St. Thomas Mission Blog

St. Thomas Delegation to Chichipate in March

2012-01-26T17:47:00.001-08:00

St. Thomas is sending a delegation to Guatemala from March 9 -18th! We have six delegates traveling together. They will arrive in Guatemala City and travel together to stay in homes in Chichipate with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please keep the delegates, the Sister Parish staff and our friends in Chichipate in your prayers as they make the many preparations for this experience together. Watch for news here, in the St. Thomas newsletter and weekly announcements for ways you can support and participate in this experience. Gracias!

God of Advent

2011-12-18T06:34:00.001-08:00

God of Advent,
We are so close to Christmas Day, that
We can see your light shining in the dark
As we come closer and closer.
And as we draw nearer we find ourselves
tempted by all the busyness
Of the holidays to lose our focus on you.
Help us o Lord to keep our eyes on you.

God of Advent,
We have been waiting for what seems like a long time
For that special day to celebrate the birth of your son.
We have waited with hopeful hearts.
We have waited with longing for your peace.
We have waited with a desire for your joy.
And now we wait with a yearning for your love to be born in us again.

God of Advent,
When your steadfast love is birthed in us we will sing of you
And your love forever and ever.
When we are anointed by your love,
we will open our hearts and hands to the lonely, the needy,
the sorrowful, and those who are hurting.
We pray that we are able to share your love with all we meet.

God of Advent,
We pray that we are able to say yes to you when you call.
We pray that we are able to say “Here I am to you Lord.”
We pray that we can be your servants.
We pray that we can say as Mary said so long ago,
“Let it be with me according to your word.”
May all that we are glorify you, and may we rejoice in you
For you are our God, You are the rock of our salvation.
Yes, all our praise and love is focused through Jesus
On you o God.

Amen

cross posted from revgalsblog

Re-enchanted

2011-12-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

Within these fragmented days,
a gentle invitation
threads through our lives,
reminding us that all is sacred
and rooted
in a love that knows no bounds.

And with that quiet knowledge we re-enchant our times,
taking risks on holy ground:
hearing God’s heartbeat in our global discomfort,
halting our harshness in our work for justice,
loosening our souls as our fears are named,
recognising new markers
in the passions of our prayers.

Re-enchanted,
we journey freely,
re-imagining God’s presence
with re-awakened minds;
discovering afresh that surprising healing Word
which today, so powerfully,
illumines our poverty of understanding.

~Peter Millar , Iona Advent collection

In Darkness and Light

2011-12-14T05:43:00.000-08:00

We walk with God,
guided by the light of God’s loving spirit,
who enters the shadowed places of our hearts
and leads us into truth and life.

We wait for God,
and for the fulfilment of God’s promises,
for the time when the darkness will hold no fear
and the light will no longer blind,
but creation will be made whole once more
and God’s peace will reign for ever.

Amen

~Cally Booker, excerpt from Iona Creed for Advent

Spring Break trip to Living Waters in Cherokee, North Carolina

2011-12-08T17:08:00.001-08:00

We have just started walking alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ at Living Waters ELCA church in Cherokee, North Carolina. This is the only Native American ELCA mission east of the Mississippi River. Liz Gaskins put us in touch with Pastor Jack Russell there and they would love to welcome a group of us over spring break.

Living Waters has been sharing their digital newsletter with us now for a few months and we hope to share ours now too more easily since it is going digital. In their newsletter they highlighted two new ministries: a clothes closet and food pantry for those who need either or both. We have supported their new clothes closet and food pantry ministries through mission committee, Mission Endowment and Thrivent funds. We are also sharing prayers and hope to continue to find more opportunities for learning and sharing our faith communities. Above are some photos of their Christmas tree, including a hand painted ornament.

Pastor Jack said they would love to have us join them for worship on Sunday, March 11 in North Carolina. They integrate some of their Native American traditions into the ELCA worship service. We are talking with Pastor Jack about staying a few days perhaps to work on a joint project together before heading back.

We would love to get an intergenerational group together to drive there for this "alternative spring break" trip. If you are interested in going, but don't think that it will work for you in March, please let us know. We might be able to arrange a trip in the summer either in addition to or instead of one in March. Please let the church office or Shari/Mission Committee know if you are interested in exploring this opportunity!

Kate and David at Glocal Mission Event in January

2011-12-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Our ELCA missionaries, Kate and David, will be presenting at the Glocal Mission Event in North Carolina at the end of January. They are unable to visit us in Bloomington over the holidays this year, so going to the Glocal Mission Event is a wonderful opportunity to see them and participate in the wonderful worship and learning experiences there. Let's see if we can get a group of St. Thomas folks to attend!

What: Glocal Mission Event
Where: Cary, North Carolina (suburb of Raleigh)
When: Friday afternoon and Saturday, January 27 and 28
Cost: $35 registration fee plus your transportation/housing

For more details, look on the ELCA website, call the church office or talk with Shari.

Mission updates

2011-11-25T13:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Thrivent and the Mission Endowment Fund (MEF) for additional funds to support sponsoring a MCUM family for the holidays with both "essentials" and items from their "wish list" too. We are sponsoring a mother, 3 year old boy and twins due in the coming months. The photo above shows the packages all ready to be delivered and one of the little Spiderman bike for the 3 year old. Thank you also to congregation members who stopped to help wrap the gifts in the narthex.

Thank you also to the MEF for funds to help support our new relationship with Living Waters, a small ELCA church in Cherokee, North Carolina. We are looking for opportunities to share our mission and ministry with each other and learn more about Native Americans. Pastor Jack Russell of Living Waters has shared some initial stories of how their congregation integrates some Native American customs into the ELCA liturgical service. Look for more information here and in upcoming newsletters.

CROP Walk this Month!

2011-10-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

Please support St. Thomas' efforts with the CROP Walk this year through:

Prayer
Financial donation
Walking

Look for the announcements and table at church or ask the church office. CROP Walk is Sunday, October 16th.
Thanks!

Fountain of Peace for Anniversary of 9/11

2011-09-10T10:01:00.001-07:00

May we drink deeply from the fountain of peace,
Know peace deeply in ourselves,
Live in peace with our neighbors,
Create peace in the world.
We bless the Holy One,
Creator of wholeness, Source of Peace.

May you guard my tongue from evil,
And my lips from speaking lies.
Help me ignore the taunts of my foes,
And to forgive those who wrong me.
Open my heart to the wisdom of your word,
So that my feet will follow the path of righteousness.

May all who study destruction have their designs frustrated,
May this happen for the sake of the holiness of the world.

May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of my heart
Remain true and loving
And be acceptable in your sight.
May your light show us the way
To bring peace to all.

from "Siddur for Evening Shabbat" by Rabbi Maria Prager, as printed in "God Has No Religion" edited by Frances S Goulart

Pastor Lyle and Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light

2011-07-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Please see the article below from the Indy Star, "Living Green: Pastor believes stewardship is what God wants"

Lyle McKee, pastor of St. Thomas Lutheran Church and chairman of Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light Inc., Bloomington.

In 2009, my wife and I stretched our boundaries. We spent two weeks at a farm in Paoli learning about permaculture.

Permaculture is a design system for sustainable living that calls upon all of us -- as much as possible -- to grow our own food, produce our own energy, reuse what we have and create as little waste as possible.

Being beyond the half-century mark in age, roughing it for two weeks (alongside college students) was a challenge for us.

Permaculture is a combination of "permanent" and "agriculture," and it appealed to us as a way of moving toward simpler living.

We are convinced that current carbon levels in the atmosphere are far in excess of what the Earth can manage, and that our climate, species of plants and animals and the planet itself are undergoing stresses that will continue to compound unless we act now.

Our faith calls us to take care of God's good creation -- to "have dominion," which involves care and healing -- over the Earth.

The course transformed our decades-long dedication to stewardship of creation into what may be described as an obsession.

We have installed geothermal heating and air-conditioning. We have expanded our gardens and built our own greenhouse. Solar panels are being installed on our home's south-facing roof this month.

We will produce most of our own electricity (with current rebates and incentives, solar panels are a great investment) and much of our own food.

Because my faith mandates that I act, and the environmental crisis gives me a sense of urgency, I feel compelled to take this obsession to my work (I'm a Lutheran pastor) and my volunteer life.

On March 5, about 200 folks from Indiana representing some 19 different faith groups converged on Indianapolis to launch a new organization, Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light (H-IPL).

Our mission is to bring Hoosiers of faith together as stewards of creation to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and related sustainable practices. I now chair the group, and we are moving forward in working with congregations and individuals seeking to live more lightly on God's good Earth. H-IPL is the 38th state affiliate of the national organization, Interfaith Power & Light.

Being part of that event was uplifting because so many people and congregations are working to help make a brighter future for our planet.

We believe that congregations are the veins -- the circulatory system and means of infusion -- for this hope and mission. Joint action is the key. We act not just as one, but alongside others across Indiana, leading, inspiring and showing the way forward.

For more information on the movement or to join, go to www.hoosier ipl.org.

As told to IndyStar reporter T.J. Banes at (317) 444-6815.

Prayer for a Summer Day

2011-07-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Summer Day

O God, giver and sustainer of all life, we thank you for this new day- this new summer day. Be with those who will have no place of respite in the summer heat. Help us to care for those who long for a sheltering cool place.

Bless those in need of rain with cool showers so that they may have a rich harvest. Guide us to be good stewards of the resources that you provide us.

For those who are enjoying the pleasures of vacation, may their travels be safe. May their hours be truly recreating. And for each of us Lord, grant a measure of your mercy and a fervent sense of your call to care for your world and each other.

Amen
from Revgalprayerpals
Photo from Homegrown Indiana Farm Tour, Padgett Family Farm

God of All Nations and Peoples

2011-05-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

God of all nations and peoples,
Unite us in our common humanity,
Bind us together in peace, dignity and respect.
Help us recognize ourselves in each other,
Help us recognize You in each other.
Spur us to actions of kindness and forgiveness,
So that we can help each other heal and be whole.

Amen.

by Shari Rogge-Fidler

Lead Us Onward

2011-04-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Lead Us Lord

Lord of life, you walk this journey with us and through us;
LEAD US LORD, LEAD ON.

Journeying within, and wrestling with the world,
LEAD US LORD, LEAD ON.

Lead us to risk, to grow, and to tread the path you have opened for us;
LEAD US LORD, LEAD ON.

