Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Missionaries Kate and David Visit Dec. 13



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!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Guatemalan Return and Reflections


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.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Lyle and Suzanne Back Home Again in Indiana

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.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Update from Suzanne and Lyle 10/29

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

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Solidarity Delegation Sunday Update 10/25

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

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Solidarity Delegation Arrived

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

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.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Winter Shelter Seeks Volunteers

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



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!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Solidarity Delegation to Guatemala

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.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Mission Fair Sunday September 20

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

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.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Crop Walk Coming Soon!

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!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Guatemalan Solidarity Scarves and Sale

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!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Visit from Sister Synod - Francisca!


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.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

July Mission Opportunities

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.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Local Mission Opportunity

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

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Mission Comments and Suggestions

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

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!

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

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

Sunday, May 17, 2009

St. Thomas Lutheran Lenders

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.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Note from Missionaries Kate and David

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

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!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

National Day of Prayer

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

Monday, April 6, 2009

Missionaries Kate and David

St. Thomas sent an Easter card with our greetings to Kate, David, Emily and Matthew in Argentina.

Check out their current newsletter from March on the link to the right (scroll down once that opens and click on current newsletter).

St. Thomas is hosting a youth from Chile as part of our relationship with our sister synod there and our missionaries Kate and David. She will be spending time with our youth group and in our community before going to New Orleans for the youth gathering. Stay tuned for more details for how to get to know her and be involved while she is with us this summer!

Microfinance Interest Group

Interested in microfinance but don't know how to get started? Come to two exciting opportunities:

1) Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva.org will be at IU Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 pm at the Neil Marshall Black Grand Hall. Sponsored by the Microfinance Initiative at the Kelley School of Business and open to the public.

2) Join us for a discussion about how to connect with people around the world through lending to entrepreneurs in almost every country imaginable! Sunday, May 17 at 9:45 am at St. Thomas Lutheran Church. Chris Ogan will be leading the discussion.

Guatemalan Panel Discussion

Why are evangelical churches on the increase in Guatemala? What is it like in Guatemala? What's the healthcare like for most people? What are non profits in Guatemala doing? How can we connect with people there? Do you have questions about Guatemala or Sister Parish?

Come to a panel discussion on April 29 from 7 - 8:30 pm at St. Thomas Lutheran Church. Guatemalan refreshments will be served.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Lenten Prayer for Justice, Mercy and Humility

Prayer for Justice, Mercy, and Humility

Lord, hear our prayer:

Today we face the season of our redemption during a time of global crisis.
During this season teach us to understand the love that drove you to give up everything to save us all.
Give us the strength that only comes in weakness;
The renewal that only comes through death and resurrection.

Today many of us feel weakened, burdened, and overwhelmed by the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.
We ask that your strength be made perfect in our time of weakness.
While each of us is hurt by hard times, it is the people around the world living on less than $1/day, facing hunger, thirst, and illness, who bear the greatest burden of this crisis.

Just as your weakest hour proved to be the most generous, most life-giving moment in history,
We pray for that out of our own weakness comes a generosity of justice, mercy, and humility for those who bear burdens greater than our own.

Help us to remember that you are the God who, out of nothing, made everything.
The God who still has the power today to remake us.
So let us be remade, not overcome, by our global crisis;
Let us be purified, and not laid low, by injustice, greed, and inequality.

Let us commit ourselves to:
Act justly,
Love mercy,
And walk humbly with you, and with all those
who suffer or want.

This is our moment to change the world.
Because it is at our moment of crisis where your strength and your light, revealed to the world by our faith, become a force that is stronger than fear or death.
Today, move us to become the answer to our prayers.
Give us the strength to respond, in our own time of need, to the needs of those who have the least in our world.
Lead us to be your agents of hope and renewal during this season of redemption.

For it is only in You that we have
the power to change things;
It is only because of You that we have
the promise of renewal;
And yet is through us that You seek to do all these things.
Amen.

Source: Sojourners

If you feel moved to do something, remember those in need during your Lenten prayers, consider giving to the "ResurrEGGtion" fund raiser for Heifer International at St. Thomas, or to MCUM with the matching Feinstein Challenge during March/April or to Lutheran World Relief. In addition, you could volunteer at one of the many wonderful service groups here in town.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Upcoming Spring Events

Mission Media Series: Any interest in another installment of the mission media series? We could show "End of the Spear" about a true life story of missionaries killed by an Amazon tribe. I saw the photo journalism display in NYC recently of the real life characters. We could discuss old vs. new models of missionaries. Alternatively, I just ordered a copy of "In God's Name" that has many of the world's religious leaders in it, including the ELCA bishop. This aired on national TV a year or two ago. If you have any interest in either of these or have other ideas, make your view known!

Guatemalan Panel Discussion: We are considering putting together a panel discussion on Guatemala for sometime in the second half of April. Panelists might include speakers on education in Guatemala, non profits in Guatemala and the rise of evangelical churches there. If you have suggestions or are interested in this, please let us know.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

We Welcome New Members!

Please consider inviting others to join us on the mission committee! Two of the ELCA phrases are "God's Work, Our Hands" and "What's God up to and how can we help?" These are both good phrases for our committee! We are a small but passionate inter-generational committee and we would love to welcome you or someone you know to join us. If you have questions, feel free to contact Shari Rogge-Fidler or the church office.

Taste of South America

St. Thomas gathered in January for a time of food and fellowship to support our ELCA missionaries, Kate Lawler and David Wunsch. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event special!