Dear Partners in Mission:

Sunday October 6th I had the joy of visiting the “Faiths” of Wichita Falls. Faith Lutheran, which has been doing ministry in Wichita Falls for decades. And Faith Episcopal, who are the faithful Episcopal remnant after the schism in the former Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. Together now they worship led by Pastor Ernie Barr. Most Sundays they do the Episcopal rite at 8:45am and the Lutheran at 10:45am. But for this Sunday they came together to worship and fellowship together as I was honored to preach and preside.

 

This coming together is a hopeful sign for me of God’s abundance in the midst of challenge. There is grief of course for those who were quite literally banished from their house of worship. But that grief has found meaning in organizing themselves as Faith Episcopal, a new branch from the stump of the pain others brought.

As we live into the realities of our new time I encourage all our congregations to look around and see your neighbors. Seek opportunities to partner together either as ELCA congregations or with full communion partners. To offer hospitality to those in need and understand our buildings are for mission, not for maintenance. Grateful for the Faiths of Wichita Falls and for all our work we do #Juntosenmision #TogetherinMission…

Bishop Gronberg