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An Update from the September 2024 Conference of Bishops
The Conference of Bishops met together in Chicago September 24-28. We gather together in person two times a year here. The Conference is made up of the synod bishops of all 65 synods, plus our Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and our Secretary Deacon Sue Rothmeyer. We welcomed eight newly elected bishops and said goodbye to one who is leaving us. We met at the Lutheran Center and had several guests from the church wide organization join us for the majority of the time.
We worshipped and ate together every day, heard reports and had significant discussions around:
- The Presiding Bishop’s report
- The Vision team
- Think tank on resourcing synods and congregations regarding building use
- The results of the Pastoral Leadership Survey regarding Rostered Ministers and SAMs serving in congregations — what the shortage (more of a distribution than a supply problem) looks like, and how many congregations can’t afford a full time pastor (approximately 45% nationwide!)
- A hearing on the Civic Life and Faith Social Statement
- An update and vigorous conversation on some initial draft proposals from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING
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Last Chance to Give Toward the 2024 Assembly Offering
The last day to give toward the 2024 Assembly Offering is October 15th, 2024. Current total for Lutheran Disaster Response: $55,622. To give, click here.
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Join a Mighty Network Group
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20
Imagine. Christian people from various settings in our synod connecting online…urban or rural congregations, pastors, deacons, people of faith, or isolated congregations and leaders gathering for study, conversation, or faith practices regularly, right from the comfort of your living room through online groups?
Imagine the possibilities. Would your perspectives change? What new thoughts would bubble up? Who would you meet along the way? How would God work in people living miles apart in the same Southwestern Texas Synod?
Southwestern Texas Synod invites YOU to join the Mighty Network Platform (available on desktop, android, and IOS) to connect in a new, online way through:
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Community building: events, meetings, and courses with diverse people of faith.
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Spaces: spaces for specific interests and topics
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Online courses: Learn in cohorts or individually through easy-to-use, high-impact courses that understand the limits of your time.
Click here to join Mighty Networks. Then, check out the Groups and see where you fit in.
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Southwestern Texas Synod Grant Application Open Now!
The Southwestern Texas Synod Grant applications (Tiemann Leadership and Transformation Ministry) are open NOW! With approximately $40,000 in funding available, we encourage collaborative, innovative projects that align with our Vision. Applications are due by midnight on October 15th, 2024. Start planning now to support your ministry and bring new ideas to life! For more details, visit our website.
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Called and Sent Videos
As part of this year's Called and Sent theme, we created videos showing how congregations live out their calledness and sentness. If you have a story from your congregation, we'd love to work with you on it! Email us at info@swtsynod.org.
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Damascus: Lifelong Learning
Curious about faith lifelong learning?
Join us on the road of transformative learning
You are invited to be transformed in your lifelong learning. Damascus offers access to excellent formation materials and lifelong learning opportunities through various courses. As lifelong learners, we learn we are on a road to being transformed in our way of thinking, being, and doing just like Saul was transformed on the road to Damascus. Saul listened to the voice of God, was led by Ananias, and got up and was baptized. We are in a community to learn, love, and lead. Damascus is for all ages, levels of expertise, and learning styles. Participants may choose to engage online or in person (workshops, webinars, and conversation groups).
So, we would like to invite YOU to a FREE online six week learning experience beginning October 15th at 7 PM via Zoom. The course is called “Storied Faith” where you’ll learn how Bible stories transcend time and place and that you are a part of God’s story. There is an opportunity to join asynchronously if the time doesn’t work in your schedule. This is not a sequential course so join for one or six weeks. For more information, contact Deacon Darcy - JOIN HERE!
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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CONGREGATIONS/ROSTERED MINISTERS | |
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Congregations In Transition:
All are invited to the Ordination of Katherine Ann Graham at St. Martin's, Austin on Saturday, October 12, at 3:00 p.m.
