At this year’s Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly attended by Deacon Bri, Hunter K, Cecie, S, Terin S, and me, there was a resounding “Thank You!” from the synod and ELCA Churchwide leaders for our synod’s $700,000 in Mission Support to the ELCA. That goes to support our ELCA leaders who provide everything from stewardship resources to the National Youth Gathering, global ministry with partners and missionaries around the world, and leadership development. Across the ELCA $1.8 million was received in COVID response, funding 830 ministries. Additionally congregations contributed $23.5 million to ELCA World Hunger and $6.8 million to Lutheran Disaster Response!
Our assembly offering gathered an additional $120,000+ for AMMPARO, which Accompanies Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities and Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services (LIRS). You can learn more about these ELCA organizations in the Serving Safely article HERE.
In other business we showed our gratitude to outgoing Synod Council Vice President Carl T and welcomed his replacement Leigh I. We held various other elections, including voting members to Churchwide Assembly. Among those elected for service on Synod Council were two of our own: Deacon Bri and Suman S. Congrats and prayers for them in the years ahead! To learn more about or watch portions of this year’s assembly visit click HERE.