ELCA Blogs

Irma Banales has walked an interesting path to become a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She currently serves as director for evangelical mission for the Northern Texas – Northern Louisiana Synod. But her journey began in Mexico.

Banales was born in Durango, in north central Mexico, the eighth of ten children. Her father was a bracero, a seasonal agricultural worker permitted into the United States for temporary work. When Banales was about 5 years old, her family moved to north Mexico to Ciudad Juarez, south of the border and across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. Her father was working in the Dallas area.

Banales was raised with certain Catholic traditions: “Every evening before we went out to play with friends, we were expected to pray the Rosary. Doing so ensured that we could have a merienda [snack] when we came back home: coffee, atole [corn meal mush] and homemade tortillas de harina [flour tortillas]. So we hurried up and prayed!”

Nine years later, the family moved to Dallas to live with her father. It was challenging for Banales to adjust to life in a US school, not knowing the language or culture. “I remember the first day at school, I was totally lost; I didn’t know English. They just sent me to classes. We were not allowed to speak Spanish or any other language than English.”

A direction unfolds

Banales is the only pastor in her family. She was ordained in 2014 through the TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) program of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif.

Her introduction to the Lutheran church came as an adult. In 1998, she was married and raising her second child when an acquaintance invited her to attend a Bible study. Banales didn’t know it was a Lutheran Bible study until it was nearly over. She was intrigued. So she visited the church, St. John/San Juan Lutheran, for worship. “I liked the liturgy, the sermon and the way they welcomed me and my children, and the fact that all could be part of the communion and serve during the service.”

Experiencing Lutheran Bible study and worship were the first steps to becoming an ELCA pastor. Working for the synod helped to seal the deal. In March 1999, Pastor Susan Rodriguez at St. John/San Juan suggested that Banales apply for a position as receptionist at the Northern Texas – Northern Louisiana Synod office. She had no idea what a synod or a bishop were, and had many other questions. She was very nervous after she got the job. “I thought they were going to let me go in a week, because my English was terrible.”

She did not lose her job. Instead, a year later, Banales moved from half-time receptionist to full-time assistant to the mission director. In the meantime, she began taking classes. “I wanted to learn as much as I could about God and the Lutheran church.” She remains thankful for the continual encouragement of Tyna Oslie, synod administrator, throughout her educational pursuits.

Five years later, Banales became the synod’s Hispanic coordinator, working in that capacity for another five years. At the same time, she served as volunteer youth director at her home church, took TEEM program courses through both PLTS and LSPS (Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, in Austin, Texas, a program of Wartburg Theological Seminary [Dubuque, Iowa] and Lutheran School of Theology [Chicago]), and continued raising her two children. She graduated from PLTS in May 2014.

Rev Irma Banales

A Lutheran love story emerges

At some point along the way, “I fell in love with the ELCA,” Banales said. After attending so many classes and serving as synod Hispanic coordinator, people started asking why she was not enrolled in seminary. So she started the candidacy process. “I wanted to grow in my spiritual life, learn more about theology, and be more helpful to the people I was working with and serving.”

Banales loves the ELCA “because of the theology, the diversity, and the inclusiveness. We are traditional, liberal and conservative at the same time: like saints and sinners.”

In January 2013, then-Bishop Kevin Kanouse asked Banales to serve First Sagrada Familia in Garland, Texas, a two-expression congregation, as a SAWL (Synodically Authorized Worship Leader), where she ministered until 2017. Also, in 2017, “God blessed me double,” because, at the suggestion of Bishop Erik Gronberg, she applied for (and got the job as) DEM for her synod, and married her husband, “my angel, David.”

Banales feels blessed to accompany churches and leaders in their joys and sorrows. The journey continues.

by Kris A. Mainellis, Program Director for Communication and Events, Congregational Vitality

By guest blogger Judith Roberts, ELCA Program Director, Racial Justice Ministries

On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation freed 3.1 million of the nation’s 4 million enslaved people. On June 19, 1865 enslaved Africans in the state of Texas and parts of Louisiana received word of their emancipation 2.5 years later. The celebratory date is known as Juneteenth (June plus nineteenth). The date is honored by remembering the legacy of enslaved African ancestors, worship services, family gatherings and speaking out against racial injustices. Over the years, Juneteenth has become a widespread celebration in over 41 states. From formal gala events that raise funds for academic scholarships; to family day events filled with music and good BBQ; to soulful gospel Sunday brunches–Juneteenth calls us to remember the journey of the past while looking forward with hope for a brighter future.

Four hundred years after the first arrival of enslaved Africans to Fort Monroe, Va. in 1619 in what would become the United States. America is just beginning to face the hidden truth of its painful past. I recently visited the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in Montgomery, Ala. Located on the site of a former slave auction warehouse, the museum exists to break the silence and present the history of slavery from the perspective of enslaved people. Moving through the historical timeline of the domestic slave trade; to the creation of Jim Crow racial segregation; to remembering the victims of lynching; to the mass incarceration of black and brown bodies; the museum exposes the past and present realities of racism today. The Emancipation Proclamation might have legally ended the practice of chattel slavery, but racism has been described as the gift that keeps on giving.

As a descendant of enslaved Africans–it is my duty to never forget this history. It is my responsibility to work to end unjust policies, practices, beliefs and laws that continue to perpetuate racism within society and the church. And it is my right to sing halleluiah in shouts of jubilation to the end of the most violent, oppressive, dehumanizing system of human bondage the world has ever known. For, “I am the dream and the hope of the slave” [from Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise”].