In Transition:
Gethsemane, Austin
St. John, Marion
Abiding Love, Austin
Galilean, Corpus Christi
Holy Cross, Austin
St. Paul, Nordheim
St. Paul, Mason
Christ the Victor, Victoria
Interviewing:
Christ, Elm Creek - Pastor
First English, Austin - Pastor
Primary Candidates Named:
Our Saviors, McAllen – Pastor
Zion, San Antonio - Associate Pastor
Newly Called:
Shepherd of the Hills, Austin -Pastor Ryan Dockery (Gulf Coast Synod)
Faith, McDade - Ann Graham (to be ordained)
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For those affected by Hurricane Helene
To contribute to Hurricane Relief Efforts, click here.
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Of Mourning
Pastor Jared Fischer at the death of his father.
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Of Celebration
Faith Lutheran, Austin, installed Pastor Taylor Dieringer on Sunday, September 22nd.
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Of Celebration
Grace, Lockhart installed Rev. Jared Fischer on Saturday, September 7th.
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Join the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
If you have a Preschool or a Learning Center as part of your congregation, you will want to be a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) where faith, education, and fun come together!
Why ELEA is the Place for You:
- Stay in the Loop: Our Facebook and Instagram communities, live webinars, and monthly newsletters are here to keep you connected!
- Discounts & Tools Galore: Enjoy significant savings from Kaplan and Old Lutheran among others. Plus, gain access to exclusive resources like chapel guides, faith formation tools, and safety modules.
- Boost Your Leadership Skills: Our conferences, leadership summits, and networking events are perfect for enhancing your abilities. Plus, webinars and resources are just a click away!
- Support & Advocacy: We're right behind you with consulting services, coaching partnerships, and national representation through groups like CCAA and NCES.
- Insurance Benefits: From HR support to low-cost dental and vision, we've got you covered. And let's not forget the $3,000 AD&D coverage!
Click here to become a part of our community and start enjoying these benefits TODAY.
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Free Small Chairs Available
Grace Lutheran Church in Round Rock has 36 free, small 14-inch chairs. If interested, please contact Sheila Moldenhauer.
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Free Worship Books and Hymnals Available
Immanuel Lutheran, Comfort has 30 green hymnals and some 1934 song books available. If interested, please contact Rev. Katie Rode.
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Secondhand Clergy Shirts and Vestments Available
If interested, please contact Pr. Marilyn Lange at 210-723-4279.
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Job Opportunities
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Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest is hiring a Gift Planner, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod. 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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Save the Date for 2025 Synod Assembly
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church San Antonio
Hybrid option available
Assembly Offering: Cross Trails Ministry in Honor of their 75th Anniversary. More details to come soon!
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Weekly Faith Practice on Zoom
Join Practicing Faith 5 on Monday evenings at 7:15 PM via Zoom. The link is on our website or in Mighty Networks. God invites us to be in community with God and others. Faith practices are regularly repeated practices that can, both personally and communally, enrich our attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, cultivate the life and character of Jesus Christ in us, and strengthen our love for God and others. These practices equip us to serve God and our neighbor better. We invite all, including families with kids, to participate in this meaningful practice.
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Community Engagement Training for Compassionate Care and Support Post-Election 2024
Saturday, October 5, 1-2:30PM
Sunday, October 6, 3-4:30PM
To help faith and other community leaders plan post-election activities, Texas Impact and the City of San Antonio’s Faith Based Initiative are offering three virtual training and orientation events. Facilitated by Ann Helmke, each event will introduce participants to San Antonio’s compassion-equation model for community conversation and highlight downloadable resources. Learn more and register here.
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Advent Text Study
Thursday, October 24
9:30 – 11:30 AM
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, La Casita room
416 Dolle Ave Seguin, TX
Join other clergy from the SWTX Synod in exploring Advent texts and preparing for the season of Holy Anticipation.
Please bring: Any Advent resources or materials you would like to share (not mandatory) and a breakfast treat to share if you are inspired to do so (also not mandatory). Mostly, we just want YOU to come and participate. Coffee & tea will be provided.
RSVP TO: Pr Bethany Hull Somers
Sponsored by the Clergy Competency Committee
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