Message from Pastora Bañales

A Weekend of Faith, Fellowship, and Loving Our Neighbors

NTNL Synodical Women’s Organization (SWO) Annual Fall Retreat — Waco, Texas

This past weekend, I had the joy of joining the NTNL Synodical Women’s Organization for its Annual Fall Retreat at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Waco, Texas. It was a wonderful weekend filled with laughter, fellowship, learning, worship, and opportunities to deepen our commitment to serving our neighbors.

The retreat offered a variety of fun and engaging activities, including Bingo games, chair yoga, and group stretching exercises. These activities gave everyone an opportunity to relax, enjoy one another’s company, and care for their physical and emotional well-being. Participants also enjoyed fellowship while exploring the silent auction items, taking part in the quilt raffle, and visiting the vendors’ tables.

One of the highlights of the weekend was learning about the work of organizations serving individuals, families, and communities in need. We had the opportunity to connect with representatives from Living Water International, Thrivent, Caritas Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Isaiah 117 House, Friends for Life, Creekside Village, Mission Waco, and Fair Trades Market, which supports women and girls affected by human trafficking. Each organization offered a meaningful reminder that loving our neighbors takes many forms, from meeting basic needs and providing compassionate care to promoting dignity, hope, and opportunities for a better future.

Our worship services were especially empowering. Rooted in the words of Jesus in Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” we were encouraged to continue living out our faith through compassion, generosity, justice, and service. This commandment challenges us not only to speak about love but also to put love into action, recognizing the dignity of every person and responding to the needs of our neighbors.

I was deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead and preach alongside Pastor Austin Nickel. Sharing in this worship experience was a blessing and a powerful reminder of our calling as people of faith to proclaim God’s love and encourage one another in ministry.

The weekend was more than a retreat; it was a celebration of community, faithful service, and the many ways God calls us to be present for one another. Through worship, fellowship, learning, and the stories of organizations serving our communities, we were reminded that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

I am grateful to the NTNL Synodical Women’s Organization, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Pastor Austin Nickel, SWO President Jane Winge, the planning team, the participating organizations, and everyone who helped make this gathering so meaningful. I returned home encouraged and renewed in my commitment to follow Jesus’ commandment: to love our neighbors as ourselves.

May we continue to carry the spirit of this retreat into our congregations and communities, sharing God’s light through our words, our actions, and our love for all our neighbors.

With Love, DEM Rev Irma Banales.

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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:

October 27: ELCA Journal of Lutheran Ethics Advisory Team Meeting
October 29-31: Conferenica Latina Couples Retreat
November 1: 70th Anniversary, Calvary, Richland Hills
November 8: First Communion and Confirmations, Santisima Trinidad, Irving
November 10-11: ELCA Churchwide Resource Development Committee Meeting, Chicago
November 14: Parish Lay Ministry Academy
November 15: King of Glory, Dallas
November 16-18: Region 4 Bishop’s Retreat, Galveston

Pastora Bañales:

October 30-November 1: Latinx Couples Retreat, Cedar Hill

Pastor Fitting-Snyder:

October 29: Theological Review Panel, Zoom
November 4-7: Wartburg Seminary Visit
November 8: Installation of Pastor Sharayah Robinson, St. Matthew’s, Fort Worth
November 12: Boundary Training with Region 4, Zoom
November 14-15: Wedding, Madison , Wisconsin
November 17: NT-NL Discernment Cohort, Zoom
November 22: Trinity, Wichita Falls
November 29: St. John, Gatesville