March 27th was a Zoom sort of day for the NT-NL Synod, ELCA. We began with prayer and checking in as 40 leaders joined us. A shaky zoom experience as apparently the platform was having issues. But it was still yet meaningful as we read Psalm 130 and prayed.
Then a few hours of calls for me with fellow bishops, churchwide reps, our DEM Irma Banales, with local leaders looking to multiply ministry, and 30 of our Eastern conference leaders. Meanwhile my associate Pastor Totzke met with first call leaders and youth leaders in our synod. Briarwood Retreat Center/Briarwood Leadership Center was also a part of our time as Robert Smith presented on the realities of the possible crisis we are facing in leadership.
Not having to commute means I had time to connect my youngest with a buddy from school on WhatsApp. The long haired blonde boys missed each other. Then my daughters had their string lessons via skype as I got a quick workout in and ran over to one of our favorite taco shacks to get takeout and support our servers.
The evening ended with my spouse on zoom with her exec team and I participating with a Lutheran Men In Mission bible study on my phone while getting kiddos bathed and ready for bed. Grateful for the time with almost 50 men across our nation. We studied John 9 and the man born blind. A reminder to me, as a religious leader, to think about my own potential blindness to God’s surprising action.
A busy day and blessed for the work. We have now had zoom meetings with 4 of our 6 conferences and over 100 leaders participating. Grateful for that outpouring of support and desire for connection. #NTNL #BWTX #LMM #InMissionTogether