And let us rejoice that every place is your place;
IN THE NAME OF CHRIST, THE RISEN ONE. AMEN

~from Iona Eggs and Ashes

Holy Week Message from our ELCA Missionaries Kate and David

2011-04-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

As missionaries serving in Latin America, we
are often asked how Liberation Theology affects our
ministry. As many of you know, the term “Liberation
Theology” was coined by Peruvian priest Gustavo
Gutierrez in 1971 to refer to a movement emerging in
Latin America at that time that views Christ’s life and
teachings through the eyes of those who are marginalized
by unjust political, economic and social systems.

One specific way that this theology has penetrated
our spiritual lives has been through a series of
paintings by Adolfo Perez Esquivel, an Argentine
human rights activist. In 1980 he won the Nobel
Peace Prize in recognition of his leadership in a nonviolent
movement to oppose the military dictatorships
that swept through Latin America during the 1960’s
and 1970’s. Esquivel’s paintings, “the Latin American
Way of the Cross” walk us through the Stations
of the Cross from the perspective of those who suffer
injustice in Latin America.

Over the past few years,
the opportunity to meditate on these paintings during
Holy Week has visually and spiritually integrated
Christ’s suffering with the historic and current struggles
of people in Latin America. This meditation refocuses
and renews our understanding of what it
means to be a disciple of Christ. As we visualize
Christ’s life through the lens of the Cross, we see so
simply and clearly how God chose to be revealed in a
human life that began amid the dehumanizing conditions
of Christ’s birth in a manger and ended in the
humiliation of Christ’s death on the Cross. In other
words, it was a life of complete solidarity with those
who suffer in this world. As Christ’s disciples today,
we are also called to continue the ministry of healing
and transformation that he began among the people
who lived at the margins of society during his time.

When we walk along this Latin American Way of the
Cross, we also arrive at new understandings of the Resurrection.
In the final painting of Esquivel’s stations of the
Cross (below), the Resurrected Christ stands with those
who have suffered persecution in Latin America from the
time of conquest through colonization into contemporary
times.

In the unwavering hope of these people
who never lost faith despite all of the
injustice that they faced, we see the true
power of the Resurrection. Our prayer
for this Easter Season is that we may be
renewed in our discipleship to walk ever
more faithfully with our companions
along the Way of the Cross as it is the
only path that leads us to a full understanding
of the power and hope of the
Resurrection.

With Easter Joy,
Kate Lawler-Wunsch and David Wunsch
ELCA Regional Representatives in
South America

Lent and Easter in Chichipate

2011-04-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

The St. Thomas Mission Committee sent a letter to our brothers and sisters in Chichipate, sharing how we are marking Lent and Holy Week and how we will celebrate Easter. We received the following information in return this week about their practices in Chichipate. The photos above are of Teresa's grandkids and her family, including the great grandma! Teresa has been involved with Sister Parish for a long time. Here is how our friends celebrate Holy Week and Easter:

On Palm Sunday there is a procession that leaves one Catholic Church and walks to the other Catholic Church in Chichipate. After the procession they celebrate Mass.

One Wednesday the catechists and committees meet at 11 pm to make sure everything is ready and the jailing of Jesus starts at 12 pm. This is a re-enactment in which people dressed up as Jews put an image of Jesus in a jail. At 3 pm they take the image of Jesus out of jail and there is a procession that goes by every house in Chichipate. This procession ends around 8 pm when they return to the church and put the image back in the jail. There are also 24 people dressed up as apostles in this procession. The women and the catechists are the ones that carry the processional float.

On Thursday the organizers gather at 7 am and the procession begins at 8 am, ending at 12. Everyone goes home and comes back at 3 pm for the Washing of the Feet Mass. After Mass the committees chip in to buy sweet bread to share. At 7 pm there is a procession to the other Catholic Church.

On Friday they gather at the other church to process back to Santo Domingo de Guzman. At 3 pm they lower Jesus off the cross and at 6 pm they do the Stations of the Cross.

On Saturday afternoon everyone gathers on the soccer field. Each individual is to have brought a small candle. A large fire is built and a large candle is lit from this fire. Then each person lights their candle from the large candle and proceed back to the church for and evening Mass.

On Sunday they celebrate Mass of the Resurrection. Sometimes there is an invitation from the committees for a meal afterwards.

Emilio’s family eats fish and pacaya (date palm) on Friday and on Thursday they eat bread sweetened with honey. At Martin’s house they eat pacaya fried in egg. Enrique shared that his family’s tradition is also to eat fish during holy week. Ellen, the Executive Director of Sister Parish, had the pleasure of eating pacaya stew with egg and achiote flavouring at Teresa’s house on Monday morning.

Let us keep our friends in Chichipate in our prayers as each of our communities celebrate the Easter season.

Earth Day is Friday, April 22

2011-04-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Our Iona Lenten reflections have included the link we have with all of creation. Here is a prayer from Iona that is a good reminder on Earth Day too.

From quark to planet

Creator God,
from quark to planet your universe is awesome.
Give us eyes to gape at the wonders daily about us,
and the will to live in the harmony of your creating.
Help us to recognise and honour the connections of all things,
even at cost to our own wants and comforts;
so we may live gently on earth,
and all creation praise you.
Amen

~Chris Polhill/Iona

Lenten Images at St. Thomas

2011-04-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

May Mission Related Events

2011-04-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

May Mission related events and opportunities abound, so take a look and join us:

LWR/SERRV Fair Trade Sale on May 1 and May 15 in the narthex at St. Thomas;

ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) plant sale on May 8 and 15, please note that Jan is still seeking more plant donations too;

"Glocal" Mission Event in Chicago on May 6-7, this is a fabulous event organized by the ELCA office in Chicago. We are trying to get a team of 5-6 St. Thomas folks together to go and learn more about how we can engage in mission. These events are fun and well run, so think about attending and let the church office or Shari know if you are interested.

Guatemalan Discovery event on May 15 after the late service. Please bring your own brown bag lunch and we will have a few food items from Guatemala to share too. This will be both an educational and fun event, so please join us! Indrek Park will be sharing some of his experiences in Guatemala with us, as well as engaging us in some interactive linguistic/cultural activities.

Look for more information about all of these events in the weekly bulletins and the May newsletter. Feel free to contact the church office or Shari for more information too.

Labyrinth at St. Thomas in April

2011-03-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

We are fortunate to have the use of a labyrinth to aid our Iona faith pilgrimage during Lent. The labyrinth will be available in Heritage Hall on:

Sunday, April 3 between services and after the second service,
Wednesday, April 5 before and after the noon and evening Lenten services for 30 minutes,
Sunday, April 10 between services and after the second service

Kari and Shari had the opportunity to make and use a beach labyrinth photographed above with the community on Iona. We hope that you will have the opportunity to use the labyrinth at St. Thomas for your own Lenten meditation and journey.

Here are some reasons that people like to use labyrinths as a tool: to pray, to heal, to grieve, to forgive, to gain clarity, to break old patterns, to explore, to connect with God in a new way, to receive help, to become more open, to relax and gain more peace, to celebrate, to integrate inner and outer realities, to wonder, to see what it is like, to see what might happen, to meditate, and more! Every time that you walk a labyrinth, you might experience something different. Come and find out!

Iona Early Spring Hope

2011-03-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Into the dark world
a snowdrop comes,
a blessing of hope and peace
carrying within it a green heart;
symbol of God's renewing love.
Come to inhabit our darkness, Lord Christ,
for dark and light are alike to you.
May nature's white candles of hope
remind us of your birth
and lighten our journey
through Lent and beyond.

~Kate McIIhagga, Iona

If you use Facebook, you might like to join The Iona Community page where there a lots of lovely photos and updates about the community.

Iona Peace and Justice

2011-03-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken in the Iona Abbey and reflect a small portion of how Iona embraces and integrates peace and justice into the island, along with the weekly service of prayers for justice and peace.

Here is the Iona creed we said in church today, reflecting this week's theme of justice and peace in our Lenten journey at St. Thomas:

We believe in a God
whose love is the source of all life
and the desire of our lives,
whose love was given a human face
in Jesus of Nazareth,
whose love was crucified by the evil that waits to enslave us all
and whose love, defeating even death,
is our glorious promise of freedom.
Therefore, though we are sometimes fearful
and full of doubt,
in God we trust;
and, in the name of Jesus Christ,
we commit ourselves, in the service of others,
to seek justice and to live in peace
to care for the earth
and to share the commonwealth
of God's goodness,
to live in the freedom of forgiveness
and the power of the spirit of love,
and in the company of the faithful
so to be the church,
for the glory of God. Amen.

ELCA and Japan Earthquake Relief

2011-03-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

March 11, 2011

Earthquake Relief 2011: Japan

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

On Friday an 8.9-magnitude earthquake caused severe damage and led to a tsunami that overwhelmed cities and farmland in Japan. Tsunami warnings have been raised around the Pacific Rim. ELCA Disaster Response is monitoring the situation and preparing this church's response, both internationally and domestically as needed.

All 22 ELCA missionaries in Japan have reported that they and their families are safe and well.

The ELCA and its predecessor church bodies have a long history in Japan, dating back to 1892. The Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church has a rich tradition of education and service to those who are in need, and we will continue to walk alongside our companions in ministry as they respond to the disaster.

Please continue to pray for those affected by this disaster.

Contributions can be made to ELCA International Disaster Response for the Pacific Earthquake and Tsunami Response. Your gifts will be used to assist those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by this disaster in Japan and other affected islands.

Thank you for your gifts. Your prayers and partnership are needed.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal

Ways to Give

Check or money orders sent to:

ELCA Disaster Response
39330 Treasury Center
Chicago, IL 60694-9300

Write "Pacific Earthquake & Tsunami" on your check's memo line.

-----------------------

Give by phone at 800-638-3522 or online at http://www.elca.org/japanearthquake

Lenten Journey with Iona Prayers

2011-03-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

We will be observing Lent at St. Thomas this year with Iona liturgy, prayers, songs and practices. The photos here link with Pastor Lyle's sermon for Ash Wednesday where he mentioned arriving via ferry, the Abbey, the crosses on Iona, and the sculpture in the courtyard. Here is an Iona prayer to set the tone for our pilgrimage through Lent together:

Lead us on our journey

God, our God,
you have called us to be a people
on the move;
travelling light,
dying to live,
ready to lose ourselves for the sake of the world.
You have called us to be a people
with a purpose;
travelling without a map,
travelling to where we are led,
sustained by your Spirit,
committed to the gospel for the hope of the world.

