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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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Rekindling our Relationship with the Lutheran Church in Costa Rica
It’s been 6 years since we as a synod visited the Lutheran Church in Costa Rica, (ILCO) which is our companion. They have experienced a lot of turmoil, with multiple leadership changes and internal conflicts which has made it difficult to receive visitors. But their recently elected leadership, Pastor Carlos Bonilla(Pastor Presidente) and Pastor Erick Umaña (General Secretary) have been working with other newly elected leaders to regain their footing.
ILCO was founded the same year as the ELCA — 1988 — and they have been our companion synod for many years. We share in this relationship along with the North Carolina Synod. ILCO is a small but mighty church, committed to the radically inclusive gospel of Jesus, and standing up for those who are marginalized — migrants, indigenous persons, women, and LGBTQIA+ persons. They are a prophetic witness for justice and inclusion in what is largely a Catholic and Pentecostal population.
Our synod has sent many delegations over the years, and has worked with ILCO on a number of projects, including Centro Manu – an outdoor camp. We provided them with a missionary (Pastor Rosemarie Doucette) for one year. Click here to continue reading.
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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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Risking and Enduring
"Sometimes there’s challenges that test our endurance.
Then an Arab Christian woman in full hijab will walk around the corner at the same time an African woman appears in full neck rings. It then occurs to me, this is what heaven looks like."
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About 40 years ago, House of Prayer Lutheran Church in San Antonio was at the forefront of bringing the Palmer Drug Abuse program to San Antonio. The church agreed to let them place a portable building on a portion of its underused property. The program would operate throughout the week, serving families struggling with addiction. The program owned the building, and the church leased the land for free and paid the utilities for many years.
It seemed like a bit of a risk at the time, but the pastor and his congregation took the chance. During the ensuing 40 years, the group more than outgrew the building, gifted it to the church, and left for a larger space. Pastor Sandra Leifeste found two other nonprofits to take its place.
With a reputation as a welcome host for community programs, Pastor Leifeste has cultivated more mission partners over the years to lease its Sunday School building on weekdays and its sanctuary on weekends.
On weekends, Iglesias Zion, a non-denominational congregation, worships there on Sunday afternoons. Congregation Shalom, a reformed Jewish congregation, leases the building on Friday evenings and high holy days. On weekdays, other neighborhood ministries unfold.
"A good number of refugees have been resettled in this area. They needed English classes and had other needs; Catholic Charities approached us about hosting several of their services for their clients”, and they rented the House of Prayer facility on weekdays to offer English and job preparation classes.
"This helps undergird our budget, but admittedly, probably not as much as it should. When we began, there were no examples. Since the pandemic, it has been widely acknowledged that our budgets have to be supported by more than just offerings, so there is more support and information out there. I’ve always tried to break even, at least." That has become especially hard this year as property insurance has doubled statewide.
Beyond the critical budget support it provides, Pastor Leifeste acknowledges a significant spiritual side of this work. "Sometimes there are challenges that test our endurance," she says. Then an Arab Christian woman in full hijab will walk around the corner at the same time an African woman appears in full neck rings.
"It then occurs to me, this is what heaven looks like."
"The Scripture from Isaiah comes to life here: 'My house will be a house of prayer for all peoples, all nations.'” (Isaiah 56:7)
"It is moving to realize they are finding safety and a place to be who God called them to be."
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:
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
Shepherd of the Hills, Austin – Associate Pastor
Faith, McDade – Pastor
Zion, San Antonio - Associate Pastor
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Of Mourning
Pastor Malcolm Hoffman died on Monday, September 2. We mourn with his family. A celebration of life was held on September 21. Read his full obituary here.
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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 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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Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Austin is hiring a Finance Officer. Contact Bill Dawson.
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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
Thursday, Sept. 26, 6:30-8PM
Saturday, Oct. 5, 1-2:30PM
Sunday, Oct. 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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Fall Leadership Convocation
"Dare to Question"
October 13-15, 2024
Lutherhill Camp and Retreat Center, La Grange, TX
Romans 12:2 encourages us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.” Determining what is true is challenging in a world overflowing with information. This gathering invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to reexamine our assumptions, embrace intellectual humility, and open ourselves to new ideas. Join us for an inspiring few days (Oct. 13-15) at Lutherhill Camp and Retreat Center, where we’ll explore how to rethink, learn, and grow in our faith. Through compelling stories and research, we’ll delve into the benefits of questioning our beliefs and welcoming transformation. Gather, worship, and learn with fellow leaders as we come together in a supportive and engaging environment. REGISTER HERE!
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Advent Text Study
Thursday, October 24th
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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