By the Ruth Ivory-Moore, Program Director for Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility

Crisis and urgency bordering on chaos are common themes of most news outlets’ headlines. Violence, climate change, hunger, migration… Are we faced with hopeless situations as the headlines seem to indicate? Absolutely not. Hope lies in and with our God not of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33), and the peace of Christ can rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15).

Addressing crises of the world may be urgent but must be expediently tactical. God has gifted us with many tools to help us navigate toward viable solutions. The Talanoa Dialogue process is one such tool. Useful for addressing a variety of problems, the process and outcome model the peaceful, serene promise and strength of Christ.

The Talanoa Dialogue process was introduced to the world stage in 2017 by the leaders of Fiji during a climate change conference in Bonn, Germany. The process lays a foundation for bringing diverse parties together to talk, take stock of a current situation, and help devise and implement solutions. It embraces mutual respect. Ideas and experiences are shared through storytelling while fostering inclusiveness and building trust through the advancement of knowledge with empathy and understanding. There is no blaming. Solutions for the most challenging problems surface on this bright path.

Features of process implementation are available in a resource from ELCA Advocacy. The ELCA social statement, The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective, says, “This church has a responsibility to mediate conflict and to advocate just and peaceful resolutions to the world’s divisions” (page 3). Consider using the Talanoa Dialogue process in your congregations and synods as we engage our responsibility.

Today’s post is by Deacon Mitzi J. Budde, Head Librarian and Professor at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.

Imagine yourself suddenly, unexpectedly arrested and put in jail. You find yourself locked in a cell, perhaps with multiple strangers or perhaps all alone, staring at cracks in the concrete block, wondering what has just happened and what’s going to happen next. Whether you broke a law or whether it was all just a terrible mistake doesn’t really matter at this particular moment. You are at a crisis point in your life, and your family is probably in crisis as well.

Whether actually incarcerated or just imprisoned by life’s circumstances, we all find ourselves trapped in a desperate situation at one time or another, pinned in by the unforeseen and unavoidable. This is the stuff of nightmares, the dark night of the soul. These are the very moments in life when we want most desperately to pray, yet words often fail us precisely at these times of deepest need.

The church wants to stand beside you and to pray with you and for you in that dark night, whatever it may be. Hear My Voice: A Prison Prayer Book (available here) has been written for anyone who is incarcerated or imprisoned in any form. It is a resource for reflection, Bible study, and prayer. The primary focus is on those in jails, prisons, detention centers, and half-way houses, those facing arrest and sentencing, those serving time. The book is also intended to offer prayer support for families and friends of those who are incarcerated. And the book could be a prayer guide for each of us, to help us draw from the deep well of Scripture, song, meditations, prayers, and witness of the church in our times of trial.

Hear My Voice was developed in collaboration between the ELCA and Augsburg Fortress, and it will be officially launched at the Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee this August. It was developed as part of the implementing resolutions of the ELCA Social Statement, The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries. The team of writers includes currently and formerly incarcerated persons and those involved in various prison and re-entry ministries. The images that accompany this blog are original artwork for the book by artist Robyn Sand Anderson.

As the church we are called to accompany those in prison and their families. Jesus says that whenever we visit someone in prison, we’re visiting Jesus himself (Matthew 25:40). Local congregations may want to purchase the prayer book and get it into the hands of prisoners, either directly or via prison chaplains. We hope this book will help to connect those inside prison with those outside, and those outside with those inside, to offer words of grace, hope, forgiveness, and new life, in Jesus’ name. As we witness together: God can make all things new.

from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director

DISASTER AID: President Trump signed a $19.1 billion disaster aid package on June 6, approving funding for many states and territories in critical need of recovery. The federal aid comes after months of negotiations and advocacy in Congress and will help many. Many disaster survivors have waited far too long to see assistance. Support for communities impacted by natural disasters will make meaningful differences in the lives of those of us seeking to rebuild—especially for very low-income families who are near the edge of or already struggling with homelessness. Over the past few months, hundreds of Lutherans have taken action and have clearly demonstrated to lawmakers on Capitol Hill that the faith community cares about disaster relief.

DREAM AND PROMISE ACT: On June 5, the House of Representatives passed historic legislation, the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R.6), that would provide a pathway to citizenship for qualifying Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. The Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA Advocacy Director, applauded the action, saying, “Passage of the American Dream and Promise Act recognizes that Dreamers, TPS holders and DED recipients are already part of the fabric of our nation. These immigrant neighbors, some of them members of our congregations, make our communities stronger as they work, serve and contribute. We are grateful for congressional action to provide permanent relief and protection to those who have been calling this country ‘home’ for so long. So, as we thank our Representatives for [the] vote, we turn today to urge our Senators to stand by our nation’s values, and to swiftly pass this legislation.”

EQUALITY ACT: The House of Representatives passed the Equality Act (H.R. 5) on May 17th, which would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the classes protected against discrimination to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Advocates can encourage the Senate to do the same. Many states do not have enacted laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in important areas such as education, employment and public accommodation. Support for nondiscrimination protections enjoys broad support across the political spectrum and nearly all U.S. religious denominations, according to data from the Public Religion Research Institute. Use the Action Alert to add your voice urging passage of the law before the end of the year.

