As the body of Christ, we are much stronger in our ministry and witness when we see one another relationally, connected, interdependent, as a network! As part of our synod vitality strategy, we are gathering congregations and leaders into cohorts, or learning communities, to journey together on the way of Jesus and congregational vitality. Through a grant from the ELCA Christian Community and Leadership Home Area, we are partnering with several organizations that specialize in facilitating learning communities to offer opportunities for congregations to strengthen their ministry and witness in the areas of discipleship and community engagement, stewardship and generosity, strategic planning, and faith in daily life. 2 Cor. 9:11-12
Dear Partners in Christ,
Thank you for considering a donation to the ministries in the Southwestern Texas Synod. I am deeply grateful for the privilege to serve the many diverse congregations of South-Central Texas. Giving directly to the synod is a way to ensure that no matter the obstacles, God’s promise in the gospel can be proclaimed in our communities in word and deed.
Whether it is recruiting leaders to serve in our congregations, facilitating healthy governance practices or exploring new opportunities and innovations for ministry, we are there. The synod office supports congregations with activities like boundary training, finding leaders and faith formation resources. The synod creates learning experiences that build the capacity of lay and rostered leaders to adapt in the midst of dynamic change. Your gift will help tremendously in all these ways and more.
The synod provides for the future of the church by cultivating opportunities for members to discern a call to ministry and guiding potential and new leaders through the candidacy and first call processes. Our campus ministries deepen the faith of young adults and attract future members and leaders. The next generation of our church will surely thank you for your investment in them.
Sometimes the call to serve requires a broader partnership between many church leaders to make a difference. Your financial support makes this possible. Synod leadership unites congregations to respond to circumstances that unfold on a large scale, like the devastation of a natural disaster, the humanitarian crisis at the border or the scourge of poverty and homelessness.
We are grateful for the trust you place in us with a direct contribution to the synod. The mission support of congregations and the generosity of direct supporters like you inspires us to do more and work harder. Together we are inviting God’s people into a sacred relationship in Christ. May they all discover what we already know: that we are all beloved and connected by the transforming grace of a compassionate God.
In Christ,
Bishop Sue Briner
Ways to Give Across The Church
