JUNE 2007
The South-Central
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JUNE 2007 |
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The South-Central
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From Pastor George Carlson, Bishop
For six years God has blessed me in this call to serve as bishop of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. How? God’s Spirit has opened my eyes wider to the breadth and diversity of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. I have participated in the life of congregations in our synod in rural settings struggling with declining populations and depressed economies as well as those in Dane County where many communities are experiencing significant growth in people and economy. I have come to know bishops of the 64 other synods in the ELCA; some have as few as 30 congregations, others more than 250 (our synod has 149 presently). Seventeen synods have two-term limits for their bishops; the other 48 do not have term limits (this year, two of my colleagues retire after serving 20 years as bishops — the entire time since the ELCA formed in 1988). I have journeyed to India to meet with leaders of the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church there and have hosted their moderator in visits to our synod. Blessings abound! In every context—congregations, synods, churchwide, companion synod—we gather to worship the One who binds us together in love. From contemplative Holden Evening Prayer to exuberant praise at the memorial service for the late Bishop Margarita Martinez in the Caribbean Synod, God’s Word and sacrament have nourished me for the journey. In the last six months Evangelical Lutheran Worship has become a resource in many congregations with its rich variety of worship settings and inspiring blend of hymns old and new. Blessings abound! My concern for the marginalized and set-aside has grown as I’ve become increasingly aware of the plight of immigrants in the United States without legal documents, of prisoners in Wisconsin at three times the rate of Minnesota, of Palestinians and Israelis experiencing tension and threats and terror, of HIV/AIDS sufferers in Africa, of victims of natural disasters like Katrina and the tsunami, of gay and lesbian persons finding their voices to seek rights others enjoy. We in the church with many different opinions try to respond as we listen to God’s guidance. “As you did it to one of the least of these” keeps ringing in my ears. Blessings abound! Opportunities for witness have never been more apparent during my 36 years as a pastor. We have more neighbors and friends and family members than ever who do not know God as Jesus makes God known. Worship for them can feel like entering a foreign land with a whole new culture and language. Witness needs to happen in daily life, at our jobs and social gatherings when we speak of our hope and act with reconciling grace. UW campuses in our synod have over 55,000 students to whom we can witness through shared ministry. New immigrants from Asia, Central and South America, and Africa yearn for caring communities of acceptance and compassion. The growing Latino population calls us to creative ministry. Blessings abound! Pastor Bruce Burnside will take up this call July 1, as I begin a six-month self-imposed sabbatical for relaxation, renewal, refreshment and discernment of what God has next in mind for me as a baptized child of God. I thank God for each of you and the ministry we have shared. These words from two hymns in the new ELW express my prayer for the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin as we live into the future God has for us: “Many the
gifts, many the people, Christ, be our
light! Shine in our hearts. “Shine, Jesus,
shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory;
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He was elected on the fifth ballot, 253-159 over the Rev. Michael Rehak, Associate with the Bishop for Congregational Health. Burnside, whose term begins July 1, served in several youth ministry positions before attending Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio. After his ordination in 1988, he served Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon, until 1991, then served St. John’s Lutheran Church, Boscobel, from 1991-1993. Burnside has a passion for issues affecting the Middle East and has taken several trips to that region of the world. A new process for nominating candidates for bishop was initiated for this election. “This election marks the first time that the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin has used a pre-assembly identification process to lift up possible candidates well before assembly,” said Connie Kilmark, vice president of the synod. “It is the hope of the Task Force for the Bishop’s Election 2007 and the Synod Council that this process proves its worth as a tool to identify gifts of leadership and to increase collegiality among the members of the synod,” she said. |
| The information and articles in this newsletter may be reproduced in congregational newsletters unless otherwise indicated. Electronic copy can be downloaded from www.scsw-elca.org. |
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Meeting May 3-5 at the Marriott West in Middleton, the Synod Assembly voted to: 3 Recognize 2007 as the year to celebrate the 100-year heritage of Lutheran Campus Ministry. 3 Encourage every synod congregation to establish a Campus Ministry Support Team of no less than two members whose duties shall be: 1. To encourage
