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Rostered Ministers Appreciation Day
Rostered Ministers Appreciation is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in October (October 13th).
How might you honor your rostered ministers in your community to show your gratitude for their faithful leadership, especially in these times? When did your community last encourage and support your rostered ministers in observing a regular Sabbath? How might that support be sustained going forward?
Give thanks to your Rostered Minister(s) and show you appreciate and support them!
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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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Storied Faith: Listening to God Through Story
This FREE online Damascus Course will be offered on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 15th at 7 PM for one hour for six consecutive weeks. It guides you on a journey of self-discovery to connect your unique narrative with God’s grand story. Through a series of engaging modules, you will delve into the theology of storytelling, create narratives that resonate and adapt to different audiences, and contextualize your relationship with God. REGISTER HERE.
To learn more about Damascus: Lifelong Learning, CLICK 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
Giving thanks to those in First Call from all three Texas Synods.
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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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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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ELCA World Hunger Celebrates 50th Anniversary With World Food Day Event
October 15
7 PM
Online
The ELCA will celebrate World Food Day and the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger during a special online event. The event will be hosted by the Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and Imran Siddiqui, ELCA vice president.
During the event, participants will hear stories from ELCA World Hunger partners. These partners will talk about their work with ELCA World Hunger and the impact of their ministries on the communities they serve.
Register here to receive reminders, event information, World Food Day resources and the event recording.
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Bold Gathering
October 26
Grace Lutheran Church
708 Bluff Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681
The BOLD GATHERING is a day for men to come together to learn, to network, and be equipped to BOLDY live out their faith! Learn more and register here.
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Technicolor Ministries' Diamond Ball
November 2
6 PM
Seguin, TX
You are cordially invited to the Diamond Ball. This Bridgerton-themed event will celebrate love, inclusion, and the crowning of the Diamond of Pride Season. Fancy dress encouraged but not required!
Details:
Expect an evening filled with dancing, entertainment, and a celebration of our community’s vibrant spirit. There will be generous donations, joy, and plenty of frivolity. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
We hope to see you and your congregation for an unforgettable evening!
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Discernment Weekend at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
November 8-10
Are you wondering whether seminary education could be right for you? Visit Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary for Signs Along the Way, an in-person visit and discernment weekend for folks at any stage in their discernment. If you are wondering about a Master of Divinity or MA in Spirituality and Social Change degree (great for future deacons!), or want to learn more about Lutheran year studies, this is a great event for you! You will have the opportunity to connect with current seminarians, faculty, and staff, learn more about seminary and online learning, and engage in intentional discernment and reflection. Lodging and most meals are covered by PLTS and there is some travel assistance available if needed. Learn more at plts.edu/signs or contact admissions@plts.edu to see if this might be the right next step for you.
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Middle School Gathering
November 15-17, 2024
Camp Chrysalis
How can you be fully saint and fully sinner at the same time? Learn about how Lutherans are both of these things and the relationship we have with God because of it.
Camp fun and interactive, faith-filled learning with other youth are all a part of The Gathering experience. Youth will stay in cabins with youth from other churches and Cross Trails staff, unless the church elects otherwise. At least one adult from the church is required to be present the entire time. Adults can stay in a cabin with other adults, or with the same gendered youth from their church if they have a Protect my Ministry certificate or the equivalent.
Early bird prices for this retreat will end on November 1st. The deadline to register is Friday, November 8th. Learn more and register here.
Financial Aid Camperships are Available for All!
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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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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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