March
March 30: Visit from Executive Director, Sister Parish, Guatemala
4:30 pm, St. Thomas
April
April 7: Mission Committee meeting, 7 pm, St. Thomas
Note that meetings will now be on the first Monday
of each month.
April 13: Forum on micro loans to reduce poverty,
Chris Ogan, 9:45 am, St. Thomas
Fair Trade Coffee and Mission Books?
Mission Endowment Fund meeting
April 18-20: ELCA Global Formation Event, Des Moines, Iowa
April 20:
Earth Day Worship Services
Fair Trade Coffee Booth?
April 27: Forum on ECHO by Janet Ellis, 9:45 am
May
May 4: Temple Talk on ECHO
May 5: Mission Committee meeting, 7 pm, St. Thomas
May 11: ECHO plant sale
May 18: ECHO bake sale
Operation Bootstrap Sunday School Event
Upcoming Summer Events
July 17-20, ELCA Global Mission Event, LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Consider going to this wonderful event!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
March Global Prayer Ventures
PRAYER VENTURES
March 2008
Prayer petitions for Sundays follow the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle and can be incorporated into the prayers at weekly worship. Weekday entries are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social, and outreach ministries of the church. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
1 Listen for God’s voice today as you pray that you will be part of this church’s work to reject and end the stigma of HIV and AIDS.
2 Fourth Sunday in Lent
Holy Lord, we give you thanks for the witness of Christians, known and unknown, in Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
3 Pray for first-call pastoral candidates recently assigned to synods and now awaiting calls, and for the communities preparing to welcome their gifts, service and leadership.
4 Praise God for Matthew Gardner, Sarah Loan and Pamela Sersen, who touch the lives of high-school students in Tokyo and Kumamoto, Japan, as part of the three-year language program of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pray for all teachers and students who participate in this education program and ministry.
5 Pray for the blessings of the Holy Spirit on mission developer Pamela Hansen and the members of All Saints Lutheran Church in Hartland, Mich., as they reach out and minister to people in the area who have never been involved in a church community.
6 Offer thanks for individuals and congregations that accompany new and renewing congregations as Mission Partners, providing “prayer, presence, and presents,” and as coaches, offering encouragement and listening ears.
7 Give thanks for the Rev. Raymond LeBlanc and the members of First Lutheran Church of Carson, Calif., who are sharing the love of God in word and deed through special ministries for people of all ages.
8 On this United Nations Day for Women’s Rights, we rejoice in the ministry of Edna Johnson, a nurse in Liberia who works with Curran Health Program medical staff to provide primary health care to rural villages. Pray that the program, which recently expanded service to 30 more remote villages, will enhance the lives of residents.
9 Fifth Sunday in Lent
We lift up to you, merciful God, the members of the emerging Christian communities in Myanmar and Thailand, that with your help they may expand their ministries.
10 Offer prayers of thanksgiving for the members of Faith, Bellaire, Texas, who traveled to New Orleans and southern Louisiana on a prayer pilgrimage, praying for a positive future for the many families and communities affected by hurricane Katrina. Since their return home they have committed themselves to continued prayer and support.
11 Give thanks for the continued work of Marissa and the Rev. Viking Dietrich in Senegal -- for Marissa’s witness as a teacher and for Viking’s work as general secretary for the Joint Christian Ministry of West Africa, a network of churches and mission organizations working among the nomadic Fulbe people.
12 Pray for pastors and other congregational staff and volunteers who are trying to create and maintain safe places for nurturing spiritual development among young children, who are so trusting and vulnerable.
13 Ask God to continue to bless Sudanese Lutheran Church, Wyoming, Mich., ministering to the Sudanese community in the Greater Grand Rapids area. This two-year-old ministry, served by mission developer Matthew Riak.
14 Remember in prayer Amanda King and Dale Linder, English teachers at the Collège Protestante, a high school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon. They conclude their service at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Pray for the other teachers and students, who continue in this education ministry.
15 Pray for the silence to be broken in your own community over domestic violence, that those who are abused will be free from the harm they endure and that those who physically and mentally harm others will stop.
16 Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday
We give you thanks, O God, for the re-emerging churches in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, which are being strengthened by the ELCA and other churches within the Lutheran communion.
17 Pray for Patrick and Jacqueline Bencke, who serve at Kyushu Lutheran College, a college of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. Patrick teaches English and Jacqueline directs a college choir.
