Palm Sunday March 29, 2026. As many of you who follow me know my son is playing baseball this spring on a team that is playing in several weekend tournaments. This is great experience for him and the benefit of being in the DFW metroplex is that there is lots of good baseball being played at his level.

But weekend tournaments require some logistics and flexibility so I can also serve the communities of NT-NL Synod, ELCA. On Palm Sunday I was scheduled to be again with the people of Central-Dallas as I have been regularly this spring.

As it turned out he had an 8am game in Bedford on Sunday morning. So we went to that game, immediately hopped in the car and he went with me to Central for worship. It was a beautiful service, particularly the music: hymnody, choral and bells. Grateful for the lay leaders of this congregation who are working together to build their future. We read, as many of you did, the passion narrative from Matthew. So important that we hear that text, listen to it, and remember the labor Christ was doing for us on the cross.

After worship they had a spring festival with games and a bounce house. We stayed just a bit because we had to get back to Bedford for more baseball (win and move on). His team performed well, ultimately winning the championship.

I share this because I know our pastors have to juggle family responsibilities and the duties of a pastor or deacon. We are grateful for our village that can help us out. But it was also a fun day to spend the day with my son and the church and ultimately watch the championship game with my spouse.

Be encouraged this Holy Week as we know there are many things to do. Tasks to accomplish. But most of all we enter Holy Week reminded of what our God does for us so we can give thanks for this life. #NTNL #juntosenmision

ELCA Global Mission: Middle East North Africa Situational Report II

Over the past few weeks, the MENA region has been experiencing rapid multi-front escalation following the joint attack on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, with spillover in Lebanon, the Gulf, and the occupied West Bank. The current landscape is marked by cross-border hostilities, indiscriminate missile strikes, and the targeting of civilian-adjacent and densely populated areas, particularly by Israel in Lebanon. Beyond the humanitarian toll, this crisis has introduced wider reverberations in the global economy, including disruption of energy markets, volatility along maritime corridors (especially the Strait of Hormuz), and heightened risks for continued regional instability.

Read more of the situational update regarding the recent strikes in Iran and retaliatory attacks across the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) Region here. ELCA Global Mission remains in communication with our companions and ELCA personnel across the MENA region and will share additional updates as needed moving forward.

Drawing Water: Leadership Reflections from Pastor Nathan Swenson-Reinhold

Drawing Water is a short monthly reflection for congregational leaders across the Northern Texas–Northern Louisiana Synod. These reflections attend to the lived realities of leadership—clarity, fatigue, conflict, discernment, and resilience. Like windmills on the plains that quietly draw life from below the surface, this series invites leaders to slow down, reflect, and remember that leadership was never meant to be carried alone.

March’s article is “Why Conflict Isn’t the Real Problem”. You can read the reflections in English and Spanish here.

Portico Updates

2025 FSA Claims Submission Reminder

Tying up receipts and loose ends? ELCA Health Plan members have until April 30 to submit 2025 claims for reimbursement from your health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). Submit 2025 claims to Further (and 2026 claims to HealthEquity). Not sure what qualifies as an eligible health care expense? This guide can help.

Quantum Health – Better Search. Better Care.

Starting April 1, ELCA Health Plan members may notice a refreshed experience on the Quantum Health Care Coordinators website and app — including an enhanced provider search designed to make finding high-quality care easier. Contact a Care Coordinator for help navigating care, resolving claims and billing issues, and confirming your provider or clinic are in-network.

I Spy Something Blooming …

Spring is a great time to get active, try something new, and build habits that support your well-being. Breathing fresh air, looking for signs of growth, and praying for our planet is a great way to give thanks for creation. Want to go the extra mile? ELCA-Primary health benefit members can explore Burnalong classes designed to help your wellness goals bloom. Check out the April calendar.