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White Christian Nationalism:
a Pastoral Message from Bishop Sue Briner
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Advocating for Meaningful Change by Lyn Nihlean
I went to the Youth Advocacy Summit, put on by Texas Impact, at St. David's Episcopal Church in Austin in February. Pastor Cecie (Suknaic-Saulnier) had heard about this and knew I would like it. I met several people, including former Texas Legislator, and current Annette Strauss Director Mark Strama, and Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard.
The best part of the weekend was writing recommendations to fix bills. I was paired with someone else to look at a bill about bullying and antisemitism. On the surface, it looked like a really good bill. But, in actuality, it uses definitions that limit freedom of speech and opens up a can of worms about other religions and bullying.
We worked together to write a letter to the Legislators on the Education Committee, recommending that they either amend the bill or not pass it as it’s currently written.
We went to the Capitol, which was cool but would have been better if it wasn’t President’s Day because most people who worked there were gone. But we did get to talk to a few staffers and one Legislator. It was a really fun weekend and felt like something I would be interested in doing as a career.
Lyn's note appeared in the March 2025 newsletter for Spirit in the Hills Lutheran Church in Spicewood, and is reprinted with permission.
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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REGISTRATION INCREASES APRIL 1ST!
2025 Synod Assembly
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More than Enough / Mas que Suficiente
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church San Antonio
Hybrid option available
Hotel Information:
For those needing to stay locally, we have secured a hotel block with the Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio Airport. Limited rooms are available for $99 per night (breakfast not included). Visit the Hotel Group Page to make your reservation by April 11th.
Click here for Assembly business information
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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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Our 2025 Churchwide Assembly Voting Members
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the primary decision-making body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a process of communal spiritual discernment. When the ELCA Churchwide Assembly convenes, its voting members meet with confidence in God’s grace around word and water, wine and bread, to carry on their work on behalf of the entire church. This year, our voting members are:
- The Rev. Sue Briner, Bishop
- Leigh Ingram, Vice President
- Rev. Lea Walker Clark
- Rev. Caleb Jeffers
- Michael Riggs
- Lee Schnelle
- Camila Powell
- Lorie Garcia
- Owen Powell
| | CONGREGATIONS/ROSTERED MINISTERS | | |
Congregations In Transition:
In Transition:
Gethsemane, Austin
Abiding Love, Austin
St. Paul, Nordheim
Christ the Victor, Victoria
Faith, Beeville
Holy Cross, Austin
Interviewing:
First English, Austin - Pastor
Called:
Galilean, Corpus Christi – Pastor Fred Klinker from South Carolina Synod
Christ, Elm Creek – Pastor David Tinker from Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod
St. John, Marion – Pastor Bryan Dziadik-Willingham from Southwestern Texas Synod
Zion, San Antonio – Associate Pastor Allen Jensen from Montana Synod
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Of Celebration
Congratulations to Fred Klinker, who was installed as Pastor at Galilean Lutheran Church in Corpus Christi.
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Of Condolence
Condolences to Pastor Brad Highum and family at the death of his daughter, Jesse Highum.
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Of Condolence
Condolences to Pastor Johnene Cunningham and her family at the death of her mom Sonya.
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Of Comfort and Protection
Prayers for all those affected by and fighting the Crabapple Fires in the Fredericksburg area.
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ELCA Worship News
In this edition:
The Value of Hymn Descriptions, Worship Resources in Times of Need, and more. Read it here.
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Online Discernment Groups – exploring God’s call to lead
Do you ever get a sense that God is tapping you on the shoulder?
Are you wanting to learn more about church leadership and wondering whether it might be for you? Have you ever thought about enrolling in seminary, or even just wondered what seminary study is like today?
You are not alone! The ELCA, in partnership will all our seminaries, is once again offering online groups where you can share your curiosity with others across the church. Over three sessions, explore how God might be calling you to lead in the ELCA. Sign up by visiting elcaseminaries.org and filling out the contact form, or by emailing recruitment@elca.org.
Are you a rostered minister interested in leading such a group? Email Rick.Summy@elca.org to learn more.
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March Mission Support Memo
The March 2025 Mission Support Memo connects us as partners in relationship. Hear about how the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin welcomed lay and rostered leaders across the synod to the Grove, providing a beautiful space to wonder, learn, connect, collaborate, and explore how vital ministry can happen in the name of Christ. This memo also asks to connect with you to get your important feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together. We are so grateful to be in partners in relationship across our ELCA synods and congregations.
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For All People, Without Exception
In 2019 the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA made several proclamations, among them that:
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The love of God is for all people, without exception, and we proclaim it;
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The justice and mercy of God are for all people, without exception, and we proclaim this; …
To live this out, the Office of the Bishop Staff, are studying Dismantle: An Anti-White Supremacy Lenten Devotional so that we are better able to recognize and defend the dignity of all people in the eyes of God.
