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Scam Alert
Once again, there are emails being sent from a person representing themselves as being part of the Southwestern Texas Synod.
Requests for money gifts will only be through checks mailed to the synod office in Seguin or through our synod website giving portal. We will not ask for cash, gift cards, etc. You can hover your cursor over the sender's email address (without clicking it) to view the address of the true sender or call the office (830-379-9900) if you are in doubt. Valid email addresses for all synod staff members end with @swtsynod.org.
Please delete such emails and don't reply back or click on any links contained within the message. For more information from the FCC on these types of emails, please click the link below.
How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams - FCC
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Register Now for the 2024 Synod Assembly! | |
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Installation Notice
The Southwestern Texas Synod joyously invites you to the Installation of The Rev. Lauren Dow Wegner as Senior Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Austin on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 10:45 a.m.
Click here to read the full Installation Notice.
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Register Now for Boundary Training
February 7, 2024
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Southwestern Texas Synod will hold the first iteration of its new annual Boundary Training on February 7th, 2024, with the location still to be determined - at a congregation between San Antonio and Austin. The training will be centered around addressing race and racism in the parish with some additional clergy ethics reminders. If you have experienced a situation involving race and racism in your congregation and would like to submit it as a case study for our time together, please send it to [email protected]. There will be another offering of this boundary training in the Fall at a location closer to our more southern congregations. If you are overdue for the standard clergy ethics training (ie. you have not taken it in the least three years), please get in touch with Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt.
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Support for Eagle Pass Frontera Ministries
The city of Eagle Pass, TX continues to garner a lot of media attention. The news distracts from the real suffering of people who have traveled long distances to seek safety and a future of hope. Eagle Pass Frontera Ministries hears the pain of our siblings who are migrating and extends compassion by tending to their basic needs.
Click to give online and help provide shoes, food, and water to people who are migrating. (Eagle Pass in the memo)
Mail checks (payable to SWT Synod with Eagle Pass in the memo) to 1090 Oestreich Dr. Seguin, TX 78155.
Donations of new or gently used backpacks and tennis shoes of all sizes are also welcome. For instructions on assembly and mailing, please email [email protected].
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Apply Now: Trinity Leadership Fellows 2024–2026
Trinity Church Wall Street, an Episcopal parish in New York City, invites you to apply to be a Trinity Leadership Fellow and join a diverse cohort of emerging leaders on a two-year journey of faith-inspired, values-driven, and community-oriented learning and mentorship. The Trinity Leadership Fellows Program is for individuals seeking to deepen the mind-sets and skills needed to effectively lead organizations and serve communities in contemporary society, while also building lifelong supporting peer and mentoring relationships. Apply by January 31, 2024.
Click here to learn more and apply
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January 2024 Portico Synod Communication Update
Retirement Readiness Webinars
Resolved to feel more financially prepared for the future? Check out Portico’s Retirement Readiness Series from Fidelity starting at the end of January. Register for live webinars covering topics like turning your savings into retirement income, understanding Social Security, and estate planning basics. Recorded versions of these topics – and many more – are available on demand on myPortico.
Learn to Live 2024 Webinars – January
Take 30 minutes to boost your mental well-being by joining a live webinar led by the Learn to Live Clinical Team. January topics include making effective habit change, mindful eating, and creating a positive mindset by avoiding negative thinking traps. View the webinar schedule, as well as their library of previous topics, and use the access PORTICO to register.
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Communion Ware
Grace Lutheran Church Round Rock has extra communion ware available. If interested, please contact Sheila Moldenhauer.
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Meal Kits for Plaza de Paz
Plaza de Paz respite center for migrants is in need of meal kits to distribute to those migrants who are staying overnight and those who are taking long bus trips to their destination. For more information contact Deacon Lisa Diana.
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Click here to register your ministry group or congregation to donate meal kits.
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Click here to save and print the Meal Kit Instructions.
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Registration Incentive: ELCA Youth Gathering
The ELCA Youth Gathering is offering each synod a huge incentive to attend next summer. If you missed priority registration but still want to attend, now is the time to register. The first 5 congregations that contact Denise Blomquist, the Gathering Synod Champion, and register before February 14, 2024, can get priority registration prices. This is only for new registrations. For more information or questions, contact: Denise Blomquist at [email protected] or 512-255-3322.