18 Give thanks for those who volunteer their time and gifts to teach in church-related schools in Slovakia. Today we remember Alicia Cooke, Alison Davis, Larry Paxton and Sonja Paulson, who all teach at the Evanjelicke Lyceum in Bratislava.
19 Joseph, Guardian of Jesus
Pray for the 15 young ELCA members, including Kelly Moeller, Anthony Olson, Maren Magsam and Lindsey Swanson, who are serving in the United Kingdom this year through the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program.
20 Maundy Thursday
Give thanks for all students who participate in alternative spring break offerings such as "What A Relief" hurricane rebuilding, that they may serve others with their actions and words and in doing so grow in their understanding of the true meaning of servant learning.
21 Good Friday
Pray for the staff and volunteers of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest in Tucson, Ariz., who operate a free, confidential and anonymous telephone hotline service providing support to people who seek comfort or need courage to change, or who want someone to listen and lessen the pain of isolation.
22 On this World Day for Water, thank God for the faithful work of Dennis Murnyak in Tanzania. Dennis is completing 20 years of service training development workers in fish farming and sustainable agriculture with Heifer International. Pray for Dennis and his new wife, Kari, as they return to the United States in mid-summer 2008 to begin a new life.
23 Resurrection of Our Lord
Gracious God, we pray for the future of China, Hong Kong and Macao, as these countries seek to form peaceful long-term relationships. We give you thanks for the witness of the churches as they continue to grow and spread the Good News of your love and compassion.
24 Ask God to accompany people who are HIV positive, from teenagers in your community to your neighbors in the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church, that they will have full lives of health and service to others.
25 Annunciation of Our Lord
Ask God’s guidance and blessing on the gathering of synod bishops and Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission staff who meet March 25-27 in Chicago to consider applications for the start of new congregations in locations across the United States. Thank God for new ministry opportunities and the people of the ELCA who share financial resources to make new starts possible.
26 Give thanks for the volunteers who assemble Easter baskets for 700-800 children served by Lutheran Social Services of Alaska, which gives them an opportunity to share the Gospel message in a very special way.
27 Give thanks for the long and faithful service of Pastor Cliff and Mitesaida Lewis, who serve at St. Andrew’s United Church in Cairo, Egypt, a congregation that also ministers to hundreds of refugees from other countries in Africa.
28 Thank God for Claudia Bergmann and Scott Moore, who serve the congregation of St. Andreas-Nicolai-Petri, in Lutherstadt Eisleben, Germany. Their congregation worships where Martin Luther was baptized and where he preached his last sermons. May Claudia and Scott’s ministry help strengthen the church as it seeks to engage Germany’s secular culture.
29 Please pray for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod as it explores opportunities for multicultural ministry.
30 Second Sunday of Easter
Loving God, we pray for the people of Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore, that they may be strengthened to meet the many challenges of a pluralistic world. We praise you for the companion relationships among the ELCA Southeastern Synod, the Lutheran Church in Singapore and the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore.
31 Pray for ELCA camp leaders as they recruit and interview for summer camp staff, that their efforts will raise up new leaders in the church. Pray also for college students and other young adults across the church who are discerning their calls to serve as camp counselors or staff members in ELCA camps this summer.
This resource may be copied and shared among members and friends of the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Prayer Ventures is produced by ELCA Communication Services in cooperation with other units of the ELCA. Contact info@elca.org for additional information: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Communication Services. 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, I
March 2008
Prayer petitions for Sundays follow the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle and can be incorporated into the prayers at weekly worship. Weekday entries are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social, and outreach ministries of the church. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
1 Listen for God’s voice today as you pray that you will be part of this church’s work to reject and end the stigma of HIV and AIDS.
2 Fourth Sunday in Lent
Holy Lord, we give you thanks for the witness of Christians, known and unknown, in Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
3 Pray for first-call pastoral candidates recently assigned to synods and now awaiting calls, and for the communities preparing to welcome their gifts, service and leadership.
4 Praise God for Matthew Gardner, Sarah Loan and Pamela Sersen, who touch the lives of high-school students in Tokyo and Kumamoto, Japan, as part of the three-year language program of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pray for all teachers and students who participate in this education program and ministry.
5 Pray for the blessings of the Holy Spirit on mission developer Pamela Hansen and the members of All Saints Lutheran Church in Hartland, Mich., as they reach out and minister to people in the area who have never been involved in a church community.
