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 17, 2018

Synod News

Installation of Sandra Jones at St. John, Waller

St. John's Lutheran Church, Waller p roudly invites you to join them as they celebrate the installation of their new pastor, The Rev. Sandra Jones.

We will celebrate this blessed occasion with worship, with God's Word, and with Holy Communion. Your presence will make this event a memorable experience for Pastor Sandy and for the congregation.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

3:00pm

1613 Key Street

Waller, TX 77484

Following the service, please join in the reception. Clergy are invited to vest and process (color of the day is white). Clergy will meet in the parlor to vest and begin the procession.

Offerings gathered will benefit the Zion Retreat Center.

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

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

Events

Inaugural Gershenson Lecture

The Gershenson Lecture series is hosted by Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston. It was established to honor Elliot Gershenson, President Emeritus of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. Focusing on topics of religion, ethics, and peace, these lectures have, at their core, the mission of educating, inspiring, and providing a platform for understanding.

For the inaugural lecture, the keynote speaker will be Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim Chaplain, Georgetown University speaking on "Many Faiths, One Humanity: United for the Common Good."

Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: St. Philip Presbyterian Church

4807 San Felipe

Houston, TX 77056

RSVP required - Read more and RSVP

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.

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

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 Outreach Ministries at Lord of Life, The Woodlands

The Director of Outreach Ministries is responsible for the social ministry/philanthropy programs of the congregation, and provides staff services to the Outreach Committee and Outreach ministries of Lord of Life. This position is a salaried, half-time position. Learn More and Apply

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.