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

April 10, 2018

Synod News

Apply to be a Project Supervisor for the Youth Gathering

We are still in the need for project supervisors for the Youth Gathering. If you are 21 or over and want to be involved in helping put on an amazing Youth Gathering, please consider applying.

After you fill out the application, you will be contacted with a response: Apply Here

Confronting Racism Resources

From Bishop Mike:

Racism is power plus prejudice. It takes many forms. There is conscious bigotry, that sees people of color as lesser beings and seeks to exclude, and there is unconscious bias, that wishes well for others, but nevertheless continues to participate in and even support institutional structures that offer privileges to some over others.

Here are some resources on racism to consider. Many thanks to Rozella White and Ele Clay for their assistance.

Administration

Nominations and Resolutions for Synod Assembly

All resolutions for consideration must be submitted by April 14.

There are a number of important leadership opportunities within our synod. If you know of a qualified candidate, who is a person of integrity, passionate about the work of the church, and a voting member of a congregation in our synod, please submit the corresponding nomination online form. All nominations are due by April 14:

At this time, there are no positions up for election with the discipline or consultation committees.

Register for Synod Assembly

Synod Assembly is May 17-19 , at the Hilton Houston North. We will be focusing on FAITH5 with our speaker Rich Melheim. Rich founded FAITH5 to promote the FAITH5 practices for families (and also used by churches) that help grow in faith in all aspects of our lives. The FAITH5 practices are: Share, Read, Talk, Pray & Bless.

Whether or not you are already using FAITH5 to encourage these Christian practices in your home or church community, this will be an opportunity to learn more about the whys and hows of FAITH5, and share your own experiences.

Early Bird Prices End April 20, Registration Closes May 4.

Register separately for hotel room(s) by April 25 with our group rate - all booking info and group rate codes available on our Synod Assembly page: Schedule, Hotel Info and Registration

Updated Tax Info from Portico

With tax time coming up, you probably have some tax questions regarding the new tax proposals, pertinent to your members and clergy taxes. Portico has gathered some resources to answer questions for clergy and non-profit giving.

Stay up to date on charitable contributions, new withholding tables, tax brackets, moving expenses, work-related educational expenses, and more with this year's Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches and the Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide, both by Richard R. Hammar. (You will need a Portico member login to view.) Learn More

Events

Lutherhill Golf Tournament

Join Lutherhill Ministries at the 17th Annual Golf Tournament on April 27th, 2018 at Longwood Golf Club in Cypress, TX. Bring your usual foursome, rouse a group from church or come solo to support Lutherhill while enjoying a round of golf.

LEAD Hosts Faithful Metrics Trainings

So you've read the book...now what?

Join LEAD at a 1-day seminar in your area or online for a series of webinars that will provide you with:

a process for identifying congregational values and purpose
an understanding of why some goals are more important than others
a plan for using stories as metrics

Upcoming seminar on Saturday, April 14, 9am-3pm, at Faith Lutheran, Dickinson. Check out LEAD's Faithful Metrics trainings page for more details and registration.

Peru 2018

Each year we take a group for a cultural, ecclesiastical immersion to Peru, one of our companion synods. This year the trip will be June 7-16 [June 7-12 in Lima. June 13-16 in Cuzco]. The group will be led by Bishop Mike Rinehart.

This trip will enrich your understanding of Peruvian history and relationships with Lutheran Church of Peru. You will pick up some Spanish, see the Andes, and make new friends.

Preparation for the immersion includes an informational gathering on June 3 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Location TBD.

Trip and airfare cost and information and registration, as well as other details and deadlines are located on our Peru trip page.

Travel to Ethiopia with Acts of Wisdom

Acts of Wisdom is pleased to announce TWO trips to Ethiopia. Registration is now open for the trip that departs September 21st and returns October 2nd. And we are announcing our winter trip January 11-22, 2019.

You can register and find more information on our website. Just click on Travel With Us at the bottom of the home page. Come and meet these wonderful students and help us in delivering school supplies. All trips include some sightseeing as well! It's an experience of a lifetime!

Save the Date: Regional Conference of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

Calvary Lutheran, in Richland Hills, TX, (Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex) is hosting a regional conference of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians July 19-20.

More information and registration on the ALCM website.

Justice

Bishop Eaton calls on church to work for racial justice

Following the "Act Now: Unite to End Racism" rally in Washington, D.C., the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has issued a statement on racism, recommitting this church "to work for racial justice and inclusion, to work against white privilege, and to be a church that truly welcomes all." The April 4 rally was held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

The statement is issued in solidarity with children and

Bishop Eaton's statement:

In 2017, we observed the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. In 500 years, Lutheranism has grown into a global movement. We worship in every language all over the world. There are now more Lutherans of color than there are European descent Lutherans. But here in the United States, Lutherans are predominantly white. Keep Reading.

Children & Youth

Safe Gatherings Training for Congregations

Safe Gatherings is an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings. When employees and volunteers are trained to identify potential abusers, recognize the signs of abuse, and know how to handle reporting, they are better equipped to prevent abuse.

When using Safe Gatherings, upon successful completion of the application, background and reference checks, and the online training program, each applicant will receive documentation of approval valid for two years, and will have continued access to the online training program for an entire year. Learn More.

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.

Job Openings

Director of Discipleship at Living Word, Katy

Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy is looking for a Director of Discipleship. Read the job description to learn more.

Churchwide News

Daily Prayer with Living Lutheran

Living Lutheran offers the daily ELCA prayer resource Prayer Ventures on their website. If you are looking for a simple resource for daily prayer, find it here.