6 Offer thanks for individuals and congregations that accompany new and renewing congregations as Mission Partners, providing “prayer, presence, and presents,” and as coaches, offering encouragement and listening ears.
7 Give thanks for the Rev. Raymond LeBlanc and the members of First Lutheran Church of Carson, Calif., who are sharing the love of God in word and deed through special ministries for people of all ages.
8 On this United Nations Day for Women’s Rights, we rejoice in the ministry of Edna Johnson, a nurse in Liberia who works with Curran Health Program medical staff to provide primary health care to rural villages. Pray that the program, which recently expanded service to 30 more remote villages, will enhance the lives of residents.
9 Fifth Sunday in Lent
We lift up to you, merciful God, the members of the emerging Christian communities in Myanmar and Thailand, that with your help they may expand their ministries.
10 Offer prayers of thanksgiving for the members of Faith, Bellaire, Texas, who traveled to New Orleans and southern Louisiana on a prayer pilgrimage, praying for a positive future for the many families and communities affected by hurricane Katrina. Since their return home they have committed themselves to continued prayer and support.
11 Give thanks for the continued work of Marissa and the Rev. Viking Dietrich in Senegal -- for Marissa’s witness as a teacher and for Viking’s work as general secretary for the Joint Christian Ministry of West Africa, a network of churches and mission organizations working among the nomadic Fulbe people.
12 Pray for pastors and other congregational staff and volunteers who are trying to create and maintain safe places for nurturing spiritual development among young children, who are so trusting and vulnerable.
13 Ask God to continue to bless Sudanese Lutheran Church, Wyoming, Mich., ministering to the Sudanese community in the Greater Grand Rapids area. This two-year-old ministry, served by mission developer Matthew Riak.
14 Remember in prayer Amanda King and Dale Linder, English teachers at the Collège Protestante, a high school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon. They conclude their service at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Pray for the other teachers and students, who continue in this education ministry.
15 Pray for the silence to be broken in your own community over domestic violence, that those who are abused will be free from the harm they endure and that those who physically and mentally harm others will stop.
16 Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday
We give you thanks, O God, for the re-emerging churches in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, which are being strengthened by the ELCA and other churches within the Lutheran communion.
17 Pray for Patrick and Jacqueline Bencke, who serve at Kyushu Lutheran College, a college of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. Patrick teaches English and Jacqueline directs a college choir.
18 Give thanks for those who volunteer their time and gifts to teach in church-related schools in Slovakia. Today we remember Alicia Cooke, Alison Davis, Larry Paxton and Sonja Paulson, who all teach at the Evanjelicke Lyceum in Bratislava.
19 Joseph, Guardian of Jesus
Pray for the 15 young ELCA members, including Kelly Moeller, Anthony Olson, Maren Magsam and Lindsey Swanson, who are serving in the United Kingdom this year through the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program.
20 Maundy Thursday
Give thanks for all students who participate in alternative spring break offerings such as "What A Relief" hurricane rebuilding, that they may serve others with their actions and words and in doing so grow in their understanding of the true meaning of servant learning.
21 Good Friday
Pray for the staff and volunteers of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest in Tucson, Ariz., who operate a free, confidential and anonymous telephone hotline service providing support to people who seek comfort or need courage to change, or who want someone to listen and lessen the pain of isolation.
22 On this World Day for Water, thank God for the faithful work of Dennis Murnyak in Tanzania. Dennis is completing 20 years of service training development workers in fish farming and sustainable agriculture with Heifer International. Pray for Dennis and his new wife, Kari, as they return to the United States in mid-summer 2008 to begin a new life.
23 Resurrection of Our Lord
Gracious God, we pray for the future of China, Hong Kong and Macao, as these countries seek to form peaceful long-term relationships. We give you thanks for the witness of the churches as they continue to grow and spread the Good News of your love and compassion.
24 Ask God to accompany people who are HIV positive, from teenagers in your community to your neighbors in the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church, that they will have full lives of health and service to others.
25 Annunciation of Our Lord
Ask God’s guidance and blessing on the gathering of synod bishops and Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission staff who meet March 25-27 in Chicago to consider applications for the start of new congregations in locations across the United States. Thank God for new ministry opportunities and the people of the ELCA who share financial resources to make new starts possible.
26 Give thanks for the volunteers who assemble Easter baskets for 700-800 children served by Lutheran Social Services of Alaska, which gives them an opportunity to share the Gospel message in a very special way.
