Weekly News & Announcements

Houston Area Lunch & Learn

Church & School Together in Ministry: A Leadership Lunch & Learn

Join us on October 2, 11am-2pm, for an exceptional professional development opportunity sponsored by Thrivent and hosted by the Zion Lutheran Church and Preschool. We will have a featured speaker to share expertise and guidance on nurturing successful church and school partnerships.

This exclusive event brings congregational and school leaders (think rostered leaders, council chairs, school board reps, directors, and principals) together to explore the vital connection between church and school ministry. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions and receive practical insights for strengthening their educational ministries.

As our honored guests, attendees will enjoy:

• Professional networking with educational leaders
• Practical strategies for church-school collaboration
• Valuable take-away resources
• Door prizes
• Complimentary lunch

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from an experienced leader while connecting with colleagues who share your commitment to Lutheran schools and centers.

ELCA World Hunger: Nominate a Leader for the Inaugural Building Resilient Leadership Cohort

The ELCA Building Resilient Communities (BRC) team invites nominations of adult leaders, ages 18-and-older, to participate in the inaugural Building Resilient Leadership (BRL) cohort.

Over twelve months, BRL participants will grow their public leadership skills while they develop a justice-oriented project in their community, build relationships with a peer mentoring group, and participate in community-organizing skills workshops.

BRL seeks to work with leaders who already demonstrate leadership in their communities on an everyday basis and seek to further develop their ability to accompany their community as it continues to flourish.

If there are any adult leaders in your life who you think would be a good fit for this program, please send them the link to this page. If they indicate a desire and capacity to apply, please nominate them using this form.

Nominations will be accepted through June 16 (please note the expanded deadline). Nominees will then be asked to officially apply, with a due date of July 7 for that application.

About Animal Shows

Embark on a captivating journey into the animal kingdom with our interactive educational shows! Featuring a diverse array of animals, our programs are designed to inspire curiosity, foster a love for nature, and provide hands-on learning experiences for all ages. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where education meets excitement!

Congratulations to Bishop-Elect Tracey Breashears Schultz

On Saturday, May 17, at the Synod Assembly, Bishop’s Associate Tracey Breashears Schultz was elected as the 4th bishop of the Gulf Coast Synod. On the first ballot for bishop, 26 pastors were nominated. Pastor Tracey Breashears Schultz, Bishop’s Associate for Leadership, received 127 votes, a majority, but not the 75% required. Following that vote, nominees have the right to withdraw. All did with the exception of nine. Those nine appeared on the second ballot. Tracey received 159 votes, but did not achieve the 75% required. After speeches, Pastor Tracey was elected on the third ballot. Bishop Michael Rinehart is grateful for all who carefully discerned this call, whether they withdrew or continued on through the process. 

This summer, Bishop-elect Tracey Breashears Schultz will attend New Bishop Formation and the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. She and Bishop Michael Rinehart will begin the gradual process of handing over the duties of the office, and she will officially begin as Bishop on September 1. Sunday, September 7, at 4:00 pm, Bishop Tracey Breashears Schultz will be installed at Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy, Texas, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton presiding. A reception on Saturday may take place in conjunction with the Lutherhill Gala (details below).