A new school year is headed our way and with it an opportunity to help a child.  Look for the collection box in the Narthex, Sunday, July 20 thru Sunday, August 10. Donated items will go to Communities in School and are distributed to local school children.

We just got this wonderful news about our family of sisters.  They will be moving into their own place on Wednesday, July16. 

If you have furniture or other items you think they could use, please call the Family Promise office (830)214-6762.  If you would like to send them a card or gift card 

c/o Family Promise
PO Box 311866
New Braunfels, Texas 78131
Attn Lynnaya

Move-Out Needs
As this family begins this exciting new chapter, any support in gathering the following items would be deeply appreciated. Gently used items in good condition are more than welcome!

Furniture Essentials

• Couch set or living room seating
• Area rugs (any size or style)
• Mattress/ Bedding

Kitchen & Cooking Items

• Microwave
• Toaster or air fryer
• Dish drying rack

Cleaning & Household Supplies

• All-purpose cleaners, disinfectants
• Sponges, dish soap, trash bags
• Laundry detergent and cleaning tools (broom, mop, etc.)

Personal Hygiene Supplies

• Soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products

Bathroom Essentials

• Shower curtain and hooks
• Bath mats or rugs
• Bathroom storage/organization (shelves, caddies, dispensers)

Storage & Organization

• Plastic bins or totes
• Drawer organizers
• Hangers, shelving, or small dressers

Dear People of God in the Southwestern Texas Synod: 

God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 

One of our commitments as things unfold with the Hill Country Floods is to keep you up-to-date with factual information, and ways you can respond.

 Brother Chris Markert participated in today’s daily update from VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), and this is what was shared:

Current Conditions:

• Many roads are still blocked by debris and fallen trees. Travel to and from some areas is not possible.
• A No-Fly Zone is in effect due to heavy helicopter activity for search and rescue. Drones are prohibited.
• AT&T is providing emergency cell tower service to restore limited communications in affected areas.

 Search and Rescue Efforts:

• Teams have been operating since early Friday morning and are still active.
• 80 deaths have been confirmed as of Monday morning. This number is expected to rise.
• Additional rainfall last night caused alerts to sound across the region. In some communities, such as Hunt, evacuation was impossible due to road congestion.
• Highway Patrol has set up a roadblock near Ingram, TX to prevent disaster tourism and ensure first responders have clear access.

 Ministry & Congregational Needs:

• Many families have lost homes, belongings, and livelihoods. Local congregations may have members in need of immediate assistance.
• Groundwater is currently unavailable in several communities, especially rural ones dependent on wells.
• Local churches may need to re-evaluate plans for in-person worship or community events, especially if buildings are inaccessible or unsafe.
• Several response organizations and NGOs are active in the region, and some may be looking for pastoral support or volunteers for shelter coordination and spiritual care.

 From our Synod:

• We continue to receive reports from synod congregations and rostered ministers that there was no significant damage church properties. We’ll keep you posted if we hear any changes.
• We are grateful that Camp Chrysalis was spared damage to property, and that our campers and staff were safe. We want to clarify from the last update that all campers were able to be safely picked up by their families by Friday evening.

 What You Can Do:

• We are currently working with ecumenical partners and with Lutheran Disaster Response in how best to respond this early. We will continue to share information and ways you can assist as they are made known.
• Please avoid traveling into disaster zones unless authorized or assisting officially.
• Hold space for prayer, lament, and care. Consider holding a joint and/or ecumenical vigil or service of lament. Please let the Synod Office know if you are planning to host or participate in such a worship experience.
• The best and most important way to have an major impact now is by giving to the Southwestern Texas Synod Disaster Fund(which provides immediate relief) or our ELCA’s Lutheran Disaster Response (which provides long-term response and recovery).

Kyrie eleison, 

Bishop Sue Briner 

Following the devastating flooding across the Texas Hill Country, the Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church has extended a generous invitation to our Lutheran congregations and members to join in a shared witness of compassion and care.

They are offering a Hybrid ERT (Early Response Team) Basic Training and Certification to equip individuals to serve effectively in the aftermath of disaster- providing not just physical help, but a faithful, calming presence in the midst of crisis. The cost for certification is $30.

Training Details:

Part One (Online via Zoom):

 Wednesday, July 9
 6:00–9:00 PM

Part Two (In-Person, Hands-On):

 Saturday, July 12
 Location TBD – likely in one of the impacted Hill Country communities

Early Response Team (ERT) members are trained to:

• Be a Christian presencein times of crisis
• Prevent further damage (e.g., tarping roofs, clearing debris)
• Serve with compassion, teamwork, and readiness

Participation in both sessions is required for ERT certification and participation with UMCOR.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (ERT Hybrid Training)

For more information, contact Brother Chris at dem@swtsynod.org.