HUD NONCITIZEN RULE: Mixed-immigration status families would be prohibited from living in federal affordable housing programs by a notice of proposed rulemaking from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that was opened in May. Under HUD’s existing rules, eligible mixed-status families receive housing subsidies distributed specifically so that ineligible family members do not receive assistance and eligible members. If the proposed change is enacted, roughly 25,000 affected families and 55,000 children currently living with housing assistance could face an impossible choice between being evicted from their homes or being separated from their families. By HUD’s internal cost estimations, over 70% of the those affected by the proposed rule would be people otherwise eligible for assistance. Advocates have until July 6th to register their public comments on the proposed rule. An Action Alert is posted in the ELCA Advocacy Action Center to facilitate your comments.

IMMIGRATION FUNDING: The detention of graduate student pastor Betty Rendón last month came as the Administration continues to sharpen immigration deterrence strategies. The ELCA social message on Immigration and other teachings promote protection of the most vulnerable, keeping families together and treating immigrants with dignity. Urge lawmakers to support just immigration funding policies. Billions of tax dollars have been sought for deportation and immigration detention; dismantling the asylum process so that people seeking protection are turned away, militarizing our border communities and keeping families apart by locking up their members.

On May 23rd, ELCA Advocacy co-sponsored with the Interfaith Immigration Coalition a vigil to mourn the death of migrant children under U.S. custody. ELCA presiding bishop, faith leaders issue statement on children in detention that can be found at https://elca.org/News-and-Events/7982 .

WEBINAR – MOVING FORWARD ON CLIMATE SOLUTIONS: A webinar with guidance for climate action for congregation and community is being hosted by ELCA collaborators Blessed Tomorrow with ELCA Advocacy for clergy, lay leaders and congregation members on Wed. June 26 at 1 p.m. ET. Register and check out the accompanying “Moving Forward” resource. Changes to our climate reach into communities across the U.S. and around the world. ELCA members, as individuals, congregations and ministry groups, are responding. This webinar will share ideas to expand your response in scope and efficacy. The issues are pressing – and the solutions are within reach. TO REGISTER for the webinar at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4744202857618562059 . A calendar invitation option will be offered to add the day-of webinar link and instructions to your calendar. You can register up until the time of the webinar. Find the “Moving Forward” document and other resources at elca.org/environment.

UPDATE ON GLOBAL FRAGILITY ACT: On May 20 the House of Representatives passed the Global Fragility Act of 2019, which will help the U.S. government improve its capacity to identify and address threats to civilians in fragile, conflict-prone regions around the world. ELCA Advocacy is grateful for the strong leadership of Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Rep. Mike McCaul (R-TX-10), who voiced their support for the bill and pushed for a full House vote. Our office continues to advocate on passage of similar bill in the Senate. Find an Action Alert in the ELCA Advocacy Action Center.

FAITH-VOICES AT CLIMATE SUMMIT: Plans are moving forward with leadership of ELCA Advocacy, The Episcopal Church, Texas Impact and others for a high-level, faith-based conference on building resiliency in the face of the heightening of a changing climate. It would take place around the UN Climate Change Summit this fall. Objectives would include developing concrete action items affirming the role that faith-based organizations have in efforts to combat climate change; identifying mechanisms and means which faith-based organizations can leverage relationships and networks to advance solutions; identifying resiliency measures that incorporate the social, mental and physical needs of all for sustainability; and advocating for strong climate finance to address “loss and damage” and innovative solutions.

HUNGER ADVOCACY FELLOWSHIP: The application process remains open for two ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowships – a 12-month transformative experience that combines leadership development and faith formation with impactful advocacy that moves us toward an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed. This is a 12-month, non-renewable, contract position. Apply to join our ministry in Washington D.C. or Sacramento, Calif. Start date is September 3, 2019. Details at: http://bit.ly/ELCAadvocacy-HungerFellowDC and http://bit.ly/ELCAadvocacy-HungerFellowCalif

Don’t despair. Faith Lens is just on a Summer hiatus. The next posting is scheduled to appear on August 27, for Sunday, September 1.

This summer ELCA World Hunger welcomes two interns to the team. We are excited to have them share their gifts and talents with us. Learn more about them below!

Aml Mohamed, ELCA World Hunger Education Summer Intern

My name is Aml Mohamed, and I will be working as the ELCA World Hunger Education Summer Intern. ‘Aml’ means ‘hope’ in Arabic, which is the first language that I speak in my home country of Egypt. I am a student at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, and I am designing an individual major which is titled International Youth Development. The major captures my passion to return home and pursue a career in youth development.

Before going to college, I completed a two-year pre-university program at the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in South Africa, whose mission is to prepare the next generation of African leaders. My experience at ALA motivated me to develop an educational initiative in my home city, Luxor, Egypt, called the “Step by Step Initiative.” The initiative aims to increase young people’s self-efficacy through providing them with life skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork and presentation skills. We were able to reach eighty students during the summer of 2018 and hope to continue in the future.

This is my first time in Chicago. While I am here, I hope to explore and learn about the history and the culture of the city. I will use some of my free time to pack my reflective thoughts and luggage, before I go on a St. Olaf College faculty-led study abroad program. The program is called Global Semester, and its theme is Education in a Global Context. During the program, we will visit six countries: France, Egypt, Tanzania, India, China and Argentina.

I am excited for the projects that we will be working on as the ELCA World Hunger Education team, and thankful for the learning opportunities that will come with it.

Joshua Meribole, Community Granting and Community Engagement Summer Intern

The building is tall. The work is important. The learning is endless.

Hello, my name is Joshua Meribole, and I am a Summer Intern at the ELCA in Chicago. I will be working as the Community Granting and Community Engagement Intern with ELCA World Hunger. I am from Nigeria and came to the U.S. to study community development and journalism at Dordt University in Iowa. I will officially finish college at the end of the summer.

