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April 6, 2022 |
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Holy Week & Easter Messages from Synod StaffRecognizing the exhaustion and uncertainty that continue in light of the pandemic, particularly for those congregations in the midst of pastoral transition, the Office of the Bishop Staff have provided 5-10 minute video reflections for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and an Easter homily from Bishop Sue Briner. These reflections will also all be posted to the Southwestern Texas Synod Facebook page for easy sharing on social media. |
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2024 ELCA Youth Gathering Location AnnouncedThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has announced that the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held in New Orleans, July 16-20. The Gathering pre-events — the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, the ELCA gathering for youth living with disabilities — will be held July 13-16. An announcement from the ELCA Youth Gathering states: “We’re jazzed to announce that we’re heading to New Orleans for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble. The Big Easy is filled with rich history, friendly locals, amazing food and great music, and we just can’t wait to go back.” New Orleans hosted two consecutive ELCA Youth Gatherings — in 2009 and 2012. Service-learning projects during both events addressed the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, and participants worked alongside residents to help in the long-term recovery efforts. The Gathering leadership team is collecting ideas to help choose a theme for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. Participate in the survey. More information is available at ELCA Youth Gathering. |
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Spring ELCA Church Council MeetingBishop Sue Briner and Pastor Marcus Bigott are part of the ELCA Church Council that met last week in Chicago to do the business of the wider church. We are grateful for the prayerful and attentive decision-making of all the ELCA Church Council members. To read a summary of their most recent meeting, click below. |
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LWF International Seminar for LaypersonsCongratulations to Lorie Garcia and Randa Gonzales who were accepted for the 5th Lutheran World Federation International Seminar for Laypersons in Church Leadership which will take place digitally in May and June. |
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Volunteers Urgently Needed for Assistance with Migration InfluxThere has been a major increase in the migration numbers coming through the city of San Antonio, coming in at roughly three times more migrants than were seen in 2019. This is totally around 300-400 migrants per day. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DHS) is seeking volunteers for several positions including: - Migrant Assessment and Triage All volunteers require background checks. More information can be found at the volunteer link below. For more information please contact: Amanda Reyna – 210-618-7212 – Evening & overnight questions |
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Volunteers & Donations NeededThe Southwestern Texas Synod of the ELCA and the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas are proud to announce the reopening of the Plaza de Paz Respite Center in San Antonio. Services provided include meals, assistance with travel arrangements, personal hygiene care, and transportation within Bexar County to the airport or bus station for individuals and families seeking asylum. Currently, there is a significant need for volunteers to serve onsite at Plaza de Paz. Volunteer tasks include: helping distribute food and clothing, facilitating shifts in the shower, guiding families to cots for rest, and walking with people through the other stations at the center. Individuals who are interested in volunteering must be at least 18-years-old. Some of the items that are needed at this time are:
If you would like to donate some of these items, please contact Lisa Diana at lisa.diana1968@gmail.com To volunteer, click on the link below. |
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Synod AssemblyThe Synod Staff are gearing up for Synod Assembly! What might they be up to in those bright shirts and headbands? Keep your eyes on eNews and our social media pages to find out more!
For all these things and more, visit www.swtsynod.org/pages/assembly! |
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SWT Synod Disaster Team UpdatesIn John 4:7, Jesus says, “Give me a drink.” On that day, he was talking to the Samaritan woman about water, but this week the body of Christ needed Gatorade. The Das Goat fire in Medina County prompted the evacuation of several residents, and a Red Cross shelter was set up at a local church. Volunteers advertised a need for sports drinks for the first responders and evacuated residents, and on Monday Pastor Lisa Hoelscher dropped off a few cases on behalf of our synod’s Disaster Team. In general, if your congregation is receiving requests for assistance from people who have been impacted by disasters or extreme weather, please email Pastor Lisa at pastorlisah@gmail.com so that the Disaster Team can determine what kinds of support is available to you. From Gatorade to grant funding sent to congregations, our synod’s ability to respond to disasters is a result of your generosity. With unpredictable spring weather upon us, increased risk for wildfires, and unexpected disasters always possible, our team wants to be ready to respond no matter what occurs. Would you consider donating to our synod’s disaster fund? Click here to make a donation. Any amount would be a blessing to people who are impacted by disasters. If you incurred any damage from the storms/tornadoes on March 21st and 22nd or from any of the wildfires, please report the damage to the state by visiting https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/. The state needs to know the extent of the damage in order to determine how much funding and resources to send to the affected areas. |
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Congregational NewslettersWe're trying something new! This new section is and will be specifically for communicating broader synodical and church information with congregations, featuring quick links to important information that can be included in your congregation's regular email communications. The weekly link will be found in the Resources section of the weekly eNews |
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Have a great week! | ¡Disfruta la semana! |
