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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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