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January-February 2022

December 2021

October/November 2021

September 2021

2021 NALC Mission Convocation

• • • 2020 Vision Appeal
    • Elections
    • The Rev. Dr. Amy Little was installed as the General Secretary
    • A major address on the convocation theme, “God the Father Creates”
    • Melissa Ohden told the moving story of her life
    • 2022 budgets were approved
    • Prayer for Ethiopia
    • Amendments to the NALC Constitution
    • The Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology

July 2021

• • • Pastor Amy Little called as NALC General Secretary.
    • Lutheran Week is Aug. 2-6 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
    • Melissa Ohden and Steven Paulson are the keynote speakers for convocation.
    • Mission Convocation will elect members of Executive Council and Court of Adjudication.
    • Focusing on our vision at Mission Convocation — Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
    • Stewardship workshop during Lutheran Week.
    • Speakers for 2021 Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology.
    • Women of NALC Annual Gathering.
    • “One more!” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Life-to-Life Discipleship workshop during Lutheran Week.
    • NALC Disaster Response update.
    • Mekane Yesus Seminary update and invitation.
    • Mission update from Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.
    • Mission update from Jon Gowin in Gambia.
    • Mission update from Pastor Valery Hryhoryk in Belarus.
    • Mission update from Houston Oromo Evangelical Church.
    • Women of NALC want to “Stuff the Truck” for Disaster Response
    • Mission update from Pastor Didi Panzo in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • Youth and family ministry Lutheran Week workshop.
    • Great Commission Society update.

May/June 2021

• • • Nominations are still open for positions to be elected at 2021 NALC Mission Convocation.
    • Speakers are announced for 2021 Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology.
    • Registration now open for 2021 Lutheran Week.
    • “Until Our Lord Returns” – Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
    • Executive Council update.
    • NALC Pastors’ Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
    • Send your pastor to the 2022 NALC Pastors’ Conference – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Youth and family ministry update.
    • 2020 Vision: Disciple-making cultures.
    • 2020 Vision: Congregational multiplication.

April 2021

• • • Executive Council approves proposal to create regions and decides to open central NALC office in Texas.
    • Nominations sought for positions to be elected at 2021 Convocation.
    • “Alive in the Body” – Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
    • Executive Council update.
    • NALC Pastors’ Conference is May 4-6 in San Antonio, Texas.
    • Mission update from Panzos.
    • Mission update from Gowins.
    • Mission update from Chelsea Smith with Cru in Cincinnati, Ohio.
    • Bonhoeffer’s Life Together is focus of Great Commission Society’s online reading group.
    • Call process during COVID-19 – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Youth and family ministry update.
    • NEXUS youth theology institute.
    • June InterTerm courses at North American Lutheran Seminary.

March 2021

• • • Mark Chavez steps down as NALC general secretary.
    • NALC seeking new general secretary.
    • Changes in NALC and NALS staff.
    • Congregations ratify NALC constitutional amendments.
    • NALC Pastors’ Conference to feature Benne and Nestingen.
    • “Reminded, encouraged and assured” – Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
    • Nominations sought for positions to be elected at 2021 Convocation.
    • NALC Disaster Response needs your help in responding to damage caused by cold in Texas.
    • 2020 Vision: Pastoral support.
    • 2020 Vision: Continuing education.
    • India Transformed.
    • CREDO: Confessional Renewal Embracing Discipleship Outreach.
    • Transfiguration Lutheran Church mission update.
    • Update from Kevin and Sarah Pfister in Bulgaria.
    • Is it really black and white? Gospel in the face of chaos and division.
    • “Let Easter Sunday be ‘Refreshment Sunday’” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Congregational annual reports.
    • Youth and family ministry update.

January/February 2021

• • • NALC Executive Council update.
    • “Following God’s Star” – Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
    • Ecumenical relationships – NALC 2020 Vision.
    • Technology & Communication – NALC 2020 Vision.
    • Daily prayer and Bible reading calendar.
    • Small and rural ministry: A future of hope.
    • Ordination of Ray Zhu.
    • Congregational annual reports.
    • “Hope in the midst of decline” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • NALC Lenten devotional.
    • Youth and family ministry update.
    • Atlantic Mission Region theological conference to address chaos and division.

December 2020

• • • “God’s Saving Mission” – Christmas message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
    • NALC 2020 Vision.
    • Jonathan Gowin is NALC global worker in Gambia.
    • NALC office has new address.
    • NALC Pastors’ Conference rescheduled for May 4-6.
    • “Christmas is best understood in light of Easter – Christmas message from the Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen, North American Lutheran Seminary president.
    • Robotics at Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute.
    • Ordinations.
    • “Canoeing the Mountains” – Great Commission Society online book discussion.
    • Malawi Orphan Care Project.
    • Congregations consider whether to ratify NALC constitutional amendments.
    • NALC Life Conference is Jan. 28.
    • Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus Seminary partners with Lutheran Bible Translators in building project.
    • “Preaching Good News in a mask?” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.

