SEPTEMBER 2006
The South-Central Newsletter
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SEPTEMBER 2006 |
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The South-Central Newsletter
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IN THIS EDITION WHY ATTEND THE BISHOP'S CONVOCATION? CROP WALK: 32 YEARS OF SHARING CENTER FOR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP CROSSWAYS INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP PRAYER PETITIONS FOR WALKING PARTNER, NELC PREPARING TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7TH PUBLIC NOTICE FROM WARTBURG SEMINARY LUTHERDALE QUILT AUCTION COMING UP A LETTER FROM ELCA BISHOP MARK HANSON Inserts |
From Pastor George Carlson, Bishop
St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “The gifts he (Christ) gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:11-12) The model constitution for congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America states one purpose of the congregation is to nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world.” (*C4.02.) I rejoice when I see a wide variety of plans for nurturing faith in congregations. I advocate participation by every member with others in every congregation in ongoing faith nurture for a minimum of 26 hours annually. Like congregations, our synod provides resources and events to nurture people to grow in faith and hope and love. Some outstanding resource people and enriching events will help that happen this fall for clergy and laypersons. The 2006 Bishop’s Convocation for all clergy and associates in ministry will feature Rev. Dr. Mark Allen Powell, Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio. I have been stimulated and inspired by his presentations at Conference of Bishops. This event will happen Sept. 25-27, at Chalet Landhaus and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, New Glarus. Lay leaders of congregations have a new opportunity. A day-long retreat, “Opening Your Gifts For Leadership,” will be led by David P. Mayer, a lay person and current Coordinator of Congregational Ministries at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Oil City, Pa.; he has extensive experience in leading events and consulting for development of lay leadership. Midvale Community Lutheran, Madison, will host this event from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30. This event honors the memory of Rev. A.C. Schumacher ("Ace"), pastor and bishop, who consistently emphasized the priesthood of all believers and worked to strengthen lay leadership throughout the Church. The South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Lay School of Ministry has provided in-depth study for lay persons for a decade. A Pre-Lay School Discernment Event will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church (427 S. Main St.) in Verona. This day is designed to introduce interested persons to the Lay School as well as allow exploration into the work of serving our Lord through the sharing of gifts for ministry within and outside the church. I strongly encourage each of you to participate in these and other faith growth opportunities so we can be further equipped for the work of ministry whatever our context. And I didn’t mention an outreach/evangelism event, stewardship workshops, Evangelical Lutheran Worship introductory workshops, synod senior high youth gathering…there’s something for you! (See more at www.scsw-elca.org.) |
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What moves a pastor to attend the bishop’s convocation? Is it the law (fulfill continuing education credits, being seen and admired by fellow clergy, attending Bishop Carlson’s last Convo and golf outing) or the gospel (golf, cheese and beer tours, the opportunity to praise God and love the Lord with your mind, New Glarus)? Whatever the reason, remember to sign up for this year’s Bishop’s Convocation, Sept. 25-27. For registration details, download a copy of the registration form from the synod web site. Our guest lecturer is one of our outstanding ELCA scholars. Dr. Mark Powell teaches New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and is the author of many books, including “What Is Narrative Criticism?,” “God With Us: A Pastoral Theology of Matthew’s Gospel,” “Chasing the Eastern Star: Adventures in Biblical Reader-Response Criticism” and “Loving Jesus.” He is intelligent, down to earth and funny. Once described by one of his children as “a music nerd,” Powell can converse on topics ranging from The Beatles to contemporary Christian music with nearly as much authority as on the Gospel of Matthew, and is the author of the “Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music” (a book that only a music nerd could write.) At the Bishop’s Convocation Powell will speak on the subject of his forthcoming book: “How Do They Hear: Bridging the Gap between Pulpit and Parish.” Based on his research in reader-response criticism and on the differences between how clergy and laity read and “hear” the scriptures, Powell draws implications for the preaching task. On Tuesday evening we will have a musical interlude with Powell speaking on trends in contemporary Christian pop music. And on Monday evening, he will preach during our worship service. Everyone who registers for the Bishop’s Convocation will receive a copy of Powell’s latest book, “Giving to God: The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life.” Other highlights of this year’s Bishop’s Convocation include a Tuesday afternoon golf outing, an opportunity to tour and taste area beer and cheese sites, worship using Jonathan Rundman’s new Heartland Liturgy, daily matins and vespers worship, and preaching by Powell and Bishop Carlson. Limited
