Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Corpus Christi, Texas

WNALC welcomes every church in the NALC to send a delegate to our Annual Gathering. Each delegate’s role is to represent her church as we celebrate our love for the Triune God and address the matters of the women of the church. Every church in the NALC is encouraged to send one voting delegate to the gathering. There is no limit to the amount participants of participants a congregation may send, however, only one may act as the delegate. Women may also attend as an individual even if they are not there to represent a congregation.

Worship

Join in prayer & song, plus rousing speakers to feed your soul.

Fellowship

Long-lasting friendships made with fellow Lutheran women of faith.

Meal Provided

Three choices for a plated meal… plus delectable desserts!

Cost

$80.00

Due at registration.

Annual Meeting

Vote on council, missions, budget & all that jazz.

Registrants

Women who are the only attendee from their congregation should register as a delegate. Any attendees who are not delegates should register as a visitor.

Our Honorable Guest

The Rev. Amy Carpenter

Reverend Amy Carpenter serves as an NALC Pastor in the Augusta, Georgia area. She was ordained in 2019 after many years of lay leadership in the church, primarily focusing on women’s, single adult, and small group ministries. In her first career, she worked in the communications industry as a writer, editor, and radio broadcaster. Now, as co-pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Evans, Ga, she preaches, teaches, and serves as the primary point of contact for pastoral care and counseling needs. Pastor Amy especially enjoys walking alongside God’s people through the seasons of their lives and nurturing them in their faith along the way. She looks forward to sharing Holy Communion and bringing us encouragement from God’s Word at the Annual Gathering. “No matter what is happening in our world, God calls us to be people of hope – and entrusts us with the message of our only hope,” she said. “So, we rejoice that we always have good news to share.” Pastor Amy will guide us in looking forward with hope and joy to what God has next for the Women of the NALC – both individually and as a body.

Bishop's Address

Bishop Dan Selbo

The Bishop carries out a pastoral ministry within the church, serving as pastor for the pastors and congregations of the NALC. The Bishop preaches the Gospel, forgives sins, administers the Sacraments and judges doctrine (Augsburg Confession XXVIII). The Bishop carries out a ministry of visitation throughout the church, is a defender of the faith, and promotes the mission of the church.

He came to our gathering, spoke to us about the NALC’s vision, prayed with us & installed the new council. Thank you Bishop Dan!

The Rev. Dawn Rister

Reverend Dawn Rister blessed us with a rousing (short) sermon & a beautiful communion. Thank you Pastor Dawn!

Mission Banks

2021-2022

The delegates of the 2021 WNALC Annual Gathering voted to renew our Mission dedications for the next year: the NALC Disaster Response (National) & The Great Commission Society (International).

NALCDR

When Disaster Strikes: How NALC Congregations Can Help

What should NALC pastors or congregation leaders do when a natural disaster, such as flooding, tornadoes, and fires, strikes in their community or in an area where the congregation is able to or desires to provide assistance?

Since the NALC is a small church with widespread congregations, it is important that you contact us as quickly as possible when a disaster occurs in your area.

First and foremost, if the disaster is close by, make sure you are safe.

Next, contact NALC Disaster Response Coordinator, Mary Bates as quickly as possible so the prayer power of the NALC can be unleashed. Be sure to also contact your Mission District to see if your local NALC Disaster Response Team can provide assistance.

NALC Disaster Response has resources and capabilities to assist in early response and longer term recovery. We can open the gates to material resources, networking, counseling, training, and volunteers.

Remember, the key is early communication! The sooner we learn of a disaster in your area, the more quickly NALC Disaster Response can respond to the needs of your community.

The purpose of the Great Commission Society of the NALC is to mobilize disciples for the work of the Great Commission. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that is in desperate need of the Good News. We propose to do this by networking congregations and individuals who have a passion for the proclamation of the Gospel and a commitment to the calling of the Great Commission.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

Hotel Location

Call (888) 444-6664 for reservations.
Discounted rates apply under North American Lutheran Church.

Meeting Location

~15 minute walk
Shuttle provided for transportation to/from hotel.

Lutheran Week 2021
Mask Guidelines

We have received many questions regarding COVID-19 policies at Lutheran Week 2021. We realize that new information and guidelines have been made this week by the CDC, and local cities and counties are still making decisions based on these guidelines. We will participating in current federal and local government regulations and guidelines during the event. After consulting authorities on the ground in Corpus Christi, this can best be summarized today as the following:

Masks are required for those using public transportation and indoors at public transportation hubs, including airports/airplanes and all of our shuttle services throughout the week.
Due to the rise of the new Delta variant of COVID-19, the CDC has recommended the wearing of masks indoors even for those who have been vaccinated in areas of substantial or high transmission. Because the County of Nueces, Texas is in the category of high transmission, Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi have both recommended the wearing of masks indoors even for those who have been vaccinated. Many restaurants and businesses in Corpus Christi are requiring masks for patrons.
The American Bank Center is recommending everyone 10 years and older to wear a mask at all times inside the venue, unless eating or drinking.
The Omni Hotel is strongly encouraging masks to be worn by guests inside the venue.

We know that things may change by the time we arrive in Corpus Christi, and they may even change during the week, so our best advice is to come with a mask and be prepared to adapt to any changes that may occur. We want to do our best to provide a safe gathering for those traveling all across the continent to attend Lutheran Week 2021.

Sources:
U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs” (June 10, 2021).
U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People” (July 27, 2021).
City of Corpus Christi, “Center for Disease Control and Prevention Updates Mask Guidelines: Actions Due to the Delta Variant” (July 27, 2021).
City of Corpus Christi and the County of Nueces, “Public Health COVID-19 News Conference” (July 28, 2021).
American Bank Center, “Safety Guidelines” (July 28, 2021).
Downtown Corpus Christi, “Local Business Mask Policies.”