Texas Impact Sunday

On Sunday, February 15th (the Feast of the Transfiguration), Messiah Lutheran Church was honored to welcome leaders from Texas Impact and the NT-NL Synod for a special Texas Impact Sunday. The day was marked by meaningful worship, thoughtful conversation, and shared thanksgiving for the work of faith-rooted public ministry across Texas.

We were especially grateful to recognize the faithful leadership of Pastor Franz Schemmel and Ann Hafften, whose longstanding commitment to public witness has helped raise up many leaders and voices for justice across our state. Pastor Franz continues serving on Texas Impact's board as the immediate-past president and as a trusted advisor. 

During our Sunday morning Forum time, we learned more about the history, vision, and work of Texas Impact from Texas Impact's executive director, Bee Morehead, and board vice president, Rev. Laura Walters. During the service, current Texas Impact board president, Rev. Phil Dieke, delivered the Word and reminded us that the story of the Transfiguration is not so much about the mountaintop but about the land of promise that awaits us in the valley below and in the work of justice, advocacy, and service. Texas Impact represents a broad coalition of faith traditions across Texas, including our own Northern Texas-Northern Louisianna Synod. In recognition of this partnership, our service that morning was presided over by our synod's bishop, the Rev. Dr. Erik Gronberg. 

This year's Transfiguration Sunday was a powerful reminder that the Church’s calling extends beyond our walls. We give thanks for the opportunity to learn together, to strengthen partnerships across our synod and state, and to continue living our faith boldly in service to our neighbors.

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Texas Impact is a statewide, interfaith network that equips people of faith to engage the public square with compassion, justice, and a commitment to community well-being. Through education, policy advocacy, and relationship-building, Texas Impact empowers congregations to live out their faith in concrete, public ways. To learn more and to get involved, visit www.texasimpact.org.