The Weekly Five

Five Things to Know This Week in the Southwestern Texas Synod

Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt on Sabbatical

Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt will be on sabbatical October 1–31 and will be spending part of that time traveling in South Korea. We’re glad Darcy has this opportunity for rest, renewal, and adventure, and we wish her a wonderful month away!

While Darcy is gone, please contact Bishop Sue Briner with questions related to mobility or the call process. For candidacy questions, please contact Pastor Susie Schnelle.

We’ll look forward to welcoming Darcy back in November!

Portico Benefit Services Final Annual Enrollment Webinar

October 8 at 1 pm

Join the Portico Regional Reps for a webinar covering need to know information for annual enrollment and helpful contextual information about the Portico bundle of benefits (health insurance, retirement plan, disability insurance and survivor benefits). This webinar is designed for both plan members and sponsoring organizations (employers).

Click here to register.

Tiemann Leadership Grant Recipients

Congratulations to this year's Tiemann Leadership Grant recipients!

• Pr. Tim Bauerkemper with First Lutheran in San Marcos
• Pr. Bethany Hull-Somers with San Antonio Mission Lab 

These grants create opportunities for rostered leaders to engage in leadership and development experiences, whether through workshops, conferences, coaching, or other programs. We are excited to fund experiences that will strengthen skills, deepen impact, and benefit communities throughout the synod!

Note About Sensitive Locations: Please Report Violations ASAP 

In March, I shared news about a lawsuit our synod joined alongside several other synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other plaintiffs. The lawsuit challenges the federal government’s decision to rescind longstanding guidance limiting immigration enforcement at “sensitive locations,” including houses of worship. We joined because immigration enforcement at our churches threatens our freedom to gather for worship, practice our faith, and minister to our neighbors...

Click here to keep reading.

Faith in Action: Make Your Plan to Vote

As people of faith, participating in civic life is one of the ways we live out our calling to love and serve our neighbors.

Our ELCA social statement Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All reminds us that Christians are called to participate in our social and political communities and to seek the well-being of all, especially those whose voices are too often pushed to the margins. The ELCA describes civic participation as one way we put love of neighbor into action and work for the common good. (ELCA⁠)

One important way we do that is by voting...

Click here to keep reading.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ministry Partners