Synod News  |
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Synod Disaster Preparedness and Response Team
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The synod's Disaster Preparedness and Response Team reminds you that disasters can strike even when it's not hurricane season.
Are you a 72-Hour Lutheran?
With the COVID-19 coronavirus, you're now urged to consider becoming a 336-Hour Lutheran, meaning households should be prepared to be resilient for up to two weeks should local citizens be asked to remain at home.
Congregations should also be prepared with contingency plans for times of disaster and crisis. It's always better to be prepared and have a plan than to be caught unawares.
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| Events |
Join the synod Lutherans Restoring Creation bike team for the Tour de Houston ride on Sunday, Mar. 25. This ride raises funds for the city's reforestation efforts.
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Installation of Rev Jerry Wirtley - Treehouse Ministries
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National Workshop on Christian Unity Opening Worship
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Our Gulf Coast Synod Ecumenical Representative is Pastor Karin Liebster. Each year, the ecumenical representatives from the various denominations, synods, diocese, etc. meet for a workshop on Christian unity. That workshop moves around the country annually.
This year, the event is being held in Houston. You are invited to opening worship:
Monday evening - March 23rd at 7:00 pm
Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
1111 St Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002.
The National Workshop on Christian Unity has occurred annually for over 50 years. It is a sight to behold Christian leaders working for unity. Of course you can register for the whole event, March 23-26, 2020, but if not, join us for opening worship.
The Monday night worship service is free and open to the public, so invite others as well! To attend the Tuesday - Thursday sessions of the workshop, please refer to the registration link on www.nwcu.org for schedule and registration fees.
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The Wonders of the Deep Sea
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6 p.m., online
The synod Lutherans Restoring Creation team invites you to a monthly environmental education web meeting series whose theme in 2020 is the wonders of nature.
Join Professor Hyun-Min Hwang of Texas Southern University to be awestruck by these, and other, wonders of the deep sea.
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Lutherhill Ministries 19th Annual Golf Tournament
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Join us on April 24th at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch in Katy, Texas for a day of fun and fellowship as we "give on the green" to help strengthen the important mission of Lutherhill Ministries! All proceeds benefit the outdoor camping ministry at Lutherhill in La Grange and at Zion Retreat Center in Galveston, which just last year shared Christ's love with 7,823 children and adults.
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Rostered Ministers Gathering | Phoenix, AZ
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Registration opens
today for the 2020 Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 20-23 in Phoenix!
Gathering highlights:
- 100 workshops offered over four workshop blocks
- 85,000-square-foot interaction center with over 30 exhibits
- Beer and hymns
- Banquet celebrating women's ordination
More Information
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Justice
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ELCA presiding bishop addresses concerns about COVID-19
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In 1527 the plague returned to Wittenberg, Germany. Two hundred years earlier the plague had swept across Europe killing up to 40% of the population. Understandably, people were anxious and wondered what a safe and faithful response might be. In answer to this, Martin Luther wrote "Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague." In it, he emphasized the duty to care for the neighbor, the responsibility of government to protect and provide services to its citizens, a caution about recklessness, and the importance of science, medicine and common sense.
To provide care for the neighbor, Luther recommended that pastors, those in public office, doctors and public servants should remain in the city. Luther himself remained in Wittenberg to care for his people. He recommended that public hospitals be built to accommodate those with the plague. He condemned those who took unnecessary risks that put themselves and others in danger of contagion. Luther also encouraged the use of reason and medicine, writing, "God has created medicines and has provided us with intelligence to guard and take care of the body. ... Use medicine; take potions which can help you; fumigate house, yard, and street; shun persons and places wherever your neighbor does not need your presence" ("Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague," 1527).
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Youth & Family
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Living Lutheran
March 10, 2020
In a world obsessed with the pursuit of "happiness," where Instagram filters create flawless photos and the most popular books and TV shows offer strategies for a bright and sunny life, the Lutheran in me welcomes Lent each year. I'm grateful to be part of a church with a built-in season for naming what has become obvious in my life, community and country: all is not well.
I cherish the opportunity to be marked with ashes and told that
I'm dust. I embrace the act of gathering with others to confess a belief that we Lutherans take seriously, especially in this season: we are all sinners. I did, that is-until recently.
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Job Openings
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ELCA News
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Prayer
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Give thanks for the cHarriet Tubman (1822-1913) and Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) were born into slavery but emboldened by their convictions of justice, equality, faith and concern for others to fight against slavery and to advocate for women's rights. Ask God to grant us a similar boldness to live our faith and serve our neighbors who suffer injustice, poverty, oppression and hunger.
This prayer is found on
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May 22-23, 2020
New Orleans, LA
Please register online. Early bird registration prices end on
March 20. Registration closes on
May 1.
Deadline for reservations is April 20th.
Resolutions
for consideration can be submitted through this
& are due by April 10th
Nominations can be submitted through online here (scroll to the bottom of the page) and are due by April 10.
Tentative Agenda, Speakers and Churchwide Representative Information
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March 20, 2020
March 23, 2020
March 29, 2020
April 7, 2020
April 24, 2020
April 26, 2020
May 22-23, 2020
July 20-23, 2020
September 13, 2020
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LEAD: Living every day as disciples
LEAD is a Christian leadership development organization that is nurtured by this synod to be a gift
to the whole church.
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Stay Connected
12941 I-45 North Freeway
Suite 210
Houston, TX 77060
281.873.5665
Office Phone
281.875.4716
Fax
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Gulf Coast General: News and announcements around the synod
Gulf Coast Leaders: Information targeted to pastors and other congregational leaders, includes Bishop's devotional message
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