November 2020

• • • Remembering Paull Spring, first bishop of the NALC.
    • Bishop Paull Spring and the NALS.
    • Sealed in faith.
    • Ministry update from Pastor Valery Hryhoryk in Belarus.
    • Ministry update from Stephen Katterhenrich.
    • NALC Executive Council update.
    • Ministry update from Kevin and Sarah Pfister in Bulgaria.
    • Introducing “Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • NALC Advent devotions.
    • NALC Disaster Response seeking Christmas gifts.
    • Youth and family ministry update.

September/October 2020

• • • NALC Disaster Response is helping after hurricanes, wildfires, wind storms.
    • Executive Council appoints Michael Johnson as treasurer.
    • NALC congregations to consider whether to ratify constitutional amendments.
    • A peculiar approach to the pandemic – A message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
    • Pray, confess, listen, speak up, love – Defend God’s Gift of Life.
    • Unveiled – The Great Commission Society.
    • Sola Publishing receives Crossways International materials and content.
    • Theological education in Ambridge, Pennsylvania – Seminary update by the Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen.
    • RESET is new NALC stewardship resource.
    • Executive Council offers guidance concerning meetings during pandemic.
    • Mission update from Pastor Didi Panzo.
    • LWR quilts and kits thought destroyed in Beirut, Lebanon, explosion are found intact.
    • No politics in church, please – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Youth and family ministry update.

August 2020

• • • Online Mission Convocation endorses 2020 Vision for NALC.
    • Executive Council, Court of Adjudication and Board of Regents members elected.
    • Convocation votes to move to biennial convocations. Amendments must be ratified by congregations.
    • NALC seeking a new treasurer.
    • 2020 Vision for NALC – A message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
    • Congregational anniversaries recognized at convocation.
    • Photos from recent ordinations.
    • NALC Disaster Response update.
    • 2021 NALC budgets approved
    • NALC seeking a new treasurer.
    • Kevin and Sarah Pfister are new NALC Global Workers in Bulgaria.
    • San Miguel Lutheran Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
    • More than $600,000 in LWR humanitarian aid for refugees destroyed in Beirut explosion.
    • Moved to Missions.
    • Celebrating the Word of God here and now.
    • “No Worries” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Prayer march in Washington, D.C.
    • Youth and family ministry update.

July 2020

• • • • 2020 NALC Mission Convocation to meet online because of virus.
      • 2020 Vision for NALC – Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
      • Nominees for Executive Council.
      • Court of Adjudication nominee.
      • Nominees for Board of Regents.
      • Convocation to consider amendments to constitution.
      • Water Mission is responding to global COVID-19 pandemic.
      • The Academy.
      • NALC Mission in Belarus.
      • Forbearing one another in love as we return to church – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
      • NALS is committed to forming Christian leaders.
      • Youth and family ministry update.

June 2020

• • • • First steps in addressing racial tension – Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
      • Plans for 2020 Convocation are on hold because of virus.
      • Nominations for positions to be elected at Convocation close June 19.
      • NALC seeking a new treasurer.
      • Flooding in Michigan – NALC Disaster Response.
      • “Now thank we all our God” – Devotional message from Living and Giving Stewardship Team.
      • Commissioning of Pastor Martha Shanka as NALC global worker.
      • “The Once And Future Church” – Great Commission Society’s Mission Connectors Team book study.
      • Worship as “essential” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
      • “Hope for the Older Adult.”
      • Youth and family ministry update.

May 2020

• • • • Nominees for Executive Council and Court of Adjudication announced.
      • Nominations are needed for North American Lutheran Seminary Board of Regents.
      • Executive Council proposes amendments to constitution: Proposal moves from annual to biennial convocations.
      • “Waiting and praying” – Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
      • Bishop and Commission on Theology and Doctrine address Communion during pandemic.
      • NALC Disaster Response warehouse completed, supplies are needed.
      • E-learning Friendship English Conversation – Awakening Lives to World Mission.
      • “The Word of God is not chained” – Mission update from Pastor Gemechis Buba.
      • NALS June term classes.
      • NALC welcomes William Obaga as global worker.
      • Try giving money away! – Texas congregation lives out the Parable of the Talents for stewardship emphasis.
      • “Yearning for congregational fellowship” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
      • Youth and family ministry update.
      • “Stay with us, Lord, each and every one” by Pastor Cathi Braasch.

