Chris Heavner, Clemson, SC

Warm-up Question

• What makes you and your buddies, buddies?  What unites you or holds you together?
• Do you have a symbol for your group – a style of clothes or type of hats?

Being (Not) One

I was officiating at the wedding of two of our Clemson University alumni.  Their friends stood up to make remarks – all of which were glowing and emotional.  Some of these had gone to Clemson, so they included a “Go Tigers!” in their comments.  High school friends started noting their graduations from other colleges.  Then there was the admission from one that she attended a college in the SEC Conference rather than the ACC.  (College football rivalries are important in the South.)

These exchanges were good natured and humorous; some such exchanges are not.  College football is but one place where division and mistrust and hatred boil over into something ugly.  Our country seems to be in a phase were name-calling and belittling have ceased to be taboo.

This is surely a place where the followers of Jesus need to make known a better way.  In the midst of talk which sets one against another, Christians need to share our story and affirm our convictions.  The followers of Jesus have had differences of opinion, but we have a message of unity beyond our personal preferences and styles.

Discussion Questions

• Name the five persons with whom you have the strongest bond?  What brings you together?
• Identify at least two topics or ways of doing stuff which is different among your closest friends.
• Have you ever had to set aside part of who you are for the sake of someone you wanted as a friend?  What benefit did you experience by not allowing that one thing to push you apart?
• Do you think Jesus’ followers are “one”?
• What can you do (what can your group do) to best reflect the oneness we have as a result of Jesus’ ministry and his teachings?

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Acts 16:16-34

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

John 17:20-26

(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

These verses are the closing words of Jesus’ “Farewell Discourse.”  Starting at 13:1, Jesus speaks words to his followers of how they are to understand his ministry and carry on with his mission.  It is clear that being “one” is important to him.

When Jesus speaks of being one with the Father (John 10:30), he means they are of the same nature.  They are one in the way that your foot and your hand are one.  They cannot be separated!  This is the oneness he wants his followers to have.

As is true for the times in which we live, the times in which Jesus lived were full of conflict and contentious parties.  Jesus understood the powerful blessing known as the simple gift of being in sync with those around us.  

To be “one” means we are so firmly connected that we can even risk the challenging work of honest speech.  The hand can expose the splinter in the heel of the foot (which will cause the foot great pain) without the foot lashing out –  “We are no longer connected!”

To be “one” means we know our lives and our futures are connected and so we will act in a way which ensures both of us will experience the fullness God hopes for us.  This is the prayer which Jesus offers.

We are one, with the Christians in Sri Lanka gunned down during Sunday worship.  We are one, with the inhabitants of Marshall Islands whose nation is being lost due to global warming.  We are one, with refugees caught in the cross fire of drugs and gangs. We are one.  Jesus said it was so.  And we will live as one, for the wellbeing of all the creation.

Discussion Questions

• When have you witnessed persons acting as “one”?
• What changes in behavior are likely to happen when we acknowledge the oneness of all God’s children?
• Do you think Jesus was limiting our “oneness” to those who belong to our congregation?  To our denomination?  To Protestants?  To Christians?

Activity Suggestions

• Identify persons in your community (maybe even your youth group) with whom you have had differences.  Speak to them of the oneness you share, regardless of what might seem to separate you.
• Make a list of those with whom you are one, and a list of those with whom you wish to strengthen an awareness of oneness.  Pledge to pray the names of these persons each day for the next two weeks.
• Watch one of many videos in which refugees share their stories.  Here is one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b5H7je4m1A

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, you have made us one through the words and work of your Beloved Son.  Living as one can be a challenge; living as one is a tremendous opportunity.  With your grace, support us in our efforts to bring to fullness that which you have given to us.  Help to be one, with all your children and with each of our neighbors.  Amen.

Our advocacy in light of disasters intensified by climate change brought together a group of faith and community leaders for an event hosted in Washington, D.C. by ELCA Advocacy in the spring of 2019. The challenge may be seismic, but the Rev. Amy E. Reumann offered insight and guidance on contemporary issues and scriptural and church resources, preparing us to care in this storm.

The sermon is available in text (pdf available on elca.org/resources/advocacy)  and video (message transcends inconsistent quality of available video).

Following are excerpts of the text from which Pr. Reumann preached.

