Message from Pastor Kelsey Fitting-Snyder I realize that I may have been one of the few in Texas invested in the outcome of the Super Bowl over this past weekend.... Read More
Message from Pastor Kelsey Fitting-Snyder
I realize that I may have been one of the few in Texas invested in the outcome of the Super Bowl over this past weekend. Go Birds! While the Philadelphia Eagles’ performance went unrivaled on the field, I was moved by their time off the field during post-game interviews. When interviewed, both the players and coaches continually commented on how it was a team sport, they stressed the importance of showing up for each other, and not wanting to let one another down. Head coach Nick Sirianni and running back Saquon Barkley repeatedly shared the sentiment “you cannot be great, without the greatness of others.”
While this may be true for a football team, or any sports team, in many ways this is also at the core of the Christian faith. We are not meant to walk the Christian life alone. As the body of Christ, we are like a team, called to support, encourage, and grow alongside one another in faith.
We can recall countless Bible stories where people relied on the help of others. Think of Moses holding up his arms with the help of Aaron. Paul partnered with others like Barnabas, Silas, and Timothy, continually encouraging Christian communities to work together. Even Jesus surrounded himself with disciples throughout his ministry and life.
In today’s world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-reliance. Culture often tells us that personal success is the highest achievement. But as the Eagles reminded us, true greatness isn’t about individual accolades—it’s about showing up for others, working together, and striving for something greater than ourselves.
I see this in the worshiping communities throughout the NTNL Synod. Most recently I have been to Immanuel in Killeen, St. Luke’s in Richardson, and Emmanuel in Granbury. At Immanuel they strengthen one another by lifting up and trusting in lay leadership. At St. Luke’s I heard a passion for strengthening the communities on the margins, and at Emmanuel a deep sense of care and concern for those suffering within their community of faith.
Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” We are at our best when we lift others up and, when we allow ourselves to be lifted.
Who has helped you grow in your faith? Who has encouraged you, challenged you, or supported you when you needed it most? Take a moment this week to thank them. And then ask yourself—who can you encourage?
Whether in sports, faith, or life, greatness is not a solo pursuit. It is built in community, through relationships, and by walking alongside one another. Because in the end, “you cannot be great, without the greatness of others.”
In the work of Christ,
Pastor Kelsey
January 2025 Mission Support Memo: Unidad ~ Unity
This month’s Mission Support Memo deeply aligns with the ELCA’s focus of racial healing seeking a more just and equitable world. The story is about Rev. Leticia Alanis, pastor of Unidad y Fe Lutheran Mission in the Queens borough of New York City and her journey from the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico to becoming an ELCA Pastor. You can read about her passion and work for immigration justice and the many partners on the journey. Because of her incredible stewardship of time, resources and advocacy, Pastor Leticia has been awarded the ELCA Paterman Stewardship Award.
We are grateful for the work with and among each other that bring such incredible stories. These stories allow us to share Christ among us and live out the amazing generosity of Mission Support that makes so much of this ministry happen — together.
Celebrate Camp Chrysalis’ 75th Anniversary
Camp Chrysalis is 75 this year! Generations of campers and retreaters have been strengthened in faith and explored their call at this beautiful site. Now it is time to celebrate! Join Cross Trails Ministry for an evening of camp memories, dining, dancing, fundraising and fellowship.
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Courtyard Marriott in New Braunfels
Appetizers to After Party 5-10 pm
All are invited to attend in person, participate remotely, donate an auction item or sponsor a portion of the event. Funds raised will go toward financial aid “Camperships” and help keep camp affordable for all.
Featured Resources for February
March 2, 2025
Celebrate the bold women in your life. Bold Women’s Day–observed the first Sunday of March–celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. Some women are bold in their unceasing prayers. Other women are bold in their service to those in need. Still other women are bold in their advocacy or through their hospitality. Whether we live out our bold story of faith in the workplace, family, home, or community, our faith compels us to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s all about living out our baptismal call, about being a disciple of Christ. Resources can be found here: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/bold-womens-day
March 8, 2025
For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. The aim of the IWD 2024 #InspireInclusion campaign is to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity. Resources can be found here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Where in the world is?
NT-NL synod staff are excited to engage in-person on Sundays for worship. As good stewards of time and travel dollars, we will be utilizing online meeting formats in our new hybrid reality when possible. If you would like to schedule a meeting with the bishop or Synod staff please contact them directly.
Bishop Gronberg:
February 16: St. Paul, Levelland and Trinity, Clovis
February 25-March 1: Conference of Bishops, Chicago
March 18: Liepzig Thomanerchor, Incarnation Episcopal
Pastora Bañales:
February 11: Poder, Latinx Young Adult Ministry
February 16-18: Latino Christian National Network Annual Gathering, Washington DC
February 20: NT-NL DEM Advisory Team Meeting
February 23: Poder, Latinx Young Adult Ministry
February 26-March 1: Fresh Expression Conference, Atlanta, GA
Pastor Fitting-Snyder:
February 16: Our Savior’s, Durant
February 23: Faith, Flower Mound
February 25: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
Upcoming Events
With the ever-changing guidelines and recommendations in our world right now, as we maintain physical distance in social solidarity, please keep in mind these events may be moved online, postponed, or cancelled:
- February 21-22: “Hold On, Let Go” Lenten Retreat, Calvary, Richland Hills
- February 25: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
- February 28-March 2: NT-NL Youth Weekend, Calvary, Richland Hills
- March 8: Public Witness Team Meeting
- March 18: Boys Choir of Thomaskirche Concert, Church of the Incarnation, Dallas
- March 22: Upper Elementary Spring Retreat, New Hope, Keller
- March 25: First Call Pastors Check-In, Zoom
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to office@ntnl.org for consideration for upcoming editions of our weekly news.
