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Bishop Briner wants to visit you in 2025
I'd love to visit you on a Sunday or for a special midweek/weekend event. Here are open dates — please email me directly at sbriner@swtsynod.org.
- Feb. 2
- Mar. 23
- Apr. 6
- Apr. 27
- May 25
- June 1
- June 22
- June 20
- July 27
Preference for those congregations I have not visited in a while. I look forward to hearing from you!
In Christ's love,
Bp. Sue
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Advent Reflections on Peace
As we light the candles on our Advent Wreaths, we focus on four core values of our Christian faith: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Over the years, we have assigned slightly different significance to each of these candles, but they have become pillars of our faith in God through his word that became flesh and dwelt among us 2000-plus years ago. This year, we invite you to spend extra time on the second candle, the Peace candle. Through reflection, prayer, and discussion, we will dive deeply into what it means for Jesus to be called the Prince of Peace—in our hearts, homes, communities, and the world.
Click to join us online Monday evening - December 23 at 7pm.
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The synod office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays beginning Monday, December 23, and will re-open on Thursday, January 2. A bishop's staff person will be on call each of those days. Emergency? Call 830-379-9900, ext. 21.
The eNews publication schedule for December will be:
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December 18—Synod eNews
- December 25 and January 1—no eNews
The first Synod eNews of 2025 will be published on Wednesday, January 8.
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Seguin’s Compass Ministry: Together, Doing Wonderful Things with Great Love
Ministry is not a solo act. Four churches in the Seguin understood that partnering was better than standing alone, so, they came together to dream. As a result, Compass Ministry, a joint venture offering experiences of an open, affirming, and welcoming youth ministry was born.
The partnering churches, Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and Friedens Church, combined their unique resources and hired a full-time program director, Hannah Hansen. She now works with a larger group of 6th–12th grade youth who explore their faith and relationship with God in a safe space through bible studies, games, meals, service projects and fun with their peers in the community.
We are spotlighting this ministry because of their willingness to partner and change. After reading the comments from those involved with the program and watching this inspiring video we hope you begin to dream with your congregation. Where is God inviting you to partner, so that all can experience God’s love and grace?
Hannah Hansen, Program Director, finds joy and challenges through this partnership.
I find joy in getting to know each person, witnessing their faith journey, helping them live into who God has created them to be and watching them grow together as a community. Most know each other from school. It is amazing to witness them deepen their relationships because of the community we have cultivated through Compass.
Scheduling is the greatest challenge! Kids are involved in many activities and exhausted. However, as their relationships grow, they make time in their busy schedules to be together. This feeds them.
Where do you see God at work? What brings hope because of this ministry?
Hannah Hansen, Program Director: From God at work in the deep faith conversations, genuine support each congregation has for this ministry, and the ability of each pastor to collaboratively and kindly work together, this ministry truly shines God’s light through the community that it invites together. Where there is a community of consistent love, support, grace, and fellowship, there is hope.
Rev. Megan Elliott, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church: We are only a few months into our second year of meeting as a group and I am seeing an evolution: many of the folks now attending are not members of the original 4 congregations. Already the makeup of the group reflects the community in which it is grounded instead of only the churches themselves. I believe our youth are hungry to belong to a place that accepts them for exactly who they are, and I am so grateful that we get to witness the fruit of this work.
Rev. Marcus Bigott, Emanuel’s Lutheran Church notices how the ministry is lived out in the community.
The collaborative approach brings together youth from diverse backgrounds within our four partner churches. This model for real life, centers on inclusivity and participation, nurturing an environment of authenticity and unity, where young people feel welcomed, valued and encouraged to explore their faith within the diversity.
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In addition, hands-on service projects help them connect their faith with tangible acts of kindness and support for the wider community. This service-oriented approach deepens their understanding of what it means to be disciples, showing them that faith is alive and lived out in service to others. They are equipped to develop as leaders who will carry forward the values of cooperation, compassion and action.
The Compass Cooperative embodies the belief that youth ministry is not only about nurturing individual faith but also about building a community that reflects God's inclusive love and active presence in the world.
Rev. Stephen Shortess of St. Andrew’s Episcopal describes the art and fruit of ecumenical partnership.
