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
June 5, 2018
Synod News SynodNews
Apply to be a Project Supervisor for the Youth Gathering
We still 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. And if you are already signed up, invite a friend to sign up!

For information on what's involved, and to share with others, please download this flyer.

After you fill out the application, you will be contacted with a response:  Apply Here
Administration  Administration
Opportunities for Young Adults at the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network for 2018-2019
LEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults (age 21-30) with Bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer service and learning about social justice. From the end of August 2018 to the end of July 2019, our corps members will be provided housing, utilities, health coverage, transportation, spiritual direction, and a $400/month food stipend. We also offer a $1000 re-entry grant at the completion of the program.

The placement sites for the upcoming program year include faith-based non-profits, secular non-profits, congregations, the Sierra Pacific Synod office, and our campus ministry at UC Davis. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program begins.
 
Visit levn.org or contact Program Director Casey Dunsworth at 530-756-1550 or programs@thebelfry.org for more information!
Travel With Acts of Wisdom
Registration is now open for the Acts of Wisdom trip that departs  September 21st and returns October 2nd

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!

Join LEAD in some Daily Summer Renewal Practices
Join LEAD this summer in spending some time each day with God. They have daily "summer intentions" - practices to renew and engage your relationship with God. You can find them on their website, and sign up to receive them daily in your email inbox. What are your intentions this summer?
Events Events
Join Lutherans walking in Houston's Pride Parade
The Houston-area Reconciling in Christ Lutheran Churches are teaming up to participate in this year's Pride Parade together! Save the date for the evening of  Saturday, June 23 . This event is centered on LGBTQ people, but allies are welcome to be a part of it as well. 

Even if you're not a member of one of these churches, you're welcome to join in so we can show how important the LGBTQ community is to all of us. It's going to be a really fun night of lights and beads and rainbows! To join the parade squad, sign up here.
In Search of Paul 2019
LEAD is hosting another In Search of Paul trip led by Don Carlson, April 23-May 9, 2019. Learn all about the trip and how to sign up on the LEAD website.
Walk Gently on the Earth
Last fall, world religious leaders presented the interfaith climate declaration, Walk Gently on Earth, to the UN Conference on Climate Change in Bonn. On Sunday, June 10, The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to a talk about the declaration by Imaad Khan, of the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy (TICPP), who was there. Imaad will discuss the presentation of the declaration, its message, and how houses of worship and their members can leverage this initiative. 

The event will take place at 1:30pm at Emerson UU Church, 1900 Bering Rd. Please register, and for more information  contact Lisa Brenskelle.
Annual Convention of TX-LA Gulf Coast WELCA
The Annual Convention of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Women of the ELCA will be held on September 15, 2018, at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Houston.
 
Register online or use the attached form that you can also share with your congregation. We would love to have you at our Convention. 

A block of rooms is reserved until August 31 at Courtyard by Marriott. 

For more information, contact MiLisa Gaertner.
Justice  justice
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.
Children and Youth  childrenyouth
High School Seniors off to College? WAIT!
Before you send your high school seniors off to college or work in the fall, first connect them with their new Lutheran Campus Ministry! This nationwide database will connect not only Aggies, Cougars, Tigers, and Owls but will also connect ANY student going to ANY school in the U.S. with their campus pastor. Information can be submitted here.  

Please submit all info by July 15. Contact Rice/UH Campus Pastor  Janelle Hooper  or Texas A&M/Blinn Program Director  Mike Pickett  with questions. Thanks!
Lutheran World Relief Kits for Vacation Bible School
Looking for a service project to incorporate into this summer's Vacation Bible School? Assemble Kits of Care for Lutheran World Relief! There are many types of Kits to bring youth together in service to our neighbors in need:
  • School Kits: Simple school supplies, like notebooks, pencils and scissors, make a world of difference for families that struggle to afford their children's education
  • Personal Care Kits: Basic hygiene items - soap, nail clippers, a towel - are crucial to keeping families healthy, especially after leaving their homes because of war or natural disasters
  • Fleece Tie Blankets: In a hospital room or on the hard ground, these handmade blankets provide protection and a sense of comfort 
LWR has a number of resources available to help VBS leaders collect items, assemble kits and track them as they travel around the world. Visit lwr.org/kits to get started!
Job Openings  jobopenings
Director of Faith Formation at New Hope, Missouri City
New Hope is seeking a part-time Director of Faith Formation to direct, lead, and guide the spiritual livelihood and youth ministry of NHLC.    Job description and application can be found here.
Music Director at Christus Victor, League City
Christus Victor Lutheran Church (ELCA), an open and affirming congregation located in League City, Texas, is searching for a part-time Pianist/Organist-Music Director. For more information, please download this flyer or see the Christus Victor website.
Youth Minister at Hosanna, Mandeville
Hosanna Lutheran, Mandeville, LA, is seeking a dynamic Youth Minister to lead relational, relevant, and reaching ministry to our students, grades 6-12.

This is a part-time position responsible for directing and implementing many aspects of the church's  established Jr. and Sr. High  program in coordination with Sr. Ministry Staff.  Candidates must have a passion for student ministry and  the ability to recruit, equip, support, and work well with adult volunteers. 
 
This is a salaried position with compensation based on 25 hours a week. Benefits include professional expenses and a continuing education allowance. Flexible scheduling is expected.
 
Candidates e-mail resumes to our Senior Pastor Jay Grave.
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.
In this Issue

Prayers

Prayers for those experiencing extreme heat in the United States that they may find cool and safety.

Prayers as the hurricane season begins, for all those in the paths of storms.

Calendar at a Glance

June 7-16
Lima and Cuzco

June 24-27

June 24-27

June 27-July 1

July 15
Ben Groth Installation
3pm

July 19-20
Regional Conference for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
Richlands Hills, TX

September 9

September 15

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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