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More Than Enough Fund Update
WE DID IT!! Thanks to your generosity, we have exceeded our goal of $40,000 for our More than Enough Fund ($41,497)! This means that we will be able to fulfill a great portion of the grant requests that we've received. We don't have to stop, either! The needs are clearly out there, so I invite you to continue in generosity.
🎁 Donate: swtsynod.org/more-than-enough
💜 Because in God’s economy, there is always more than enough.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Fresh Expressions Fall Learning Cohort
What is God stirring up in your neighborhood? Could the Spirit be calling you to experiment with new ways of being church?
The Southwestern Texas Synod is partnering with five other ELCA synods in Region 4 to launch a six-month online Fresh Expressions cohort, led by the Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck. This initiative is for curious, adventurous leaders and congregations ready to explore new forms of church that meet people where they are.
Participants will gather via Zoom for four Saturday sessions from 1–2:30 p.m. Central:
- October 18, 2025
- November 15, 2025
- January 10, 2026
- February 7, 2026
Each congregation is asked to send at least two lay members (more are welcome!). Rostered ministers are also encouraged to attend. Together, we’ll gain practical tools, coaching, and vision for launching contextual, Spirit-led experiments in mission.
Cost: $30 per congregation, regardless of how many participate.
Bonus: Registration includes access to potential seed grants for congregational experiments.
REGISTER HERE!
Click here to learn more.
Questions? Contact Br. Chris Markert at dem@swtsynod.org. Let’s wonder, imagine, and try something new together!
| | Disaster Response Update: Hill Country Floods | | |
MAJOR PARTNERSHIPS IN DISASTER RESPONSE!
In the wake of the recent Texas floods, the Southwestern Texas Synod is excited to share that we have received two major grants to strengthen our synod’s disaster response and resiliency infrastructure.
A $240,000 grant from Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) was approved to help fund a full-time coordinator for disaster preparedness and response. This leader will develop synod-wide disaster protocols and equip congregations for long-term resiliency before, during, and after a disaster. We are seeking candidates now. You can find the job description here.
In addition, a $50,000 grant has been approved by Lutheran World Relief to provide continued assistance for flood survivors, training and resources for volunteers and clergy, and continued investment in synod preparedness and response.
We give thanks for these partnerships and celebrate the ways we are stronger together as the church!
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Thanks to the amazing generosity of donors across the church and beyond, the Southwestern Texas Synod’s Disaster Fund now currently holds over $138,000. We are actively working to release these funds quickly to support relief and recovery efforts.
So far, we have authorized support for recovery work in:
- Williamson County
- Travis County
- Cross Trails
- Kerr County
We’re also grateful to the ELCA Coaching Network, which is offering free trauma care coaching to anyone in need of care and support. If this is a resource you may be interested in, contact Brother Chris at dem@swtsynod.org.
Knowing that disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity— especially due to the effects of climate change— the synod is now developing a synodwide resiliency and preparedness strategy to equip our congregations and communities before, during, and after disasters.
We will continue to provide updates on how funds are being stewarded in response to this flood as well as the plans for building synod infrastructure and resources for ongoing resiliency-building and disaster preparedness and response. One thing you can do now is to prepare yourself for the next disaster before it strikes:
| | CONGREGATIONS/ROSTERED LEADERS | | |
In Discernment:
Shepherd King, San Antonio
Hope, San Antonio
Good News, San Antonio
St. James, Ganado
MacArthur Park, San Antonio
Iglesia Luterana San Pablo, San Antonio
St. Peter, Marble Falls
St. Martin’s, Austin
Transition Team Formed:
Immanuel, Comfort
Christ the Victor, Victoria
Faith, Beeville
Interviewing:
St. Paul, Nordheim
St. Paul, Mason
Christ, Cherry Springs
St. Peter, Ander
Holy Cross, Austin
Bethany, Fredericksburg
Called:
Abiding Love, Austin – Pastor Sergio Rodriguez, Gulf Coast Synod
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Installation Notice
The Southwestern Texas Synod joyously invites you to the Installation of The Rev. Katie Rode as Pastor of First English Lutheran Church in Austin on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Click to read the full installation notice.
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We continue to pray for the search and recovery efforts following the flooding in Texas, for those grieving loss of life and property, and for those who are still waiting for news; for congregations working to provide support and care during the recovery; for Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief; for the ELCA as it prepares for Churchwide Assembly; for all summer camps, and especially for Cross Trails Ministries; for those impacted by the wildfires in the Grand Canyon area. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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August Mission Support Memo
This month's Mission Support Memo focuses on our 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, celebrating the elections of a new presiding bishop and secretary to lead our church for the next six years, and hearing how our Mission Support dollars helped form these gifted leaders. Click here to read the Mission Support Memo.
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Paraments Available
The Synod office has a full set of paraments looking for a new home. If interested, please contact info@swtsynod.org.
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Portico Benefits Employers and Treasurers Webinar
Wednesday, September 3
6:00 PM
Click here to join Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 869 2977 2252
Passcode: 222655
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Hope in a Time of Peril Webinar
Wednesday, September 10
5:00 PM
Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for updates on federal immigration policy and stories of faith communities standing for welcome amid a sea of change.
Hosted by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in partnership with member organizations, featuring a panel of local and national community advocates and policy experts, we will discuss the second Trump Administration's policy shifts related to detentions and enforcement, humanitarian protection, and refugee support. Click here to RSVP.
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Lutherans United to Serve
Saturday, September 20
8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Zion Lutheran, San Antonio
Come & Learn how they serve locally & worldwide. This is for both men and women - bring friends! Speakers: Diane Covert LWR Senior Donor Mgr, Debbie Mattke-LWR, Taylor Judkin-Habitat for Humanity & Dennis Hickey LMM Pres, SWTX Synod
Anyone is welcome to Come and Learn!
Donations:
- Love offerings for LWR and Habitat for Humanity
- Non-perishable items for Daily Bread Food Pantry
FREE Registration is requested by September 17. Email your name, address, email, phone, and church to Randa Bruce at rbrugon3@gmail.com.
Click here to view/download flyers.
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Rio Grande Valley Retreat
November 14-16, 2025
Cross Trails Ministry is headed to the Rio Grande Valley! We know the expanse of Texas is big – so for our friends in the Valley, here we come! Spend the weekend with your family and friends enjoying God’s creation. We’ll get to play, sing, worship, study and play some more throughout the weekend. All are welcome! Click here to learn more and register.
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