The story [of Jesus calming the storm is] about Jesus’ power and is also a tale of the disciples who are uncertain about their own abilities… Perhaps fear rendered them unable to act.

…But Jesus, after he subdues the seismic event, turns to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”

…Facing the full reality of the climate crises is terrifying. It triggers in me flight or fright. When I dwell on the details, it is immobilizing. As ELCA Advocacy, climate cuts across every issue area that we cover and makes it worse, from food security to national security. From increased migration and refugees to heightened international conflict and local violence. From health care to habitat loss. We have a storm, and it is here, and we are perishing.

…What we are facing as a church, as a nation, as a world, demands all of us be sent out. We are focused as a church on vital congregations and building leaders, but we only need them on a planet that can support human habitation. The offense against climate change must be multifaceted, and there is a part for everyone.

…Jesus has given us what we need. My fervent hope and prayer is that we will chart a course as a church together to persistently and resolutely be bearers of God’s fierce love and deep justice. Peace, be still. We got this. Together in the boat – let us go over to the other side.

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

The intricacies and diversity of creation are mind-boggling, a reflection and reminder of the power and glory of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit expressed through the created order. The United Nations honors creation on May 22 through the International Day for Biological Diversity. This year’s theme is “Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health.” Marking the day increases our understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues in God’s good creation.

Try to trace the biodiversity story of many things you eat and use every day. From a lunch bag apple to ingredients in your cold medicine, our food and health are dependent on biodiversity. 

Biodiversity is the variety and diversity of various forms of life on earth, and particularly that in a specific region that includes various species of plant and animal life, microorganisms and the ecosystems where they exist. It is essential. Living entities support each other and interact with their non-living environment to provide and enhance healthy life for all of creation. As told in Genesis, from chaos came synchronization where all life is valued and interlinked. “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good,” (Genesis 1:31).  

Where do we see the essential role of diversity in our food and health? Crop genetic diversity, for example, plays a critical role in creasing and sustaining production levels and nutritional diversity throughout the full range of different agroecological conditions. Diverse organisms contributing to soil diversity perform vital functions that regulate the soil ecosystem, such as decomposition of litter and recycling of nutrients, converting atmospheric nitrogen to an organic form and reconverting this to gaseous nitrogen, and altering soil structure. Ecosystems support soil formation, nutrient cycling, and primary production; provide food, fresh water, fuel, fiber, biochemicals, and genetic resources, and regulate the climate, disease, water, water purification, and pollination.  

Then there are bees! Consider these truly amazing insects. A one-minute video from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations imagines a world without this essential component in the food chain. Threats to biodiversity are threats to us all.  

Havoc imposed on earth and its ecosystems cannot continue unrestrained. While production of basic goods and services are among priorities noted in the ELCA social statement “Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice,” our quest for economic prosperity and other human activity threatens global biodiversity. Disregard for life of a certain species or ecological system will negatively impact all of life.  

“The sabbath and jubilee laws of the Hebrew tradition remind us that we may not press creation relentlessly in an effort to maximize productivity (Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 25). The principle of sustainability means providing an acceptable quality of life for present generations without compromising that of future generations. Protection of species and their habitats, preservation of clean land and water, reduction of wastes, care of the land—these are priorities,” notes the Caring for Creation statement. 

On this International Day for Biological Diversity, let’s lift all of creation in prayer. 

God of wisdom, showing us your love in the rising sun and waning tide, you grace Earth with life in all its variety. Everything has meaning, is blessing; everyone is charged with care for the smallest creature to the ocean’s depth. Grant us wisdom to know your ways of love and gentle kindness. Give us the mind to learn what we do not know but long to understand so that we may honor and nurture all that makes us one with you. Amen 

Prayer by Diane Lopez Hughes at oikoumene.org  

Additional information: 

• “A UN report says Earth faces ‘unprecedented’ threat to biodiversity” (5/20/19), by Adam Wernick from Public Radio International 
• “Biodiversity on the U.S.-Mexican Border” (updated 5/22/19), from the WorldWatch Institute 
• “The U.S. Biodiversity Crisis” (1/30/17), by Paul Tolmé from the National Wildlife Federation 
• “What the UN Report on Biodiversity Loss Means for the World’s Driest Places” (5/20/19), by Kristina Young at forbes.com 
• “Why bees matter” (pdf file), from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 

Today’s post is by Jennifer Shimota Krushas, Pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in High Point, North Carolina.