In college, I studied the different community development practices that organizations around the world have done to help impoverished communities. I am looking forward to learning how the ELCA works alongside its partners to help communities tackle the multiple and interconnected layers of world hunger.

My work for this summer ranges from organizing events to writing blogs and articles to reviewing documents. With each of the tasks that I will be doing, I am excited to learn and to gain new experiences and skills that will add to my dream and vision to work with community members in the countries I grew up in.

In my free time, I like to read, watch TV shows and video tutorials, and talk to people. However, living in Chicago for the first time, I have had to put visiting iconic landmarks and going to festivals to my list of hobbies. So far, I have enjoyed meeting new people, expanding my taste buds and walking around the city.

After talking to people within the ELCA and hearing about their experiences and projects, I am looking forward to being part of the family.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York

Dennis Frado, director

LOWC staff and Bishop Atahualpa Hernández of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Colombia

INTERCHURCH DIALOGUE FOR PEACE IN COLOMBIA CALLS FOR FULFILLMENT OF 2016 PEACE ACCORDS:The Lutheran Office for World Community joined the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. in co-sponsoring a panel discussion by members of the Interchurch Dialogue for Peace in Colombia (DiPaz in Spanish) on May 29. The panel was led by Bishop Atahualpa Hernández of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia and included a representative of a women’s association (name withheld for safety reasons) and the Rev. Milton Mejía of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia.DiPaz has strongly supported the 2016 peace accords between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC in Spanish) but is currently concerned that President Iván Duque’s government is not implementing the agreement fully. They are concerned about war victims’ rights, intimidation of and attacks on human rights defenders, rural reform, legal attempts to unilaterally modify the accords, political participation, disarmament and reintegration of former FARC guerillas, and other issues inhibiting a just peace and reconciliation. The delegation also urged the U.N., especially the Security Council, to continue its role in the verification of the accords, affirmed a planned council visit in July, and asked for support from the international community to have the government resume its dialogues with the other major insurgency group, the National Liberation Army.The delegation met with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Member States of the Security Council.

KWIBUKA 25 – “REMEMBER, UNITE, RENEW: PRESERVING MEMORY AND UPHOLDING

Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations

HUMANITY THROUGH COOPERATION AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY IN FIGHTING IMPUNITY AND GENOCIDE DENIAL.”: On May 20, the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to U.N., the American Jewish Committee, the U.N. Office on Genocide Prevention, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, and the New York Bar Association organized a conference on the 25th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.In her opening remarks, Ambassador Valentine Rugwabiza highlighted the cost of indifference to genocide and the collective need to speak out: “It is our collective responsibility to stand and act for stigmatized communities who are seen as less deserving of life.”During two panels different aspects of genocide prevention, fighting impunity and genocide denial were discussed. Simone Monasebian, director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime emphasized that genocides are processes that start with an increasing use of hate speech, which dehumanizes people. This was reiterated by Zachary D. Kaufmann, lecturer in law, who added that genocides are preventable and that female leadership and women’s representation in political systems are crucial concerning prevention.On the second panel Celine Uwineza and Consolee Nishimwe, two survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, talked about their journeys after the genocide and about the importance of sharing witness’s stories. Rugwabiza reminded the audience that accountability is an effective means of prevention.

HIGH-LEVEL EVENT ON CULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

Photo: U.N. Library

On May 21, a high-level event was held at the U.N. Trusteeship Council Chamber on culture and sustainable development. This full day of thematic debates coincided with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day of recognizing the values of cultural diversity and to advance the goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted in 2005. The event on culture and sustainable development included a roundtable discussion on cultural heritage and its mobilization of people toward sustainable development and two panels highlighting the importance of cultural education and culture as a means of empowerment and equality. To achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the transformative power of culture has been recognized as a key enabler in providing sustainable solutions to local and global challenges.

California

Regina Q. Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California (LOPP-CA) lopp ca.org

LUTHERAN LOBBY DAY 2019 WAS A HUGE SUCCESS: About 105 Lutherans from throughout our diverse state gathered in Sacramento on May 29 to talk to policy makers about childhood poverty, a MediCal expansion to cover undocumented adults and water justice. We assembled at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sacramento to hear the gospel preached by the Rev. Amy Reumann, director of ELCA Advocacy, commune together and learn advocacy tips and strategies before heading to the Capitol for scheduled meetings. We met with 52 (of 120) state legislator offices in four hours! Some were short, uplifting meetings of like-minded people; others were more contentious. But all participants had a meaningful day putting faith into action. LOPP-CA would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success. We’d especially like to highlight Bishops Guy Erwin of Southwest California, Mark Holmerud of Sierra Pacific and Andy Taylor of Pacifica Synod who attended and committed themselves and their staffs to highlighting the role of advocacy in the life of the church. St. John’s and its pastor, the Rev. Frank Espegren, who were a study in hospitality for the day; and our ministry partners throughout the capitol community that made the vision for the day come to life. It was truly a blessed time in the Lord, and it’s not too soon to plan to join us next year!

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Colorado lam-co.org

END OF SESSION: The Colorado General Assembly has adjourned for 2019. Our complete legislative wrap-up is now available at lam-co.org. Below are highlights of passed bills from this session in the key areas of our policy agenda.

