Registration is now open for the Tri-Synodical Theological Conference, Refresh '17, in January. 

Refresh '17 aims to help leaders appropriate the gifts of the Reformation for church vitality and mission today. The conference will lift up the ongoing processes of reformation in the church, while equipping leaders to further the Spirit-led work in church and society for life-giving change. Worship will be led by the ELCA's Glocal Musicians, who will share models of worship pertinent to Lutherans all over the world, yet applicable in our own settings. 

Registration is $180 through December 14. You can also add $20 to your registration to help provide scholarships for attendees in need.  First Call participants must register for their retreat separately from the conference. Read more.

Refugee Services of Texas (RST) is a social service agency dedicated to providing services to refugees and other displaced persons fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, and/or political opinion and also to the communities that welcome them. 

RST's current volunteer opportunities include employment mentoring, case management services, unaccompanied minor youth mentoring, welcome teams, and more. If interested, please apply online. Volunteers are able to interact with the agency and clients following a completed application, background check, and attending a volunteer orientation. Read more. 

Congregations should be selecting their ELCA-Primary health benefit option for 2017. Every sponsoring employer should select their 2017 health benefit option by October 28, even if all their plan members currently waive ELCA health benefits. This deadline is important because it enables Portico to prepare their systems for plan members to enter their 2017 benefit selections online from October 31 - November 16. Read more.

Now that Dr. Susan Smith has completed her work as advisor to the education programs of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic, congregations who supported her work are looking for other missionaries to support. The synod's CAR team has two recommendations:

• Anne and Willie Langdji are regional representatives for West Africa, which includes the Central African Republic. They live in Cameroon with their son Micah. Anne focuses on health ministries and Willie on sustainable development.
• Rev. Themba Lancelot Mkhabela is also a regional representative for West Africa. He and Kewna Mkhabela are based in Ghana. He concentrates on theological education, evangelism, and interfaith dialogue.

Join Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on October 27 at 7:00 pm (CDT) for a live webcast that will explore ecumenical and interreligious witness on the eve of the Reformation anniversary. 

• What was the Reformation, and what does it mean for Lutherans and ecumenical partners? 
• What is "Declaration of the Way," and why is it significant for Lutheran-Catholic relations?
• What might ecumenical and interreligious relationships look like in the future, and what does this mean for our faith community? 

You are also encouraged to view the webcast with your congregation, group, or committee. This may help conversation as you plan for and discuss your observation of the Reformation in 2017.

On October 27, join Interfaith Ministries: Dinner Dialogues, further exploring Houston's faiths with your Muslim neighbors. The dinners will be hosted in mosques throughout Houston. Tickets are $20 per person. Read more.

To inaugurate the 500th anniversary year of the Reformation, Christ the King in Kenner will host a special Vespers service on October 27 at 7:00 pm. A reception to follow; all are welcome. 

Experience family fun and fellowship at St. Martin's in Sugar Land. The church will hold its Oktoberfest festivities on October 29 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome; this fall event will include an array of grilled bratwurst and side dishes, a dessert and basket auction, and music. Children's activities include a Halloween costume parade, trunk-or-treat, pumpkin decorating, and games. 

Celebrate the Reformation with a good ol' hymn sing. We'll make a joyful noise, and enjoy some tasty brews on October 30 at Saint Arnold Brewing Co. All proceeds benefit mission starts within the Gulf Coast Synod. Tickets are $25 per person. Read more.

Interfaith Ministries is hosting a multi-week lecture series called " On Common Ground: Religion Encounters for the 21st Century." The workshops explore how religious people live together in community. 

• November 2 - Common Ground: What do we mean by diversity in religion?
• November 9 - Common Ground: Is there such a thing?
• November 16 - Common Ground: What is look like "on the ground."

Do you have an old bike that you no longer ride? Bring it to Salem in Houston on November 5 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Freewheels Houston will repair and clean your bike, then distribute it to a refugee who has recently resettled in Houston. Read more.

On November 6 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Brazos Valley Brewing in Brenham join the Hymn and Beer Fest. Cost is a $20 admission, which includes a souvenir pint glass and one round of beer. Hosted by Salem, St. Paul of Rehburg, and Zion, this fest will support ELCA World Hunger. 

There are new opportunities with Lutherhill's sociables. Beautiful music, superb appetizers, and fine wine await all those who attend this sociable: A Musical Evening with Bishop Mike. You will be treated to a piano concert by our talented bishop; excellent music and celebration is promised for all. Join on November 6 in the Woodlands. Cost is $100 per person. Read more.

