Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
Last Sunday we heard Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes. Jesus’ words of blessing for those the world does not normally bless. A reminder that he lived in an age of Empire in an occupied Palestine. Jesus knew very well what imperial peace was, it was the Pax Romana, brought on by domination and submission. His words then were protest then as they are in our time. Living as we do in a nation torn by division and violence. Violence that hits close to home for many of us, but as always, some more than others.
For the last weeks I have observed with varying degrees of dismay and outright anger the situation created in Minneapolis by the outsized presence of ICE. A situation that is closer to home because of family and colleagues we live and work in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota experiencing this firsthand. U.S. Citizens murdered in the street, neighbors legally seeking asylum taken walking from the school bus. But regardless of who I know there, whatever city this would be happening in, Jesus’ words of blessing are a stark rebuke to this act of violence and force by our government.
Fifty six years ago this May four students at Kent State were murdered by National Guard troops as they protested US involvement in Vietnam. Instead of listening to the concerns of the students. the government chose to escalate the opportunity for violence by sending armed men onto campuses including at Kent State. In that time the murder of those students, young people exercising their rights to protest, created outrage and shock across the country.
The actions of ICE across Minnesota and in our own communities should bring similar outrage today. This is not blessed action but instead action intending to create fear and distrust. I encourage you to listen to the voices of neighbors, to call your senators and representatives and encourage them to stop this government overreach. To be God’s blessed people seeking peace and justice. Knowing the foolishness of God is the power of the life giving cross in which we find our hope and assurance.
Juntos en mision,
Bishop Gronberg
Synod Assembly Registration is Now Open
Synod Assembly will be Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at Advent, Arlington (3232 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015).
You can find more information on Assembly here.
Registration for NT-NL’s Synod Assembly is now open. You can register here. Registration will close April 15, 2026 . There will be no on site registration and Assembly will be fully in-person. No refunds will be issued after April 1st. Changes to your voting members can be made up until registration closes.
NT-NL WELCA January Newsletter
You can read about the happenings of our Synodical Women’s Organization here.
Featured Resources for February
Celebrate the bold women in your life. Bold Women’s Day–observed the first Sunday of March –celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. Some women are bold in their unceasing prayers. Other women are bold in their service to those in need. Still other women are bold in their advocacy or through their hospitality. Whether we live out our bold story of faith in the workplace, family, home, or community, our faith compels us to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s all about living out our baptismal call, about being a disciple of Christ. Resources can be found here: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/bold-womens-day
March 8, 2026 is International Women’s Day
When we give, we gain. Together, let’s help forge gender equality through abundant giving. The International Women’s Day 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world. What will you Give to Gain gender equality?
Resources can be found here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
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:
February 6-7: Wartburg Seminary Board Meeting, Zoom
February 7: Synod Council, Zoom
February 8: Central, Dallas
February 13-14: Augustana College, Rock Island, IL
February 15: Texas Impact Celebration, Messiah, Weatherford
February 22: Central, Dallas
March 3-7: Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL
March 18: Central, Dallas
Pastora Bañales:
February 3: HOT Conference Deanery, St. Matthew, Waco
February 7: Synod Council, Zoom
February 8-10: NT-NL DEM Advisory Team Working Retreat, Waco
February 23: ELCA Evangelism Network Gathering
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
February 5: Region 4 A2B and Regional Assignment, Zoom
February 7: Synod Council, Zoom
February 8: Faith, Flower Mound
February 15: King of Glory, Dallas
February 20-21: Calvary Lutheran Women’s Retreat
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:
- February 7: Synod Council Meeting, Zoom
- February 14: Public Witness Team Meeting
- February 19: NT-NL Youth Leader Lunch, Rejoice, Coppell
- February 24: First Call Pastors Check-in, Zoom
- February 27-March 2: NT-NL Youth Confirmation and High School Youth Weekend
- March 14: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Spring 2026
- March 14: Public Witness Team Meeting
- March 19: NT-NL Youth Leader Lunch, Rejoice, Coppell
- March 24: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- March 28: Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest Board Meeting
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Save the Date
- April 24-25, 2026: Synod Assembly, Advent, Arlington
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to office@ntnl.org for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.