The four churches work together to provide events that include members of each Congregation. This furthers the reach of the Compass program and provides a wonderful opportunity to educate each congregation about the Compass program.
During the summer, youth and members participated in the various activities offered by the four churches, such as Vacation Bible School, movie nights, service projects, and Swim Activities.
In October, a combined St. Francis Day Pet and Animal Blessing service was offered by the four churches. The youth led the service with the ministers of each church blessing the animals. The congregations also collected over 100 stuffed toy animals for the children at Plaza de Paz Respite Center in San Antonio, who receive day-time welcoming services for individuals and families seeking asylum in the United States. The center is a partnership of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas and the Southwestern Texas Synod of the ELCA.
Rev. Stephen Shortess of St. Andrew’s Episcopal is inspired when lay youth are encouraged to be Christ's love in their everyday lives?
The Compass youth are encouraged to embody Jesus’ love in their daily lives through various practices of Bible study, fellowship, prayer and reflection. As their practices deepen the youth are empowered to take ownership of their faith lives, learning to walk in love as Christ loved us.
Through our Serve and Swim program, our youth's Christ-like ambitions were seen when they volunteered at places like The Christian Cupboard, Emanuel Church’s Garden of Eat’n, and the SARA Animal Sanctuary. What was and is so noticeable is that our young people wish to go forth in the name of Christ, love the world, and learn how to do that more through expressions of love and compassion. It’s how we share our faith and show that we strive to live a life of integrity that reflects Christlike values.
Thanks be to God for these congregations who were willing to listen to God and trust that God was in the process of change. The fruits of God’s Spirit are evident as another generation of youth experience God’s love and acceptance.
Future issues of this e-newsletter will curate stories about churches' effective efforts to study and address neighborhood needs through "holy curiosity." Send your ideas to info@swtsynod.org.
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More than Enough / Mas que Suficiente
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church San Antonio
Hybrid option available
Assembly Offering: Camp Chrysalis in Honor of their 75th Anniversary.
Click here to learn more.
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Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly Offering In Honor of Camp Chrysalis’ 75th Anniversary
In honor of the Camp Chrysalis’ 75th Anniversary and in recognition of the impact the camp and retreat ministry has on faith formation and leadership development, the offering for the synod assembly will go toward kitchen equipment for the new Dining Hall at Camp Chrysalis.
The Cross Trails Board of Directors recently voted to begin raising funds for a new Dining Hall that will allow the entire camp to eat indoors, and offer improved gathering space, accessibility and food service options. Gathering for meals and fellowship is integral to the camp and retreat experience. The current Chrysalis Dining Hall was built over 50 years ago.
This new Dining Hall will enhance the Camp Chrysalis summer camp and retreat experience for generations to come! With this offering, when the building nears completion, these funds will be readily available to help purchase all of the kitchen equipment at once! Click here to give now.
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Items Needed for Nuevos Vecinos
Nuevos Vecinos is an organization helping immigrant families settle in San Antonio.
Here are items they are always in need of:
- clothes and shoes
- new toiletries
- towels, linens, and blankets
- toys
- kitchen items
- working phones and computers
They also accept and need larger items such as:
- beds and mattresses
- furniture
- bicycles
Nuevos Vecinos also accepts monetary donations. Please visit their website for information on how to donate and other ways to help.
For more information or if you can help deliver items contact Deacon Lisa Diana at lisa@clcah.org. Thank you for your willingness to help our neighbors in need.
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CONGREGATIONS/ROSTERED MINISTERS | |
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Congregations In Transition:
In Transition:
Gethsemane, Austin
Abiding Love, Austin
St. Paul, Nordheim
St. Paul, Mason
Christ the Victor, Victoria
Faith, Beeville
Interviewing:
First English, Austin - Pastor
Holy Cross, Austin - Pastor
Primary Candidates Named:
Christ, Elm Creek - Pastor
Galilean, Corpus Christi – Pastor
St. John, Marion – Pastor
Called:
Zion, San Antonio – Associate Pastor Allen Jensen from Montana Synod
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Of Healing
Prayers of healing for Pastor Rosemarie Doucette.
