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In Memory of Pastor Norb Firnhaber
Pastor Norb Firnhaber passed away on May 28, 2024. We remember Pastor Norb's family and friends in our prayers and trust that the promise of the Resurrection is true and sure.
Read the full obituary here.
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In Memory of William (Willie) Fred Spreen
William Fred “Willie” Spreen passed away on June 8, 2024. We remember Willie's family and friends in our prayers and trust that the promise of the Resurrection is true and sure.
Read the full obituary here.
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The Rev. Aaron Richter Elected to Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest Board of Trustees
The Rev. Aaron Richter has been elected as an at-large trustee of Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest. Richter, pastor of Triumphant Lutheran Church in Garden Ridge, will begin his service as a trustee at the Board of Trustees’ meeting on June 22.
Richter was elected as an at-large trustee by the foundation’s Board of Trustees at its March 23 meeting. The board consists of trustees elected by its sponsoring organizations and at-large trustees elected by the board.
A native of Texas, Richter has served as pastor of Triumphant since 2017. He previously served as pastor of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church in Trenton, N.J., and as assistant to the bishop for communication and mission interpretation for the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA.
He and his wife, Sarah, have three children: Charlotte, Molly, and Adam.
Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest provides legacy gift planning services for the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana, Southwestern Texas, and Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synods. The mission of the foundation is to recognize, inspire, facilitate, and teach legacy stewardship. It serves in partnership with the ELCA Foundation. Other sponsoring organizations include Cross Trails Ministry, Lutheran Sunset Ministries, Texas Lutheran University, and Upbring.
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Planting Seeds - Rural Ministry E-newsletter
The latest issue of the Planting Seeds e-news is now available here. Want to receive it in your inbox? Sign up here (scroll to the bottom for sign up form).
In this issue:
- Good Courage Farm - Video, Blogs and Ebooks
- Shalom Hill Farm - Peace of the Prairie: A Liturgy for Here and Now
- Grad Certificates at Luther Seminary
- Faith Lead Podcasts
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Join LSM 2024 In Person or Online
Lutheran Summer Music announces its 42nd season, offering over 30 free and open-to-the-public concerts and recitals. All events take place this July at Valparaiso University, and most will be livestreamed. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. The LSM 2024 season will culminate during Festival Week (July 21-28), featuring the LSM Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra, a Festival of Hymns, and closing each day with sung Evening Prayer. Of special note, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) will join this year’s LSM community and offer an intergenerational performance of J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 for a complete listing of events and to access the livestream.
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Share Your Story Now Available to Stream or Download
The song Pastor Chris Steubing composed for synod assembly, “Share Your Story” is now available to stream or download wherever you listen to music like iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, YouTube, etc... The song is based on the theme “Called and Sent.” It reflects on the calling of the baptized as witnesses of the love, life, justice, and healing Jesus gives. Being a witness includes listening deeply to others as well as sharing openly of your own experience and hope. We hope this song inspires you to share your story and discover God in the stories of others. Get all the listen links at the song’s Hear Now website and add “Share Your Story” to your playlist today!
Interested in using "Share Your Story" in your congregation? It is licensed through CCLI with the song ID #7238235. A chord chart is available through a subscription to CCLI Song Select, but a free guitar chord chart is available to those who attended the 2024 Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly by emailing your request to steubingmusic@gmail.com. A full chart pack with piano and violin sheet music, melody lead sheets, and more is available here.
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Curriculum Available
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church has sets of several books in good used condition available to any congregation or mission church. See list below. Contact Tracy Wells for more information.
Available books:
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Akaloo Seek and Find: PreK-K. Hardcover, 64 pgs. Count = 16
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Akaloo Josie and Thomas Discover : Grades 1-2 Hardcover, 64 pgs. Count = 40
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Akaloo The Scoop Troop: Grades 5-6. Paperback, 181 pgs. Count = 7
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Celebrating God's Love - Learning About Confirmation (1997): Paperback, 21 pages. Count = 45
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Akaloo I Can Find It!: Grades 1-2. Hardcover, 64 pgs Count = 27
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Akaloo Johnny Dakota and the Travel Fish: Grades 3-4. Softback, 189 pgs. Count = 19
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Synod Office Summer Schedule
During the summer, Synod staff will be taking scheduled time off at various times, which may lead to longer response times for emails and calls. Should you need more immediate assistance, please contact info@swtsynod.org and someone will be in touch at their earliest convenience.
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Federal Grants Available for Churches to Go Green
The Renew America’s Nonprofits grant aims to stimulate widespread energy improvements in the nonprofit sector to create a pipeline of energy- and cost-saving projects that will continue beyond the life of the grant. All applicants must have an active SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration in order to apply for a grant under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. You should register in these systems now if you think your congregation/organization may apply for a federal grant. Learn more.
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Technology Discounts for Churches
Did you know that many tech companies offer discounts for churches? Discounts are offered from vendors such as: Tithe.ly, Vanco, Dell, Canon CSA, Microsoft, Zoom, & Guidebook.
For more information, click here.
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2024 Emanuel 9 Commemoration
Sunday, June 16
3:30pm
Emmanuel AME Church
1600 Semlinger Road
San Antonio
The Southwestern Texas Synod will join the African Methodist Episcopal Church to commemorate the lives lost in the 2015 Emanuel 9 shooting and to continue building meaningful relationships. Please plan to join us!
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Wartburg Latine Ministry Workshop
July 11-13
Online
There are 1,157 ELCA congregations with significant Latinx population in their zip code. Is your church one of these? How are you equipping yourselves for cross-cultural ministry among the fast-growing Latine community?
You are invited to join a group of learners and practitioners wanting to enhance their cultural and ministry competence to help start or strengthen Latine, Bilingual or Multi-Ethnic worshipping communities. This virtual 10 hour workshop will explore core principles, proven resources, and current ministry initiatives among the diversity of Latine primary audiences. Learn more here.
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Resources, Webinars, & Calendar | | | | |