Hunger: House Bill 1171 will extend the School Lunch Protection Act through high school, providing a state copay for reduced-price lunches. House Bill 1132 will incentivize the use of locally-grown food, reducing the carbon footprint of school meals.
Housing: House Bill 1118 will increase the time a tenant has to cure a minor lease violation, while Senate Bill 180 will establish an Eviction Legal Defense Fund to help keep tenants in their homes with balanced legal representation in eviction proceedings.
Economic security: House Bill 1013 will extend a child care expenses tax credit for low income families. We supported a bill to establish paid family leave in Colorado, but it was amended to a study.
Criminal justice: House Bill 1025 will officially “Ban the Box” in Colorado, allowing job applicants with a criminal history to get their foot in the door for an initial job interview as they reintegrate into society.
Environmental justice: House Bill 1261 will implement concrete climate action goals to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas pollutants in Colorado.

We are grateful to all the advocates who took action this year! We look forward to continuing our stakeholding work with legislators and faith communities over the summer and fall, particularly around paid leave and abolishing the death penalty.

Kansas

Moti Rieber, Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) kansasinterfaithaction.org

KANSAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDED: The Kansas legislative session ended May 29. This year we had a new Democratic governor while legislative leadership remained in conservative hands. KIFA’s major priority this year was Medicaid Expansion, which was passed 3 years ago but vetoed by the then-governor. With clear legislative majorities in support and a supportive governor, the only thing that stopped it was legislative leadership, which refused to give the bill a hearing or a floor vote. The House managed through procedural means to pass it, but the Senate stayed obstructive. Late in the session protests escalated until cracks appeared in the Republican caucus and a vote to proceed over leadership’s objections failed by one vote in the Senate. This is disappointing (and will cause an estimated 600 deaths of people without health insurance) but we’ll be working on the issue during the legislative off-season.

KIFA also helped to sustain the governor’s veto of a bill that would have given tax cuts primarily to multinational corporations and the wealthiest Kansans, especially ill-advised as we try to climb out of the budgetary abyss caused by the “Brownback tax experiment.” We are on two coalitions, on criminal justice reform and voting rights, led by the Kansas ACLU, and we also testified in favor of a bill that protects domestic violence survivors in rental property relationships, which passed, and against a bill to lower the concealed carry age to 18, which didn’t.

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy- Minnesota (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacymn.org

MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Significant disagreements between the House and Senate bills meant negotiation meetings at all hours in the final official weeks of the session. Committees kept meeting “unofficially” following the May 20 “end” and then the legislature kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a 21-hour special session!

Affordable housing came out better than every other issue and agency, though need still outstrips appropriations. Clean energy had disappointing results. A session summary will be available on our webpage. Thanks for the many calls, emails and visits with legislators!

EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS: Minnesotans from five synods participated in the ELCA Advocacy Convening on “advocacy in the context of disasters enhanced by climate change” (April 29-May1, Washington, D.C.) The group had several good meetings, though there is more work needed with some of Minnesota’s congressional delegation.

Director, Tammy Walhof, presented on LA-MN to pastors from the Saint Paul Area Synod South Metro Conference at its meeting (May 2). Later (May 17-18), she did similar mini-sessions at the Saint Paul Area Synod Assembly, passed out 300 plus action alerts and spoke in-depth with several participants.

Walhof had many wonderful conversations at the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Women of the ELCA convention (May 3-4), and was able to give out 230 plus action alerts after being allowed a brief announcement about decisions being made by legislators. LA-MN’s Lutheran Affordable Housing Event (May 6) was followed by a rousing Homes for All Rally in the capitol rotunda with hundreds of other housing advocates from across the state.

Nevada

William Ledford, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) leanforjustice.org

LEAN has been very active this month given that our legislature only meets for a few months every two years and that we are currently at the end of the last month of the session. We are continually engaging one-on-one with legislators, as well as testifying in committees as much as we can for bills related to justice, education, equality, and hunger/poverty issues. We are involved with a bill increasing our abysmal minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2024. We wish it was more aggressively paced than that but at least it is something. We also saw a victory in a bill being signed that protects the LGBTQ+ community by making the “gay panic” and “trans panic” defenses no longer valid arguments in court. We also saw a significant victory in our primary concern this session: the regulations protecting against predatory payday loan practices. One bill was withdrawn but will come back around as a ballot measure and historically across the country those have done well. The other was creating a system that would prevent people from being able to take out a payday loan if they already have one, protecting people from the “cycle of debt” that many fall in to. This is my first session in this position, and I am pleased at how well it went.

New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry—New Mexico (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacynm.org

LEGISLATIVE INTERIM BEGINS: Since New Mexico’s legislative sessions are somewhat short, interim is

May meeting of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee

crucial for legislators to gain knowledge and discuss many issues. It is also a time for advocates to be heard and to bring up topics and questions. Senate and House members serve together on interim committees that focus on a number of topics and interests and meet between now and December in Santa Fe and around the state. LAM-NM monitors and attends meetings of the Legislative Health & Human Services Committee; the Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee; the Mortgage Finance Authority Oversight Committee; the Legislative Finance Committee; and the Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee. LAM-NM director, Ruth Hoffman recently testified before the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee to urge it to include poverty and hunger as well as increasing the State SNAP Supplement on their work plan for the interim.

Ohio

Nick Bates, Hunger Network Ohio www.hungernetohio.com

THE BUDGET ROLLS ALONG: Hunger Network offered testimony last week in the Senate Finance committee (and it can be read here). This testimony echoed legislative meetings advocates had earlier in the month with State senators on issues related to food banks, affordable housing, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). We are hopeful to see investments in Ohio to solve problems instead of just more income tax cuts for the wealthy.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Write a letter to your local newspaper in June to create the change we wish to see in the world. CLICK HERE for the links.

THANK YOU: to all the great advocates who came out in mid-May to talk with about 1/3 of the state Senate about simple steps to address hunger and poverty in our communities.