27 Give thanks for the long and faithful service of Pastor Cliff and Mitesaida Lewis, who serve at St. Andrew’s United Church in Cairo, Egypt, a congregation that also ministers to hundreds of refugees from other countries in Africa.
28 Thank God for Claudia Bergmann and Scott Moore, who serve the congregation of St. Andreas-Nicolai-Petri, in Lutherstadt Eisleben, Germany. Their congregation worships where Martin Luther was baptized and where he preached his last sermons. May Claudia and Scott’s ministry help strengthen the church as it seeks to engage Germany’s secular culture.
29 Please pray for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod as it explores opportunities for multicultural ministry.
30 Second Sunday of Easter
Loving God, we pray for the people of Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore, that they may be strengthened to meet the many challenges of a pluralistic world. We praise you for the companion relationships among the ELCA Southeastern Synod, the Lutheran Church in Singapore and the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore.
31 Pray for ELCA camp leaders as they recruit and interview for summer camp staff, that their efforts will raise up new leaders in the church. Pray also for college students and other young adults across the church who are discerning their calls to serve as camp counselors or staff members in ELCA camps this summer.
This resource may be copied and shared among members and friends of the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Prayer Ventures is produced by ELCA Communication Services in cooperation with other units of the ELCA. Contact info@elca.org for additional information: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Communication Services. 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, I
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
January 2008 Global Prayer Ventures
PRAYER VENTURES
January 2008
Prayer petitions for Sundays follow the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle and can be incorporated into the prayers at weekly worship. Weekday entries are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social, and outreach ministries of the church. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
1 The Name of Jesus
Give thanks for the thousands of workers who, in the name of Jesus Christ, offer hope and healing in the wake of natural disasters around the world, especially those continuing to offer relief to the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.
2 Pray for safe travels and good conversations for Lutheran ethicists who teach at colleges, universities and seminaries, as they hold their annual meeting January 2-4 in Atlanta.
3 Pray for Pastor Julie Rowe, communications assistant for Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Pray also for the ELCJHL and its witness in a turbulent region.
4 Pray for Judy Perry as she assists in medical work among mothers and infants in the People’s Republic of China and engages in health worker training with Evergreen Foundation. Pray for all medical workers and those who care for the ill and suffering throughout Asia.
5 Praise God for the refugee ministry of St. Andrew Church in Cairo, Egypt, served by Kathy Kamphoefner and Paul Pierce. Thank God for Abigail Sylvester, director of the adult education program for this refugee ministry.
6 Epiphany of Our Lord
Merciful God, we remember with hope the gift of peace. Grant your peace upon Saudi Arabia, the other countries of the Arabian Peninsula, Iran and Iraq, that the power of your love may be known.
7 Pray for yourself, your congregation and all parts of this church that together we may open Scripture and join the conversation around the Book of Faith initiative, and that this may bear fruit in all our daily lives.
8 Pray for Lutheran Partners editor Bill Decker, the publication committee, the writers and the readers, that this publication for ELCA leaders may communicate and invigorate the mission of Christ across this church.
9 Ask God to guide and support women and girls who help sustain and encourage the gifts and responsibilities of other women and girls.
10 Pray for the blessings of the Holy Spirit on Pastor Andy Krey and the development of a maritime mission at the Port of Savannah, Ga. Pray for the multiplication of local volunteers with the passion, skills, and energy necessary to plant the seed of God’s hope among seafarers.
11 Pray for Pastor Stephen Deal, who assists the ELCA in its accompaniment of churches throughout Central America. Pray for Martha Giron, Steve's spouse, as she helps the Costa Rican Lutheran Church train women in arts and crafts and sewing so they can generate income for their families.
12 Thank God for the people who have been appointed to start new ELCA congregations: Pastors Lit Wu, Streamwood, Ill.; Paul Anderson, Marshall, Wis.; Grant Stevensen, St. Paul, Minn.; Perucy Butiku, Hollis, N.Y.; Gretchen Mertes, Renton, Wash.; Christopher Markert, Cypress, Texas; and lay leaders Steven Zittergruen, Iowa City, Iowa; Joseph Alsman, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and Guta Yadeta, San Lorenzo, Calif. Ask God to fill these developers with faith, trust and stamina.
13 Baptism of Our Lord
Lord, who through a vision to your servant John of Patmos revealed yourself amid the seven churches of Asia, encouraging, reproving, and challenging those first Christian communities; continue to walk with today’s churches in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.