scholarships are available upon request through the Synod Office and child
care will be provided during plenary sessions. Arden Mahlberg from Assist will
be available 12:30-5:30 p.m. Monday—sign up for a half-hour session at
registration or during morning break. And, massage therapy may be offered
during the Convo. If you are interested in helping lead worship during this convocation, please e-mail Pastor Clint Schnekloth at pastor@bminet.com . |
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The ELCA Division for Church in Society is accepting grant requests for 2007 from organizations that work toward alleviating hunger in our society. Projects should address one of the following areas: hunger relief, sustainable development, community organizing, education or advocacy. The average grant awarded in 2006 was $3,000. For details on criteria and the grant request process, go to www.elca.org/grantinghope and click on “apply for a grant.” The deadline for submitting grant applications is Oct. 2, 2006. |
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By
Michael Rehak (Part 2 of 3—continued from the August edition, “Abused”) The value structure of the congregation will be reflected in its spiritual nature. The core of the congregation’s value structure will find expression in and through its worship and spiritual life. There will be a healthier, more vibrant disposition within the congregation as prayers, hymns and sermon content reflect and reinforce the core value structure, which supports the congregation and guides its actions and preference for expressing its nature. Generally, values can be organized into four categories: Service, Accomplishment, Mutuality and Structuring. This month you will learn more about the basics of the Service and Accomplishment Value Structures. The remaining two will be explained in the third installment, which will be published in the October newsletter. The goal of Service Value Structures is to strive to help and assist others. Sensitivity, loyalty and caring are essential. These values lead one into caring about people and being interested in facts and details about them. Those with a Service value orientation tend to be less interested in things. Congregations directed by Service values thrive in well-structured, conventional environments. Their spirituality will be centered in a caring God. This spirituality fosters a morality that judges who is good or bad. In some cases those that are bad need not ask for help. While some Service valued congregations will readily maintain their organizational structures, others with this orientation will find participation in the polity laborious and distracting from being able to serve others. Congregations oriented toward Service values tend to be grounded in tradition; both in practices and in common belief. This framework provides a secure structure necessary to allow the congregation to reach out to others, giving care and tangible support. However, newcomers may sense that they will need to prove themselves in order to gain acceptance. Congregations with an orientation toward Service values will maintain a healthier balance when a certain amount of care is reciprocated. The care they tend to need is quite different from the type of care they prefer to give. Care will be received through worship focus in which they sense the love of God. This relationship with God calls this congregation to a life of service. In fellowship, the members sense the support of others, and through positive leadership, pastoral and lay, their doing for others is affirmed; serving others together. Accomplishment values tend to be task oriented. The congregation finds purpose and meaning in what it accomplishes. This congregation will depend on the Law to bring order to life. They tend not to question beliefs once established and rely on traditional structures to lead them in the way they must go. Members who have not been born into the congregation may sense that they have never been fully accepted. Spiritually, this congregation will find direction in Bible verses such as James 18c, “I, by my works will show you my faith.” Actions do speak louder than words for the Accomplishment structured congregation. This leads to a focus on responsibilities, including social responsibility and morality. Moral judgments and being clear about whom or what is right or wrong will direct the spiritual path. Therefore, knowing that guiding beliefs are held in common is important to this congregation. They will strive to have a common collective attitude toward such things as type of worship, use of property and resources, divorce, gays and lesbians, those of other religions, particular community concerns, etc. “That to which we commit ourselves is essential in order that we may work together; accomplishing what we are called to do.”