Move us on our journey
from where we are to where you want us to go.
Open our eyes on the way
to the people of different cultures, continents and countries,
who can bring color to our lives.
Take us on our journey
from where we are to what you want us to be;
so that we become a community
where all are welcomed and no one is excluded,
all are valued and no one is made to feel inadequate,
all are forgiven and no one is ashamed to belong,
all are encouraged and no one is too hurt to come among us.

Lead us on our journey
from who we are to who you want us to be;
so that patience is built into us,
kindness is assumed in us,
gentleness is part of us,
compassion flows from us,
truth is second nature to us,
and the commitment of love is part of us.

Let us go gladly on the journey towards Easter –
the journey towards death and resurrection.
Let us journey in the peace and power of the Spirit.

~ by Ruth Harvey/Iona

Inspiring Hoosiers to Care for Creation

2011-03-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

Hoosiers of all faiths will gather at noon on Saturday, March 5, to celebrate God’s creation and issue a call to reduce energy use in our homes and congregations.

You are invited to join Lutherans and other people of faith on Saturday March 5 (Noon – 3:10 p.m.) at First Baptist Church, 8600 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, for the first statewide gathering of Indiana clergy and lay people committed to acting as more responsible stewards of God’s Earth. This event will launch Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light (H-IPL). Pastor McKee represents the Indiana-Kentucky Synod on the H-IPL Board of Directors.

The program will include:
• an interfaith worship service
• choral music celebrating the beauty and wonder of creation (all singers are invited to participate)
• presentations on three programs that equip congregations to inspire and enable their members to significantly reduce energy use
• breakout sessions for clergy and lay leaders interested in beginning faith-based energy conservation initiatives in their communities and denominations

To register, go to www.HoosierIPL.org or call the church office (332-5252). Those interested in joining the choir are asked to indicate this on the registration form and arrive by 11 a.m. to practice.

Websites to Help our Light Grow

2011-02-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

During this winter season which we refer to as the season of growing light, I have found many websites useful in keeping my internal flame going and growing. I thought I would share them here for others, in case you might find some useful too. Some are Lutheran and others are ecumenical. Enjoy and may your light glow and grow!

Lutheran:
A blog of blogs and videos produced by the ELCA:
http://www.livinglutheran.com
A blog of top Lutheran blogs:
http://theologydegreesonline.com/the-top-50-lutheran-blogs
A website targeted for young adult women:
http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Women-of-the-ELCA/Cafe-Stirring-the-Spirit-Within.aspx

Ecumenical:
By the authors of Spiritual Literacy, a site packed with tons of prayers, music, video and more:
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com
Another site packed with prayers, art, music, meditation and more:
http://www.explorefaith.org/Index.php
A site that focuses on cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Look for the light a candle link on the side:
http://www.gratefulness.org/index.htm
A site developed by and for female clergy who share prayers with each other:
http://revgalprayerpals.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=10
Downloadable audio prayers for MP3 players or on your computer:
http://www.pray-as-you-go.org
Links to different types of prayers:
http://slu.edu/prayerbook/find-a-prayer
Daily meditation/prayer from Ireland:
http://sacredspace.ie

February Prayers Near and Far

2011-02-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Living God,
Be with those without electricity and warmth,
Help others reach out in community,
To help keep them safe and warm.
Be with those providing care and support;
Wrap all involved in your love and light.
Amen.

God of All People,
Shine your light and wisdom on Egypt,
Comfort those who have lost loved ones,
Guide all parties to seek peaceful solutions,
Quicken the process to preserve lives and provide stability,
For the people in the region and the world.
Amen.

by Shari Rogge-Fidler

Native American Indian Event at St. Thomas

2011-02-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

Come join us on Sunday, February 20 for a very special event at church after the second service! We will gather for lunch and to watch the video, "Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights." Liz Gaskins will be hosting this event with the support of the Mission Committee. The Mission Committee is hoping that we can learn more about Native American Indians together during this and some potential future events. Please bring a brown bag lunch and/or some food to share - Liz will be bringing some of her very own special native dishes from her tribe to share with us!

Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights
Native Nations, hosted by Peter Coyote, chronicles the American Indians’ struggle for civil rights, and the creation of the National Indian Lutheran Board to raise funds and awareness for that struggle. From the controversy surrounding the 1862 trial when 38 Dakota Sioux were executed in the largest single-day mass hanging in United States history, to the confrontation of the 1960s when many Indian tribes joined together to speak out with a unified voice, Native Nations tells the story of standing together for sovereignty, justice and civil rights. ~ summary from ELCA website

Mission Media Series: Book Chat this Wednesday, January 26

2011-01-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

Come join us on Wednesday, January 26 at Carol Seaman's condo to reflect on the book and issues surrounding, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind." This is about a boy in Malawi who invented a windmill and the ripple effects that occurred. As the book cover says, "It will inspire anyone who doubts the power of one individual's ability to change his community and better the lives of those around him."

Please join us even if you didn't get a chance to read the book. If you want, you can watch a short video online about the book and/or visit the website at www.movingwindmills.com. You can meet at church at 6:30 pm if you would like help finding the way to her condo or to car pool. Otherwise, there is enough parking there if you would like to go directly to 3820 E. Cobblecreek, (complex called Stella Ridge) just off Smith Road south of the church close to Moore's Pike. We will begin at about 6:45 and go until about 8:15 pm. We look forward to seeing you there for a time of reflection, discussion and fellowship!

ELCA and Haiti: Generosity and Need

2011-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO (ELCA) --The ELCA continues to be engaged in Haiti, concentrating its efforts on a multiyear rebuild-
ing effort one year after a devastating earthquake. Efforts include meeting human needs by providing food, wa-
ter, temporary shelter and medical supplies while focusing on longer-term efforts such as responding to housing
needs, and providing educational and income-generating opportunities.
Members of the ELCA gave more than $12.6 million for relief and recovery in Haiti after the earthquake and
about $4.2 million has been spent for work in Haiti and for Haitians who were sent to the United States for medi-
cal care.
On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit the island in the south-central part of the country near
Port-au-Prince. The quake resulted in the deaths of nearly 250,000 people, injured 300,000 people and resulted
in more than 1.5 million displaced people, most of whom are still living in camps.
The ELCA provided relief through the Lutheran Church in Haiti; The Lutheran World Federation-Haiti; the
ACT Alliance, Geneva; Church World Service, New York; and Lutheran World Relief, Baltimore. Funds provided
health kits, mosquito nets, blankets, tents, tarps, quilts, clean water systems and sanitation equipment. Truck con-
voys brought in medical supplies during the ﬁ rst few weeks after the disaster.
The challenges ahead are monumental. “Giving for work in Haiti has been generous, and every penny given
will be used for the response,” said the Rev. Daniel Rift, director of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Information
about the ELCA’s response to the disaster is at www.ELCA.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/

~from IK Synod February newsletter

Please continue to keep the people of Haiti and those working for and beside them in your prayers.

Mission Media Series: January Book Discussion

2011-01-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

Carol has invited us to join her in reading and discussing a book she loves called, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kakwamba (aka the boy) and Bryan Mealer. This is a great way to start the new year with the subtitle of "Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope."

Carol suggests we meet at church at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 26 and car pool to her house since there is limited parking near her home. The gathering will go roughly from 6:45 pm until 8:15 pm. Please see the weekly bulletin for more information and her email address or check the church directory to contact her.

The first link below describes the boy from Malawi and his amazing story, then the second link is to the book itself.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8257153.stm

http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Harnessed-Wind-Electricity/dp/0061730327

We hope to see you there!

Christmas Devotions: God of Good News in Hidden Places

2010-12-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

As I read this Iona Christmas prayer, I reflected on both Josefina as hidden and her captors and how badly they need to hear the good news. I also thought of the joy the children at St. Thomas brought us through their sharing the good news during the Christmas pageant. May the mission work of St. Thomas in 2011 continue to celebrate the good news and look for God in hidden places.

God of good news,
today you begin again to reshape our lives and communities.
You do not start from the outside,but from within.
You begin in the hidden place.
Behind the inn.Before the marriage.At the wrong time.
You invite a handful of guests into your company.
Shepherds.Local children perhaps.Maybe some animals.
You join the community of the invisible ones.
The homeless and hopeless.Refugees,fleeing a tyrant king.
Later,you find fisherfolk.And a tax collector.More children.
The small.The unimportant.The forgotten.The frightened.
These are the people you choose,
as little by little you start sharing
the secrets of a kingdom that will change the whole world.
From within.From the hidden place.

God of good news:
as we celebrate worldwide the tidings of your birth,
as we set the heavens echoing with angel songs,
as we contemplate new year and pray for peace on earth…
remind us of the hidden places,of the forgotten people,
of the starting-points and the time it takes,
of the pace of the slowest and the dreams of the children
and the human scale and the soul of our towns
and the freedom to create secret dens.

Remind us that the great joy promised to the whole people
starts with those who need it most,in places where they hide.
Remind us,with all our seasonal cheer and tinsel,
that some people are left out in the cold;
that it is there,with them,that you are being born into the world again;
that it is there,through them,that you will change the world.
God of good news,
help us to find you again
in the hidden place.
Amen

Note from Josefina

2010-12-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Hola como estan espero que bien despues del gran susto que les di. Bueno solo queria agradeserles por no averse olvidado de mi en este momento tan duro que pase pero sobre todo les doy las gracias por no aver dejado sola a mi mama ahora que los necesitava muho. Gracias por todo el apresio y amor que le tienen a mi familia muchisimas gracias que Dios los bendiga.

Hi, how are you, I hope that you are well after this big scare that I gave you. So, I just wanted to thank you for not forgetting about me during this difficult time that I went through and to say that I am thankful that you didn't leave my mom's side either because she also needed your support a lot. Thank you for the care and love that you have for my family. Many thanks, God bless.

Advent Letter from Chichipate, Guatemala

2010-12-09T18:46:00.001-08:00

Ellen from Sister Parish visited Chichipate this week, took these photos and brought the following letter for us all. The photos are of Modesta's family, a woman participating in the purse project. They have three generations living together. It's so great to see these photos and receive news so quickly after Ellen's visit!

If you wish to try some tamales this month and think of our brothers and sisters in Chichipate, Feast bakery and coffee shop across from Templeton school sells them in both fresh and frozen versions. Enjoy!

December 7, 2010

Dear brothers and sisters from St. Thomas Church,

We send you many greetings and blessings during this Advent season and thank you for your letter. We enjoyed hearing about the traditions of your Church.