Christ the Servant and Memorial Drive will present a joint Reformation Evening Prayer Service on November 6 at 4:00 pm at Christ the Servant. The service will be led by the combined choirs and will focus on Luther's psalm settings. This is the first in a year-long series of worship services in celebration of the Reformation. 

In conjunction with Trinity Episcopal, Lord of Life in The Woodlands will host a joint service of remembrance and recognition for veterans on November 11 at 7:00 pm. Honored guest speaker is Army Chaplain Richard Brunk, Jr. The evening will also feature a special performance by the 5th grade Honor Choir of Tom Cox Intermediate and colorguard by Klein Collins AFROTC. Free will offering will support Houston VA Fischer House. 

All church leaders are invested in worship to some extent. It's what we do. There are some, however, who feel an extra-strong drive to shape worship across the church and to tend worship at assemblies and conferences.

Bishop Mike is inviting all who share a deep love for worship to an evening soirée in Houston on November 16. We'll gather informally with food, drink, singing, and some conversation about future directions for worship in the church. All are welcome. Please RSVP with Rebecca, and we'll send you the location and other information. 

The synod's Lutherans Restoring Creation Team invites you to a series of web meetings to talk about creation. Planned as regular, ongoing monthly series normally held the last Sunday of each month, conversations will be on a variety of topics, both purely environmental as well as theological. 

• November 20 at 6:00 pm - Theology of Earthkeeping.

For the 7th year in a row, Kinsmen in Houston will host a free Community Thanksgiving Feast on Thanksgiving Day, November 24. All are welcome. The feast will be served from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Reservations are not needed. Along with great food and conversation, there will be other traditions as well, including crafts, moonwalks, and football. Last year more than 650 people enjoyed the day. 

If you wish to build your appetite, you are invited to take part in the 5th Annual Run for Your Turkey 5K/10K walk or run. The run steps off at 8:00 am. Early registration for the walk/run is $20 until November 8 and includes a t-shirt. Proceeds from the event benefit the Thanksgiving Feast. 

Christmas Vespers is a service of music and word to honor the birth of the Christ child. Presented by student choirs and instrumentalists, TLU's Christmas Vespers also honors the integral role music has played in their curriculum as well as its religious and cultural heritage. 

• December 2 at 7:30 pm - TLU's Jackson Auditorium
• December 3 at 7:30 pm - TLU's Jackson Auditorium
• December 4 at 4:00 pm - TLU's Jackson Auditorium
• December 11 at 4:00 pm - St. Martin's in Austin

All Vespers are free and open to the public, but tickets are required for the three on campus Vespers due to limited seating. Tickets will be available starting November 1. 

The Tri-synodical Lutheran Men in Mission Assembly will be held on February 10 - 11 at Christ in Georgetown. The keynote speaker, Retired Astronaut Charles Moss Duke, Jr. will speak under the theme "Boldy go." If registered by January 15, cost is $40 for adults and $10 for students. 

Youth and adults are invited to a cultural immersion with our Lutheran companions in Peru  from June 29 - July 8. This pilgrimage is a search for spiritual significance, a departure from daily life. It is a journey that stretches your worldview and God-view. This cross-cultural and cross-generational spiritual experience includes intentional relationship building with the Peruvian Lutheran Church, visits to ancient Incan ruins, and an optional excursion to Machu Picchu or the Amazon. Read more. 

White Privilege: Let's Talk is a resource for transformational dialogue that helps you in this ongoing sacred conversation on race, focusing special attention on white privilege and its manifestations and impact. This adult curriculum is designed to invite members to engage in safe, meaningful, substantive, and bold conversations on race. Read more.

" Frolic: Little Steps. Big Faith." is a family of early childhood resources that help churches support families of young children as they take their first steps in faith.

Frolic Online equips your nursery with print resources to help you connect with families, transform your nursery, and support parents so that young children take their first steps of faith. Frolic Online includes the e-newsletter, nursery guide, leaders guides for faith classes, and many valuable extras. Read more.

Renee Celestain is serving as a Young Adult in Global Mission volunteer in Jerusalem this year. Recently, she posted a powerful poem about a moment during her in country orientation when her country group saw a boy get tear gassed just two football fields away and how their tour guide responded to the moment.