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By Lori Richardson
Mission Support:
July 2006
$119.540 Our new fiscal year began on July 1, 2006. We are above last year’s giving for July, which is helpful. Thank you. Ah, summer. Everyone is taking vacations or staying home to enjoy the “weather” or to spend time with the kids. Offerings tend to slide during the summer months, which can make things frustrating in the congregation and in the synod. “Life goes on” as the saying goes and so does the life of the Church. |
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A multiple staff seminar geared towards small and mid-size congregations will be held at Green Lake Conference Center, Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 17 and 18. This seminar will focus on team building and planning to assist your staff team to be more effective in providing ministry. This workshop is geared to developing your ministry team, which may include clergy, lay professionals, parish administrator, education director, music director and other staff members. Rev. Alice Mann, senior consultant for the Alban Institute, will be the featured presenter. Mann is a respected leader of educational workshops for church leaders. Her emphases with multiple staff teams include building positive relationships, creating behavioral covenants, clarifying roles and aligning staff patterns with size. This event is sponsored by the Samaritan Counseling Center of Southern Wisconsin. Registration forms were mailed to clergy and congregations last month. If you need a copy, please contact the Synod Office at (608) 270-0201 or the Samaritan Counseling Center at (608) 663-0763. The cost is $85 person or $75 per person if four or more from one congregation attend. Housing is not included. Rooms are $85 (suitable for two to share). Please contact Green Lake Conference Center to make reservations for housing for the seminar at 1-800-558-8898. |
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What community event in Madison has: 3 Involved 600 people from the community each year? 3 Enjoyed ecumenical and interfaith support from more than 55 congregations and groups? 3 Raised more than $756,000 for hungry people since 1986? 3 Designated 25 percent of its receipts to local hunger projects? 3 Brought families, neighbors and strangers together on a fall Sunday afternoon to take a stand against hunger in our world? It’s the Madison CROP Bike/Hike—with a new route for 2006, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 8. Registration begins at 12:45 p.m.; welcome is at 1:15 p.m. and the bike/hike starts at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church. New walk routes go through Tenney and Burrows Parks. To learn more call the CWS/CROP office at (608) 222-7008 or call Jim Stickels, coordinator, at (608) 354-6255. |
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James L. Bailey, Director of CCL and Lay School of Ministry Kim Eighmy, Coordinator of Lay School of Ministry
OPENING YOUR GIFTS
OF LEADERSHIP Leadership Retreat led by David P. Mayer Topic: Identifying and Developing Lay Leaders The retreat led by Mayer will consider the following topics: 3 “The Congregational Dilemma and the Disciple-Leader” 3 “Everyone is Gifted for Leadership” 3 “Gift Discovery for Individuals” 3 “Everyone Is a Disciple-Leader” 3 “Action Planning for Leadership Development” Leader: David P. Mayer, Coordinator of Congregational Ministries at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Oil City, Pa., and author of “Our Gifts” published by Augsburg Fortress in 2002. Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Location: Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd., Madison, (608) 238-7119. In Memoriam: This leadership retreat initiates a CCL project prompted by a request from representatives of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Madison, which seeks to honor the memory and work of former Bishop A.C. Schumacher by enhancing the role of lay people in the church. Open to all congregations in the synod and designed to assist them in building a strategy for recruiting, training and supporting leaders who develop an awareness and enthusiasm for God’s mission in the world. Cost: $50 for a congregational team of pastor and two lay persons (registration cost includes a copy of “Our Gifts” and three lunches). Registration: To register, send completed registration form with check to Lori Richardson at the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin—ELCA, 2909 Landmark Place, Suite 202, Madison, WI 53713-4236. If you don’t have a brochure with form, phone Lori at (608) 270-0201).