This year the Advent and Christmas celebration is being organized by the youth of our congregation. In Chichipate we celebrate Advent with “Posadas” or resting places, for Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. The Posadas start on December 16th and visit nine different houses, before ending at the church on Christmas Eve. The Posada is like a procession and is accompanied by singing of Christmas songs, fireworks and many people. It goes into one each night and the people accompanying the Posada are served a hot beverage and sing carols and pray.

The youth are selling tamales and other things to raise money to buy the decorations for the Posadas and for the church. They will also buy a Christmas tree and lights. After Christmas Mass on the 24th, there will be a cultural show put on by the youth, coffee and, of course, tamales. The SP committee and the Church committee will make hundreds of tamales for this celebration. Mass usually lasts from 7 to 10 pm, the show until 12 or 1 am and then people go home to continue the celebration with more coffee or hot chocolate, tamales or other special foods like turkey or pork.

In Martin’s house, the whole family gathers after Mass to share tamales. Sometimes they sleep on Christmas Eve and sometimes they stay up all night.

At Teresa’s house they burn Mayan incense called Copalpom to give thanks to God. They give each person in the family a candle to symbolize the light of the new Baby Jesus for the world. They eat tamales or sometimes meat and drink hot chocolate.

There are some people that spend the whole night at the church praying and setting off fireworks.

Many blessings and peace

May you have a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Chichipate Sister Parish Committee.

Prayers of Thanksgiving for Josefina and her Angels

2010-12-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

We just received some remarkable news that Josefina has escaped after being held all this time in a variety of dark places by those who kidnapped her. A woman helped her escape and she is now reunited with her mother. We ask for ongoing prayers for safety and courage for Josefina, her mother, the woman who helped her escape and the Sister Parish representatives helping with this process. This is truly a story of hope and courage as Josefina emerged from utter darkness into the amazing light. The following materials are from an Iona service dedicated to women of courage.

Reading
Our faith is a light, the kindly gift of that endless day which is our Father, God. By this
light, our Mother Christ, and our good Lord the Holy Spirit lead us into this fleeting
life. When the time of trial has passed, suddenly our eyes shall be opened and in the
brightness of light we shall see fully. This light is God our maker, and the Holy Spirit in
Christ Jesus our Saviour.
~Julian of Norwich

Creed
WE BELIEVE IN GOD,
WHO BROUGHT FORTH LIGHT FROM CHAOS AND DARKNESS.
WE BELIEVE IN JESUS,
WHO FACED THE DARKNESS OF THE GRAVE
AND ROSE FROM DEATH TO LIFE AND GLORY.
WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT,
WHO WALKS WITH US IN DARKNESS AND LIGHT.
WE BELIEVE THAT WE ARE SURROUNDED ALWAYS
BY A GREAT COMPANY OF SAINTS AND ANGELS.
WE BELIEVE THAT WE ARE CALLED TO SHARE AND PROCLAIM
THE JUSTICE AND WONDER OF GOD.
AMEN

Last, Suzanne H. has highlighted a presentation by her friend Dec. 9th at the library and it relates to Josefina's situation - human trafficking:

Many Faces of Human Trafficking: Global Issues Community Discussion Series
Stepanka Korytova, Ph.D. and Julie McGinnis, J.D. of Middle Way House give a presentation on illegal trafficking in humans in Midwestern cities, focused on U.S. and local Indiana legislation, and community options. A partnership program with the Center for the Study of Global Change at Indiana University. Presenter: Stepanka Korytova, Ph.D.; Julie McGinnis, J.D. Middle Way House. Contact: Adult/Teen Services, MCPL, 34803228. Age Range: Adults. Cost: Free. Communities: Bloomington. Thursday, December 9, 2010, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Program Room 2B, Second Floor Monroe County Public Library 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. Bloomington.

Mission Media Suggested Book

2010-12-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a good read, Carol S. has suggested the following book to us all. If we have several people who read it, perhaps over the holidays, then we can gather and discuss it over a warm drink in January. The first BBC link describes the boy from Malawi and his amazing story, then the second link is to the book itself.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8257153.stm

http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Harnessed-Wind-Electricity/dp/0061730327

Specific Prayers for Guatemala

2010-12-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

As we walk along side our brothers and sisters in Guatemala, we have two very difficult situations for our prayers:

1) A teenage girl, Josefina Juarez, disappeared and we are praying for her and her family. Pastor Lyle and Suzanne met her during their Solidarity Delegation trip. Our congregation has written a letter to request appropriate follow up on the case, which has not yet happened, according to the information we have received. Here is a photo of young Josefina.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://agn.gob.gt/agn/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D1907:romelia-josefina-juarez-sajic%26catid%3D93:alba-keneth%26Itemid%3D205&ei=jvYATaSoJ8uQnwep98TlDQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBwQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Djosefina%2Bjuarez%2Bsajic%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26prmd%3Divo

2) We pray for the family of Adolfo Ich Chaman, who was killed in a conflict in Chichipate over mining and land rights. Below is a website sent to us by Sister Parish that describes the lawsuit that is being brought against HudBay Minerals for the murder of Chamán. The site contains all sorts of information about the conflict between the mine and the communities, as well as the history of violence there.

http://www.chocversushudbay.com/

Advent Devotions

2010-12-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

The Iona Community is an ecumenical Christian community, committed to seeking new ways of living the gospel in today's world, striving to rebuild the common life, bringing together the sacred and the secular. With a strong emphasis on justice and peace, many of their devotions relate quite well to mission related ministries. Here are a few selected Iona Advent devotions to stir us.

Re-enchanted

Within these fragmented days,
a gentle invitation
threads through our lives,
reminding us that all is sacred
and rooted
in a love that knows no bounds
And with that quiet knowledge we re-enchant our times,
taking risks on holy ground:
hearing God’s heartbeat in our global discomfort,
halting our harshness in our work for justice,
loosening our souls as our fears are named,
recognising new markers
in the passions of our prayers.

Re-enchanted,
we journey freely,
re-imagining God’s presence
with re-awakened minds;
discovering afresh that surprising healing Word

which today, so powerfully,
illumines our poverty of understanding.
~ Iona Advent, Peter Millar

Darkness and Light: A Creed for Advent

We believe in God,
robed in splendour,
veiled in mystery,
ruler alike of darkness and light.
We encounter God
in Jesus Christ,
who was tortured and put to death,
but whose radiance could not be quenched;
whose touch brings a blaze of colour
to a dull, drab world:
reviving the weary,
healing the wounded,
dazzling the satisfied.
We walk with God,
guided by the light of God’s loving spirit,
who enters the shadowed places of our hearts
and leads us into truth and life.
We wait for God,
and for the fulfilment of God’s promises,
for the time when the darkness will hold no fear
and the light will no longer blind,
but creation will be made whole once more
and God’s peace will reign for ever.
Amen
~Iona Advent, Cally Booker

The Voice of God

The voice of God is the voice crying out for justice:
the voice aching for wholeness;
the voice ranging ahead of us,
inviting us to stand fast for justice,
caressing our vulnerability,
tempting us to become whole.
In stillness, let us seek to become open to the voice of God.

We pray:
With people who only hear tormenting voices
raging inside their heads … self-destructive voices,
oppressive voices saying, ‘You’re no good’,
‘You’re wicked’, ‘You’re no one’ …

For people whose voices boom so loudly
they imagine they speak with the voice of God;
for multinational corporations,
dictators and bullies, politicians lost in their own self-importance,
countries who imagine they have a special calling from God …
With those whose voices don’t seem to count;
whose mouths move, but no one listens.
Whose voices can’t penetrate the plate glass of our indifference …

For ourselves: who are assaulted by a Babel of voices telling us,
‘You need this’, ‘You want that’,
‘Buy this product, you’ll be more popular.
You’ll be more beautiful.’
In silence, we strain to hear the voice of God.
Silence (extended)
Out of the troubles of silence gather us,

Voice of God:
agitate and excite us,
startle us with your unexpected presence,
ready us to act for justice. Amen
~Iona Advent, Rachel Mann

Send Us Out With Aniticipation and Joy

At this time of Advent,
fire our imaginations
with the sweep of your salvation.
Catch us up
in the cause of your kingdom,
already breaking into this world
in our ransomed lives
yet waiting for its final fulfilment when Christ shall come again.
And let your Spirit,
wild as the wind,
gentle as the dove,
move within us and among us,
to enliven our worship and strengthen our faith
and send us out with anticipation and joy.
~Iona Advent, John Harvey

Thank you for your support of Sister Parish

2010-12-02T05:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you St. Thomas for supporting our Sister Parish relationship with Chichipate, Guatemala through your purchases of SERRV holiday gift items and donations supporting the handcrafted purses. The handcrafted purse project is a joint project between our two communities, providing the women with an income, supporting their community and the ongoing delegations between our communities. Please let us know if you would like to get involved with Sister Parish - we are planning on a delegation in 2011 to visit Chichipate. Let's keep them in our prayers as we celebrate Advent and Christmas together as brothers and sisters in Christ.

MCUM Family Blessings for Christmas

2010-12-02T05:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you St. Thomas and Thrivent for the opportunity to share with a family in need in our area. The Mission Committee voted during our November meeting to seek Thrivent funds to be used at MCUM. What a blessing it was to think about them by name, shop for items they need (coats, boots, etc. and a few fun items) and pray for them. Please continue to keep Jairo, Rosa and Daniel (5 yrs old) in your prayers. MCUM is such a wonderful organization and St. Thomas has participated in a variety of ways in their ministries over the years. Here is their beautiful mission statement and some photos of our adopted family's Christmas items.

United Ministries' Mission Statement

Monroe County United Ministries is a nurturing organization serving working families and those in distress by assisting with emergency needs and subsidized childcare. We provide quality education and a safe place for children, basic needs assistance for the poor and community service opportunities.

United Ministries' Values

We believe in children:

In striving for positive development, well being and safety of children
That by providing our services to children, we benefit the community in the future
In providing services to meet developmental needs
In the commitment to licensing standards

We believe in families:

In families in their own diversity
In helping families to meet their goals
That families receiving services 'belong'
In translating human values to the children and parents
In parents striving to improve the life of children

We believe in people:

In the intrinsic worth of every person
In non-discrimination
That people in need deserve help
In targeting our services to those in need
In helping those who are willing to help themselves
In acknowledging our role as collaborator with the person in need
In a holistic approach

We believe in faith:

That faith serves as the foundation for action
In acting on our faith
That supreme guidance leads our work

We believe in ourselves:

In our own knowledge and skills - that we merit support in community
In good stewardship
In accountability
In lifelong learning

World AIDS Day: Wednesday, December 1st

2010-11-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

Open our eyes
to what we need to see,
Open our ears
to what we need to hear,
Open our minds
to what we need to know,
Open our hearts
to what we need to bear,
Open our hands
to what we need to give,
Open our lives
to justice and love.