and facilitate the Synod Fund for Campus Ministry. 3 Call for the establishment of a bi-partisan, independent commission to investigate allegations of torture; ask that the more than 430 remaining “enemy combatants,” some of whom have been held prisoner for five years at Guantanamo, Cuba, be afforded due process rights; ask that the bishop send this resolution to the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, all members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation, to the ELCA bishops of Wisconsin and to all synod congregations. 3 Encourage synod congregations to regularly and deliberately pray for peace and justice in the Middle East.; and encourage synod congregations to advocate on behalf of a US Middle East policy based on commitment to human rights, justice and economic well-being for Palestinians and Israelis and support for Israeli and Palestinian groups and individuals involved in nonviolent struggle for peace and justice in Israel/Palestine. 3 Oppose any escalation of the Iraq war; urge the US government to work in concert with the international community and the United Nations to support peacemaking and nation-building operations in Iraq; urge the US government to provide generous support to this international effort; and ask the ELCA to take similar action on the war in Iraq. 3 Encourage its business owner and operator members to comply with state employment law and give fair consideration to former offenders in hiring decisions. 3 Adopt the following Affirmation of Welcome and Inclusion as an official statement of the mind and belief of the church: “The South-Central Synod of Wisconsin (ELCA) welcomes all people without regard to race, family or economic status, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation and invites and encourages all people to participate fully in the life and work of the church and its expressions” in accordance with ELCA policies, procedures and publications. For more on the Synod Assembly, and color photos, see the synod supplement inserted in the September issue of The Lutheran. |
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By
Pastor Richard Dowling, During the ingathering for Global Health Ministries at the 2007 Synod Assembly we received the following from 46 churches: 1,173 midwife kits and 1,153 hospice kits for a total of 2,326 kits. This was an increase from last year of 39 churches donating 804 hospice kits and 810 midwife kits for a total of 1,614 kits. In addition, we received over 3,000 crocheted, knitted and rolled bandages and monetary gifts totaling $514.50. Every kit and every bandage is a gift that touches another person. Thank you for these gifts. |
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Bishop Carlson expresses profound gratitude for the generous gift of $20,000 announced at the Synod Assembly banquet. This was given by Jay Becklin and Katherine Johnson-Becklin in honor of Carlson’s service as bishop these past six years with their request that he designate it for ministries of his choosing. The gift will support the following: South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Endowment Fund (evangelism initiatives)—$5,000 Synod Fund for Lutheran Campus Ministry (outreach to students/staff)—$3,000 Synod Endowed Fund for Leaders in Mission (leadership development)—$3,000 Synod Companion Synod Fund (strengthens ties with Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church in India)—$5,000 Scholarship support for Ms. Sanchita Kisku (leadership development—young female leader of NELC to study at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago)—$4,000 Bishop Carlson invites others to consider generous gifts to any of the above ministries that seek to make Christ known and to develop leaders with passion for sharing the joy of the good news of Jesus. |
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By Lori
Richardson Mission Support,
April 2007
$183,004 Thank you for your help with mission support in April. We are still down from last year, but this certainly makes things look better. Our Synod Assembly offering this year is being split between Lutheran Campus Ministries of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin and the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church in India’s Don Bosco School. The approximate amount taken in at Synod Assembly was $5991.77. However, there are still some checks coming from individual congregations. If your congregation has not sent in an offering for Synod Assembly, please feel free to do so before June 30. |
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Appeal for Lutheran Campus Ministry Beginning in February, 2008, the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin will have full responsibility for funding Lutheran Campus Ministry professional staff at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater. We designate $119,400 in our current spending plan; however, to maintain present staff, we need about $50,000 annually. Bishop Carlson has challenged congregations and individuals to give generously to the synod’s campus ministry fund. Goal for
2007-2009:
$100,000.00 Thanks to all who have responded thus far. Together we can carry on this vital ministry, which began 100 years ago at UW-Madison and has grown all across the nation. Please be generous as you send gifts to the Synod Campus Ministry Fund! Scholarship for Ms. Sanchita Kisku Our Synod Council has endorsed support of a scholarship in partnership with the ELCA Global Missions program unit for Ms. Sanchita Kisku, an emerging young female leader in our companion synod, Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church, in north-east India. Kisku will study for a Master of Theology degree in World Christianity and Mission at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago for two years beginning this August. The synod’s share of support is $16,250 for each of the next two years. Goal for