During the Sunday school hour each Easter morning, our “kids” (tiny toddlers to young adults home from college) gather in the prayer chapel to bring the pulpit Bible and paschal candle back to their rightful places in the chancel area of our worship space. They had both been moved to the prayer chapel on Good Friday evening, lying there, entombed in that small room, until Easter morning when we gather there to tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection. We light the candle and one young acolyte leads our procession while a young Bible bearer carries the pulpit Bible.

Our shouts of “Alleluia!” fill the nave as we make our way to where the Bible and candle belong. I hold my breath each year as the child bearing the lit paschal candle carefully leads us. Visions of them tripping or tilting the candle seem to overcome me for those thirty incredibly long seconds. And every single year, the young acolyte is laser-focused on the task, honored to be leading the way, and nothing bad ever happens (besides my worrying distracting me from the beauty). Part of the reason nothing bad ever happens is because the bigger kids stay close, encouraging and guiding our little leader.

This year, after our procession was over, I gathered them around to talk about the three short statements we call the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. I wanted them to know why we use these words in the eucharistic prayer and to be ready to shout them when we got to that part of the prayer in worship that day.

Since it wasn’t printed in the worship booklet, I asked our kids to help me teach it during worship at our “Time with the Children.” During the singing of the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) the nine children who had held the signs while we had taught it came silently to stand in their places. When I said, “…we proclaim the mystery of our faith,” they held their signs high and the whole room erupted in the proclamation louder than I had ever heard it! The children stayed in their places as I finished the eucharistic prayer and we all prayed the Lord’s Prayer. Then, they returned to their seats and I invited the assembly to the table.

I worried because the Easter eucharist is the highest height of our holiest day of the church year. I didn’t want it to come across as though we were play-acting or being silly in the midst of the Eucharist. As it turned out, the Spirit was blowing and raised our voices to proclaim the mystery of our faith with a unity and beauty that out-shined our usual practice.

inspired by Sylvia Alloway, Grenada Hills, CA 

Warm-up Question

• When you hear the words “made well,” what comes to mind?
• Have you or anyone you’ve known lived with a disability?
•  The website for ELCA Disability Ministries notes, “All of us are disabled in some way as we stand before God.” How might we relate with a person with a disability in ways that honor their gifts and our own?
• What motivates us to help another person, their need or our desire to to feel good about helping?

Circumstances are not Crippling

Most people have heard of Joni Eareckson Tada, the woman who’s arms and legs entered paralysis at 17 after breaking her neck in a diving accident. It is hard to imagine how a young athlete could deal with the fact that she was not going to be healed, but famously, Joni did. Rather than being physically healed, she learned to paint by holding the brush in her mouth. She founded “Joni and Friends,” a ministry that helps persons with disabilities and their families reach independence, physically, financially, and spiritually. 

Does that mean that Joni is spiritually more confident and that her disability no longer leads her to experience sadness or uncertainty?  Not at all. In a meditation she wrote on the 50^th anniversary of her accident she confesses her early despair and the ways she tried dealing with it: drinking and socializing with “dark companions” – and how the memory of those days still haunts her. The efforts of Christian friends, who studied the Bible with her, included her in their social events, and shared words of wisdom with her, saw Joni as a person with many gifts to offer the world and helped her see them in herself as well.

God does not allow personal suffering because he likes giving people pain. Yet God can miraculously bring beautiful results from difficult life circumstances, strength from weakness, and joy from sorrow. The trouble-free lives we sometimes wish we could live would only hinder us from becoming the strong, dedicated people our loving God wants us to be.  Most importantly, God is with us on our life journey through all our days, difficult or easy.

Discussion Questions

• Who are the people in your life who have helped you along your journey?
• What might have happened to Joni’s life if other Christians had done nothing but tell her to cheer up or assure her that “All things work together for good to those who love God,” rather than becoming a part of her life?
• Joni’s experience gave her the desire to help others with similar life experiences. Has anyone ever helped you through a hard time and how did they help you? Or have you have helped another person through a hard time and what did you do?
• Can you think of a way that God has turned a disappointment in your life or someone else’s life into an unexpected gift? What happened?

Sixth Sunday of Easter 

Acts 16:9-15

Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

John 14:23-29

John 5:1-9

(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

The man in today’s Gospel lesson from John 5, may have felt like giving up. His paralysis is said to have lasted 38 years.  His disability had become a way of life.  We may think he had a right to his self-pity, but what good would come from that?  Jesus came and asked him if he wanted to get well. 

