Around the Synod

Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod

A network of growing, Christ-centered, outwardly-focused congregations

passing the faith to the next generation

Weekly News and Announcements

January 30, 2018

Synod News

Rostered Minister and Congregational Reports Due Soon

Please submit your rostered minister reports and congregational reports by February 15!

Survey Regarding the Day With Mark Allen Powell Event

From Bishop Mike:


	Dr. Powell

Colleagues,

It was fun to be with you at the Day With Mark Allen Powell. What a turnout! I'm looking forward to a festive dinner tonight. Dr. Powell also seemed to enjoy it. Many thanks to all who led worship.

Please take a moment to help us think through if and when we do this again, by taking this short survey of ten questions.

La paz del Señor,

Mike

Job Opening: Gulf Coast Synod Administrative Assistant

We support congregations and help them extend their generosity to the world. We need a bilingual team member who loves communication and administration in this digital age.

Come join our small, flexible team, that works hard, plays hard. Please submit cover letter, resume, and references to Gretchen Lundquist by February 16, 2018 .

Job Description

Local Leaders Day at ELCA Mission Training in Houston

Who: Pastors, Deacons, Congregational Councils,

Stewardship Teams, and other local leaders

When: Friday, February 23, 8:15am-5:15pm

Where: Kinsmen Lutheran Church

12100 Champion Forest Dr

Houston, TX 77006

Cost: $15 per person to cover cost of lunch and material

The Domestic Mission Unit of the ELCA provides leadership training twice a year for pastors, deacons and other leaders of new church starts, specialized ministries, and redeveloping congregations.

As a gift to our synod for hosting the training in February, the Friday of the event will be open to any and all interested leaders from local congregations to participate in the various workshops that are offered. The workshops highlight resources that assist congregations and leaders in growing health, vital ministries. Bishop Mike Rinehart will be one of the workshop leaders.

Please register by Friday, February 16.

For more information contact synod Mission Catalyst Chris Markert.

Administration

New Resources from LEAD

Lent Resources

FREE print-ready resources for worship & reflection. U sing texts from the Revised Common Lectionary, the resources include:

Weekly bulletins with liturgy and prayers (in both color and black & white versions)
Weekly images to color
Weekly guided spiritual practices

New Book for Church Leaders: Faithful Metrics

Faithful Metrics is a field guide for leaders who want to do more than talk about a path forward. We can surface and name the tendencies and biases we have as a group while we reflect on our language and what we mean by it. We can ask new questions. We can set metrics that are both faithful and freeing as we consider ways to empower our community to be revitalized. Learn more.

Southwestern Texas Synod Bishop Tiemann Retirement

As you may know, Bishop Ray Tiemann is retiring this summer after serving as bishop in the Southwestern Texas Synod for 18 years. To honor him, they are establishing an endowment in his name. If you would like to give to this endowment, you may do so by check or online. Learn More.

Houston Chronicle Seeks Sermons/Messages

The Chronicle's "Beliefs" section publishes a sermon/message each Sunday, and is asking for submissions! It can be from any religious tradition; in fact, a variety of traditions would be preferred. Send your submission and contact information, or direct any questions, to [email protected].

Sermons between 700 and 900 words are most likely to get consideration, as that fits into the space limitations of the section. It can be a sermon or message given at a religious gathering, but also think about an essay, thoughtful piece, or reflection on faith and religion from your tradition that you think would enlighten the Chronicle's readership.

Save the Dates: Synod Assembly

Synod Assembly returns to the Hilton Houston North May 17-19, 2018. Put it on your calendars, and we'll be sending out more details in the new year.

Events

Handbell Workshop at Our Saviour's, College Station

Our Saviour's Lutheran in College Station is hosting a Handbell Workshop on February 17 . Details and registration are listed here.

Kinsmen Reformation Tour of Germany - June 2018

Did you miss going on the 500th Anniversary Reformation trip with the Synod in 2017? Pastor Beth Warpmaeker from Kinsmen Lutheran Church invites you on a similar trip to Germany June 11-20, 2018 (with an optional extension to Prague).

The trip will see the places and locations that were significant during Martin Luther's life. We will learn about recent historical events, the life of Martin Luther, and theological debates from the 16th century that continue to be relevant today. The goal of this trip is for you to return with your eyes opened to see the ways God wants you to witness to his grace in your everyday life.

Please join us for this journey of faith, learning and relationship building. Brochure and Registration

Justice

2018 Lutheran Legislative Event

The theme for the 2018 Lutheran Legislative Event , sponsored by the Synod's Poverty and Justice Task Force (PJTF) in partnership with Texas Impact, will be "Rooted in Faith / Grounded in Love." The Event will be held at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin starting the afternoon of Sunday, February 11 , and will conclude about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 13 .

Schedule:

Sunday , 2:45 pm - 8 pm - Opening worship and plenary

Monday , 7:30 am - 8 pm - Workshop/training on key issues

Tuesday , 8:30 am - 1 pm - Legislative visits at the Capitol

More information and registration. Register by February 1.

Children & Youth

Gulf Coast Synod Training for Adult Leaders

The synod's Gathering Synod Coordinator will be holding training for adult leaders. The second training will be held on April 22. Please RSVP with Kristen, if you plan to attend.

April 22
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Kinsmen in Houston

If you would like to receive regular communication from our Gathering Synod Coordinator, please notify Kristen Schulze with the name and email of your congregation's primary adult leader for the Gathering.

VBS Curriculum- FREE for all ELCA Congregations

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) produces the curriculum each year that is used in camp and retreat settings and for Vacation Bible Schools and day camps. This year, LOM is offering their past VBS Bundles free to ELCA congregations.

LOM has also released its 2018 curriculum entitled "This Changes Everything." This curriculum has the same title as the theme for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering. It has been written in collaboration with the gathering team. The lessons are not the same but complement those that will be used for the gathering.

Included in the full curriculum package are five day Bible study sessions for Elementary, Youth, and Adult, as well as games, crafts, environmental activities, and team-building activities. "This Changes Everything" is also available in other small bundles designed for Youth Ministry and VBS settings.

To order any of the LOM curriculum, please see the LOM website.

Job Openings

Rwanda Lutheran School - Head of School

The Rwanda School Board has announced a world-wide search to find the person to lead our school in the years to come. The Head of School is responsible to ensure that excellent education is provided to our students by giving strategic leadership for the Rwanda School Project/Rwamagana Lutheran School.

The Head of School works with the staff, the Rwandan Governing Board, and the United States Board to establish and accomplish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies. The required education and experience for this person is a bachelor's degree; five to ten years of related education or non-profit experience; life experience in both East African and United States or Canadian cultures; and finally training and/or experience in management and supervision.

The deadline for the submission of applications is February 1, 2018, with the expectation that the new person would begin in July 2018. Robin has agreed to stay on through the rest of 2018 to help us carry out a good transition from Robin to the new Head of School. For more information, contact Board President, Karl Smith, (707) 829-0606.

The employment announcement, job description and application are linked below:

Head of School Position Posting

RSP Employment Announcement

RSP Employment Application

Churchwide News

Lutheran World Relief Lent Resources and Eco-Palms

Walk with Lutheran World Relief during the season of Lent and announce to the world that the hope of Christ makes a new season possible: a Season of Hope. Visit lwr.org/lent for resources including a special homily series and step-by-step Personal Care Kit assembly instructions. This Lent, energize congregations for global good!

On Palm Sunday, wave palms and deliver hope for the hands that harvested them with Eco-Palms! Starting January 18, visit lwr.org/palms or call 651.487.7189 to place your order.