2007-2008:
$16,250 Goal for
2008-2009:
$16,250 Thanks to all those who have given to this need. Our support will help prepare a leader to serve in India and beyond for years to come. Gifts can be sent to Kisku Scholarship Fund. |
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ADULT CHOIR DIRECTOR: St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Monona, seeks a creative and energetic Adult Choir Director with a good sense of humor to direct a 25-30 member choir September through May. Contact Dennis Douglas, Director of Music Ministries, at (608) 222-1241 ext. 16 or douglas.ststephens@tds.net. Deadline for application is June 20. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR: Part-time position beginning in August for a director of church school program at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Madison. Send a resume and cover letter to Bonnie Wendorff, Good Shepherd, 5701 Raymond Rd, Madison, WI 53711 or e-mail bwendorff@gslcwi.com. FREE CHOIR ROBES: Burke Lutheran Church has 45 choir robes to give away. They are cream-colored with rust and cream-colored stoles. Boxed and ready for pick up. Contact Kathy Foss, Director of Music and Drama Ministries, Burke Lutheran, (608) 244-8486. ORGANIST/HANDBELL DIRECTOR: Covenant Lutheran Church, Stoughton, seeks one or two people to fill two part-time positions beginning Aug. 1. Duties for organist include two Sunday morning services with additional services during Lent; accompanying adult choir and soloists. Handbell director leads weekly rehearsals for one adult hand bell choir. Performances 24 Sundays per year with some additional services. For details, contact Liz at (608) 873-7494 or covluth@chorus.net. ORGANIST/MUSIC DIRECTOR: Deerfield Lutheran Church seeks part-time organist/music director. Contact the church office at (608) 764-5566 or laura@deerfieldelca.org. |
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Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Madison, will host a brown bag lunch Monday, June 25, on the topic “It’s Not Just a ‘Guy Thing.’ It’s for Everyone with a Heart!” Diane Brown, a spokesperson for WomenHeart (the national coalition for women with heart disease), will share information on healthy hearts during the 11:30-12:30 lunch gathering. A heart-healthy dessert will be provided. Brown is associate director of transportation services for the UW-Madison campus. A state employee for 32 years, Brown became a heart attack survivor in 2005 at the age of 51. Since her life-altering event she has focused on helping others understand (and prevent) having a similar experience. Brown was chosen to attend the 2006 WomenHeart Symposium for Leadership & Technology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She is a graduate and spokesperson for WomenHeart, a member of the Active Hearts planning committee for UW Preventive Cardiology, and a spokesperson for the American Heart Association. For more information, contact Peggy Bezruki, parish nurse for Midvale Community Lutheran Church, at (608) 238-7119. |
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Beginning Process
and/or in interims:
Study Process:
Awaiting
Name/Interviewing candidates:
Recommended a
Candidate:
In Transition: |
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Friends of the Wisconsin Council of Churches in South-Central Wisconsin are invited to join a conversation designed to help develop disciplines for Sabbath-keeping that inform the church’s social witness. This “café conversation” will be held at the Madison Christian Community, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison, on Saturday morning, June 2, 9-11 a.m. We will explore three questions together: 1. What does
Sabbath-keeping mean to you? This café conversation is one of several regional gatherings being held around the state to continue and enlarge the conversation begun in Madison. This fall, Brueggemann will return to Wisconsin for a second Forum on Ethics and Public Policy. Those who attend the regional events, including this café conversation, and those who came to the first forum, will be invited to the second forum in Stevens Point on Sept. 25. The questions and insights from our discussion will help inform and shape Brueggemann’s next presentation. Thanks to a generous grant from the Housing Ministries of American Baptists in Wisconsin, there is no registration charge for the Sept. 25 event. PLEASE RSVP to Peter Bakken at bakken@wichurches.org or (608) 837-3108 no later than Monday, May 28. You will receive a confirmation and directions to the church. |