What was his response? “Oh, yes!” “Absolutely!” “More than anything!”  No. He answers with all the excuses he has been rehearsing for years for why he can not get in the pool, and not be healed, including blaming others.

Jesus sometimes healed people based on faith, their recognition of their need for him. But not this time. Jesus interrupts the man’s sense of not belonging with a strong command. “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!” The man needed more than a healing of his body, a holistic healing was called for.  He takes his first positive action in 38 years. He gets up. He obeys Jesus’ command and he confidently walks.

Few people experience a life-long disability like Joni’s.  Yet we all have things we believe we are not capable of.  Joni’s friends encouraged Joni and she in turn has helped other people.  Yes it takes courage and sometimes there is risk. Our world would be a better place if we followed Jesus’ example and helped each other walk “well.”  And if we do this, the result might just be miraculous.

Discussion Questions

• What stood out the most for you in the scripture?
• How were you challenged?
• Do we ask someone before we help, as Jesus did?
• Why do you think Jesus healed the paralyzed man, despite disbelief?
• We don’t have Jesus’ miraculous powers, but we can promote and receive healing alongside others. Share some ways in which we can do this.

Activity Suggestions

• Ask students to create a challenge/s in which a friend or stranger might need help and someone else provides that help. Then act it out for the group. 
• Ask for situations in which a person with a disability might invite help from, or provide help to, someone else.
• Give each person a marker and paper plate/or piece of construction paper. Have them write their name in the center.  Take up the plates/papers and redistribute. Ask each person to write positive words of encouragement or a gift/s they see in that person.

Closing Prayer

Dear God, we don’t always understand why you allow your people to experience pain or the inability to change.  It is hard to suffer or watch our loved ones suffer.  Give us the assurance that you are always with us even as we endure difficult times in our lives. Help us to see the needs of others and share your love with them and bring to our attention examples of those who shine with joy even in their sorrows. Give us strength to follow these examples and give you praise for what you are able to “make well” in each and all of us.  Amen.

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

DISASTER AID BILL | CENTRAL AMERICAN MINORS PROGRAM | AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET | FOREIGN ASSISTANCE TO NORTHERN TRIANGLE | GLOBAL CONFLICT PREVENTION

DISASTER AID BILL:   Lawmakers are close to finalizing a spending deal on disaster aid before the Memorial Day recess (see Action Center to take action at this important time!). On May 1, over 80 Lutheran bishops and faith leaders from across the country voiced on Capitol Hill concern about disaster aid and other concerns related to the impacts of natural disasters, and they shared the need to mitigate the growing effects of climate change. Last month, Congress failed to send a disaster aid deal to the President’s desk, stalling much-needed support for survivors and communities in desperate need of recovery funding. From wildfires and tornadoes, to hurricanes and drought, far too many low and middle-income families are still displaced from the growing number of natural disasters: living with other family members, paying expensive rents, or put at increased risk of homelessness. Churches and other houses of worship are often the first to offer critical assistance for communities in the wake of disasters and are essential partners in helping foster better stewardship and resiliency in our communities. Interested advocates can contact their lawmakers through the Action Center in support of inclusive disaster programs.

CENTRAL AMERICAN MINORS PROGRAM:   On Friday April 12, 2019, the ELCA welcomed the settlement agreement on Central American Minors Program (CAM) by urging the current administration to protect vulnerable populations, especially those 2,700 Central American children that will have a chance to seek protection in the U.S. and be reunified with their family member. In the press statement issued by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in which the ELCA takes part, the ELCA emphasized on the importance of amplifying the CAM settlement in an effort to hold the administration accountable to actually processing these children fairly and equitably.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET:  As Congress discusses their priorities for the next federal budget, our ELCA ministries are aware that the lack of access to affordable housing limits the opportunities for many of us in our communities and is integral to the success of vital aspects of our lives. These include hunger, affordable healthcare, community safety, gainful education and employment. Houses of worship and other community stakeholders can take part in “Our Homes, Our Voices National Housing Week of Action” by joining or hosting local events such as movie screenings and neighborhood discussions. Taking place May 30-June 5, the annual week of action brings attention to the needs of addressing the affordable housing crisis, the scandal of homelessness in our communities, and the need for new investments that help these issues.