For the Third Sunday of Lent, Deacon Darcy prepared a devotional for the staff. After reading Luke 13:1-9, we reflected, discussed the summary of Womanist Ethics and the Culture Production of Evil by Emilie M. Townes, and then pondered these questions:
- The parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9) speaks of patience, care and transformation. How might the parable inform our approach to addressing racism in our communities?
- The gardener advocates for giving the tree more time to bear fruit. What odes this teach us about perseverance in racial justice work?
- Where have you seen “barren” spaces in racial justice – areas where growth is slow or difficult? What would it look like to nurture change in those space?
- The landowner in the parable is ready to give up on the tree, but the gardener offers a different perspective. How can we respond to people who believe racism is too embedded in society to change?
What do you think? Email me your answers.
In solidarity,
Hilda
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Prayers for Rain
As wildfires affect many in our communities, we are called to accompany and serve those who are affected.
As a Synod we are encouraging congregations to join in prayer for those affected, those who fight the fires and for blessed rain for the drought affected regions. One way congregations can participate in prayer is by organizing prayer vigils both within the congregation and ecumenically in your community. Here are some resources from our Episcopalian siblings for prayer.
Another way congregations can serve is to support the local volunteer firefighter departments who provide coverage for the majority of rural communities. These volunteers often respond for extended periods of time during a wildfire and basic needs like hydration and comfort items can be a great support for the volunteers.
One option for support is to create "go bags" and deliver them to your local fire department. These bags include items like sunscreen, bug spray, bandanas, Advil, and electrolyte powder to keep hard working volunteers supported. Check out this Amazon list for suggested items. Your community can order the suggested items and bags, then assemble and deliver to local volunteer departments.
Or, drop ship a bill order of electrolyte powders to keep the firefighters hydrated. One additional need may be cell phone chargers for the brush trucks, so firefighters can keep their phones on and communication open with their families.
However your community may be called to serve, reach out and let these departments know they are valued and their work is a vocational calling to love neighbors.
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Job Opportunities
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Bethany Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg is hiring a Preschool Director. Click here to learn more.
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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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San Antonio Golden Rule Day
Sunday, April 6
12:00 High Noon
Confluence Park, San Antonio, TX 78204
Featuring:
Wisdom and Prophetic Prayer with Faith, Community, and Civic Leaders. Neighbors, Press, Peace Laureates, Elders, Children & Community Organizers.
Parking: Onsite & nearby at St. PJ's Children's Home & Concepcion Park (via footbridge).
Seating: Free & open to the public. Bring your own chair & water. Click here to learn more.
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Fireside Chat: Exploring Diaconal Ministry in the ELCA
April 10
7-8:15pm (Central time)
Join us for a virtual fireside chat with the Seminaries of the ELCA, Deacon Krista Anderson, and Deacon Beth Anderson, as we explore Diaconal Ministry in the ELCA! Click here to register.
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Mariposa Family Learning Center 5 Year Celebration
May 7
5:30-7:30pm
VUKA, 5540 N. Lamar Blvd.
Come to hear what's happening, what will be happening, and bump elbows with other Mariposa supporters! Learn more and RSVP here.
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Eagle Pass Border Experience
May 12-15
Participants in the upcoming Eagle Pass Border Experience will see and become part of migration 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, a colonia and prayer with conversation at the Rio Bravo River. Click here to learn more.
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National Faith + Climate Forum 2025
Thursday, March 27
10am-4:30pm
Palm Valley Lutheran Church
2500 E. Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
The community is invited to gather at Palm Valley Lutheran Church for a free livestream of the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025. Experience a day of powerful discussions, engaging workshops, and community building as we explore the intersection of faith and environmental action. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Round Rock Area Serving Center accepted. Conveniently located on Highway 79 near the Dell Diamond and Kalahari Resorts. Click here to learn more and register.
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Creation Spirituality Retreat
April 5-6
Shield Ranch
Spend the night or just the day
Do you feel closest to God when you are outside? You do enjoy praying while walking? Do you serve on the Creation Care or Green team...and wish you could really transform the way we think about nature? Join Pastor Candice, Deacon Kelly and other folks who want to connect deeper with God's spirit in nature.
At this retreat, you'll be introduced to new practices of experiencing the Holy Spirit in nature, and learn from "Wild Church" leaders Ellen Wiggins and Kriss Miller. This special event will be at Shield Ranch in semi-private, open air cabins. Expect fresh farm to table food that will nurture you - body and soul.
This event is for everyone, high school age and up.
To receive more info and to register: text SHIELD to 512-346-5683. Questions? Contact Pastor Candice.
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