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In celebration of its 100th birthday, Bristol Lutheran Church, Sun Prairie, has planned the following four special events, to which all are welcome: 3 Sunday, June 10, at 9:00 a.m., the church will hold an old-time worship in memory of the first worship service held on June 23, 1907. 3 Sunday, June 24, at 2:00 p.m., a bridal review will feature a style show of wedding attire throughout the past 100 years along with a reception in the church parlor. 3 Sunday, July 22, at 9:00 a.m., there will be an outdoor service followed by games typical of 1907 for all ages, along with a presentation of “Immigrant Trunk” by Carol Culbertson, a potluck picnic, and a cemetery walk. 3 Sunday, Sept. 16, will be Reunion Sunday, with worship at 8:30 a.m. The day will feature a reunion of present and former choir members, and worship at 10:45 a.m. recognizing confirmation classes. Bishop of the Northern Great Lakes Synod, Thomas Skrenes, will preside over both services. A catered dinner will be held at 12:30 p.m. ($15 per person, pre-registration needed, please see below) at the Round Table on Highway N in Sun Prairie, which will feature previous pastors, four members of the congregation who became pastors, and descendants of founding families. Those interested in learning more about the church and its first families may contact Alice Bredeson Zweifel, History Committee Chairperson, at (608) 837-6013. If interested in attending the Sept. 16 dinner, contact Lorre Paulmann at (608) 846-3451. |
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By Solveig Carlson, out-going chairperson of Companion Synod Team Henri J. M. Nouwen is a favorite author of mine. His writings “feed my spirit” and stretch my mind and heart beyond any boundary I may have set. These words seem to fit the mission and ministry of the global church: “The togetherness of the Christian community grows from a deep sense of being called together to make God’s compassion visible in the concreteness of everyday living.” And as I see it from here, I am abundantly blessed with many people in this South-Central Synod who share such a commitment. I am truly blessed, enriched and energized and give God praise and thanksgiving for: *The record-breaking Synod Assembly offering of kits, bandages and medical supplies that have since been delivered to Global Health Ministries for shipment to clinics around the world. Thanks to Pastor Richard Dowling and West Koshkonong for coordinating that effort and all who contributed in any way! *The many who hosted and shared their perspectives of ministry, April 29- May 14, with our two NELC guests: Rev. Mrs. Lucia Tudu and Ms. Rosemary Hembrom. Countless times, Rosemary and Lucia expressed their gratitude for all that they saw and learned. They feel that they have made many friends and know more fully about companionship as “walking partners in ministry.” Thanks to the Companion Synod team and especially to co-chairperson, Judy Murken! *Lucia and Rosemary, who have shared their faith stories, their zeal for the Gospel, their report of the respective ministries to which they feel called. Thanks to Moderator Shiblal Soren and the leadership of the NELC for sending these outstanding women of faith to continue the bridge-building between our two churches/synods. Your gifts are enriching our lives! *Fourteen members of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin who have committed themselves to travel to the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church-India for a trip of discernment to strengthen the partnership, Oct. 22-Nov. 5, 2007. Thanks for the gifts from congregations and individuals to the Companion Synod Exchange Fund, for making these very strategic exchanges possible! *The Global Connections Ministry leadership team — Meg Nielsen, Dan Odden, co-chairs; Bonnie Block, Jerry Folk, Klover Shafer, Tim Mumm, Huldah Ellestad, Sue Moline Larson — for their efforts of education and advocacy in prompting each of us to care for creation, to be advocates for human rights and justice, to be walking partners and peacemakers … for the sake of the world, as “claimed, gathered and sent people in Christ’s name.” Thanks be to God for the togetherness of this Christian community! Soli Deo Gloria!! |
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Don Falkos, a professional storyteller and member of Advent Lutheran Church, Madison, brings an ancient story to modern times with his program “Abraham, Father of Many Nations.” During a 50-minute presentation, Falkos tells the story of this honored man of faith as depicted in chapters 11 through 25 of Genesis. Although this is a story of deception, war, substance abuse and deviant sexual behavior, it is primarily a story of faith and of God’s provision. Falkos’ dynamic presentation is suitable for adults and older children and is available for immediate booking. Contact Falkos at (608) 441-2476 or StoryCoachDon@hotmail.com or visit www.storytelling.org/Falkos, for more information about this and his other programs. |
| The South-Central is published electronically 10-12 times per year by the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA, 2909 Landmark Place, Suite 202, Madison, WI 53713. Submit all articles and inserts by the 15th of the month preceding publication to address above, or send via e-mail to the editor at debra_greene@sbcglobal.net. For more information about inserts, call the Synod Office at (608) 270-0201. |
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These prayer
petitions were submitted by recent guests from our walking partner, the
Northern June 2/3—We give you thanks, dear God, for allowing speedy last-minute processing of visa applications so that we, Rosemary Hembrom and Lucia Tudu, could come to Wisconsin for two-weeks' stay in the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. We have made many connections for the mutual benefit for partnership in ministry. June 9/10—Almighty heavenly father, we thank you and praise you for your loving blessings for us. We pray for your blessings on the students of the NELC Don Bosco School who have written their board examinations that they may all secure good marks and that you will be glorified by them. June 16/17—Loving heavenly father, we thank you and glorify your Holy name for the blessing of the Covenant for Companionship of the SCSW and the NELC-India. We pray that we may each be encouraged and strengthened for ministry in our respective churches. June 23/24—You have given us Good News to share. We ask for your blessing and empowerment for the staff workers of the NELC Recording Study for Radio and outreach ministries. We pray for the newly-elected bishop of the SCSW, Pastor Bruce Burnside, and for the NELC Moderator, Bishop Shiblal Soren. Bless them abundantly! |