~Ruth Burgess, Iona World Aids Day prayers

Remember the Mashiah Foundation, ELCA missionaries in Africa who have established a home for women and children with HIV/AIDS and help them develop a livelihood through sewing/quilting.

Story from the ELCA website:
http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Stories-of-Faith-in-Action/2009/Quilting-Transforms-Lives.aspx

Website of the foundation that organizes this work with stories of people touched by their ministries:
http://mashiahfoundation.org/

Blog showing the beautiful quilting and sewing these women do:
http://womenofhopecreations.blogspot.com/

Friday night Bible dates

2010-11-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

Check out this cute post from our missionaries, Kate and David!

Friday night Bible dates

Christmas Gift Giving Ideas

2010-11-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

If you would like some Fair Trade gift giving ideas for the holidays, here are a few, but there are many more!

1) In Bloomington, visit Global Gifts on the Square for Fair Trade gifts and also the Divine Chocolate Advent calendars;

2) Order directly online or on the phone from SERRV (where we ordered the items for sale in the narthex) at:

www.serrv.org

Some additional gifts that help others and/or the environment (just google these names):

1) ELCA Good Gifts ( eg. God's Global Barnyard, Healing and more)

2) National Wildlife Federation: see "plant a tree" ornaments and more

3) Heifer International

There are lots of ways to give gifts that make a difference to others and the earth, so please share more of your ideas in the comment portion here - thanks!

Sister Synod in Indonesia

2010-11-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the earthquake in Indonesia, especially with our Sister Synod. If you would like to learn more and contribute via Lutheran World Relief, just cut and paste this link:

http://www.lwr.org/emergencies/10/IndonesiaQuake/index.asp

We also pray for a reduction in religious tension in Indonesia, especially for or Sister Synod there. For a little background, you can cut and paste this article from the NYTimes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/world/asia/30iht-indo.html

LWR and Cholera in Haiti

2010-11-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

Please pray for all of those struggling in Haiti. Here is some information from LWR on the situation and how you can donate:

http://www.lwr.org/emergencies/10/haitiearthquake/

Guatemalan Issues

2010-11-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Here are a few articles on the political, economic and crime challenges in Guatemala. These are an important part of the context for our Sister Parish relationship. Please share other articles you come across too as we go along this journey of learning together about the issues our sisters and brothers in Chichipate face.

On crime and politics:

http://www.economist.com/node/16381040?story_id=16381040

On drug related crime:

http://www.economist.com/node/15663302

On malnutrition and politics:

http://www.economist.com/node/14313735

NYTimes country background and articles:

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/guatemala/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=guatemala&st=cse

AIDS Quilt and World Aids Day

2010-11-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

World Aids Day is coming in just a few weeks (Dec. 1). Bloomington is lucky enough to have the AIDS quilt on display here in for a few days now. Please see the article from the HT below for details.

AIDS quilt panels to be displayed at IU
By Dann Denny331-4350 | ddenny@heraldt.com
November 8, 2010, last update: 11/7 @ 10:47 pm

A panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt that was displayed Oct. 31 at Bloomington High School North. A 520-panel section of the quilt will be displayed at IU starting Thursday. Chris Howell | Herald-Times
A 520-panel exhibit of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on view at no charge starting Thursday at Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union.

“This is a pretty big deal, and we’re excited about it,” said Bethany Lister, a spokeswoman for the event. “There have been several other displays in Bloomington, the last occurring in 2004. But this is the biggest.”

It will also be the biggest ever held in the state. Before this event, the largest display of the quilt in Indiana was in 1999, also in Alumni Hall.

“It’s important to keep educating the younger generation about AIDS,” Lister said. “Lots of undergraduates don’t know who Ryan White was, and AIDS is no longer headline news.”

Lister said today’s young people are not as frightened by AIDS because there are several medications that can effectively treat it. “But even though these medications can improve the quality of life and extend life, there is still no cure,” she said.

The exhibit will be massive. Some of the panels will be hanging on the ceiling. Others will be attached to walls or on the floor. Ryan White’s panel is included in the display, along with the panels commemorating the lives of other Hoosiers.

“You walk around and you don’t know where to look next,” said Kathryn Brown, a sexual health educator at the IU Health Center and member of the Community AIDS Action Group of South Central Indiana. “I want students to understand that if they have never been to a quilt display, it’s a really emotional experience. Once you walk in there you immediately realize that you just can’t stay there for just five minutes.”

After a student reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday in the Indiana Memorial Union Gallery, there will be an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. the same day, with the exhibit remaining open that night until 9:30. The exhibit will also be open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15. There will be a closing ceremony at 4 p.m. Nov. 15.

There will be related events, such as performances by Kaia, the Bloomington Peace Choir, Voces Novae, Quarryland Men’s Chorus and the African American Choral Ensemble; multiple screenings of "Common Threads", a documentary about the quilt; community quilting bees; and closing remarks from Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan. Visit www.thecaag.org for more information. All events are free and open to the public.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt is presented by CAAG of Southern Indiana, The Names Project and Union Board.

AJ O’Reilly, Union Board canvass director, said, “I hope people take away that AIDS is still around and is not just an issue that is overseas. The goal is to get people talking about these issues.”

Liz James, Union Board coordinator of the AIDS Quilt display, said many college students today know nothing about the quilt, which was part of the ’80s and ’90s American culture.

“I think the AIDS Memorial Quilt display will make my generation more motivated to make a difference when they realize what the past generation has done to foster AIDS education and awareness,” she said.

To learn more about the AIDS Memorial Quilt display — including schedules, photos, and volunteer information — visit www.thecaag.org.

About the quilt

The AIDS Memorial Quilt began with a single panel created in San Francisco in 1987.

The panels come from every state in the nation and every corner of the globe.

The panels have been sewn by friends, lovers and family members.

Many of the panels, which are the size of coffins, are 3-D — with personal items attached to them such as a T-shirt, teddy bear and jewelry.

The quilt has raised more than $4 million for services for people with AIDS.

The quilt totals 1.3 million square feet.

LWR/SERRV Gift Items and Guatemalan Purses to Support Sister Parish

2010-11-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

1) Look for the LWR/SERRV items for sale in November in the narthex. There are lots of great holiday gift ideas! All profits will support future Sister Parish delegations.

2) Look for Guatemalan purses soon! A group of women in Chichipate have made a handbags in a variety of colors and sizes and they should be arriving in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes out for them! The purses will be offered as a gift for donations to St. Thomas/Sister Parish.

Interfaith Shelter link and information

2010-11-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

St. Thomas supports the Interfaith Shelter here in Bloomington, Indiana. Check out the website for the Interfaith shelter with background information, training, schedules, FAQs, donation opportunities and more!

http://interfaithwintershelter.org/

Mission Media Series in the Community

2010-10-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

The Mission Committee invites you to join in and attend some of the guest speakers that are part of the IU Themester on Sustainability. Here are two opportunities we would like to highlight:

1) Author/Poet Wendell Berry, Sustainability Nature/Humor, Nov. 9. 10. 11. We feature the one on Nov 11th, 7:30 pm, Rawles Hall 100. Rawles Hall is off 3rd Street near Swain Hall. Atwater is the closest garage.

2) Author Barry Lopez, Sustainability Nature Writer, Nov. 17th 5:30 pm, IMU Solarium
Note: Suzanne H. is currently reading his "Vintage Lopez" book, so chat with her if you would like to know more about this author.

Meet at the church at 5:00 pm for Barry Lopez and 6:45 pm for Wendell Berry and carpool to the event. Determine where to meet for drinks afterwards to discuss the presentation.

For more information on these events and a full list of the Themester opportunities see:

http://themester.indiana.edu/calendar.shtml

For a map of the IU campus see:

http://www.indiana.edu/~iubmap/

Mission Fair Follow Up

2010-09-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated, attended and helped share the excitement during the Mission Fair! We had people sharing their passion for the following mission issues and organizations:

St. Vincent DePaul
ECHO

Earth Care

Pages to Prisoners
IU GLBT

Sister Parish
ELCA Missionaries: Kate and David

Kiva Microloans/St. Thomas Lenders
ELCA Hunger Initiatives
MCUM
Crop Walk for Hunger

Pinnacle School and Learning Services (formerly DePaul School)

Doctors Without Borders
Fair Trade

Homelessness: Interfaith Shelters

ELCA Multicultural Ministries: American Indian

St. Thomas Mission Fair This Sunday

2010-09-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Come see and hear some of the many varied mission passions of members and friends of the St. Thomas community this Sunday in between services, 9:30 am - 11 am. Take some time to see what they have on their table displays and chat with them about why they are passionate about their mission interest. Spread the word and come join us!

Iona Mission Blessing

2010-08-27T05:39:00.001-07:00

May God write a message upon your heart,
bless and direct you,
then send you out
as living letters of the Word.
Amen

Iona Blessing

LWR Nothing But Nets

2010-08-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

Suggested offering in celebration of Bishop Gafkjen’s installation is a $10 contribution from each family to Lutheran World Relief’s project “Nothing but Nets,” a comprehensive international effort to reduce infant and child mortality by two-thirds and reduce overall incidences of malaria in Africa by 2015. Please make check’s payable to St. Thomas with a memo of “Nothing but Nets”. A check will be delivered at the installation service on September 11th.

CROP Walk and St. Thomas

2010-08-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

St. Thomas has participated in the annual Church World Service Crop Walk for many years. This fall we are in need of a coordinator for our congregation. The Monroe County Crop Walk is October 17 this fall. Please tell Kaye in the church office or Shari/Mission Committee if you are interested in coordinating our walkers this year. Thanks!

http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/TR/2010FallCROPHungerWalk/TeamRaiser-Fall2010?pg=entry&fr_id=5700

MCUM "Each One Feed One" Campaign

2010-08-20T07:39:00.001-07:00

Learn how you can help with the "Each One Feed One" campaign, August 27-29. Both volunteers and donations are needed:

http://www.mcum.org/

Lutheran World Relief and Floods in Pakistan

2010-08-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

Learn about what LWR is doing to help bring emergency relief in Pakistan with the floods. It tells how you can help too:

http://www.lwr.org/emergencies/10/PakistanFloods/index.asp

Mission Fair Coming in September

2010-08-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

Is there a project or organization you are involved with here in town, in our region, nationwide or in another country? We share the love of God with others in so many ways, walking with people near and far. September will bring the opportunity for us each to share our mission involvement with others in our community to inform, share our excitement, or just chat about what excites us!