14 Pray for all military chaplains, that they be blessed abundantly as they bring ease to the stressed and suffering, and as they minister to the wounded and dying.
15 Pray for Krystal Overmyer, communications assistant for the Costa Rican Lutheran Church, who facilitates delegations visiting Lutheran brothers and sisters in Costa Rica. Thank God for the companion relationship between the Southwestern Texas Synod and the CRLC.
16 Pray for strength and endurance for those congregations serving communities affected by recent disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, California's fires, and floods in Minnesota and Washington.
17 Pray for the courage and strength to live in ways that honor the image of God in all people.
18 Confession of Peter
As the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins, offer prayers of thanksgiving for its 100th anniversary and for the prayers for unity that have been offered through these years.
19 God's Church consists of many parts in addition to congregations. Pray for the institutions of which you are a part, and for the wisdom and courage to follow God’s callings.
20 Second Sunday After Epiphany
Almighty God, grant your wisdom and love upon the people of Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia, that they may live in peace and harmony.
21 Pray for all the participants at the January 19-22 Transformational Leaders Gathering in Orlando, Fla. May this be a time of education, refreshment, and mutual support for those who lead congregations through renewal, transformation and redevelopment processes.
22 Give thanks for the continued ministry of Drs. Helmut and Rotraut Diefenthal, who spend 10 months a year at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania, and for the companion relationships that exist between ELCA synods and dioceses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.
23 Pray for local observances and services of prayer for Christian unity and the theme that we share together, that we may "pray without ceasing."
24 Pray for the board of Finlandia University, for President Philip Johnson and other administrators, for faculty, students, alumni and supporters of all 28 of the colleges and universities related to the ELCA.
25 Conversion of Paul
Let us pray for dialogues among churches and Christian communities, for better understanding and for the opportunity to reflect on the implications of sharing "one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
26 Give thanks to God for Kevin Baker, Kristina Diaz, Kirsten Dumke and James Weber, ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, and their willingness to serve the people of Argentina.
27 Third Sunday After Epiphany
Gracious God, we remember the Christian communities in China, Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan, and give thanks for the vitality and growth of the churches. We lift up to you ELCA synods who work and pray with them, especially the Sierra Pacific Synod and Southwest California Synod.
28 Pray for Jane and Pastor Ted Zimmerman in their ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong (ELCHK). Ted teaches New Testament at Lutheran Theological Seminary and assists with pastoral leadership of one of the congregations of the ELCHK.
29 Pray for your congregational, synodical, and churchwide leaders to have the courage and strength needed to confront the injustices of sexism, racism and classism, and to advocate for justice.
30 Remember Barbara and Pastor John LeMond as they serve within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong. John teaches world religions at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Hong Kong, and coordinates interfaith programs with the Tao Fang Shan Centre.
31 Thank God for the ministry of the schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jerusalem and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) as they reach out with God’s love to all people, even in the midst of hardships. Pray for Sylvia Countess, who is assisting Dr. Charlie Haddad, the director of ELCJ schools.
January 2008
Prayer petitions for Sundays follow the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle and can be incorporated into the prayers at weekly worship. Weekday entries are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social, and outreach ministries of the church. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
1 The Name of Jesus
Give thanks for the thousands of workers who, in the name of Jesus Christ, offer hope and healing in the wake of natural disasters around the world, especially those continuing to offer relief to the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.
2 Pray for safe travels and good conversations for Lutheran ethicists who teach at colleges, universities and seminaries, as they hold their annual meeting January 2-4 in Atlanta.
3 Pray for Pastor Julie Rowe, communications assistant for Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Pray also for the ELCJHL and its witness in a turbulent region.
4 Pray for Judy Perry as she assists in medical work among mothers and infants in the People’s Republic of China and engages in health worker training with Evergreen Foundation. Pray for all medical workers and those who care for the ill and suffering throughout Asia.
5 Praise God for the refugee ministry of St. Andrew Church in Cairo, Egypt, served by Kathy Kamphoefner and Paul Pierce. Thank God for Abigail Sylvester, director of the adult education program for this refugee ministry.
6 Epiphany of Our Lord
Merciful God, we remember with hope the gift of peace. Grant your peace upon Saudi Arabia, the other countries of the Arabian Peninsula, Iran and Iraq, that the power of your love may be known.