FOREIGN ASSISTANCE TO NORTHERN TRIANGLE:  On March 30, President Trump directed the State Department to end foreign assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras as the administration indicated that these countries have failed to curb immigration to the U.S. Over 40 U.S.-based faith, human rights, foreign policy, humanitarian, immigrant rights and border-based civil society organizations, including the ELCA, issued a statement to express deep concern over the Trump Administration’s latest actions on Central America including the wholesale cutoffs of assistance to these three nations sometimes referred to as the Northern Triangle. ELCA Advocacy continues to gather information and working closely with organizations such as Bread for the World and Latin America Working group to monitor the situation and the impact it will have on the root causes of migration.

GLOBAL CONFLICT PREVENTION:  Since our last newsletter, the Global Fragility Act (GFA) has moved further in Congress. According to the World Bank, 80% of humanitarian needs are driven by conflicts, posing great challenges to economic development and challenging efforts to end hunger. GFA must pass before the end of the year. The Global Fragility Act of 2019 would improve U.S. capacity to identify and address. A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Congress have recently introduced the Global Fragility Act of 2019, which would improve the capacity of the U.S. to identify and address causes of conflicts around the world. Among other things, the bill requires the Administration to develop a 10-year strategy for preventing violent conflicts in fragile countries. New reports show that global violence has continued to increase over the last decade, causing tremendous devastation and humanitarian crises. ELCA Advocacy sent an action alert in support of the issue earlier this week. You can call on your lawmakers to take action at the ELCA Action Center.

Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network – http://elca.org/advocacy/signup , and learn more from elca.org/advocacy .

Issue 64 of Administration Matters

ELCA Churchwide Assembly observers and volunteers
The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place Aug. 5-10 in Milwaukee, Wis. Each congregation of the ELCA may register one congregation observer. Congregation observers will be seated in the observers’ section of the plenary hall and have access to the ELCA Guidebook app as well as materials distributed on the plenary floor to voting members.

Are you interested in serving as a volunteer at the assembly? In the upcoming months, the Greater Milwaukee Synod will be recruiting about 600 volunteers to greet guests at the airport, help with worship services and work as microphone pages. Learn more.

Contingency planning for congregations
Your congregation is humming along, and out of the blue — the unexpected happens. It could be a decline in offerings, a long-term bad weather situation, a natural disaster or something else. It’s important to be prepared to respond to the unexpected. >More

Legal issues — background checks
Background checks are part of the screening process for new hires. Make sure to consult with reliable sources to ensure that these checks are a useful tool. >More

Reducing legal liabilities
America is more litigious than ever before. Knowing where your organization stands in terms of its legal liabilities will help you be prepared for potential pitfalls. Liability lurks everywhere, from everyday occurrences to more inherently hazardous activities. While you may not be able to avoid all legal risk or anticipate every legal threat, there are steps you can take to reduce liability. >More

Painting and working with chemicals
Painting may expose you to potentially hazardous situations, such as chemical use, climbing ladders, slippery surfaces and more. The guide below outlines some of the hazards associated with painting and provides information on how to work safely on your project and properly dispose of any waste. >More

The inherent risk of guest Wi-Fi access at your church
With the myriad of wireless devices in constant use, many churches provide Wi-Fi for the convenience of employees and guests. However, it is important that congregations assess the security measures that should be considered when providing this benefit. Should you find the resource below to be somewhat technical, we suggest you contact your IT support person to answer any questions. >More

Bob Chell, Sioux Falls, SD

Warm-up Question

What event has shaped and changed your life more than any other?

Transforming Moments

Yet again the nation is dealing with a school shooting, this time on the campus of UNC-Charlotte.  On May 1, a young man entered a classroom and began shooting.  Two were killed and four were wounded.  Police were unclear as to the possible motives of the shooter.

Discussion Questions

• This event will shape and change the rest of Joshua Ayer’s life.Will this event shape his life for better or for worse? Why?
• How could this event have a negative impact on Josh’s life?
• How could this event have a positive impact on Josh’s life?
• How could this event have a negative impact on YOUR life?
• How could this event have a positive impact on YOUR life?