The St. Thomas Mission Fair will be coming in a few weeks, so think about if you would like to reserve some space so that you can share your mission involvement! More details will be coming in the weekly announcements, newsletter and here.

Reflection on our Mission Partners

2010-04-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

IONA EASTER REFLECTION 2010

The tomb was silent,
and the body of the One
who had valued them for themselves
had somehow gone.

Sorrow was now their companion
as they encountered the bewildering
silence of God.

Yet in that place of dislocation,
they met a stranger on the road,
and slowly recognised
that hope could be reborn.

Their hope and our hope,
present in the very silence
which makes desolate the heart
and imprisons the spirit.

For in the places of fragile hope and few resurrections
still that stranger walks,
and understands,
and heals.

It’s the solidarity of Love at work
in our uncertain but still beautiful world,
and we are held.

Peter Millar, Iona Community

When I read this, I thought of our missionary, Kate. She has clearly been challenged and touched by ministering to kids who struggle with their daily existence, not having enough to eat and other things that put them at risk. I think of other ELCA missionaries who work with the Women of Hope ministry of the Mashiah Foundation in Africa with women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. The people in Chile and Haiti also come to mind. We all experience a place of "fragile hope" at some point in our lives. I like how this Iona reflection captures the accompaniment model of walking along side others and the solidarity of Love at work. I pray that in this Eastertide we and those we pray for around the world will feel the comforting presence and impact of this Love at work.

Pastor Lyle's Sabbatical

2010-04-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Let us keep Pastor Lyle in our prayers as he begins his sabbatical. He will be visiting many of our mission partners. Pray that his sabbatical will be a renewing time for him and that it will strengthen his ministry and mission work on behalf of the St. Thomas community.

Easter People

2010-04-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Master Carpenter
O Christ, the Master carpenter, who at the last, through wood and nails, purchased our whole salvation, wield well your tools in the workshop of your world, so that we who come rough-hewn to your bench may here be fashioned to a truer beauty of your hand. We ask it for your own name's sake.
Amen

Blessing
May the joy, and the confidence, of Easter be ours, both in our personal lives, and in our life of obedience and discipleship in the world. Amen

Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. We are an Easter people! Amen

Global Mission Gathering..Glocal

2010-04-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Why attend the Glocal Mission Gathering?

What's different about this event?

The ELCA Glocal Mission Gathering brings together experts and resources on global and domestic ministry under one roof, for one weekend, in one convenient location so congregational leaders can build skills you need to be an effective part of God's mission no matter where you serve. Your input into this event will also help ELCA Global Mission serve more effectively.

Why Attend?

Mission takes place everywhere in the world — including North America, where it influences our ministry every day. By understanding how God's activity is changing the world around us, we can build and develop skills that help us engage, serve, support, learn, and travel more effectively, globally and domestically. These skills can help you be an effective part of God's mission.

Register for an upcoming event. For only $35 per person and in only 1-1/2 days, your team can:

Enhance your connections with the worldwide Lutheran family
Gain practical skills for mission
Give, receive, and serve more effectively
Discover how changes in the world are transforming the way churches like the ELCA proclaim and serve
Lead inviting worship that includes global voices
Travel internationally in a way that is effective, sustainable, respectful, and cross-culturally sensitive
To register click on the registration tab at the top/bottom of the page!

When: Friday, April 23, 2010 3:00 PM - Saturday, April 24, 2010 5:30 PM
Central Time Zone

Add to Calendar

Where:
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
1310 Main Street
Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701

Planner: Sunitha Mortha

Interfaith Shelter Gratitude Celebration

2010-04-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Ones -
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We have successfully completed our mission to provide a warm safe place to sleep in Bloomington, Indiana from November 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010! Congratulations on a job well done (but not finished). As many of you have expressed, our work is not complete because tonight there will be 30+ people looking for another place to sleep. So, the IWSI Task Force has extended my contract to organize a Homelessness Summit to bring together all interested parties in the next few months to work toward a innovative and integrated solution to our community situation.
Please contact me if you would like to help with the planning.

A more urgent matter is we have planned a Gratitude Celebration for the IWSI, in particular, for all the volunteers who made the program a success. It will be from 5-7 pm on Sunday, April 11, 2010, at First United Church, 2420 E. Third Steet, Bloomington. We have planned an IU Jazz Ensemble to play, along with refreshments, including finger foods. It will be a
wonderful way to celebrate the IWSI community we have built. We need a fairly accurate count of how many people to prepare food for, so please RSVP to me by 5:00 pm Tuesday April 6 if you are planning on attending. You can RSVP directly to me at tom@innerspark.org.

With deep gratitude,
Tom
Rev. Dr. Thomas F. Capshew, Interfaith Minister
Interfaith Winter Shelter Administrator
Cell Phone (812) 219-6734

Violence in Nigeria and the Mashiah Foundation Update

2010-03-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

For World Aid's Day a couple years ago, we supported an ELCA effort in Nigeria called The Mashiah Foundation/Women of Hope for women and children with HIV/AIDS through a sale of their quilted items. They also spoke at the ELCA Global Mission Event and created the magnificent gigantic quilt (in this photo above) that they gave to the ELCA. Here is the link if you would like to learn more them:

http://www.mashiahfoundation.org/

I recently emailed them to find out how they are doing with the recent violence in Nigeria and received this update from the parents of the missionaries:

Hi--

Thanks for your concern. We've talked to Mary Beth a couple times since the violence began Sunday morning. They haven't experienced anything or heard any fighting where they are. In fact, on Sunday Mary Beth spent the afternoon at a nearby pool with the kids. Today Hillcrest notified all parents to pick up their kids at noon. Other activities around the community and ministry ground to a halt too because so many people just chose to go home and not be out on the streets. She doesn't know if anything more is happening or if people are being super cautious. It's interesting that this violence is receiving so much news coverage while the violence in January, which was much worse, didn't make the news at all. That was probably due to the fact that the Haiti earthquake happened about the same time.

Rick and I just returned Saturday from our month-long visit to Nigeria. We were originally scheduled to go over there right as the January riots took place. The result was that we delayed our trip for two weeks. We felt safe while we were there, and even went about most of our usual in-town excursions. There are military personnel at various spots throughout the city to stop rioting as it happens. Yesterday's violence occurred in small villages on the outskirts of Jos.

Thanks for your prayers.

Sandi

News from Francisca in Chile

2010-03-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

We received this email from Francisca today:

Hi!
Don´t worry friends, in my house nothing happened, because my house is very strong and solid, only it was the fright of the sudden movement of all the things for the earthquake, lamentably in other places of my country the houses fall out and the families stayed in the street, but we have a good government here at the time are calm of that everything will go out well. Only it is a thing of time. Thank you for your worry! I love you.
Francisca

Who is that with Cindy?

2010-02-27T06:16:00.001-08:00

You might notice someone new worshiping with Cindy from our committee. Please take a minute to welcome Jonatan, Cindy's husband, during his first trip to the US! Welcome to St. Thomas Jonatan!

World Day of Prayer

2010-02-27T06:13:00.000-08:00

World Day of Prayer will be celebrated on March 5. See the bulletin insert for details. Women around the world especially celebrate this day. See the article in the Lutheran magazine discussing how important this day is to so many people. Consider participating in some way to show your solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Christ around the world, whether at home or as part of the local recognition discussed in the bulletin insert.

Prayers for Chile

2010-02-27T06:11:00.000-08:00

Please keep the people of Chile in your prayers after the massive earthquake there recently. Please pray specifically also for our sister synod and the family of Francisca, the youth who visited us this summer.

Here is an update on the situation in Chile from the IK Synod Office:

Partners in Mission,

As you know by now, Chile was hit with a serious earthquake the morning of February 27. The ELCA has released news about how the earthquake is affecting our companion church, the IELCH (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile). Here is a link to the most recent (as of 6:00 EST Saturday evening):

http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4461

In addition, through other communications channels I have received the following bits of information about some particular individuals and congregations, some of which is in the news release linked above.

From ELCA churchwide staff: The earthquake was really major and long. Both Pastora Gloria Rojas and Karen Anderson (ELCA missionary who works with EPES, a community health organization in Chile) are in their homes communicating by phone (cell phones do not work). Pastora Gloria has been able to contact all the congregations and pastors except Concepcion. Concepcion and Talca (near Concepcion) is where the major damage happened because of the proximity to the epicenter and has no communication. There are two IELCH congregations in/near Concepcion.

From an I-K Synod Global Mission Committee member's phone conversation with Pastora Gloria's son: Everyone in Santiago is doing well some structures tumbled they do not know how extensive the damage is at this time but they do know that Pastor Oscar (who serves in Concepcion) and his family are doing well.
I have sent a communication to Pastora Gloria assuring her that the people of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod are in prayer for her as she leads her church through this tragedy and for the people of the IELCH as they minister to one another and others around them even as many of them assess damage, work through grief and uncertainty, and look for a way forward.
Please share this information as broadly as possible, accompanied by encouragement to hold Pastora Gloria Rojas, the people of the IELCH, and the people of Chile in prayer. As more information becomes available we will share it synodically. In coming days we will also be in conversation with IELCH leadership about ways in which we as a synod can best express our companionship with our sisters in brothers in Chile, both in the immediate future and in the weeks and months ahead.

In the meantime, if folks desire to give immediate financial donations to Lutheran relief work in Chile they may do so through the ELCA's International Disaster Response at:

https://community.ELCA.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=537.

Thank you for your solidarity with the people of the IELCH and of Chile in general as they now seek to stand on the firm foundation of God's gracious promise of resurrection and new life.

Grace, mercy and peace be with you,

Pastor Bill Gafkjen
Assistant to the Bishop
(Campus Ministry, Candidacy, Global Mission & Synod Assembly Planning)
Director for Evangelical Mission

Note from Missionaries Kate and David

2010-02-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

February 18, 2010

Dear Friends:

A couple of days ago our family boarded a plane from Boston to Buenos Aires and our two and half month home assignment came to an end. As we now reflect on what this time back in the United States has meant to us, the image of the medieval pilgrimage comes to mind. Medieval pilgrims usually set out toward a specific destination in light of a particular event. They traveled to be eyewitnesses of sacred events and places. They went seeking first-hand knowledge and experiences of a particular way God can "break into" human lives and transform us for God's own purposes. In our case the destination has been into the heart and hearths of your congregations and homes. The event has been the celebration of our shared faith in Christ and our connection through global mission.