April 2020

• • • • A theological caution from a digital professional: Thoughtfulness in the time of coronavirus.
      • Bishop Selbo asks pastors not to offer “virtual Communion.”
      • Drive-in church service is a hit in Yankton, South Dakota.
      • Bishop Selbo’s pastoral letter on coronavirus.
      • Messages from Bishop Selbo for Holy Week and Easter are online.
      • Congregations are eligible for CARES act coronavirus relief from U.S. government.
      • Coronavirus resources on NALC website.
      • Nominations sought for positions to be elected at 2020 Convocation.
      • Pastor Phillip Gagnon called as assistant to the bishop for domestic mission and discipleship.
      • Congregational annual reports.
      • DiscipleLife 2020 conference.
      • Coronavirus update from North American Lutheran Seminary.
      • NALS June term classes.
      • Coronavirus concerns cancel Canadian Rockies Theological Conference.
      • Daily Bible Reading Guide.
      • Responding to Tennessee tornados.
      • “Cherish one another, as Christ does the Church” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
      • Youth and family ministry update from Gary and Laurie Pecuch.

January 2020

• • • • DiscipleLife 2020 event for pastors and lay members is Feb. 13-15 in Orlando, Florida.
      • NALC Ministerium meets on Feb. 13.
      • Connecting faith and life – Message from Bishop Dan Selbo.
      • Summer Bible camp in Belarus by Pastor Valery Hryhoryk.
      • Mission update from Katterhenrich family.
      • Transfiguration Lutheran Mission Church update.
      • NALC representatives meet with synod leaders from Lutheran Church in Brazil.
      • Addressing “small” matters before they become “big” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
      • Youth and family ministry update from Gary and Laurie Pecuch.
      • Daily Bible Reading Guide.
      • 2020-21 Clergy identification cards.

November/December 2019

• • • • The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen named president of North American Lutheran Seminary.
      • NALC Advent devotions by Pastor David Wendel.
      • Amy Schifrin named president emeritus, scholarship fund created in her name.
      • First thoughts on vision for NALC from Bishop Dan Selbo.
      • Our NALC military chaplains.
      • John Bradosky honored as bishop emeritus.
      • NALC New Starts Team.
      • The Academy.
      • Word of God Lutheran Church dedicates new church building.
      • Pastor Martha Shanka, NALC global worker in Dubai.
      • Awakening Lives to World Missions.
      • Pastor-to-pastor team visits Malawi, Africa.
      • 2020 March for Life.
      • Stewardship: An Invitation to Proclaim.
      • The NALC Call Process: Relational and Incarnational – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
      • DiscipleLife 2020 – February 13-15 – Orlando, Florida

September/October 2019

• • • • Responding to Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.
      • NALC Disaster Response update.
      • NALS forms partnership with Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Edmonton.
      • “Choose to walk the road of life with Jesus” by Pastor Cathi Braasch.
      • The Academy.
      • Field report from India.
      • Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.
      • World hunger and my response?
      • On increasing worship attendance – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
      • The Bible as the Word of God Statement.

August 2019

• • • • Dan Selbo elected bishop.
      • Executive Council, Court of Adjudication members elected.
      • 2020 budgets approved.
      • Photos from Convocation and Lutheran Week.
      • Bishop John Bradosky Fund for Life-to-Life Discipleship.
      • Lutheran Week evaluation.
      • “The elephant in the Church no more” – Bishop Bradosky’s Report to the Convocation.
      • Ordination and congregation anniversaries recognized at Convocation.
      • Mission Festival highlights relationship with Lutherans in Ethiopia and Tanzania.
      • 2019 Braaten-Benne Lectures focus on work of Holy Spirit.
      • Heidi Punt commissioned as NALC Global Worker in Haiti.

Lutheran Week 2019

• • • • The Rev. Dan Selbo was elected bishop
      • Lutheran Week theme is “Walking by the Spirit with the Fruit of the Spirit”
      • Events of the week included Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology, Women of the NALC Annual Gathering and the Ventures in Youth Ministry Symposium
      • Banquet honoring Bishop John Bradosky
      • Mission Festival highlighted the NALC’s relationship with Lutherans in Ethiopia and Tanzania
      • The Rev. Bassam Abdallah and Scott Kramer were elected to Executive Council
      • The Revv. Jennifer Gold and Leslie Haines elected to the Court of Adjudication
      • 2020 budgets were approved
      • The Rev. Heidi Punt commissioned for service in Haiti
      • Reports of the work of the NALC’s staff, teams, task forces, ministries and ministry partners received

July 2019

• • • NALC Convocation to elect new bishop.
    • Mission Festival to highlight relationship with Lutherans in Ethiopia and Tanzania.
    • 12 nominees for bishop.
    • Executive Council nominees.
    • Court of Adjudication nominees.
    • Biographical Information on nominees.
    • Lutheran Week hotel, parking and shuttle information.
    • Braaten-Benne Lectures to focus on work of Holy Spirit.
    • Women of the NALC Annual Gathering.
    • Ventures in Youth Ministry.
    • It has been a joy to serve with you as your bishop – Message from Bishop John Bradosky.
    • Bishop John Bradosky Fund for Life-to-Life Discipleship.
    • Canadian Mission District Youth Gathering.
    • Path to U.S. citizenship led pastors’ family from South Africa to North Carolina.
    • Pastor’s Booth in New York.
    • NALC Disaster Response update.
    • Panzos to expand their work to include eye care.
    • Seeds on the Ground – Pastor Didi Panzo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • Anxiety and fear in the midst of transition – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.