Fifth Sunday of Easter

(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

You may know the name Riley Howell. Or perhaps the name is vaguely familiar.  Riley Howell, a student at the University of North Carolina, rushed a shooter, knocking him off his feet as the shooter took Riley’s life. One can’t help but ask, “What would I have done?” or “If I am in a similar circumstance what will I do?” Nearly all of us would begin our answer both questions saying, “Well, I hope I would…” Hopefully, that is a question we will never have to answer.

However, there is a second question we must answer. How will tragic events shape and change my life?  I wish I could tell you it will shape your life in positive ways if you make good choices, or draw positive meaning from an horrific event but this is only partially true.  I suspect there wasn’t much of a decision process for either Riley or Joshua that day and perhaps if the places they were standing or sitting in class that day were reversed their responses would have been reversed as well. We can speculate and imagine and hypothesize all day but we won’t be any closer to knowing.

Initially, all any of us can do is react when tragic events occur and persevere in their aftermath. If the event is across the state or across the world, no matter how tragic it may be, it rarely disrupts our daily lives. But when we are Joshua Ayers, the one who was there, we cannot escape it’s impact.

There may be a day when Joshua will utilize this event to motivate himself to a life of service to others. Or, perhaps he will try to numb his pain with chemicals, or things or experiences and fill his days and his life so full there is no room for the pain.  We can’t know, even he can’t know at this point. He, like all of us, will do the best he can.

So, you may wonder, what does this have to do with Jesus command to “Love one another.”?  The real question isn’t what impact this event will have on Joshua’s life or yours, the real question is the one young adults come to hate. The question that comes from your parents, grandparents, and every relative and family friend over twenty five years old—and nearly every time you see them—“So, what are you going to do with your life?”

Sadly, this brief reflection will not answer that question for you.  But I can tell you there are events and experiences in your life that will bring meaning and purpose into focus, if only for a short time.  When Jesus died scripture says the curtain in the Jerusalem temple was torn from top to bottom. The temple was where people worshiped and the curtain was to protect people from stumbling into the “Holy of Holies,”because confronted with God’s power and majesty they would die.  The significance of the curtain tearing is that God’s power and majesty is most clearly revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now the transcendent is accessible and God is here.

When we celebrate Holy Communion our liturgy speaks of “a foretaste of the feast to come.”  We believe God’s Spirit is present in the water of baptism and the bread and wine of Holy Communion. Yet, God’s Spirit is not shackled to the font and the altar. Scripture compares the Spirit to the wind, blowing where it wishes.

You may have experienced the wind of the Holy Spirit in your life already. Great tragedies or great joys reorient our lives as we suddenly see things as if we’ve never seen them before. The birth of a child or the death of a loved one transforms what we thought important minutes before into insignificance. We realize it was never as important as we thought.  These are times when the curtain is torn in our lives and catch a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven and the true value of things.

Jesus says the words in this week’s lesson to his disciples just prior to his death, his crucifixion, and the tearing of the temple curtain. He is not giving his disciples a final order he knows they cannot fulfill, but an invitation. An invitation to a new way of seeing the world and a new way of being in the world.

No one seeks suffering, yet it comes to each of us. When it comes your way listen for the wind, watch for the the breath of the Spirit leading your through the suffering into God’s good promises.

Discussion Questions

• What does it mean that Jesus has been glorified?
• The author of the reflection above says Jesus gives the disciples an invitation but Jesus says it’s a commandment, which is it and what difference does it make? Can it be both?  How do you hear it for you, as a burden or an invitation to a deeper more meaningful life? Something else?

Activity Suggestions

• Is there someone you know whose life has been shaped and changed by tragedy? Did anything good come out of that event or experience?
• Ask an adult who you have deep respect for, “What was the worst thing that happened in your life and how did it shape and change your life?”

Closing Prayer

Loving God, you have blessed us in too many ways to count, yet we still struggle. We struggle to comprehend evil in the world and why we sometimes say and do hurtful things. Pour your healing Spirit into our hearts when they are broken and give us wisdom to discern your Spirits presence in the midst of deep and unremitting suffering.  Amen.