As with the medieval tradition of showing hospitality to pilgrims and wayfarers -- who were warmed by the glowing embers of the hearths of inns and homes along the way -- you have so generously received us in your congregations and homes. You have welcomed us with potlucks replete with delicious food as we gathered around tables for joyful fellowship. We helped complete the circles around your Communion tables and joined our voices with yours in prayer and songs of thanksgiving and praise. We were privileged to be invited into the intimacy of many of your homes to swap stories over an evening cup of tea in your living room or a morning coffee at the kitchen table. We truly had the privilege of many delightful moments of fellowship during this time! Thank you!

Your hospitality has sustained us along the way and has strengthened us for our journey now back to our ministry in South America. Visiting your local missions and ministries has energized us with a renewed sense of passion and purpose. Like the pilgrims who returned to their ordinary lives with so many tales from afar, we return with all the richness of the life and faith stories that you have shared with us.

We also want to give a special thanks to our siblings and parents who helped to care for our children Emily and Matthew during much of the time we were visiting sponsoring congregations.

Tomorrow we leave for a camping retreat with the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteers who are serving in Argentina and Uruguay this year. It will be like the crossroads where the paths of several pilgrims meet as we share tales of our travels with them and hear their stories from these months that we have been away. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

In Christ,

Kate and David

Attached pictures:

One of several happy reunion moments with our children after being away visiting sponsoring congregations.

New Spanish Classes Begin at St. Thomas

2010-02-17T04:42:00.000-08:00

Ever considered learning Spanish? Come and join the new class being taught by Cindy V. at St. Thomas. This is a great opportunity to learn Spanish and relate it to our mission relationships in Guatemala, Argentina, Peru and more. The class begins this month (Tuesdays) and will run probably through May - no need to commit to coming to all the sessions though. If you would like further information, contact the church office or Cindy V.

I-K Synod Mission Coaches

2010-02-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

Our synod is trying to encourage and develop "mission coaches" to help support mission within the churches of our synod. I am participating in this process and would be happy to include anyone else interested. There is one information and training session this month and another in March. Please contact me for more information. (Shari)

Lenten Global Mission Devotions

2010-02-17T04:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a link for the 2010 ELCA Global Mission Lenten Series. You might find a use for it either for your own personal devotions or perhaps for a small group you are involved with during Lent. The ELCA website actually has their Lenten Global Mission Series materials going back several years so you could choose among them in case you prefer one of the previous themes.

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Global-Mission/Engage-in-Global-Mission/Lenten-Series-2010.aspx

2010 Prayers for our ELCA Missionaries Kate Lawler and David Wunsch

2010-01-28T17:25:00.001-08:00

Please support our ELCA missionaries, Kate and David through prayer. Here are some suggested ways you can support them in prayer each month.

January - for safe travels on their visit to sponsoring churches in the US and as they return to South America

February - for financial support of the Global Mission work of Kate and David and other ELCA missionaries

March - for the companion Lutheran churches Kate and David serve in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru and Uraguay as they celebrate Lent and Easter.

April - for the Young Adults in Mission program Kate and David coordinate in Argentina and Uraguay

May - for our missionaries Kate, David, and their children Emily and Matthew

June - for the work of Kate and David in supporting leadership development in our companion churches in South America

July - for the work of Kate and David in encouraging and supporting peace and reconciliation in South America

August - for the ongoing financial support of our missionaries Kate and David and other ELCA missionaries

September - for Kate and David and their work with the young women in South America

October - for Kate and David and their work with confirmation classes in South America

November - for Kate and David who face challenges in feeding the spirits of those they serve in South America many of whom also have hungry bodies

December - for our missionaries Kate, David and their children Emily and Matthew as they celebrate Christmas in South America. We remember with thanks their visit to St. Thomas at this time last year.

ELCA Resources for the Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-15T04:38:00.000-08:00

Gracious God,
Your word of peace stills the storms that rage in our world.
Bring hope to places that know devastation in the calm after the earthquake.
Bring comfort to those who grieve the loss of loved ones and property.
Let your love be known through those who work to bring order in the chaos.
Help us to shoulder the burden of suffering
and make us bearers of the hope that can be found in you
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

from the ELCA website

We mourn the loss of life and ministry of Ben Larson, ELCA Wartburg seminary student in this earthquake. He and his wife led the music at the recent ELCA Global Mission Event we attended:

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4394

Here is the link for ELCA resources in disaster response worship materials, prayers, donating to LWR for Haiti relief work and more:

http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Disaster-Response/Ongoing-Responses/Haiti-Earthquake.aspx

Prayer for Haiti

2010-01-14T04:28:00.000-08:00

Comforting Lord,
Be with the people of Haiti
As they mourn their loved ones
Who have died in the earthquake.
Give the rescue and relief workers
The strength, courage and compassion
They need for the difficult job they face.
Help us to continue to hold this country
In our thoughts and prayers over the
Coming months as they continue
To rebuild their lives and their country.
Amen.

2009 Mission Report

2010-01-01T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Please review this draft report to council and let us know if we missed something. It's been an active year and we continue to seek God's guidance for how we can be involved in 2010.

January: "Taste of South America" event with recipe booklet as fundraiser for our ELCA missionaries, Kate Lawler and David Wunsch.

February/March: Planning increased communication and educational activities for our Sister Parish relationship: create bulletin board, send Easter card to Chichipate, plan panel discussion.

April: Guatemalan Panel Discussion to raise awareness of important issues in Guatemala.

May: St. Thomas Lenders group started, providing global micro loans through Kiva.org online. Plant sale fundraiser for ECHO (Education Concerns for Hunger Organization).

June: Mission Media Series continues with several summer sessions on environmental issues, "End of the Spear" and the documentary with our bishop in it, "In God's Name."

July: Visit from our sister synod - Francesca joined us from Chile, participated in our community and then the ELCA Youth Gathering.

August: Solidarity Scarves fundraiser for the Sister Parish Solidarity trip to Guatemala.

September: St. Thomas Mission Fair, where all are welcome to share their projects, activities, organizations with an emphasis on education, not fund raising. Began involvement with new local Inter-faith winter shelter. Introduction to "Every Person a Missionary" materials through small groups at St. Thomas.

October: CROP Walk to eliminate poverty and hunger. Sister Parish Solidarity trip to Guatemala.

November: Guatemalan Advent Series, Sister Parish Devotions book and "Sharing the Dream" fundraiser for our Sister Parish activities.

December: Visit from our ELCA missionaries, Kate Lawler and David Wunsch (and David's parents and Kate/David's kids)

Mission Related Worship: Throughout the year, the Mission Committee recommended various additions to our worship to focus on certain mission issues, eg. Global Mission Sunday, Sister Synod Sundays, Crop Walk commissioning/prayers, Earth Day liturgy/prayers and more.

Missionaries Kate and David Visit Dec. 13

2009-12-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Our missionaries, David Wunsch and Kate Lawler, will be with us at both services on Sunday, December 13th. David will be giving the sermon that day. David's parents hope to attend too along with Kate and David's kids (Emily and Matthew) so that they can see the Christmas program. Please help us welcome them into our community and say hello to them!

Guatemalan Return and Reflections

2009-11-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Pastor Lyle and Suzanne H. returned from participating on our behalf in the Solidarity Delegation with the Sister Parish organization in Guatemala. They met with some of our friends from Chichipate and traveled to several different communities. Please watch for more information on ways in which you can share in this experience:

1) Pastor Lyle's Advent Series will include reflections on this experience: "Advent Hope and Prayer for Chichipate."
2) Look for the St. Thomas Sister Parish Advent Devotions book that includes photos from their trip.
3) Come visit the "Sharing the Dream" tables in the narthex with items from artists in Guatemala. Proceeds support our Sister Parish relationship.

Lyle and Suzanne Back Home Again in Indiana

2009-10-31T12:40:00.001-07:00

We received word that Lyle and Suzanne are safely home again and are healthy so far!! The discussion at the US embassy regarding the situation in Chichipate was a fitting ending to their experience. Thank you for the prayers of support during their trip. Continued prayers of guidance are appreciated as we seek ways for them to share their experiences and how our community may respond.

Update from Suzanne and Lyle 10/29

2009-10-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

We are finally back in computer land today, after an intense and unspeakably meaningful trip to three Sister Parish Sites. The best news is that our friends Teresa, Martin, Enrique, and Vincente, from Chichipate travelled with us to the second site, and we had some deep and meaningful conversations with them, as well as precious time shared.

Our delegation has been warmly welcomed at each site and the stories and photos will say alot when we get home. Upavim was our first site, and that is an inner city cooperative and resulting community that was started by Lydia Spehr´s Brother and sister in law, Richard and Barbara Fenske. At Tierra Nueve 2 we were treated with a moving presentation of dance, song, and Mayan tradition by the youth of the community, and a Mass that was standing room only where were were warmly recognized. There was also a presentation by the Women´s group showing us their crafts and telling us their stories of sisterhood. In San Andres Itzapa we had the privilege of participating in a Mayan Ceremony at the Ruins in Mixco, along with a visit to a local farm, and a Sister Parish funded school. All of the congregations have let us know how vital it is to their congregations to have a Sister Parish, and that has been an important message for us to hear and experience.

It is late and there is so much more but we are safe and well with full hearts and many stories to process and share. Tommorow our delegation is going to the US Embassy to meet with the Human Rights spokesperson to discuss the situation in El Estor-Chichipate, and other Sister Parish issues.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

In good faith,
Suzanne

Solidarity Delegation Sunday Update 10/25

2009-10-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the update from Ashley from Sister Parish regarding Lyle and Suzanne:

Because we were not able to travel to Chichipate, 4 representatives
from the community came into the capital are with Lyle and Suzanne
visiting Tierra Nueva 2. I am afraid that names are escaping me, but
three of the representatives that came today have traveled to
Bloomington (Teresa, Teresa's Husband, and another gentleman), and
also Enrique, who is a younger gentleman.
They spent most of today together in Tierra Nueva 2. They will worship
with the community in Tierra Nueva 2 early Sunday, and then return to
SPC. Suzanne and Lyle in particular will have a chance to sit down and
talk with the representatives from Chichipate as well. The delegation
will be heading to the third community we are visiting, San Andres
Itzapa, on Sunday afternoon.

We spent all day Friday and Friday night in UPAVIM--one of the first
Sister Parish communities. All of the women in UPAVIM send many
greetings to everyone at St. Thomas--because, they say, even though we
may not have had a chance to meet, we are all brothers and sisters in
Christ.