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Bonnie Block and Jerry Folk, co-facilitators of the Synod Global Connections Ministry Peace Team, attended the Equipping for Peacemaking II event at the ELCA churchwide offices in Chicago, April 27-29. The content of the training explored interpersonal conflict, family violence and conflict in the congregation, as well as community peacemaking, racial and economic justice, and international issues. Block and Folk were commissioned as nonviolence trainers and would like to share their resource materials. Consider inviting them to do a participatory, nonviolence training workshop for your congregation. It can be a Sunday morning adult or youth forum, a half day event, a whole day event or even a weekend. You’ll come away re-energized for the task of peacemaking. This first decade of the 21st Century is a “Decade to Create a Culture of Nonviolence for the Children of the World.” Both the South Central Synod and the Churchwide Assembly passed resolutions to support this effort. One of the means to do so is the ELCA Equipping for Peacemaking Network. Anyone can join. To sign up go to http://www.elca.org/nonviolence/event/join.html. Or, if you would like more information, go to http://www.elca.org/nonviolence/. One has only to look at the war in Iraq, the events at Virginia Tech or the evening news to know that Martin Luther King Jr. was right when he said, “Our choice is nonviolence or nonexistence.” The next meeting of the GCM Peace Team is on Saturday, July 21, at San Damiano’s Friary on Monona Drive from 9 a.m. until noon. For more information and to receive an agenda contact Bonnie Block at bblock@charter.net or (608) 256-5088 or Jerry Folk at jlfolk@tds.net or (608) 241-8661. |
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A teacher (or teaching team) is needed to lead the course on “faith formation” in the Synod’s Lay School of Ministry (LSM). The Lay School meets monthly (except for summer months) at St. James Lutheran Church in Verona, and offers a four-semester curriculum of 12 courses for lay persons in the South Central Synod of Wisconsin. Faith Formation is the initial course taken by LSM participants and meets on Friday evening (6:45-9:45 p.m.) during the first semester (in 2008, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 14, April 18 and May 16). Hence, there are 15 contact hours. This course may be designed in various ways, but needs to assist the participants in their reflecting upon the character and development of Christian faithfulness (living as a Christian disciple) as well as learning and practicing spiritual disciplines (e.g., habits of dwelling in the Word, praying and listening to others). Anyone applying for this teaching position should have at least a seminary level degree or an accredited certification in spiritual direction. A year’s contract will be offered, with a stipend of $1,500 for the course. Teaching beyond the first year is possible after an evaluation. Interested persons should contact Jim Bailey by phone at (563) 557-1793 or via e-mail at jimjudybailey@mwci.net to receive an application form. A completed application is due to Bailey by e-mail (preferably) or by mailing it to Dr. James L. Bailey, 1710 Churchill Dr., Dubuque, IA 52001. Deadline for the completed application is Sept. 10. |
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June 12 Stewardship & Resource Ministry Team, Synod Office, 9-11 a.m. June 24-30 New Bishop’s Orientation July 1 Bishop Bruce Burnside begins six-year term July 4 Synod Office closed July 10 Interims, Synod Office, 1:15 p.m. July 11-14 PRISM 2007 at Lutherdale July 21 Global Connection Peace Team, San Damiano’s Friary, Monona, 9 a.m. to noon August 6-11 Churchwide Assembly, Navy Pier, Chicago September 3 Labor Day/Synod Office closed September 8
Stewardship Networking meetings: 10 a.m., Wiota Lutheran, South Wayne; September 13 Stewardship Networking meeting: 7 p.m., West Middleton Lutheran, Verona September 15
Stewardship Networking meetings: 10 a.m., location TBD; September 16 Installation of Bishop Burnside, Bethel Lutheran, Madison, 3 p.m. September 21 CCL Steering Committee, Synod Office, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 21-22 Lay School classes at St. James Lutheran, Verona October 13 Lay School Discernment Day October 19-20 Lay School of Ministry, St. James Lutheran, Verona November 9-10 Lay School of Ministry, St. James Lutheran, Verona |
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The Rev. Bruce Burnside, pastor
of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Monona, since 1993, was elected to a
six-year term as bishop of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin during the
Synod Assembly, May 3-5.
Evangelical Lutheran Church-India: Rev. Mrs. Lucia Tudu and Ms. Rosemary
Hembrom. Tudu is the director of the NELC Radio Ministry, located on the
NELC campus in Dumka. Hembrom is the principal of the NELC Don Bosco School,
an English-medium school, pre-K through Standard X. Please use these prayers
in your personal devotions and in weekly worship.