7 Pray for yourself, your congregation and all parts of this church that together we may open Scripture and join the conversation around the Book of Faith initiative, and that this may bear fruit in all our daily lives.
8 Pray for Lutheran Partners editor Bill Decker, the publication committee, the writers and the readers, that this publication for ELCA leaders may communicate and invigorate the mission of Christ across this church.
9 Ask God to guide and support women and girls who help sustain and encourage the gifts and responsibilities of other women and girls.
10 Pray for the blessings of the Holy Spirit on Pastor Andy Krey and the development of a maritime mission at the Port of Savannah, Ga. Pray for the multiplication of local volunteers with the passion, skills, and energy necessary to plant the seed of God’s hope among seafarers.
11 Pray for Pastor Stephen Deal, who assists the ELCA in its accompaniment of churches throughout Central America. Pray for Martha Giron, Steve's spouse, as she helps the Costa Rican Lutheran Church train women in arts and crafts and sewing so they can generate income for their families.
12 Thank God for the people who have been appointed to start new ELCA congregations: Pastors Lit Wu, Streamwood, Ill.; Paul Anderson, Marshall, Wis.; Grant Stevensen, St. Paul, Minn.; Perucy Butiku, Hollis, N.Y.; Gretchen Mertes, Renton, Wash.; Christopher Markert, Cypress, Texas; and lay leaders Steven Zittergruen, Iowa City, Iowa; Joseph Alsman, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and Guta Yadeta, San Lorenzo, Calif. Ask God to fill these developers with faith, trust and stamina.
13 Baptism of Our Lord
Lord, who through a vision to your servant John of Patmos revealed yourself amid the seven churches of Asia, encouraging, reproving, and challenging those first Christian communities; continue to walk with today’s churches in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.
14 Pray for all military chaplains, that they be blessed abundantly as they bring ease to the stressed and suffering, and as they minister to the wounded and dying.
15 Pray for Krystal Overmyer, communications assistant for the Costa Rican Lutheran Church, who facilitates delegations visiting Lutheran brothers and sisters in Costa Rica. Thank God for the companion relationship between the Southwestern Texas Synod and the CRLC.
16 Pray for strength and endurance for those congregations serving communities affected by recent disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, California's fires, and floods in Minnesota and Washington.
17 Pray for the courage and strength to live in ways that honor the image of God in all people.
18 Confession of Peter
As the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins, offer prayers of thanksgiving for its 100th anniversary and for the prayers for unity that have been offered through these years.
19 God's Church consists of many parts in addition to congregations. Pray for the institutions of which you are a part, and for the wisdom and courage to follow God’s callings.
20 Second Sunday After Epiphany
Almighty God, grant your wisdom and love upon the people of Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia, that they may live in peace and harmony.
21 Pray for all the participants at the January 19-22 Transformational Leaders Gathering in Orlando, Fla. May this be a time of education, refreshment, and mutual support for those who lead congregations through renewal, transformation and redevelopment processes.
22 Give thanks for the continued ministry of Drs. Helmut and Rotraut Diefenthal, who spend 10 months a year at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania, and for the companion relationships that exist between ELCA synods and dioceses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.
23 Pray for local observances and services of prayer for Christian unity and the theme that we share together, that we may "pray without ceasing."
24 Pray for the board of Finlandia University, for President Philip Johnson and other administrators, for faculty, students, alumni and supporters of all 28 of the colleges and universities related to the ELCA.
25 Conversion of Paul
Let us pray for dialogues among churches and Christian communities, for better understanding and for the opportunity to reflect on the implications of sharing "one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
26 Give thanks to God for Kevin Baker, Kristina Diaz, Kirsten Dumke and James Weber, ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, and their willingness to serve the people of Argentina.
27 Third Sunday After Epiphany
Gracious God, we remember the Christian communities in China, Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan, and give thanks for the vitality and growth of the churches. We lift up to you ELCA synods who work and pray with them, especially the Sierra Pacific Synod and Southwest California Synod.
28 Pray for Jane and Pastor Ted Zimmerman in their ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong (ELCHK). Ted teaches New Testament at Lutheran Theological Seminary and assists with pastoral leadership of one of the congregations of the ELCHK.
29 Pray for your congregational, synodical, and churchwide leaders to have the courage and strength needed to confront the injustices of sexism, racism and classism, and to advocate for justice.