Take care,
Ashley

Solidarity Delegation Arrived

2009-10-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

Pastor Lyle wrote to say that they arrived and are staying at the Sister Parish headquarters in Guatemala City while receiving some orientation to the history, customs, etc. He writes:

Guatemala City is warm and much like other places in Mexico and Central America in terms of development and look. We took a walk for lunch at a nice local place (plaintain and a blackberry drink were the only departures from what might be expected in the U.S.). We also walked to the city center to view the cathedral and palace.

No one is experiencing any ill effects yet from food, climate, altitude, or insects. We depart for UPAVIM tomorrow.

We will indeed be visiting with representatives of Chichipate! That's very good news. They will travel with us to Tierra Nueva Dos on Saturday. So we will give them our several gifts for the community then, discuss how things are going with the school, and talk about what we might do related to solidarity/advocacy.

With hopes that all is well with you and the folks at St. Thomas.

Grace and peace,
Lyle

Solidarity Delegation Updates

2009-10-22T15:11:00.001-07:00

I'll try and post updates as I get them from the delegation. I just heard that they arrived safely and are in their orientation in Guatemala City right now. We continue our prayers for safety for all involved and a fruitful time walking alongside the communities they visit.

Winter Shelter Seeks Volunteers

2009-10-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

St. Thomas passed motions at both the mission committee meeting and the council meeting to support the interfaith low barrier shelter through weekly volunteers and financial support.

The Interfaith Winter Shelter, a low barrier overnight shelter designed to provide homeless people a warm and safe place to sleep, depends totally on volunteers and is actively seeking volunteers as it gears up for the winter season, which begins Nov. 1. IWS operates as a "rotating site." Three congregations take turns providing space and bedding. Community members serve as volunteer staff.

All volunteers are required to attend one three hour training session. Upcoming training dates are: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6-9 p.m. First United Church, firstunited@firstunitedchurchbloomington.org
Monday, Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, admin@trinitybloomington.org
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2-5 p.m. First Christian Church, fcc@fcc-blmgtn.org

Volunteers may train at any location and serve at any location. They do not have to be a member of a faith community in order to volunteer. Volunteers must be 18 or older, or must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while volunteering and at orientation. Online registration and detailed information is available at interfaithwintershelter.org/volunteer/ ,or email one of the training sites.

CROP Walk

2009-10-19T04:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who supported CROP Walk through prayers, donations and walking. If you didn't get a chance to donate, you can still do so for the next couple of weeks. A special thank you to our youngest "walker" here and his family for participating!

Solidarity Delegation to Guatemala

2009-10-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

Please keep the Solidarity Delegation in your prayers. They depart Wednesday of this week and return the following week on Friday (Oct. 30). We pray for safe travels, a time of learning and growing, and that it will provide us as a community a window into the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Guatemala. We also keep the community of Chichipate in our prayers with the recent violence there.

Mission Fair Sunday September 20

2009-09-15T05:16:00.000-07:00

Do you have a mission project or issue you are passionate about and would like to share with others? Consider reserving some space at the St. Thomas Mission Fair! This is an opportunity to learn from each other about local, national and global issues important to various members in our community. Please note that nobody will be asking for money - this is simply a way to raise awareness and enthusiasm! Join in!

EPAM - Every Person a Missionary

2009-09-15T05:13:00.001-07:00

The first of several EPAM sessions from the I-K synod and sponsored by the Mission Committee will begin this week to focus on the key questions, "What's God up to and how can I help?" Look for more information and consider joining in. It's a fun way to re-energize and focus our Christian lives with an intentional way of looking at each day and the opportunities it brings for sharing grace and love.

Crop Walk Coming Soon!

2009-08-31T12:00:00.001-07:00

Look for more information and announcements regarding Crop Walk, Sunday, October 18th!! Join us in walking, make a donation and/or pray for the event!

Guatemalan Solidarity Scarves and Sale

2009-08-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Mission Committee is supporting the fundraising efforts of Suzanne Halverson and Pastor Lyle McKee to support their participation in the Solidarity Delegation going to three different communities in Guatemala in October. For the next several weeks, please look for their displays in the narthex where they have a variety of items available for purchase from Guatemala, including textiles, purses, computer bags and more.

In addition, Suzanne Halvorson is offering a very special opportunity to weave your own "Solidarity Scarf" on a loom set up at church. Six scarves are being made available to weave, with the demonstration/directions from Suzanne. Each scarf will cost $45 to make and all materials will be supplied in addition to the instructions. Scarves will take 2-3 hours total to create. Look for information in the weekly bulletin, in the narthex and from the church office.

We look forward to walking with our brothers and sisters in Guatemala with this Solidarity Delegation and learning more about the issues they face in their country and communities. Please support this effort either through one of the options above or through a donation if you can - thank you!

Visit from Sister Synod - Francisca!

2009-07-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

Our youth and Francisca are down in New Orleans at the Superdome for the Youth Gathering with 37,000 ELCA youth!

Francisca visited us here in Indiana from our Sister Synod in Chile, staying with the Isaacson's and Arnold's. She worked at MCUM with the youth group, went to the lake party at Jane's, taught the kids at VBS about her country and her faith and shared a presentation with us at both services on Sunday. Her host families treated her to all kinds of Hoosier hospitality and fun experiences too, including pizza, fried chicken, boating, shopping and more! She is now in New Orleans with the youth group. We have the ELCA HQ and the IK synod to thank for this wonderful opportunity! Thank you also to the many people at St. Thomas who made this experience valuable for all.

July Mission Opportunities

2009-06-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Art Across the Americas: help is needed for transportation and snacks for the arts exchange program July 7 and 10. Youth from Guatemala are here in Bloomington to help paint a mural for the B-line trail. Check in the narthex or call the church office to help.

Thrivent Habitat Build: food is needed for the volunteers for the build July 11. Check in the narthex or call the church office.

MCUM: the youth are helping throughout the summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check with Doug or the youth blog for more info.

Local Mission Opportunity

2009-06-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

In fall 2009, Middle Way House, Inc. will be opening a new emergency shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence. We need your help in order to create a welcoming environment for those seeking emergency shelter.

We are asking quilters to donate their talents and to create quilts for the beds in our new shelter.

By October 1st, we need:
a minimum of 25 twin sized quilts (mattress size 39”x75”),
and at least 5 quilts for full sized beds (mattress size 54”x75”)

These quilts don’t need to be fancy, but they should be durable and comforting for women and children who can’t go home.

For more details, contact: Sandy Churchill churchi@indiana.edu or Regina Moore regina.moore@gmail.com

Mission Comments and Suggestions

2009-06-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Please feel free to post comments under each post or to make suggestions either here or under a specific post. It would be great to hear some ideas for additional mission activities for St. Thomas or to gain more support for one that is in the works!

Next Mission Movie: In God's Name

2009-06-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Come join us after the second service on Sunday, June 28 in the conference room for the movie documentary, "In God's Name." Bring a sack lunch along to munch on as we have some food, fellowship and watch 12 world leaders of religion, including our very own! Check out more details on the film here:

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/Broadcast-Media/Television/In-Gods-Name.aspx

Francisca is Coming Soon!

2009-06-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

We have the wonderful opportunity to host a youth from Chile here at St. Thomas in July! Her name is Francisca and she is approximately 17 years old. The IK Synod is covering the cost for her to come to the US and attend the youth gathering in New Orleans. She will have three home stays while here in Indiana - one at a farm in southern Indiana and two host families here at St. Thomas. Look for more announcements for how and when you might be able to meet her. She will be with us the week of July 12th with her last day being worship with us Sunday, July 19th. Please join us in making her feel welcome and learning from her!

Guatemalan Exhibit in Bloomington

2009-06-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

Please check out this photography exhibit at the Mather's Museum this summer. It helps us better understand our brothers and sisters in Guatemala, what they have been through and the impact that still lingers.

http://www.indiana.edu/~mathers/exhibits/resist.html

St. Thomas Lutheran Lenders

2009-05-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Interested in finding a way to contribute to something that really makes a direct difference in individual lives? Interested in seeing and hearing the stories of those to whom your money goes?

Join "St. Thomas Lutheran Lenders" as we make group contributions (loan) on www.kiva.org. You can go online and sign yourself up by clicking the "register" button at the top of the page, then click "lend" and when you choose your entrepreneur it will give the chance to direct your loan via the St. Thomas Lutheran Lenders team. When you set up your account you can choose St. Thomas Lutheran Lenders as your "preferred team." If you have any questions or problems, feel free to contact Dawn Bakken, Shari Rogge-Fidler or Chris Ogan.

We look forward to seeing the blessings from this new mission activity both for the entrepreneurs and for us as a community as we share in this work together.

Note from Missionaries Kate and David

2009-05-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a note from Kate and David. Also check out their newest newsletter posted here and also on the ELCA website.

Dear St. Thomas Community:

We went by the church office the other day and found the Easter card sent to us by all of you at St. Thomas! Thank you so much for remembering us in your Holy Week observation. On Good Friday in our congregation we used the "Latin American Stations of the Cross" which are a series of painting with accompanying text produced by Argentine Nobel Prize winner (1980) Adolfo Perez Esquivel. They relate the Christ's journey to the Cross with contemporary issues in Latin American including human rights, destruction of the environment, and war. They were painted for the occasion of 500 years since the Conquest of the Americas. Here is the link: http://www.adolfoperezesquivel.com.ar/vc.htm.

We are very excited about all the preparations you are doing to receive Francesca! Martha and Jerry have been keeping us abreast of the plans and they sound wonderful!

Thank you for your support and interest in our ministry.

Peace,

Kate

Kate Lawler
Regional Representative -- South America
ELCA Global Mission

Mission Media Series

2009-05-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

Join us for our ongoing series of mission related films. Feel free to bring a snack of your choice or just yourself!

May 13 - Renewal: congregations learning and changing their lives to be more faithful in their stewardship of the Earth.

May 27 - Burning Our Future: a heart breaking film about mountain top removal and how we play a part in it.

June 10 - End of the Spear: True story of missionaries in the Amazon which were the subject of famous photographs after many were killed.

June 28 - In God's Name: documentary with many world religious leaders discussing the post 9/11 world and religion. Includes the ELCA bishop. Shown after church. Bring a brown bag lunch or food to share.

Hope you can join us for any or all of these films!

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some prayers for your use today, if you wish to pray for some mission issues on this National Day of Prayer:

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lived and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen

from the Book of Common Prayer