U.N. | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | NEW MEXICO | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD | WASHINGTON | WISCONSIN

*From April 29 to May 1, the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public-policy offices attended the 2019 ELCA Advocacy Convening in Washington, D.C. The theme of the convening was, “Prepared to Care: Our Advocacy in Light of Disasters Intensified by Climate Change”. Over 70 attendees, including ELCA bishops, community leaders, and state public-policy advocates, participated in workshops, trainings, and hill visits with their legislators.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York

Dennis Frado, director

UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT (CPD):

Photo: CPD; Credits: UN DESA

The 52^nd session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) took place at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York from April 1 to 5. The theme of this year’s session was: “Review and appraisal of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and its contribution to the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. At the opening session the commission adopted a “declaration on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development”. This was the first time ministerial declaration passed by the commission after several years; during this time the commission has been unable to adopt a resolution because some countries (the U.S. included reportedly) oppose any text referring to sexual or reproductive health and rights.

Among the many side-event that took place was, “Faith-based Approaches to Sexual and Reproductive Health from a Human Rights’ Perspective” organized by ACT Alliance, the World Council of Churches, UN AIDS, Faith to Action Network, Islamic Relief-USA, the Milstein Center for Interreligious Dialogue, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Permanent Missions of the Philippines and Norway. The event emphasized that religious actors play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Specific topics included delivery of health and education services and how religious leaders and other religious authorities function as “norm setters”, and their relationships as advocates with legislators nationally and globally. Watch the event here. Read the full report on the general debate over sexual and reproductive rights during CPD session here.

 EIGHTEENTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS PERMANENT FORUM ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES (UNPFII) 2019:

The Rev. Mari Valjakka (second from left), Sami pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and moderator of the World Council of Churches’ reference group on indigenous peoples, visited the Lutheran Office for World Community during the recent UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The Lutheran Office for World Community attended the 18th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) held April 22 – May 3 the Headquarters of the United Nations. This year indigenous people are sharing invaluable knowledge and information around the theme “Traditional Knowledge: Generation, Transmission and Protection.”

 The chair of the forum stated that “traditional knowledge is at the core of indigenous identity, culture and heritage around the world and must be protected.” Discussion centered on the urgent need to preserve and revitalize indigenous languages in this the International Year of Indigenous Languages. According to the publication Ethnologue:Languages Around the World, of the 7000 languages spoken around the world 2,680 are in danger of disappearing, and with them the important culture and practices they articulate.

During the session on human rights of indigenous peoples, Victoria Tauli Corpuz, the UN Special Rapporteur, spoke on attacks on and crimes against indigenous peoples, highlighted in her 2018 report to the Human Rights Council. Her 2019 report will focus on indigenous governance and systems.

Other side-events during the forum included, the launch of “Indigenous Youth: Through Their Eyes,” a book by the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus and the UN Special Envoy on Youth in collaboration with Columbia University. Fourteen indigenous youth contributed to the book, representing all seven regions of the world. They shared a unique perspective on indigenous issues that are affecting the world today.

Read more about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the General Assembly in 2007.

During April, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton (second from left) paid her first visit the Lutheran Office for World Community, accompanied by Kathryn Lohre, ELCA executive for ecumenical and interreligious relations (far right).

California

Regina Q. Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California                                                        loppca.org

ADVOCACY CONVENING: California was well-represented at this year’s Advocacy Convening held April 29 through May 1 in Washington, D.C. The theme of this year’s event was “Prepared to Care: Our Advocacy in Light of Disasters Intensified by Climate Change”. The California delegation consisted of Bishop Guy Erwin of the Southwest California Synod, Debi Groon of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, Wylie Cook a seminarian and board member of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California, and Regina Q. Banks, director of LOPP-CA.

The delegation discussed the ELCA’s commitment to disaster response and preparedness with congressional representative Gilbert Cisneros (CA-39), Doris Matsui (CA-06) and Brad Sherman (CA-30),  as well as senators Kamala Harris and Diane Feinstein. All of the meetings went very well and it was decided all of the offices were receptive to the ELCA Advocacy Ask.

LUTHERAN LOBBY DAY IN SACRAMENTO: Washington was good practice for California’s first statewide advocacy event scheduled for Wednesday May 29th in Sacramento. You can still register for Lutheran Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Participants from D.C. will give an in-depth debrief. Information and a link to register can be found at www.loppca.org

Colorado

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

LEGISLATURE CONCLUDES: The Colorado General Assembly adjourned on Friday, May 3, after four months of legislative work in 2019. Major priorities of the Lutheran Advocacy office this session included death penalty abolition, paid family leave, school lunch access, renter’s rights, and climate action. The assembly had not adjourned by our deadline, so consult our June update for a full run-down of how these priorities fared.

