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
September 4, 2018
Synod News SynodNews
Be a 72-Hour Lutheran
Hurricane Gordon is on track to hit east of New Orleans, so while our churches and members may not be in its direct path, it is an excellent reminder to stay prepared this hurricane season. Become a 72-hour Lutheran using these resources on our synod website.
God's Work, Our Hands Resources
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA - one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
The suggested date for the 2018 dedicated day of service is this Sunday, September 9

Whether your congregation is participating this Sunday or another date, here are some resources from the ELCA to help your congregations promote and inform about your projects. And, don't forget to take and share pictures of your congregation in action! Share on your Facebook pages, in our Gulf Coast Synod Leaders Facebook group, or send them to us to share. Thank you! 
Administration administration
Benefits Annual Enrollment Coming Soon
Heads up:

Benefits Annual Enrollment season is already approaching. In mid-August, Portico will be emailing you information about 2019 rates, specific dates, and a link to your 2019 Custom Comparison Report. Here's a quick overview:
 
September - When your organization decides which health benefit option to offer

October - When you enter that selection on EmployerLink

November - When sponsored members make benefit selections on myPortico

One more note: 

For most members age 65+, health benefits are changing - driven by the evolving health care landscape and a commitment to the long-term well-being of church workers. Learn more.
Events Events
Lutherhill 12th Annual S'mores & Champagne Gala
Please join Lutherhill Ministries on September 8th, 2018 at the 12th Annual S'mores & Champagne Gala. 

The evening celebration begins at 6pm at The Woodlands Resort (new location!) with cocktails and time to socialize and will feature a silent auction, wine wall, trip for 2 raffle and wishing wall.  Following a seated dinner, the night will continue with a live auction as well as dancing to the tunes of The Newsboyz. 

Register now and find out more information at our website or email Anne Liddle. You can also watch our video that shows what a fun and beneficial night the gala is each year.
Ordination and Installation of Ariel Williams at Living Word, Katy
Ariel Williams has been called to Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy as the new associate pastor. A Service of Ordination and Installation for Ariel is scheduled for Sunday September 16th at 4pm.

Clergy is inviting to robe. Color of the day is red.
Choir Workshop at Our Saviour's, College Station
Your choirs are invited to participate in the Our Saviour's Choir Workshop and Festival on Saturday, September 29, 9am

Join Our Saviour's in welcoming Music Professor Joey Martin from Texas State University in San Marcos who will lead the participating choirs in a workshop from 9am-3pm, then presenting a Festival performance at 4pm. 

Register by September 20, registration fee is $25. For more information, contact Christine Larsen, Minister of Music at Our Saviour's, by email or call at 979.255.2014.
Justice  justice
Order ELCA World Hunger Advent Resources
We know school just started for most of you, but it is already time to start thinking about Advent. ELCA World Hunger resources are a wonderful way to prepare for and celebrate Christmas in the Advent season.

There is a new Advent study, updated Good Gifts catalog selections, Good Gifts ornaments for the tree that both represent and benefit the many ways the ELCA is working to combat hunger, an Advent calendar and a bulletin insert. However you practice Advent, there are wonderful resources available for congregations, individuals and families.
Children and Youth  childrenyouth
Share ELCA Youth Gathering Observations with Director
As the host city for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering, we were able to be involved in the gathering in different ways. 

Come share how that experience was with Gathering Director Molly Beck Dean this Thursday, September 6, 1:30pm, at Christ the Servant in Houston. You don't have to be present for the entire time (thinking of you who have children to pick up from school). Any amount of feedback will be helpful to the gathering team. Thank you!
Job Openings  jobopenings
Director of Music at Alvin Lutheran
Alvin Lutheran Church has an opening for Director of Music. Attached is the job description for this position.
 
Apply at their online application.
Lead Musician at Covenant, Houston
Covenant Lutheran is  on a search for a leading musician. We are open to conversation with anyone who is interested in exploring this opportunity to serve. Referrals are welcome. We are taking a flexible approach to filling this position, since we know that skills and approaches vary. A draft job description will follow an initial conversation with Pastor Ele. Please email Pastor Ele  or call and leave a message at: (281) 698-0681. Thank you.
Contemporary Worship Leader at Lord of Life, The Woodlands
Lord of Life Lutheran Church is seeking a Worship Leader for our contemporary/praise worship service. The position is part-time, approximately 10-11 hours per week. We seek an individual with experience in contemporary worship, able to play and direct our worship band. This person will lead and teach music in a rehearsal setting, then lead the music in worship on Sunday mornings and needs to able to sing and play at least one instrument.  Learn More.
ELCA News elcanews
ELCA Job Openings
The ELCA Foundation is searching for a Director of Gift Planning.
 
This position is located in Chicago and reports to the Executive Vice President of the Foundation. It requires about 30% travel, visiting regional gift planners, donors, and ministry partnerships.
 
Application, resume and cover letter   should be submitted through the ELCA job board. Inquiries about the position may be directed, in confidence, to  Gaye Lindfors of Significant Solutions, Inc., the consultant assisting with this search. 
 
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The ELCA is searching for an Executive Director for Domestic Mission.
 
Reporting to the presiding bishop , this position requires about 25% travel. It is located in Chicago.
 
Application, resume and cover letter   should be submitted through the ELCA job board. Inquiries about the position may be directed, in confidence, to  Gaye Lindfors of Significant Solutions, Inc., the consultant assisting with this search.
In this Issue

Prayers

For all those in the path of Hurricane Gordon, that they may be prepared and remain safe.

Calendar at a Glance

September 8
6pm

September 9

September 15

September 16
4pm

September 21-October 2

January 11-22, 2019

January 28-30, 2019
Tri-Synodical Theological Conference

April 23-May 9, 2019

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