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A Christmas message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton | |
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ELCA Spanish Language Website
The ELCA has launched a new website, Vida Luterana, for the ELCA's Latino community who, at their heart, embrace God's unconditional grace as the foundation of their faith and action. Inspired by this grace, freely given in Christ without any merit of our own, Latino Lutherans commit to living and sharing this transformative love. Click here to visit the website!
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Excellence in Leadership Program Begins January 2025
Equip yourself for leadership in a challenging world. The Rocky Mountain Synod’s Excellence in Leadership program begins January 13, 2025. This 13-month journey provides practical tools, emotional intelligence training, and spiritual practices to foster resilience and grace in anxious times. Open to all, this program offers flexible payment options and deep connections with a community of learners. Click here to learn more and register.
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Taste and See: Connecting with God Through Spiritual Practices
In the breakneck rush of today’s complex and screen-centered world, it’s easy for our daily walk of faith to become routine, one-dimensional, or nearly non-existent. Taste and See: Connecting with God Through Spiritual Practices offers a refreshing chance to rekindle that spiritual life. Through spiritual practices that engage all of you—body, senses, heart, and mind—this course invites you to draw closer to God in rich new ways. Taste and See encourages you to experiment with practical approaches to faith, grounding you in God’s love and helping you discover a rhythm that fits your life. It’s more than just a list of spiritual practices; it’s an opportunity to deepen and embody your relationship with God concretely. From visual meditation to labyrinth prayer to Sabbath, you’ll dive into practices rooted in Scripture, theology, and tradition that can turn everyday moments into sacred encounters. Join an online cohort beginning Monday, January 20th, for six weeks at 7 PM. Register HERE!
A few things you’ll learn:
- The theological and biblical foundations of Christian spiritual practices.
- How to connect with God on every level—with your five senses, mind, heart, and whole being.
- Methods for building your own personal and sustainable rhythm of spiritual practice.
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Narrative Mission Spending Plan
As you prepare your mission spending plan (budget) for 2025, consider using a narrative mission spending plan, otherwise known as a narrative budget. It’s not too late! The ELCA’s narrative spending plan webinar can lead you through the process of capturing just what you do and how it’s important to the mission God has given you.
Other ELCA Stewardship resources and recorded webinars can be found here.
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School for Lay Ministry
Beginning January 18, 2025. From preaching and teaching to providing pastoral care or designing worship, faith leaders, like you, serve their congregations in various roles. Often, you do so without the theological background or seminary degrees your colleagues may have. With the School for Lay Ministry, you'll embark on a transformative year-long journey empowering you to lead faithfully, recognizing the vital role you play in a lay-led, clergy-support ministry model. Learn more and register here.
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Job Opportunities
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Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in San Antonio is hiring a Minister of Music. Contact Pastor Steve Cox.
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Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock is hiring a Director of Children and Young Family Ministries. Click here to learn more.
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Bethany Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg is hiring a Director of Christian Education. Click here to learn more.
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Blue Christmas Winter Solstice Service
Thursday, December 19
7:00-8:00 PM CT
In the midst of this long dark season when much of nature seems dead and lifeless, we look for the light of hope. "A light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it." And yet, sometimes the light of hope can seem pretty dim and the darkness very real. We offer this virtual candlelight service designed for those who may not be feeling the happiness and joy that this season calls for. For some of us, the Christmas season is more than difficult. We gather to acknowledge the pain you may be feeling and to plead for help and hope and light from out of the darkness. Click here to register for the service.
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Texas Impact Events
Interfaith service prior to the start of the legislative session: January 14 at 9 a.m.
United Women of Faith Legislative Event: January 26-28, In person and online. We welcome all women who are committed to justice, freedom, and opportunity for all people, especially women and children. The event includes two days of speakers, inspiration, and workshops where you can connect with women like you are ready to put their faith into action. On the third day, attendees will visit the Capitol and meet with lawmakers. Click here for more information and registration.
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Small Church Gathering
Saturday, January 25,
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
St. Philip's, San Antonio, 1310 Pecan Valley Dr.
Lunch will be provided. Questions may be directed to Canon Leyla King. To register, click here.
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