Bethlehem and Executive Director for Service and Justice at the ELCA. His presentation will challenge our understanding of our discipleship in the context of war, migration, and displacement as we respond to our neighbor’s needs. It is a call to live as liberated people of faith to serve our neighbor freely.

For more information or to register click here.

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Poder Latinx Young Adult Worship and Picnic

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 15: Rejoice, Frisco
September 22: Messiah Church Council, Weatherford
September 22: Latinx Young Adult Commissioning
September 24-27: ELCA Conference of Bishops
September 29: Trinity Building Dedication, Fort Worth

Pastora Bañales:

September 7-16: Vacation
September 19: Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) Board Meeting
September 20: DEM Advisory Team Meeting, Waco
September 21: Spiritual Feast for the Journey Gathering, Waco
September 22: Latinx Young Adult Worship Service, River Legacy Park, Arlington
September 24-26: Region 4 DEMs Retreat, Kansas City

Pastor Fitting-Snyder

September 15: Central, Dallas
September 22: Four Mile, Mabank
September 29: Immanuel, Kileen
September 30-October 2: First Call Retreat, La Grange