LAY SCHOOL OF
MINISTRY DISCERNMENT EVENT Plan to attend this year’s Discernment Day at St. James Lutheran Church, Verona, if you are interested in learning more about the Synod Lay School of Ministry. On Oct. 14, this Saturday event begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes by 4:00 p.m. Director James Bailey and Coordinator Kim Eighmy will describe the Lay School’s courses, schedule, mentoring program, fees, etc., and a current LSM student will share a perspective as a participant. A representative of the Synod Candidacy Committee will discuss the various tracks for public ministry in the synod and ELCA. One or two LSM instructors will offer samples of their courses. A representative of Wartburg Seminary’s Center for Theology and Land will demonstrate various online courses available and compatible with the LSM curriculum. The day will begin and end with brief worship. If you are interested in registering for the LSM Discernment Event, contact Kim Eighmy, Coordinator, at St. James Lutheran Church, Verona. Contact her at (608) 845-6922 or keighmy@stjamesverona.org. The registration fee is $10, which includes the cost of lunch, and should be mailed to Kim or paid on the day of the event. |
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Learn about domestic and international adoption including programs in Guatemala, Mongolia, Russia, The Philippines, China and more! Attend an Adoption Informational Meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, at 4:30 p.m. at Lutheran Social Services, 5 Odana Ct., Madison. Please phone (608) 270-6653 or e-mail Hvannatt@lsswis.org to register. |
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Mark your calendar for two upcoming concerts in the synod: Kathrine Handford presents an organ recital Sunday, Sept. 24, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Monona. Hanford is the organist at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton. A free-will offering will be taken. For more information call the church at (608) 222-1241. Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Madison, hosts a concert by nationally-acclaimed pianist Steve Hall on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 and will be available at the door or by calling (608) 238-7119 for reservations. Proceeds will go to Lutheran World Relief. This is a concert you don’t want to miss! A flyer—attached to this newsletter—can be downloaded, printed and distributed widely. |
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A Crossways International Living Word Workshop will be held Nov. 6-10 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Janesville. Presenter Rev. Dr. Harry Wendt will equip attendees to lead life-changing Bible studies using the courses of Crossways International. Living Word Workshops are for lay leaders, teachers, pastors, seminary students, Sunday School teachers and anyone who is interested in learning more about the Bible. Registration and more information is available at Crossways International, 1-800-257-7308 or www.crossways.org. Pastor Steve Ekblad at Good Shepherd can also assist with questions at (608) 754-0067. |
| Congregations in transition |
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Beginning Process and/or in interims: Trinity, Arkdale—Interim Jim Steinbrecher; Primrose, Belleville—Interim Ted Kalkwarf; Rockdale, Cambridge—Interim Melissa Markquart; Peace, Cobb/Bethlehem, Edmund; Grace, Darlington; Spring Prairie, DeForest—Interim Craig Jan-McMahon; First, Janesville (Associate); Grace, Monroe; United in Christ, Morrisonville—Interim Twink Jan-McMahon; Bonnet Prairie, Rio—Interim Dean Phillips; Redeemer, Rio—Interim Ken Schaub; First English, Whitewater—Interim Rich Collier Study Process: Brooklyn, Brooklyn—Interim Rebecca Ninke; Trinity, Lake Mills—Interim John Tabaka; Lake Edge, Madison; St. Luke, Middleton (Associate) Awaiting Name/Interviewing candidates: Bethlehem, Brodhead—Interim Richard Thickpenny; Faith, Columbus (Associate); Norway Grove, DeForest—Interim Brad Pohlman; Bethel, Madison (Associate/Evangelism-Outreach); Trinity, Pell Lake (Associate); St. John’s, Reedsburg (Associate); Covenant, Stoughton (Associate); Immanuel, Watertown
Recommended a
Candidate:
In Transition:
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Continuing our covenant of companionship with the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church in India, we offer these petitions to be used weekly in prayer for our companions: September 2/3 Dear God who calls us to ventures unknown, to vocations old and new, direct our ways to reflect your love for all peoples. Bless especially those who labor as teachers, support staff and students across our synod and in the educational institutions of our companions in India, the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church (NELC).
