March 22, 2023
Having trouble viewing this email? Click Here
Announcements
A Note from Bishop Sue About Annual Reports 
  
Hi friends: normally I read your reports as they come in and try to respond in a timely manner. However, between my sabbatical and upcoming synod assembly I haven’t been able to start on them yet, so if you have any pressing matters to notify me of, please send a separate email.

Thanks!
Bishop Sue
Register Now for the 2023 Synod Assembly
April 22, 2023, 9am-4pm
One Day in Person Assembly Learning & Fellowship Event

During our Synod Assembly Learning Day, we will dwell in the reality that many stories are occurring at the same time, that God’s presence is in many places and the Spirit is working within many people and communities. 

May 6, 2023, 9am-4pm
One Day Digital Business Assembly on Zoom



Give to the Assembly Offering

We invite you to join the Southwestern Texas Synod as together we expand the impact of the Evangelical Mission Endowment Fund by raising an additional $150,000. The Evangelical Mission Endowment Fund enables emerging missional efforts.

To inspire us to reach this goal, the first $50,000 given by and through congregations will be matched, dollar for dollar. That means that your gift will double!

Thank you for your generous partnership in this year’s Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly offering!


Registration Now Open for
SWT Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 2024!


College of Pastoral Leaders Cohort Grants

The College of Pastoral Leaders, sponsored by Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, is once again offering multi-year grants to cohorts of 4-6 pastors to create self-designed experiences of renewal and refreshment for the practice of ministry. This is a competitive grant. Staff are happy to answer questions and help interested pastors complete the application process.

The application deadline is May 12, 2023.

Stories of Faith in Action

Your congregation’s Mission Support dollars are stewarded by your synod leaders to nurture and equip ELCA congregations and rostered ministers. Synods support area ministry partners (camps, colleges, seminaries and more) and build relationships with global-companion churches. 

Gather:Austin

Gather:Austin is a small group for young adults (folks in their 20s-30s) who gather for food, fellowship, and faith formation on the first Thursday of each month.

Gather meets at 7pm on the big deck outside of the cafe at Central Market (4001 North Lamar). This is a group for young adults, led by young adults, and focused on creating connections with young adults throughout the Austin area. Gather is a networked community, and welcomes all people across race, faith background, gender, sexuality, and perspective. 
 
For more information about Gather:Austin, check out our website. You can follow Gather on Instagram as well (@gather_austin) and reach a Gather leader via email at gatheraustin@gmail.com.
Updated Part-Time Ministry Guidelines

The Synod council has approved updated part-time ministry guidelines.

View them here.



Job Opportunities

Triumphant Love, Austin is hiring two positions: a Congregation Engagement Leader and a Children's Ministry Coordinator. For more information, contact tllcjobs@tllc.org.


St Martin's, Austin is hiring a Business Manager. For more information, contact jobs@saintmartins.org
Events
Upper Elementary Spring Retreat: “Sound the Horn!”

Camp Chrysalis
April 21-23, 2023
For Youth in Grades 3-5 & an Adult from their Congregation

There are many things to be loud about! Join us as we celebrate what God has done with us, and find out what our faith can overcome. God is so good, and this weekend we will get to see how God works with us, and how we can grow by doing what God wants us to do. Follow God’s path, and find that anything is possible! Bring your group to enjoy fun camp activities, games, a craft, interactive Bible study and more!

Women's Craft Retreat

Camp Chrysalis
April 27-30 or April 28-30
For Adult Women

Come to beautiful Camp Chrysalis to enjoy a weekend with women of faith learning new skills and escaping from the busyness of normal life. Slow down and relax as the Camp Chrysalis staff pampers you with wine and cheese, worship and devotions, and a quiet atmosphere. Bring your own project to work on or try your hand at one of our featured crafts. You can sign up for just one, two, or all of the crafts we are teaching. Sessions will be on Friday evening or during the day on Saturday. All materials are included in the craft fee.


Book Study: Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations


Thursdays, April 20 - May 11
7:00 PM CST
Zoom

This is a lay leadership opportunity. Join us for a book study and conversation that moves us, as author Allen Stanten writes, to RECLAIM the gifts of God’s presence and partnership in rural areas where many have boughten the narrative there is only decay and decline.

Join us online where we will not only learn from our reading, but also from one another as we rediscover that rural ministry is far more diverse and open for opportunity for revitalization. Participants will explore alternative narratives for rural congregations, various indicators of thriving rural churches, and refocus on necessary theology and practices needed in order to RECLAIM the future God brings.

Resources, Webinars, & Calendar