30 Remember Barbara and Pastor John LeMond as they serve within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong. John teaches world religions at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Hong Kong, and coordinates interfaith programs with the Tao Fang Shan Centre.
31 Thank God for the ministry of the schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jerusalem and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) as they reach out with God’s love to all people, even in the midst of hardships. Pray for Sylvia Countess, who is assisting Dr. Charlie Haddad, the director of ELCJ schools.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
St. Thomas Mission Events Calendar
St. Thomas Lutheran Church Mission Calendar 2007-2008
Updated 1/21/08
Supporting the ELCA Mission efforts and our congregation/small group mission efforts. Please let us know if there is a mission event we should highlight on the calendar (Helen or Shari). Thank you!
October 2007
Mission Committee formed
Requested 2% points budget increase for mission
Hosted introductory open forums,
Including introduction to ELCA concept of “Accompaniment”
November 2007
Host Nov. 18 forum - “Accompaniment” examples
And Global Gifts for donations/sale (Cindy/Kaye/Shari/Helen)
Submit newsletter introducing committee and invitation to global mission “formation events” (Helen)
December 2007
Dec. 1 World Aids Day
Dec 2 - Guest speaker for World Aids Day and Discussion on ELCA global efforts regarding HIV/AIDS also Global Gifts (Chris)
Dec 9 - Efforts of the ELCA in the Holy Land and Palestine (also Global Gifts) both TBC???
Dec 13 (Thursday) Mission Committee meeting at church, 7 pm
Submit article for Newsletter on Fair Trade Coffee (Kaye)
Submit invitation to Global “formation events” in newsletter
January 2008
Jan 10 (Thursday) Mission Committee meeting at church, 7 pm
Jan 20 Temple Talk introducing “Year of Global Mission”
Jan 23 ELCA Missionary Visit, 7 pm, St. Thomas Church
Jan 27 Global Mission church service, Fair Trade coffee tasting and ordering
Forum “Go and Do Likewise” dvd?
Submit article for Newsletter on Fair Trade Chocolate
Provide bulletin insert on World Hunger
February 2008
Feb 3 Youth sponsored “Souper Bowl” for World Hunger
Invite special Global Mission guest or Forum on ELCA Hunger Response Book?
Invite Afghani students for Forum (Helen)
Feb 10 Divine Chocolate for Valentine’s Day (Carol)
Feb. 29 Wisconsin global mission “formation event”
March 2008
Youth sponsored “ResurrEGGtion” for Heifer International
Forum with Kaye reporting on Advocacy
April 2008
April 18 Iowa global mission “formation event”
May 2008
ECHO Temple Talk, Forum and Event (Jan E.)
Operation Bootstrap end of year event?
July 2008
July 17-20 Wisconsin ELCA 2008 Global Mission Event
September 2008
Habitat Interfaith Build
October 2008
Crop Walk - World and Local Hunger
Monday, November 12, 2007
Crop Walk
Thank you to everyone who participated in Crop Walk through prayer support, financial contributions and walking to build awareness! This event supports both local and global efforts to overcome poverty and hunger.
Africa
Stand With Africa is one of the ELCA programs for walking with our sisters and brothers in Africa. December 1 is World Aids Day and the ELCA has developed a variety of materials to build awareness and reflection on the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. We will be considering what we might do as a community. As an individual, please consider keeping this issue in your prayer life.
Asia
To help us better understand what our sisters and brothers at our companion synod in Indonesia (HKBP) might be thinking about or doing during Advent, here is a summary of how they observe this season. For a brief description of the history of the HKBP, please scroll to the bottom of this section.
Advent/Christmas in Indonesia
Advent is not really observed within the church in Indonesia. But it is a time of preparation for many of the activities that will come at Christmas. The following represents some of the activities in the Batak region (north Sumatra) of Indonesia.
During the season, all Christians organize Christmas ceremonies in their own villages, not just for in the church but also on open stages. The resulting festivities often include a drama with Mary, Joseph and the Christ child (from Luke 2); Christmas songs; readings from the Bible in various languages; and finally enjoying Christmas cakes.
In the dramas, people design and create costumes based on their understanding of Jewish custom. The music is provided by guitars, organs or electronic organs, and cassette players.
The cakes are home-made or sometimes bought in stores. This is not some special cake, but a variety of Indonesian cakes are used.
