Message from Bishop Gronberg
Dear Partners in Mission:
Last Thursday it was announced that the execution by firing squad of Nidal Hasan would not be livestreamed. Since the announcement that this event would be made publicly available for viewing I had been in communication with our ELCA leadership including Bishop Curry. The execution of a soldier by the US Military is a federal issue. However, as it is scheduled to take place at Fort Hood it impacts us in NT-NL as we have a congregation in Killeen and many of our members in central Texas relate to Fort Hood.
The ELCA in our social teachings has a clear statement about the death penalty. Bishop Curry affirmed that statement in his letter to the church last week. We are opposed to this form of retributive violence because violence does not bring justice. Instead it perpetuates violence and encourages us to believe that anger and wrath can bring about healing. As ones who worship a crucified Lord, executed by the Roman Empire, we are called to be people of another way. We know all too well the reality of violence, perpetrated by ourselves and our neighbors. Yet we are called to another way, a way of healing, hope, and reconciliation.
The US Military has its codes and laws. Hasan will be executed for his grievous crimes ending the lives of 14 people including an unborn child. We are grateful that thus far the plan to livestream this act, to make of this violence a spectacle, has been for now called off. Broadcasting his death would be an act of political violence and further his own goals to be a witness to those who support his cause.
What grieves me the most in this situation is the pastors and leaders in our community who immediately justified this public display of violence. Those who came to the defense of this decision and used scripture wrongly to justify themselves. In so doing they have shown themselves to be beholden to their political allegiances. To be willing to find ways to justify whatever actions are taken to maintain their access to temporal power.
Jesus Christ was nailed to a cross as an act of imperial power and authority. Done publicly to inspire terror and suppress revolt. I pray that as people of Law and Gospel we can call a thing what it is. Violence is real. Retributive violence does not bring justice. God’s peace comes through the power of the Resurrection.
#Juntosenmision,
Bishop Gronberg
Annual Congregation Site Re-opening
The Annual Congregation Report online system has re-opened for 2025 Form A submissions. The system will remain open through Friday, December 4 at 5 pm.
Congregations who have not yet filed a 2025 report should have received an email on Oct. 14.
Mission Endowment Fund Grant Application Window Now Open
The North Texas Northern Louisiana Synod (NTNL) of the ELCA’s Mission Endowment Fund is pleased to announce that the application window for its 2026 Grant Awards will open October 1 and remain open through October 31, 2026.
The Mission Endowment Fund (MEF) exists for the Synod and for God’s work, providing financial support for creative and meaningful ministries throughout the NTNL Synod.
A Simpler Way to Apply
This year, the MEF is offering a downloadable grant application packet that includes both the grant guidelines and application.
The downloadable format allows applicants to:
- Download the complete application packet.
- Review the guidelines at their convenience.
- Work on the application offline.
- Save work as they develop their ministry proposal.
- Upload the completed application when they are ready to submit.
We hope this format provides greater flexibility and makes the application process easier for congregations and ministries.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
The MEF recognizes that every ministry is unique, and we want applicants to feel comfortable asking questions or seeking clarification before submitting an application.
Questions and other inquiries may be submitted to mef@ntnl.org. Please include your question(s), along with your name, congregation or ministry, and additional contact information. A member of the Mission Endowment Fund Grants Committee will review the inquiry and contact you with the appropriate response.
Don’t let a question keep you from applying! If you have an idea for ministry and aren’t sure whether it fits the grant guidelines, reach out. We welcome the opportunity to help you better understand the application process.
Applications Open October 1
Congregations and ministries throughout the NTNL Synod are encouraged to begin thinking about the ways a Mission Endowment Fund grant could help turn a ministry vision into action.
Whether your ministry is building upon an existing program, responding to a new community need, or taking a bold new step in ministry, we invite you to explore the 2026 grant opportunity.
Application Window: October 1–31, 2026
Questions: mef@ntnl.org
The Mission Endowment Fund looks forward to hearing about the ways God is working through the people and ministries of the NT-NL Synod.
For the Synod. By the Synod. For God’s Work.
Application link: ntnl.org/ministries/mef (Available 10/1-31/2026)
NT-NL Public Witness Team Voter Information
Click here to find more information about voting.
If you have questions about this information or want to get involved with the Public Witness Team email pwt@ntnl.org.
Featured Resources for October
Clergy Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in October (October 11 this year).
Clergy Appreciation Month is celebrated annually in October.
How might you honor the faith leaders in your community to show your gratitude for their faithful leadership, especially in these times? When was the last time your community encouraged and supported your faith leaders in observing a regular Sabbath? How might that support be sustained going forward?
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:
October 24: COW Conference Meeting, Grace, Abilene
October 25: 50th Anniversary Celebration, Advent, Arlington
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 20: First Sagrada Familia
October 21: Rev Neddy & Jennifer DeLeon: Planning: Climate Justice and Faith
October 21: Latina Conference Conversation Lutherbot
October 22: ELCA DEMs Gathering
October 23-24: NT-NL Synod Women’s Organization Fall Retreat, Waco
October 26: ELCA Evangelism Network
October 30-November 1: Latinx Couples Retreat, Cedar Hill
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
October 20: Discernment Cohort, Zoom
October 25: Emmanuel, Dallas
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
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:
- October 23-24: NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization (SWO) Fall 2026 Retreat
- November 14: Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2026
- November 14: Public Witness Team Meeting
- November 19: NT-NL Youth Leader Lunch, Rejoice, Coppell
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to office@ntnl.org for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.