September 9/10
September 16/17
September 23/24 |
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This year’s fall election has an advisory referendum on reinstating the death penalty in Wisconsin and a constitutional amendment with two provisions: the first provision defines marriage and the second provision prohibits any relationships “substantially similar” to marriage. Our Synod Assembly voted this past May to oppose a death penalty in Wisconsin and in May of 2005 it voted to oppose the constitutional amendment. Copies of both resolutions are available from the synod office or on the synod web site at http://www.scsw-elca.org/ The Global Connections Ministry Peace Team and Human Rights Team are developing additional resources for congregations on both of these important issues. Watch for bulletin inserts, fact sheets and other information from each group. Also mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at Advent Lutheran Church, Madison. There will be two 90-minute workshops—one for each ballot issue. The Peace Team is developing a Bible study that has as its goal “to discern what position on this issue most reflects the mind of Christ and is therefore most in line with our identity as disciples of Christ.” The Human Rights Team is preparing a program to help us study the effects of the amendment on our lives, using group conversation. A flyer to “print and post” with all the details of these two workshops will be coming soon. So start reading, talking together, and gathering a group from your congregation to attend the Oct. 21 workshop. Helpful web sites: * ELCA Social Statement on the Death Penalty www.elca.org/socialstatements/deathpenalty/ * Death Penalty Information Center at www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/FactSheet.pdf * Amnesty International at http://web.amnesty.org/pages/deathpenalty-facts-eng * FAIR Wisconsin at www.fairwisconsin.com * Christians for Equality at www.christiansforequality.org. * http://www.goodsoil.org/ |
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Public notice: Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa seeks public comments about both Wartburg and the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest in Austin, Texas, due to periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency—the Higher Learning Commission—and the Association of Theological Schools. ATS/Regional comprehensive evaluation team visit is scheduled for Feb. 10-13, 2008. Current accreditation status: Accredited (1998-2008). Comments must be in writing and must be signed and sent either by letter or by e-mail to the following: 1) Public
Comment on Wartburg Seminary Or online at: http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org 2) Accreditation Or online at: accreditation@wartburgseminary.edu Comment due date: June 30, 2007 Comments must address substantive matters related to institutional or academic program quality. Comments cannot be treated as confidential. |
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COLOR DRUMS AND CASES FOR FR/GR SERIES RISOGRAPH: Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mt. Horeb, has a GR teal drum and a FR/GR bright red drum for sale. Offer what you can. Each drum has a case. E-mail elc@mhtc.net or call (608) 437-5012. DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY POSITION: Hope Lutheran Church, McFarland, seeks Director of Music Ministry to plan and coordinate music program, senior and youth choirs and handbells. Bachelor’s degree in music, church music, other related degree or music experience required. For full list of responsibilities call (608) 222-0422. Mail resume to Hope Lutheran Church, 3702 County Rd. AB, McFarland, WI 53558. ELCA FOUNDATION REGIONAL GIFT PLANNER/LPG WISCONSIN MINISTRY PARTNERS POSITION: The ELCA Foundation seeks a qualified and self-motivated part-time Regional Gift Planner who will work in partnership with ELCA ministries, and applicable ELCA synods within the state of Wisconsin. Three years experience in resource development with growing emphasis on planned giving is required. Questions, inquiries and resumes should be directed to The Rev. Donald M. Hallberg, ELCA Foundation, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631; Phone: (773) 380-2970; Fax: (773) 380-2775; www.elca.org/fo. FREE STUDENT DESKS: Central Lutheran Church, Edgerton, has 65 elementary student desks in good condition to give away. Contact Dee or Barb at (608) 884-9418 to arrange for pick up. Take a few or all of them. VISITATION PASTOR POSITION: First Lutheran Church in rural Dodge County seeks a visitation pastor to start Jan. 2, 2007. Part-time ministry to share the gospel and the fellowship of the church with senior members of the congregation and community. If interested, contact Rev. Dr. Mark J. Molldrem at (920) 885-4497 or revmolldrem@charter.net. |
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Lutherdale Fest and Quilt Auction will be held Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (viewing and registration begin at 8 a.m.), with over 200 hand made quilts, table runners and baby quilts being auctioned to benefit Lutherdale Bible Camp. Silent auction baskets galore, pig roast, kids mini camp, bakery tent, craft sales and pontoon boat rides fill out the fest activities. For more information contact Lutherdale at (262) 742-2352. |
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Subscribing to the South-Central newsletter is easy and free! Encourage members of your congregation to keep current on synod news by visiting www.scsw-elca.org and clicking on “Subscribe to newsletter.” Those who don’t want to receive the newsletter via e-mail each month can read it on the synod web site or have a hard copy mailed to them or to their church. To receive hard copies of the newsletter, contact Lori Richardson at the Synod Office. |
