Message from Pastora Bañales
P.O.D.E.R. new Ministry Inauguration Worship Service
Last Sunday we had the joy to be In Mission Together/Juntos en Mision with our new ministry of young adults and their families and Bishop Erik Gronberg who always supports, prays and blesses these events and ministries. Bishop Gronberg delivered the message from the gospel of Matthew 2:1-16. “PODER is a new ministry with different gifts God is encouraging you to work on the vineyard being good stewards of the calling you have received”.
Bishop welcomed and installed Angela Alarcon and Lupita Escamilla as the co-leaders & Mission Developers for the PODER ministry. We believe God has great plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future to continue doing ministry and evangelizing people of God by welcoming everyone in our lives.
PODER (People of Devotion Encouraging Renaissance) Latinx Young Adult Ministry, started in 2022 after an Encounter of young adults who used to be part of the youth groups in our NT-NL Latino Churches.
The Latinx Young Adult Ministry is a diverse community of faith that provides space for all to experience God’s love through relationships and serving alongside one another. This initiative is specifically oriented toward young adults, which has traditionally been underserved in churches. The “PODER” ministry is ethnically diverse as well as open and affirming to the LGBTQ+ Community. The name “PODER” was chosen as the majority of the group was raised in the Latinx communities in our synod. They would like to claim back their identity.
The young adults of today have a different view of ministry, and as they are of Latino descent, they are more diverse in their way of expressing themselves, whether in their sexuality, identity as a person of color, expression of worship, or place of worship; this ministry is different and cannot be easily defined as a one community. Their way of expression can also be a division from older generations even from the Latino community. Yes, a Latino ministry and Latino leaders are driving the new envisioned SAOM (Synodical Authorized Outreach Ministry) but in that diversity its more than Latino, hence the name PODER (def. power or being able to), empowering that diversity in all its aspects.
Contact: Lay Leaders: Angela Alarcon & Lupita Escamilla on Instagram @p.o.d.e.r22
MEF Seeds That Change Sold Out
The MEF Board is thrilled to announce that the Mission Endowment Fund‘s Seeds that Change fundraiser has officially SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and supported this important cause. Your generosity will help us continue our mission well into the future. They can’t wait to see everyone at the event and celebrate the difference you’re making!
Cost of Poverty Experience
The Cost of Poverty Experience is a 2.5 hour simulation that explores the lived experience of poverty firsthand through the eyes of real families. The experiential nature of this training helps organizations and communities more deeply understand the human and systemic impacts of poverty.
This event is offered by NT-NL Public Witness in collaboration with Unite DFW. It is open to anyone who would like to participate free of charge.
If you’d like to, a tax-deductible, donation of $30 will cover the cost of one person’s participation. Additional donations will be used to cover the cost for other participants, as well as additional Public Witness activities.
If you would like to volunteer or you have questions please reach out to Todd Porter, publicwitnessntnl@gmail.com
Register as a participant or a facilitator here
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 24-27: ELCA Conference of Bishops
September 29: Trinity Building Dedication, Fort Worth
Pastora Bañales:
September 24-26: Region 4 DEMs Retreat, Kansas City
Pastor Fitting-Snyder
September 29: Immanuel, Kileen
September 30-October 2: First Call Retreat, La Grange
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 24: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- September 28: Confirmation Retreat, Preston Meadow, Plano
- October 5: Seeds That Change Banquet, Advent, Arlington
- October 10: 12th Annual Herbener Lecture “Who is My Neighbor”, King of Glory, Dallas
- October 12: Cost of Poverty Experience, Calvary, Richland Hills
- October 12: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Zoom
- October 11-12: WELCA Women’s Retreat, King of Glory, Dallas
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.