Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
Today I had the privilege to sign the checks for the first batch of camp scholarships being provided by the NT-NL Synod, ELCA through our Briarwood Legacy Endowment.

Through the wise stewardship of this Endowment we are able to offer support for camping and mission trips. The endowment will pay 50% of the cost of camp enrollment (currently over $700/week) or 50% of mission trip cost (up to $350/participant). The endowment also will provide funds for congregations offering an onsite day camp run by Cross Trails or Luther Hill staff, up to 50% of the cost of the camp.
Last year the endowment provided $90,000 in such scholarships. Today we sent checks for $36,000 in our first round of funding. Congregations that submit now will receive funds May 15th. The endowment also supports clergy renewal/sabbatical grants for our leaders and other opportunities for those in candidacy. We are grateful for this gift.
Congregations can apply for these funds at https://www.ntnl.org/briarwood/briarwood-scholarship/
The investment we in NT-NL made in Briarwood continues to pay dividends for our synod. Rather than asking for financial support we are now able to generously share God’s abundance with our communities and support camping in Texas and most importantly faith formation in our congregations.
#JuntosenMision,
Bishop Gronberg
February Mission Support Memo
The February 2026 Mission Support memo persuades us to realize how closing a congregation can develop a new ministry, just as Memorial Lutheran let go to become Riverside Commons in Nashville, TN. Explore how Riverside Commons will be a “neighborhood space for the sake of the world,” aiming to serve as a spiritual, artistic and social hub for East Nashville. Also learn how to join an important ELCA Town Hall: “Introducing The Church Property Resource Hub” with three days and times in March.
NT-NL WELCA March Newsletter
Featured Resources for March
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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:
March 28: Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest Board Meeting, Fort Worth
March 29: Central, Dallas
Pastora Bañales:
March 16-20: Vacation
March 19: DEM Advisory Team
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
March 22: Faith, Flower Mound
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:
- 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.


