Thank you for your responses to the electronic survey in August on the future direction of the Tri-Synodical Theological Conference (TSTC). The TSTC planning team met recently to discuss the results of the survey and your feedback.

 

Several themes emerged from the survey responses. It is clear that you value this event as an important time of collegiality and networking. Survey results also lifted up the desire for high quality speakers and programming. Over half (62%) of those who responded wanted to keep the total cost of the event between $200-300.

 

Since we're taking a one-year hiatus on Theological Conference, why not use that time, and those resources for a short preaching prep retreat with Mark Alan Powell, Trinity Lutheran Seminary Professor and author of Giving to God, Loving Jesus. What Do They Hear? Introducing the New Testament, and many other books?

 

A Day with Mark Allen Powell: Preaching Lent and Easter Sunday
Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Join us for the day, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Zion Retreat Center in Galveston, for just $30, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Such a deal. We will begin with prayer, study the texts, hang out, and those who wish will all go out somewhere for dinner. 

 

Or consider staying overnight on Monday the 22nd and/or Tuesday the 23rd for $45 a night. Walk the beach, prepare sermons for Lent and Easter Sunday, and take time for prayer and reflection.

 

Cost:

$30 Powell (Includes 8:30-3 program, lunch and a light breakfast)

$45 Lodging Monday 1/22

$45 Lodging Tuesday 1/23

Registration

 

One of our congregations is in need of upright piano for worship services in their fellowship hall while work continues on their sanctuary. They can handle moving costs within Texas. Preference is for a taller instrument, better for sound quality. If you have one to offer, please send brand, age, and contact info for further questions to the synod office.

Who  - Bayou Conference Members 

What  - December meeting and Annual Luncheon Celebration at Commander's Palace:

[It's 12 - 12 - 12 = We have our reservation for  Commander's Palace on  Dec. 12th, for 12 noon, and for 12 people!]

Date - Tuesday, December 12th

Time - 9:30 am/10 am. 

Where  - We begin at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, gather 

         at 9:30 am and begin at 10 am.

1823 Washington Ave

New Orleans, LA 70113

Why  - For fellowship and good cheer!

The theme for the  2018 Lutheran Legislative Event, sponsored by the Synod's Poverty and Justice Task Force (PJTF) in partnership with Texas Impact, will be "Rooted in Faith / Grounded in Love." The Event will be held at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin starting the afternoon of  Sunday, February 11, and will conclude about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 13. 

Online registration will soon open on the SWT Synod website.

Download the event flyer  here.

Representing one of the founding denominations of the Circle of Protection, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton joined evangelical, Catholic and national Christian charities in urging Congress to "support the urgent needs of low income Americans" as it considers new tax proposals. 

"We urge members of Congress to join us in maintaining a "circle of protection" around programs of assistance to people in poverty. We are bold enough to imagine news stories about Members of Congress from both parties joining together to support the urgent needs of low income Americans and life-saving assistance to hungry and poor people around the world- because of the religious faith of those political leaders." 

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Here we are in Advent. This season doesn't exist in secular culture, where everything is barreling toward Christmas. No time to wait, no time to notice, no time to be present. Not this. Not now. All of a sudden we will find ourselves on the day after Christmas not knowing how we got there.