ELCA and World Malaria Day, April 25

World Malaria Day is April 25, 2012. In the ELCA, we’re challenging members to turn World Malaria Day into “World Malaria Week” and raise $200,000 between April 25 and May 1 (including your congregational offerings on April 29) to launch work in Liberia – where malaria accounts for 30 percent of all deaths seen in hospitals. Find more details in an email sent to all congregations. Our sisters and brothers in Liberia are ready. Will you help?

ELCA World Malaria Litany
It comes like a thief in the night, stealing health and hope; Lord of love, bring healing to your broken world. Suffering from malaria, your people cry out to you; Lord of love, bring healing to your broken world. Under the yoke of disease, the walk to the clinic is long; Lord of love, bring healing to your broken world. Resources at our fingertips, love on the tips of our tongues; Lord of hope, use us to heal your world. We have an abundance of gifts, given to us to share; Lord of hope, use us to heal your world. With our sisters and brothers in Africa, standing ready to serve; Lord of hope, use us to heal your world. Lord, you teach us to love; Not in word or speech, but in truth and action And so, in truth and action Let us share your love. Amen

Mail your gifts to the ELCA Malaria Campaign at P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. Be sure to include "World Malaria Day" in the memo line. Source: ELCA website

Sister Parish Event on May 6

These photos are of the dance the youth did to welcome our Sister Parish delegation in Chichipate, as mentioned in Pastor Lyle's sermon. You can also see a photo of their church and fellowship hall. Last is a photo of one of the first community meals shared, which is at the heart of the word "accompaniment" and of our relationship with our friends in Chichipate. The delegation is planning the worship services at St. Thomas on May 6 followed by a lunch to share this "accompaniment" with us, so come join us then to learn more about their experiences!

Going to Church in Chichipate, Guatemala

These photos are of our delegates and their friends in Chichipate going to church together. Watch for upcoming details about an event the delegates are planning to share more of their experiences with us!

Wow - Glocal Mission Event PLUS Synod Assembly!

Attend the ELCA Glocal Mission Event before coming to Synod Assembly

If you plan on attending the I-K Synod Assembly June 7-9, add an extra day and night and attend the ELCA Glocal Mission Event in the Cincinnati area. The special I-K Synod Assembly hotel discount rate will still apply if you wish to come a day early and attend the event!

The ELCA Glocal Mission Event takes place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kenwood, Ohio and costs only $35. This is a fun family event and participants and volunteers of all ages from any congregation and denomination are welcome.

For details on Glocal Event workshops, speakers and on-line registration, visit http://www.elca.org/glocal

For information about volunteering or questions, please contact Glocal Coordinator, Pastor Shelley Nelson-Bridger, pastorshelleynb@gmail.com or 513.922.5590.

Welcome Home to our Sister Parish Delegation!

We welcome home with thanks our Sister Parish Delegation, grateful for their safe journey back to the US and for the blessing that the trip was and that it will become within our community as they share the experience with us.

From our liturgy today, "In this season of Lent, we ask God to break open our hearts and our spirits for the blessings God offers, especially those connected to our Sister Parish, Santo Domingo de Guzman in Chichipate, Guatemala. Lord of compassion and deepest love, break open our hearts and our spirits this Lent. The Q'eqchi' greeting of our Sister Parish is "Ma sa ah chol." Literally, this means, "How is it with your heart?" How is it with our hearts and our spirits this Lent? Fill our broken hearts and spirits withyour love that embraces all persons and places; all hopes and dreams. Break us open, Lord. Guard and guide us into deeper relationships with our Sister Parish partner in Chichipate, with one another, and to you. Fill us with your love. "
Amen

Sister Parish Delegation News

Our delegation has arrived safely back in Guatemala City after staying several days in Chichipate. They have sent messages of gratitude for the warmth, love and hospitality they experienced there. In Guatemala City they are meeting with someone in human rights from the US Embassy. They then go to UPAVIM for lunch and in the afternoon will explore the city. Saturday they are having a talk about mining from a man who is part of an NGO working on this issue, and then pack to go home. They continue to be grateful for our prayers and support as they complete this journey on our behalf.

Delegation Arrived Safely

The St. Thomas Sister Parish delegation made it safely to Guatemala City! So did their luggage! They are having orientation today and will travel tomorrow to Chichipate. Prayers for traveling mercies for their journey and a fruitful time among our friends there.