June 2019

• • • Please register early for Lutheran Week.
    • Bishop John Bradosky Fund for Life-to-Life Discipleship.
    • Braaten-Benne Lectures to focus on work of Holy Spirit.
    • Discipleship can only exist and flourish in a community that nurtures disciples – Message from Bishop John Bradosky.
    • NALC Disaster Response.
    • Friendship, fellowship and life-long learning: Lasting joys of residential seminary education by NALS President Amy C. Schifrin.
    • Pastor Didi and Serafina Panzo Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • Help a hurting child succeed in school.
    • Awakening Lives to World Missions.
    • Mission trip to Haiti.
    • “It’s time to give!” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Ventures in Youth Ministry.

May 2019

• • • 12 nominees for bishop.
    • Executive Council nominees.
    • Court of Adjudication nominees.
    • Biographical Information on nominees.
    • Tool trailer for NALC Disaster Response.
    • Lutheran Week 2019 is Aug. 5-9.
    • Braaten-Benne Lectures to focus on work of Holy Spirit.
    • Pentecost and early Church point to life of discipleship – Message from Bishop John Bradosky.
    • May is North American Lutheran Seminary month.
    • Belarus Ministry Update from Pastor Valery Hryhoryk.
    • Seeds on the Ground – Pastor Didi Panzo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • “Let No One Weep” – The Resurrection is Good News! – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Canadian Rockies Theological Conference.
    • Ventures in Youth Ministry.

April 2019

• • • Easter message from Bishop Bradosky.
    • Nominations sought for positions to be elected at 2019 Convocation. Bishop, Executive Council and Court of Adjudication will be elected.
    • NALC and East European Missions Network help build bridges in Ukraine.
    • Lutheran Week 2019 is Aug. 5-9.
    • Braaten-Benne Lectures to focus on work of Holy Spirit.
    • North American Lutheran Seminary partners with Lutheran colleges to educate future NALC pastors.
    • Friends of Madagascar Mission.
    • Polarization or Reconciliation? Part 2 – Compromise and Sacrifice – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • NALC Disaster Response update.
    • Youth and family ministry update.

March 2019

• • • NALC Executive Council is survey congregations to help new bishop best serve NALC congregations.
    • Nominations sought for positions to be elected at 2019 Convocation. Bishop, Executive Council and Court of Adjudication will be elected.
    • NALC Lenten Devotions for 2019.
    • Canadian Rockies Theological Conference to focus on catechism as resource for life and witness.
    • NALC Youth Gathering in Canada is May 17-20.
    • 2019 NALC Pastors’ Conference.
    • Responding to persecution in Him – Message from Bishop Bradosky.
    • NALC Disaster Response addressing flooding in Midwest.
    • Lent is a time for equipping – Message from Pastor Brad Hales, Director of Domestic Mission.
    • Belarus ministry update from Pastor Valery Hryhoryk.
    • Mission in Uganda – Lutheran Lay Renewal.
    • The Panzos in Mission – Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • Polarization or Reconciliation? – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • Youth and family ministry update.

January/February 2019

• • • Bishop addresses sexual immorality, abortion at NALC Life Conference.
    • NALC Life Conference in Virginia precedes annual March for Life.
    • Nominations sought for positions to be elected at 2019 Convocation. Bishop, Executive Council and Court of Adjudication will be elected.
    • NALC Lenten Devotions for 2019.
    • Speakers are announced for 2019 Braaten-Benne Lectures.
    • Canadian Rockies Theological Conference to focus on catechism as resource for life and witness.
    • NALC Youth Gathering in Canada is May 17-20.
    • Lutheran CORE to host “Rekindle Your First Love” event for pastors.
    • Pondering Epiphany with Luther – Message from Bishop Bradosky.
    • Update from Didi Panzo – NALC Global Worker in Democratic Republic of Congo.
    • Victory Ministry in Liberia.
    • Resources from NALC mission office.
    • Lutheran World Relief and IMA World Health combine operations.
    • LWR projects for Lent and Palm Sunday.
    • “The Word made flesh” – Ministry Matters from Pastor David Wendel.
    • “Persistence in Prayer” by Pastor Gemechis Buba.
    • Youth and family ministry update.