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org

CIVIL CONVERSATIONS TRAINING: Fifty bridge-builders from diverse faith traditions gathered May 19 to improve their skills in engaging in meaningful conversations in our divided times and learn how to organize civil conversations in their communities to build a thriving, diverse democracy. LAMPa and United Lutheran Seminary co-hosted the training led by Interfaith Philadelphia.

LUTHERAN DAY AT THE CAPITOL: More than 130 individuals gathered in Harrisburg on May 20 for LAMPa’s annual day at the capitol. The theme was “Set A Welcome Table- How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Participants gathered for worship, a keynote address by Kathryn Lohre on the ELCA’s proposed “Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment”, a variety of issue workshops, recognition of synod advocacy honorees, and legislative visits on hunger funding. Learn more.

LAMPA WORKSHOP AT SYNOD ASSEMBLY: Director Tracey DePasquale provided a workshop at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly titled “Building the Beloved Community Beyond Our Walls-When loving your neighbor leads you into the public square, let LAMPa and ELCA Advocacy accompany you.”

HUNGER IN PENNSYLVANIA ACTION ALERT: LAMPa advocates are emailing lawmakers requesting $21 million for the State Food Purchase Program and $3 million for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System. As a portion of the total state budget, funding for these programs is small, however the impact on the ability of the state’s charitable food assistance network to provide critical aid is enormous.

Washington

Paul Benz, Faith Action Network (FAN) fanwa.org

REGIONAL SUMMITS: FAN has entered a new season of our program year! As we transition from our state legislative session that ended April 28, we move toward a focus on congressional issues and hosting our four regional spring summits across the state- in the Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Seattle, and Spokane. We will share our legislative successes and strategize in different subject area groups. Our small and large group conversations will help us shape our next legislative agenda and plan for our year ahead. We will be hosting these gatherings throughout June and are very excited to meet with folks in our network across the state!

RACIAL EQUITY: Racial equity and justice must be central to our work. Staff has been working with FAN’s board to ensure that our organization examines policy, programming, and the culture of FAN through a lens of racial equity. This summer, our board and staff will have a retreat with training and conversation as a commitment to this ongoing process.

Wisconsin

Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) loppw.org

IMMIGRATION/ASYLUM & STUDENT PASTOR BETTY RENDÓN: LOPPW organized a van of people to drive to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Kenosha to attend a vigil held for Rendón and her husband, Carlos. We were also in contact with the immigration center in Chicago to get language for a sample letter to send to our listserv when inviting our members to support them in receiving a stay on their removal. We have kept our members updated, especially with messages from Bishop Paul Erickson of the Greater Milwaukee Synod, who has championed the family’s efforts. LOPPW is in the process of planning an immigration panel with the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin.

SYNOD ASSEMBLIES: LOPPW staff led a presentation based on our still very new PowerPoint on water at the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin and invited participants to write letters about water issues included in the draft of the state budget. Kelsey Johnson, hunger fellow, and Cindy Crane, director, also managed tables at the Northern Great Lakes and East Central Synod of Wisconsin assemblies held at the same time.

LEGISLATION: Johnson was asked by a legislator’s office, where she has made connections, to testify on a bill that had an indirect link to sex trafficking. Crane met with the staff of the chair of the Wisconsin Clean Water task force to discuss how his work was coinciding with water issues highlighted in the proposed state budget.

GOOD-BYE: We said good-bye to our part-time intern Sarah Schultz who shared her creativity and passion for justice as part of a campus ministry program.

Kris Litman-Koon, Isle of Palms, SC

Warm-up Question

What is a plant or animal that fascinates you? Is there a place of natural wonder that instills in you a reverent presence?

Transformative Changes

Sobering news was released in May by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations. Using a team of 455 authors from 50 countries, IPBES spent three years reviewing 15,000 government and scientific sources to come to the assessment that one million species of plants and animals (roughly one in eight species in the whole world) are threatened with extinction, many within decades. The chair of the IPBES, Sir Robert Watson, explains; “The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever. We are eroding the very foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.” The driving factors behind these changes to our living planet are, in descending order of magnitude of impact: (1) changes in our land and sea use; (2) our direct exploitation of organisms; (3) climate change; (4) pollution; and (5) invasive alien species. All of those are the result of human activity.

The glimmer of hope found within the report is this: we can still avoid much of the worst consequences, perhaps nearly all of them. To do so, it will take “transformative changes across economic, social, political and technological factors.” For instance, a shift is needed in governmental and financial policies that will discourage actions that further this breakdown of biodiversity. Individual actions — like eliminating frivolous purchases and composting food scraps — are helpful in their ability to keep creation care at the forefront of our thoughts and practices. However, large-scale societal changes are needed to fully address the problems presented by IPBES. Ultimately what is required is a societal rethinking of our interconnected role within the broader ecosystems of this planet, followed by subsequent actions.

Discussion Questions

When you hear news of an assessment like this, what is your initial reaction? Fight (“That can’t be true.” “Someone else is more to blame.”) – Flight (“Quick! Change the channel!”) – Freeze (“If I do nothing, the problem will work itself out.”) – or something else?
The IPBES assessment says, “Negative trends in nature will continue to 2050 and beyond in all of the policy scenarios explored in the Report, except those that include transformative change…” How old will you be in 2050? How old will your loved ones be?

