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 2, 2018
Synod News SynodNews
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.
Administration  Administration
Tri-Synodical News
Thank you for your responses to the electronic survey in August on the future direction of the Tri-Synodical Theological Conference (TSTC). The TSTC planning team met recently to discuss the results of the survey and your feedback.
 
Several themes emerged from the survey responses. It is clear that you value this event as an important time of collegiality and networking. Survey results also lifted up the desire for high quality speakers and programming. Over half (62%) of those who responded wanted to keep the total cost of the event between $200-300.
 
The TSTC planning team shared the findings with all three Bishops and made recommendations, which the Bishops support. One of these recommendations is to contract with a TSTC Program Coordinator. If you are interested or know someone who would be good, see our job listing below.

We look forward to resuming the Tri-Synodical Theological Conference January 28-30, 2019. Save the date!
Events Events
Kinsmen's Abendmusik Series Presents: Winter Camp
Children's Music Workshop followed by a concert by  Minnesota songwriter James Hersch, Saturday, January 13:

Workshop: Children ages K-5 are invited to a creative workshop featuring a variety of winter activities, including composing an original song with Mr. Hersch to share at the end of the day! Register online.

Concert: James Hersch promises to bring a touch of winter...without the shovels...when he performs for us. Please join us for an intergenerational concert of original acoustic music. More information on his ministry

Date:  Saturday, January 13th
Time:  Children's Workshop   1:00PM - 5:45PM ($10 fee)
               Intergenerational Concert 7:00PM (free)

Light refreshments and time with the artist will follow the concert. If you have additional questions, please email.

Trinity Lutheran Women's Breakfast and Storytelling
The Best Fishing Story Momma Ever Told

Karen Hauser,  Christian comedian and storyteller, joins the women of Trinity Lutheran, Frelsburg, for a breakfast and storytelling event on  Saturday, January 20, 2018.
 
Location: Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church
                      Diamond Center
                      1031 Church Lane
                      New Ulm, TX  78950
                      Located just south of Frelsburg (intersection of 
                      FM 109 and FM 1291)
Time:         Registration and Breakfast at 8:30 am
                      Program begins at 9:00 am
                      Event concludes at 11:30 am
 
No registration fee - Freewill donation to defer expenses
 
RSVP  by Wednesday, January 17

A Day With Mark Allen Powell
Since we're taking a one-year hiatus on Theological Conference, why not use that time, and those resources for a short preaching prep retreat with Mark Alan Powell, Trinity Lutheran Seminary Professor and author of Giving to God, Loving Jesus. What Do They Hear? Introducing the New Testament, and many other books?
 
A Day with Mark Allen Powell: Preaching Lent and Easter Sunday
Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Join us for the day, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Zion Retreat Center in Galveston, for just $30, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Such a deal. We will begin with prayer, study the texts, hang out, and those who wish will all go out somewhere for dinner. 
 
Or consider staying overnight on Monday the 22nd and/or Tuesday the 23rd for $45 a night. Walk the beach, prepare sermons for Lent and Easter Sunday, and take time for prayer and reflection.
 
Cost:
$30 Powell (Includes 8:30-3 program, lunch and a light breakfast)
$45 Lodging Monday 1/22
$45 Lodging Tuesday 1/23
 
The registration deadline is Epiphany, January 6, 2018Read more
Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston 2018 Kick-Off Event
The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to their 2018 Kick-Off Event Sunday, January 7, at 1st Unitarian Universalist Church. If you can't attend in person, join us on Facebook Live

We will hear from faith leaders of a variety of faiths on the relationship between their faith and the natural world. There will be a presentation on the top ten free environmental resources for houses of worship. We will recap activities from 2017, and discuss plans for 2018. You'll get an opportunity to provide your input into 2018 planning via a survey. 

We ask those who can do so to bring some snacks to share for our break-out sessions, during which we'll get to know each other better. We'll provide beverages to accompany the snacks. People of all faith are encouraged to attend, as are representatives of local environmental non-profits that would like to work with people of faith on environmental issues. Please join us!

Financial Peace University at Kinsmen
Kinsmen Lutheran Church invites the community to take part in Financial Peace University beginning January 16. It will be held Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm, and continue for nine weeks. The cost is $80 per household. A Spanish version of the course will also be offered this year, beginning January 16 and continuing for six weeks. The Spanish course meets at the same time and is $40 per household.
 
To register or for more information, please visit www.kinsmenlutheran.org/events or call (281) 444-3126.
Justice Justice
Interfaith Environmental Study
The synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team invites you to join with people of other faiths for an Interfaith Environmental Study in 2018. Several resources for such a study are available, and the specific resource will be selected by those who wish to participate. Date/times for the study will also be set by group preference. Contact Lisa Brenskelle if you might like to participate or would like more information.
Children & Youth  childrenyouth
Apply for the ELCA Youth Core Leadership Team
by EventPixels Photography
Are you currently a 9th, 10th or 11th grader? You are eligible to complete the application to be considered for a two-year program of leadership development and faith formation through the ELCA Churchwide expression. 


Application deadline: January 10, 2018
Local Volunteers for Youth Gathering - Re-opened
Would you like to volunteer at the Gathering and help young people grow in faith and encounter Christ? Serving the youth of this church is a vocational calling that requires careful discernment. There  is a need for Local
Volunteers. Applications are open .

If you have questions, contact Lynnae Schatz .  Thank you for considering this opportunity to share grace.
Job Openings  jobopenings
Tri-Synodical Theological Conference Coordinator
Applications are being accepted for the newly created position of Tri-Synodical Theological Conference Coordinator. See complete job description for details. Deadline for application is  January 1, 2018 . Start date for position is  January 15, 2018

The Conference Coordinator will work closely with the Tri-Synodical Theological Planning team to design and deliver this annual event which is held the last week of January. To apply please submit your resume and a letter of interest to Gretchen Lundquist.
Churchwide News Churchwide
Christmas with ELCA Missionaries
From Living Lutheran:

"There's no place like home for the holidays," claims the popular Christmas song. For many ELCA missionaries, however, celebrating Christmas away from home is an opportunity to bear witness to the blessings of the global Lutheran church.

As they share Christmas worship, meals and other traditions in a rich diversity of cultures, many missionaries discover a new understanding of the church holiday-and their faith-along the way. Read what six missionaries have observed from their unique contexts.
Lori Fedyk Elected Treasurer of the ELCA
Lori Fedyk, a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville, Ill., was elected to a six-year term as treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by the ELCA Church Council at its November meeting. Her term will begin Feb. 1.  Read More.
In this Issue
Prayers

Prayers for those who struggle during the holidays - with poverty, loneliness and grief.

Prayers for the Muslim community in Egypt in the aftermath of the deaths at the mosque in the Sinai  Peninsula.

Calendar at a Glance

January 12 - 22

January 23

January 25-29

April 3 - 19

April 22

May 17-19
TLGCS Assembly

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