Message from Pastor Kelsey Fitting-Snyder

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending both the ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering and the Assistant to the Bishop Gathering that followed. The theme of the Rostered Ministers Gathering, “Woven Together,” was more than just the title of the event—it became a powerful reminder of what it means to be the Church.

In ministry, it is easy to become focused on the work immediately in front of us: the congregation we serve, the meetings we attend, the challenges we navigate, and the people entrusted to our care. Gatherings like these remind us that our ministry is part of something much larger. We are woven together with colleagues, congregations, and synods across the ELCA, all participating in God’s mission in different places and contexts.

One of the things I appreciated most about the Rostered Ministers Gathering was the intentional space for conversation. Workshops weren’t simply opportunities to listen to presenters—they invited meaningful discussion around tables with pastors and deacons from across the country. Those conversations became some of the richest moments of learning as we shared ideas, asked questions, and reflected together on both the joys and challenges of ministry. While our ministry contexts may differ, many of our hopes, struggles, and questions are remarkably similar.

The worship throughout the gathering was equally meaningful. Praying, singing, hearing God’s Word proclaimed, and gathering around the Lord’s Table with thousands of rostered ministers was a tangible reminder that we are bound together not by geography or job title, but by Christ. In a vocation that can sometimes feel isolating, worship became a powerful witness that we never serve alone.

Following the Rostered Ministers Gathering, I joined Assistants to the Bishop from across the ELCA for several days of learning and collaboration. Once again, the image of being woven together came to life as we shared best practices, learned from one another, and discussed how we can better serve congregations and rostered ministers.

One highlight was participating in a question-and-answer session with Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and Secretary Rev. CeCee Mills. We also received updates on the new Rostered Minister Profile, which will soon become part of the call process, spent time discussing healthy ministry practices with the ELCA’s Office of Professional Standards, and were introduced to the new Church Property Resource Hub, a valuable resource for congregations navigating questions related to buildings and property. 

Over this past weekend, I had the joy of participating in the ordination of Jessica Nipp, one of our NT-NL candidates. While we celebrated this milestone within our synod, Pastor Jessica’s was called to a congregation in the Upstate New York Synod. Another example of being woven together. Ordination reminds us that we do not raise up leaders simply for our own congregations or even our own synod. While we love our candidates to stay in NTNL, ultimately, we are raising up leaders for the whole Church. Our candidacy committee gathers and discerns on behalf of the ELCA. So wherever are candidates are called to serve, they remain connected to all of us through our shared ministry in the Gospel.

Over the last month I have been grateful for the learning, the conversations, the worship, and the relationships. More than anything, I am renewed with an appreciation that the ministry we share in the NTNL synod is woven together with the work God is doing across the ELCA. Thanks be to God for the many ways God continues to bind us together for the sake of the Gospel.

Woven Together,
Pastor Kelsey 

Message from DEM Pastora Irma Banales

Happy and Bless Summer month of August!
NTNL Synod, Director for Evangelical Mission Rev. Irma Banales

At the beginning of the year congregations in our synod have asked me about how they could be better stewards and generous to the community where they live by sharing their building/property. The bible scripture the book of Acts 4:32 all the believers were on heart and mind… but they shared everything they had….reminds me that God is calling us to serve but also to SHARE. 

Sharing your church buildings with community groups is a great way to expand our mission in the community, strengthen relationships, and support property maintenance. The ELCA Church Property Resource team will guide you through the space sharing discernment process, the logistics of sharing space and best practices for managing your relationships with mission partners. 

ELCA Church Property Resource Hub team is offering different types of resources online and in person. 

Church Property Resource Hub Webinar: “Mission Anchors and Outposts — Rural and Small Town Property”

Thursday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m. Central

Just as ministry looks different in rural and small-town churches than in other settings, so does property stewardship. Join Partners for Sacred Places for a conversation that highlights successful strategies for rural and small-town congregations looking to use and manage their property in new and sustainable ways. Register here.

Stewardship Webinar: “The Joy of Generosity”

Monday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. Central

Come learn about “The Joy of Generosity,” a new, free resource from the ELCA Stewardship office. This four-week stewardship series is easy to implement and fully customizable. Imagine together how it can be adapted for your congregation to help fuel God’s mission being lived out through your community of faith.

Join the webinar here

Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference
Baltimore, Maryland., Sept. 21-23

Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference featuring inspiring plenary speakers, engaging workshops, meaningful worship and valuable networking opportunities for those passionate about stewardship and generosity. Register to explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions — and connect with the CPRH team. Learn more here.

If you have any questions please contact irma@ntnl.org or Rev Sarah Jones, Deacon Sarah Kretschmann, and Rev Tim Brown at CPRH@elca.org.