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Sept. 4 Labor Day/Office Closed Sept. 9 Synod Council, St. John, Prairie du Sac, 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 All-Day Staff meeting, office closed (note change of date) Sept. 15-16 Lay School of Ministry Sept. 19 First
Call Book Discussion, Good Shepherd, Madison 2:00 p.m. Sept. 25-27 Bishop’s Convocation 2006, Chalet Landhaus and Shepherd of the Hills, New Glarus Sept. 30 “Open Your Gifts of Leadership” with David Mayer, Midvale Community Lutheran, Madison, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 14 Lay School Discernment Day, St. James Lutheran, Verona, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 17-18 Multi-Staff Seminar, Green Lake Conference Center (sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center) Oct. 17 Outreach
Committee, Synod Office, 4 p.m. Oct. 19 Stewardship Consultation, Deerfield Lutheran , Deerfield, 7 p.m. Oct. 20-21 Lay School of Ministry Oct. 21 Preparing for the Votes on Nov. 7 workshops, Advent Lutheran, Madison, 8 a.m. to Noon Oct. 23 Stewardship Consultation, West Middleton, Verona, 7 p.m. Oct. 26
Endowment Committee, Synod Office, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27-28 Pre-Retirement Seminar, Redeemer Lutheran, Stevens Point Oct. 28 ELW Introduction, Faith Lutheran, Janesville, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 30 Stewardship Consultation, First, Janesville, 7 p.m. ***Coming February 24, 2007: LEAD at a new location--St. Luke's Lutheran, Middleton*** |
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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 10th 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. Visit the synod’s Web site at http://www.scsw-elca.org. |
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August 16, 2006 Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above…” James 1:17a Today, I echo the words of James as I remember the events related to the Gulf Coast hurricanes and flooding one year ago. When Hurricane Katrina struck on August 28, 2005, followed first by flooding and then by Hurricane Rita, the powerful devastating force that swept through the Gulf Coast shocked and saddened us all. Yet I have witnessed the resilience of ELCA congregations in affected communities, which have confronted the losses in their personal lives while also responding to the outpouring of offers for assistance. The two synods most affected (Texas-Louisiana-Gulf Coast and Southeastern) have, in collaboration with social ministry organizations and Lutheran Disaster Response, responded immediately and have continued to minister to the congregations, communities and rostered people affected by the hurricanes. The response from the congregations and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to this disaster has been powerful and overwhelming. For this generosity of spirit, I am thankful. Thank you for your financial gifts that total over $25 million to-date to ELCA Domestic Disaster Response and Lutheran Disaster Response. Your gifts have sufficiently funded a multi-year response plan in the Gulf Coast, which includes bringing help and hope through grants to families and individuals, establishing emergency relief centers, supporting volunteers, and providing spiritual and emotional care for disaster survivors and caregivers. Thank you for your willing hands and feet and for the 15,000 volunteers who have contributed 500,000 hours of volunteer service. Lutheran volunteers, including 1,100 students from our colleges, universities, and campus ministries, endured grueling, hot work to help repair the homes and communities of Gulf Coast neighbors they might never meet. The need is great, and so I am grateful that many have signed up to volunteer not in the last year, but for years to come. Thank you for our disaster partners who ministered to hurricane survivors in the Gulf Coast and beyond and who continue to walk with survivors as they rebuild their lives in the Gulf Coast or in new locations. With ecumenical partners, we are advocating for affordable housing and justice as communities rebuild. Thank you for your prayers, for safety for those affected, for comfort for those who lost loved ones, and for gratitude for God’s abundant love and compassion. “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers…” James 1:22a Yet even while rejoicing at the generosity of this church, many of us struggle with the painful knowledge that poverty and inequality exacerbated the storms’ impact. In addition to the strong winds and rain, the hurricanes shocked many with a glimpse of poverty close to home and underscore the need for a heightened commitment to fighting the “silent disaster” of chronic hunger and poverty. As individuals and congregations, remember that your gifts and voice do make a difference through this church’s advocacy efforts and support for ELCA World Hunger Appeal and ELCA Disaster Response. Support for ELCA Disaster Response helps prepare for and respond to the next disaster, wherever and whenever it is needed most. Find more information on our response to domestic and international disasters at www.elca.org/disaster, including a reproducible insert on our Gulf Coast hurricane response. As we commemorate the events of a year ago on the Gulf Coast, we give thanks for this church’s generous response and for God’s compassionate presence among those who continue to struggle. Your gifts continue to make a difference. In God’s grace, The Rev. Mark S.
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