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Job Opportunity
St. Andrew in Canyon Lake is hiring a church musician, either organist or pianist to accompany its worship services. Contact Kristine Hill.
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San Antonio Network
Saturday, January 27, 2024
9 am—3 pm
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church
You are invited the join The San Antonio Network Summit. If you have a call to connect with the rich diversity of this city and other people who are living out of the radically inclusive gospel of Jesus, this is for you.
Learn more here | Register here
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Webinar Opportunity
Funding Forward: Why Tithes and Offerings May No Longer Be Enough
Monday, January 29, 2024
7—7:45 pm
Led by the Director of the Stewardship Leaders Program at Luther Seminary, Grace Duddy Pomroy, this webinar offers a deep dive into:
- Discover why your church's financial model may need a fresh approach.
- Benefit from firsthand knowledge shared by congregations already making strides in this critical work.
- Gain insights on how your congregation can utilize its resources to discover its unique path to a more sustainable model for ministry.
This exclusive opportunity is informed by Grace's extensive research with 100+ congregations, experimenting with more sustainable, mission-driven models for ministry that don’t rely solely on the offering plate.
Click here to register
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Confirmation Retreat
January 26-28, 2024
Camp Chrysalis
Interactive experiences will enhance your congregational confirmation instruction as your youth explore the Ten Commandments. Everyone will gain a bigger view of the church as they play, study, and grow in faith with other confirmands. Click here for more information and registration.
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Holy Week Texts with Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer
Monday, January 29, 2024
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Family Ministry Center RM 205
Join Dr. Margaret Aymer from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary as she walks us through the Scriptures for the Three Days and Easter. We will leave inspired by fresh ideas that are shaping current academic approaches and considerations of the texts. Hopefully it will help shape our preaching and worship planning for Holy Week! This event was created for rostered leaders and seminarians in the Austin-San Antonio area with a desire for academic exploration. Click here to register
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Equipping the Saints 2024
February 3, 2024
2024 is the 40th anniversary for the Annual Equipping the Saints (ETS) sponsored by the Bluebonnet Conference of ELCA Congregations. Equipping the Saints is known for its many workshops that provide important insights and Biblically-based practical tools to equip persons to do congregational and community ministry and mission. There will be opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, table fellowship (catered meal) with Christians of area congregations, child care for young children of attendees, and the experience of worship as the body of Christ. While the event is sponsored by ELCA (Lutheran) congregations, it is open to persons of all denominations. Join us for this special opportunity, and invite friends and neighbors to attend. Click here to learn more.
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High School Gathering: (BE)Loved
February 9-11, 2024
Camp Chrysalis
(BE)Loved, a weekend to be, to be yourself, and to know yourself as a beloved child of God. Activities, worship, small group time, and even free time will be an invitation to let go of doing so much and instead simply be and be present in the loving care of God. Songs, games, campfires, and more will round out the weekend. Click here for more information and registration.
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March 1-3, 2024
Minneapolis, MN
Every three years, European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice (EDLARJ) meets to build community, learn about racial justice, and to shape the future of EDLARJ. This year, we will gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our time there will include:
- A pilgrimage to George Floyd Square co-lead by the ELCA Racial Justice Office
- Conversations with community members
- Worship & meals together
- Discussions on what EDLARJ does, where we are hoping to go, and how you can take part
- Elections of new board members and officers
- and more!
Learn more and register here
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Gift of Faith Gala Benefitting Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch
March 2, 2024
5:00-10:00 p.m.
The Courtyard Marriott, New Braunfels
Cocktail Attire Requested
Join us for an evening of dining, entertainment, fundraising, and fellowship to keep camp affordable for all. Click here for more information and tickets.
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Register Now: Total Solar Eclipse Retreat 2024
April 5-9, 2024
Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch
Come experience the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 with Cross Trails Ministry! Both Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch will be in complete darkness for over 4 minutes!
This once in a lifetime event will be paired with Cross Trails hospitality and activities to make an unforgettable long weekend. Participate in eclipse learning sessions and camp activities, and then join us for daily devotions and worships. Choose to do as much or as little as you would like and enjoy some great family time!
Learn more and register here.
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Resources, Webinars, & Calendar | | | | |
