The Weekly Five

Five Things to Know This Week in the Southwestern Texas Synod

Southwestern Texas Synod Proposed Constitution and Bylaw Amendments

At last year’s 2025 Churchwide Assembly, several changes were made to the required provisions in the ELCA’s constitution for synods. According to †S18.11, amendments to required provisions are automatically incorporated into the constitutions of individual synods.

Among other amendments passed by the Churchwide Assembly are additional recommended changes. At the November 2025 Synod Council meeting, these recommended changes were reviewed and discussed. The Synod Council voted to endorse all recommended changes and forward them to the 2026 Synod Assembly for approval.

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Mission Support Memo

Our February 2026 Mission Support memo persuades us to realize how closing a congregation can develop a new ministry, just as Memorial Lutheran let go to become Riverside Commons in Nashville, TN. Explore how Riverside Commons will be a “neighborhood space for the sake of the world,” aiming to serve as a spiritual, artistic and social hub for East Nashville. Also learn how to join an important ELCA Town Hall: "Introducing The Church Property Resource Hub" with three days and times in March. Want the PDF version of the memo? Read it here.

Register Now for the Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras Border Experience

A Project of PRH and FEAFM 

April 13-16, 2026   

Participants in the upcoming Eagle Pass Border Experience will experience immigration in la Frontera, i.e. the Borderlands, that are found in Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. Texas border visits will include Eagle Pass Frontera Ministries and Iglesia Luterana San Lucas, Mission House of Caridad de Corazón, and areas near the now militarized Shelby Park in Eagle Pass. Piedras Negras visits will include the Frontera Digna migrant shelter, Iglesia de Guadalupe, and prayer with conversation at the Rio Bravo River. For more information and pricing, view the flyer or email prh.be2025@gmail.com.

Insurance Board Resources for a Peaceful Assembly

The Insurance Board’s Loss Control team has been closely monitoring the evolving political environment affecting faith‑based organizations. In response, their team has prepared the following resources for congregations:

Insurance Board Presents: A Guide to Conducting and Participating in a Peaceful Protest

Insurance Board Presents: Code of Conduct for Participants in Protest & Civil-Action Events

Our commitment remains steadfast: to walk alongside congregations with honesty, care, and deep respect for their mission. We want ministries to feel supported and equipped—not burdened—as they make decisions that affect their people, their property, and their calling.

March Disaster Preparedness: Severe Storm & Tornado Readiness

STORM SAFETY

• March through May have high risk for tornadoes & severe storms.
• Sign up for emergency weather alerts for your area.
• Have a safe place to shelter (lowest level, no windows).

READINESS KIT ESSENTIALS

• Weather radio (battery-powered or hand-crank).
• Flashlights & extra batteries.
• Sturdy shoes and work gloves.
• First-aid kit & whistle
• Cash, bottled water, & waterproof bag with clothes.

Being prepared helps your family stay safe when storms hit.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ministry Partners