Acts 2:1-21

Romans 8:14-17

John 14:8-17 [25-27]

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

Acts 2:1 says, “When the day of Pentecost had come, [the apostles] were all together in one place.” The day of Pentecost (“fiftieth day”) originated as a Jewish celebration. The apostles and other Jews like them had come from places that spanned the entire Mediterranean region to Jerusalem in order to celebrate the Jewish version of Pentecost. This is commonly known as the “Feast of Weeks” or “Shavuot,” and it is held fifty days after the Passover. To this day, Shavuot primarily celebrates the wheat harvest (Exodus 34:22) as well as God giving the Torah (i.e. the Law) to the nation of Israel. In summary, Shavuot highlights God’s goodness and providential care toward them as a people, witnessed in an abundant harvest and in the gift of Torah, which itself gives life and leads toward life.

For Christians, Pentecost coincides with the fiftieth day since the morning of Easter. This festival day is when we celebrate the Holy Spirit being first given – and continually given – to the church. However, too often we leave the story there. We may adorn our chancels in red paraments, we may read of the uniquely spectacular miracle of wind and tongues of fire; in the end our collective response to it is basically, “That’s a pretty neat story.” The special effects of that first Christian Pentecost story can make it easy to forget that Pentecost has more to say about the natural realm than it does about the supernatural realm. After Peter’s speech, the “wonders and signs” performed by Christians are listed: they shared communal possessions, gave to those in need, worshiped together, broke bread together with glad and generous hearts, and had goodwill toward all people (Acts 2:43-47). Those wonders and signs are not supernatural; the Holy Spirit is of course supernatural, but the manifestations of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit are very real and very earthly.

In many ways, this part of the Acts 2 Pentecost story fits nicely within its Jewish roots. Those roots of Pentecost proclaim God’s goodness, God’s providential care, and God’s desire for life on earth to be filled with abundance. Yes, a miracle gave the first apostles the ability to speak in different languages, but that was not an end to itself. That miracle was a means to draw people into Christ’s movement; a movement that is best manifested in real, earthly ways (see again 2:43-47) that proclaim in word and deed God’s faithfulness and God’s will for humanity. One way of viewing this manifestation in verses 43-47 is that these Christians are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to daily embody the fullness of a Shavuot celebration.

What are the ways that the Holy Spirit is moving us today, during this Pentecost Sunday? If we hear that Pentecost has at its core a celebration of harvest, of God’s faithfulness, of God’s goodness and providential care, and if we also hear the pleas and warnings from a living planet that is suffering at our hands, then we must make a determination on how to proceed. God desires life, an abundant harvest, and a people who will prophetically proclaim and embody God’s faithfulness toward all. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is a power that we shouldn’t – but easily can – underestimate. This powerful Holy Spirit is moving Christians to come together to be voices and hands that are aligned with God’s goodwill and providential care in very real and earthly ways.

Discussion Questions

The apostles were limited in number and were fearful/doubtful of what awaited them, but then the Holy Spirit empowered them to proclaim the good news of God in Jesus Christ. That has changed the course of history. Can you think of other examples of people who were faced with a daunting task, but the Holy Spirit gave them power to overcome their fears or doubts?
When we acknowledge the scope of the earth’s biodiversity problems, we may experience anxiety or despair, with inaction often being the result. A productive method of getting over this hurdle is to find someone or a group who is willing to listen to our concerns and take them seriously. Who could you trust to listen to you? Could this be done within your congregation?

Activity Suggestions

Think back to the warm-up question: a plant, animal, or natural setting that fascinates you. Resolve to learn more about this unique creation of God and what its place is within ecosystems. Is it facing any threats? Are there people who are active stewards of it?
If you have the time and ability, have your group go outside together. Even if you are surrounded by human development, in what ways do you witness life in its various forms? Discuss how your group can take bold steps in being caregivers of this small corner of creation.

Closing Prayer

Lord God, on this Pentecost Sunday, stir your Holy Spirit that is within us. Light a fire within us and within your church across the world, that we may proclaim in word and deed your faithfulness, your will, your providential care, and your desire for life. Amen.

Congregational Vitality Training Event: August 21-23, 2019

Held at Christ Lutheran Church, Baltimore, Maryland

TRAVEL & LOGISTICS – BALTIMORE CV TRAINING EVENT

TRAINING EVENT LOCATION

Christ Lutheran Church

701 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21230-3800

410-752-7179 | www.christinnerharbor.org

HOTEL

Lord Baltimore Hotel

20 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201

410-539-8400 | www.lordbaltimorehotel.com

TIMING OF EVENTS

Please see “Timeline of Events” for a detailed schedule and arrival dates.

TRAVEL PLANNING & WEATHER

Fly in and out of Baltimore – Washington International Airport (BWI).
Friday evening flights home are expected and strongly encouraged so that no hotel rooms are used Friday night.
Local transportation is “on your own”: You must arrange for your own transportation to and from the airport.
Dress for the weather – Baltimore can be hot and humid in August. Bring light layers and rain protection.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

SUPER SHUTTLE DISCOUNT: For your convenience, you can use the CV Training Event Super Shuttle discount link to book your transportation from BWI airport to the hotel (or church), and from the church to BWI airport, with a cost of about $13.50 each way. Contact your DEM for this link, which was e-mailed out to all DEMS on the ELCA DEM listserv on June 3, 2019. IMPORTANT: Please book your Super Shuttle as two one-way trips, to arrange pickup directly from Christ Lutheran Church after the event ends on Friday. Note that the link does not allow two different pickup locations in a single round-trip reservation. You can adjust your reservations by reentering the link.