In the church itself, there is a special Christmas program. Numerous church groups participate in this, including Sunday School children, youth, mothers, fathers, and church council members. Usually the program starts a week before Dec. 24. Every night during the whole week, programs are arranged and prepared according to each group's own design and model.
All this culminates in a party, with a meal in the church. Food served includes rice and pork (Sangsang).
After Christmas, every family prepares to welcome the New Year. Like the American tradition of gathering together with the whole family at Thanksgiving, the family gathers at the New Year in Indonesia. At midnight of the new year, churches ring their bells and all families wake, sit together, and have family devotions. After the devotions, those gathered greet one another, forgive one another, and parents bless all the children. Finally, everyone enjoys New Year's cake. There are special cakes for New Year's called Ketupat (with Beef), Lemang (with Beef); and Dodol. All these are made from sticky rice, coconut milk and sugar. Some would drink beer, soft drinks, coffee-milk, etc. The family New Year's ceremony sometimes ends at 5.00 am.
Christmas and New Year's are really joyful times for the family; it is a very sad thing for someone to be unable to be his/her family during Christmas and New Year.
We will be seeking to learn more about our companion synod in Indonesia over the next few months. To get started, here is a brief history of the church there:
Protestant Christian Batak Church
Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP)
HISTORY
The Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP, pronounced hah-kah-bay-pay) grew out of the efforts of the German Rhenish Missionary Society, which began work in Batak country in 1861. In 1930 the HKBP became the first major independent and self-governing church body in what was then the Dutch East Indies. The majority of the members are rural people, engaged in small farming and living in villages, but many of the members reside in cities.
Led by a resolute and clear-sighted missionary, Ludwig Ingwar Nommensen, "the Apostle to the Bataks" the missionaries pressed inland toward Lake Toba. They translated the Bible into Batak, and led whole villages and tribes to become Christian, instead of making individual conversions.
Advent/Christmas in Indonesia
Advent is not really observed within the church in Indonesia. But it is a time of preparation for many of the activities that will come at Christmas. The following represents some of the activities in the Batak region (north Sumatra) of Indonesia.
During the season, all Christians organize Christmas ceremonies in their own villages, not just for in the church but also on open stages. The resulting festivities often include a drama with Mary, Joseph and the Christ child (from Luke 2); Christmas songs; readings from the Bible in various languages; and finally enjoying Christmas cakes.
In the dramas, people design and create costumes based on their understanding of Jewish custom. The music is provided by guitars, organs or electronic organs, and cassette players.
The cakes are home-made or sometimes bought in stores. This is not some special cake, but a variety of Indonesian cakes are used.
In the church itself, there is a special Christmas program. Numerous church groups participate in this, including Sunday School children, youth, mothers, fathers, and church council members. Usually the program starts a week before Dec. 24. Every night during the whole week, programs are arranged and prepared according to each group's own design and model.
All this culminates in a party, with a meal in the church. Food served includes rice and pork (Sangsang).
After Christmas, every family prepares to welcome the New Year. Like the American tradition of gathering together with the whole family at Thanksgiving, the family gathers at the New Year in Indonesia. At midnight of the new year, churches ring their bells and all families wake, sit together, and have family devotions. After the devotions, those gathered greet one another, forgive one another, and parents bless all the children. Finally, everyone enjoys New Year's cake. There are special cakes for New Year's called Ketupat (with Beef), Lemang (with Beef); and Dodol. All these are made from sticky rice, coconut milk and sugar. Some would drink beer, soft drinks, coffee-milk, etc. The family New Year's ceremony sometimes ends at 5.00 am.
Christmas and New Year's are really joyful times for the family; it is a very sad thing for someone to be unable to be his/her family during Christmas and New Year.
We will be seeking to learn more about our companion synod in Indonesia over the next few months. To get started, here is a brief history of the church there:
Protestant Christian Batak Church
Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP)
HISTORY
The Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP, pronounced hah-kah-bay-pay) grew out of the efforts of the German Rhenish Missionary Society, which began work in Batak country in 1861. In 1930 the HKBP became the first major independent and self-governing church body in what was then the Dutch East Indies. The majority of the members are rural people, engaged in small farming and living in villages, but many of the members reside in cities.
Led by a resolute and clear-sighted missionary, Ludwig Ingwar Nommensen, "the Apostle to the Bataks" the missionaries pressed inland toward Lake Toba. They translated the Bible into Batak, and led whole villages and tribes to become Christian, instead of making individual conversions.
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