LIGHT RAIL: Taking the train (Light Rail) is a very affordable option for traveling from BWI airport to the Lord Baltimore Hotel. Download the Charm Pass app to buy fares for a day, a series of days or for the week (one-way fare is $1.90): https://www.mta.maryland.gov/charmpass. According to the Lord Baltimore Hotel website, the BWI Marshall Light Rail Station is located immediately outside the Lower Level of the terminal building, adjacent to Concourse E. Take the train north toward Hunt Valley. Exit the train at “University Center – Baltimore Street” stop. Walk three blocks to the east (right) on Baltimore Street. Lord Baltimore Hotel is on the north side of the street, at 20 W. Baltimore St. Approximate travel time is 40 minutes.

WALKING CAN BE A GOOD OPTION: Christ Lutheran Church is a little more than one-half mile from the hotel (approx. 15-minute walk at average pace). Feel free to stretch your legs and walk, if you wish.

CHARTER BUS: Lord Baltimore Hotel will provide charter bus service between the hotel and church throughout the week, at no cost to you. Please consult the Bus Schedule for pickup and drop-off times per day. All other transportation will be at your own expense (e.g., taxi, Uber, Lyft, Light Rail, rental car).

PARKING AT CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH: A reduced Early Bird special rate of $9 (Monday – Friday, in by 9:30 am / out by 7:00 pm) is available at the Arrow Parking Lot at 11 E. Lee St., Baltimore, MD This fee supports local and international missions of Christ Lutheran Church.

DIRECTIONS & DISTANCES

The Lord Baltimore Hotel is in downtown Baltimore at the corner of Baltimore and Charles Streets, just across the street from the Charles Center subway station. The hotel is one block from Royal Farms Arena and a short walk from the Baltimore Convention Center, the Inner Harbor, Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium.

The hotel is 12 miles (25-35 minute drive) from Baltimore – Washington International Airport. Visit this link for maps and detailed directions from the airport to the hotel via taxi and Light Rail (only costs $1.60!), and information on how to rent a car: https://www.lordbaltimorehotel.com/contact

Christ Lutheran Church is approximately 12 miles from Baltimore – Washington International Airport. Travel by car takes 30-40 minutes: https://www.christinnerharbor.org/location-directions

IMPORTANT HOTEL NOTES

Hotel arrival and departure: Check-in time is 4:00 pm / Check-out time is 11:00 am. You will need to bring your luggage with you to the church on the last day of training (Friday), and arrange to travel directly to the airport after the close of the event. One charter bus will bring participants back to the hotel, if anyone is approved by the CV team to stay over on Friday evening.

Rooms Are Double-Occupancy: Housing is double-occupancy. Participants will be assigned a roommate if one is not specified on the online registration form. A limited number of single rooms will be available for an upgrade fee on the registration form. Please do not bring nonparticipating spouses, or children, along with you.

Parking at Lord Baltimore: Valet parking is available at the hotel for $33 per night plus tax. Self-Parking is available at the official garage of the Lord Baltimore, at 213 West Fayette St., two blocks from the hotel. Overnight rates are $25, inclusive of tax per night.

FOOD

Meals (lunches and snacks) at the church have been selected based on your arrival and departure times.
Food sensitivities and allergies will be accounted for to the best of our abilities, based on what participants entered into the online registration form.
A catered breakfast is included (free) at the Lord Baltimore Hotel each morning before departing for training.
Lunch and coffee breaks/refreshments are included at the church throughout the Congregational Vitality Training Event and the pre-events.
Dinner is “on your own” (not included). Gather with your colleagues and head out to explore beautiful Baltimore!

EVENING ACTIVITIES

Baltimore is loaded with history and culture. If you are looking for things to do in the evening after training, check out these links or do your own Internet search: https://www.visitmaryland.org/places-to-go/baltimore and https://www.lordbaltimorehotel.com/things-to-do

One suggestion: Organize a group to attend an Orioles baseball game! The Orioles will take on the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday evening, August 21, and the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday evening, August 22. Both games begin at 7:05 pm. View the schedule and order tickets: https://www.mlb.com/orioles/schedule/2019-08. Learn more about the Orioles: https://www.mlb.com/orioles. Or: Join the CV Team in our special block of seats for the Thursday evening game. Here’s how: Use this special link to purchase your $12 ticket ($1.20 service fee) for a mobile ticket to sit with the ELCA group. Any problems, contact Rob James, at 815-721-0079.

Join the CV Team and other colleagues for a “CV Social,” Wednesday, 8:30-10:00 pm in the LB Skybar at the Lord Baltimore Hotel! This open-air bar is situated on the hotel’s 19th floor rooftop and offers “stunning views of the surrounding skyline,” with “hand-crafted cocktails and a full menu of light bites.” We’ll provide appetizers, you purchase your own beverages!

Read up on the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel (https://www.lordbaltimorehotel.com), which also features a tavern, bakery café and rooftop open-air bar on premises: https://www.lordbaltimorehotel.com/dining-and-entertainment

QUESTIONS?

CONTENT/TRAINING QUESTIONS? Contact Anna-Kari Johnson at 773-990-0814, Rob James at 773-380-2999 or 815-721-0079, or Ruben Duran at 630-440-8591; or, the contact person listed in the Course Overview & Registration Links document.

REGISTRATION ISSUES? Contact Kholoud Khoury (773-380-2830), or Philip Rivera (773-380-2553).

ADDITIONAL LOGISTICAL QUESTIONS? Contact Kris Mainellis (773-380-2749) or Philip Rivera (773-380-2553).

SEE YOU IN BALTIMORE!

by Kris A. Mainellis, program director for communication and events