ADVOCACY CONVENING: Colorado was represented at the ELCA Advocacy Convening in Washington, D.C. from April 29 to May 1. Peter Severson, director of LAM-CO, and Jim Gonia, Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod visited with staff of the Colorado congressional delegation on Capitol Hill.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD ASSEMBLY: The Rocky Mountain Synod convened May 3-5 for its 2019 assembly in Albuquerque, N.M., under the theme “Be Transformed!” The event featured keynote speaker Fr. Richard Rohr and also lifted up the ministries of the RMS that are leading hospitality for migrants in Las Cruces and El Paso.

CONGREGATION VISIT: Thank you to the people of Our Saviors’ Lutheran Church in Fort Collins for hosting LAM-CO Director Peter Severson, who preached at their Wednesday Lent service on April 3!

North Carolina

GeoRene Jones, North Carolina Synod Social Justice & Advocacy Ministries (SJAM) Advocacy@NCLutheran.org

Last month we reported on our March 26 Advocacy Day event, Lutherans at the Legislature 2019, and follow-up efforts by congregations across the state. Our advocacy focus was to raise awareness about the significant number of homeless people in our communities and to ask for increased support from the state for affordable housing initiatives across our 100 counties.

One week later, on April 2, legislators in the North Carolina House of Representatives introduced House Resolution 564, which would create a North Carolina House of Representatives select committee on homelessness.

The measure, which passed first reading on April 4, is now under review by the House Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations, and we are hopeful that the resolution will be allowed to the floor and passed before the end of this year’s legislative session.

SJAM efforts in this area of advocacy continue, our next event being a pre-assembly educational forum on homelessness and affordable housing.

New Mexico

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

GOVERNOR MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM SIGNS BILLS SUPPORTED BY LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY-NM: Eight bills for which LAM-NM advocated during the 2019 legislative session made it to the governor’s desk for consideration and were signed into law:

Workers look on as Gov. Lujan Grisham prepares to sign a bill increasing the state minimum wage to $12.

• Increasing the state minimum-wage to $12 by 2023;
• Protections for domestic workers under the state minimum wage and labor laws;
• Stricter requirements and reporting for small loans;
• Creation of the mid-level dental profession of dental therapist which can expand access to oral health care for low-income New Mexicans;
• Prohibiting trafficked minors from being charged with prostitution;
• Prohibiting solitary confinement for children, pregnant women, and people with a serious mental illness;
• Increasing the state Working Families Tax Credit, which piggy-backs on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, from 10 % to 17%; and
• Prohibiting most employers from asking on initial job applications whether or not an applicant is a felon.

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, director

WASHINGTON, D.C. ADVOCACY CONVENING: We just returned from D.C. We had good visits with our legislators or their assistants; Rob Woodall (GA) and Gary Palmer (AL) individually welcomed us to D.C. and talked with us for 30 minutes. It was very refreshing to have them take time out of a very busy day to speak with us.

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATION 2019 – ’20 SESSION: Mississippi’s legislative session has closed for the year. We were fortunate to have six of the bills we supported pass.

Criminal Justice Reform:

• HB1352 – This bill will create the “Criminal Justice Reform Act.” which redefines certain courts (such as drug courts) as “intervention courts,” removes the offense of contempt for an individual’s inability to pay fines, and revises expungement procedures to make them more inclusive.
• SB2328 – This bill will create the “Forensic Mental Health Act of 2019,” to ensure protections for people with mental health concerns who are involved in the justice system.
• HB1284/SB2781 – This bill will create the “Mississippi Fresh Start Act” which states that no person pursuing, practicing, or engaging in any occupation that requires a license shall be disqualified solely or in part because of a prior conviction, unless that conviction directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the licensed occupation.

Environmental Justice:

• HB1568 – This bill will authorize the issuance of state general obligation bonds in the amount of $27,940,000 to provide matching funds for the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund.

Education:

• HB637 – This bill will create the Voter Enfranchisement Study Committee to examine the impact of non-violent offenses on enfranchisement.

Healthcare:

• SB2267 – This bill will create and act to amend the code of Mississippi to transfer the responsibilities of the Mississippi Commission on Expanding Medicaid Managed Care to the Medical Care Advisory Committee within the division of Medicaid in order to monitor and study the Medicaid Managed Care payment program and to make an annual report to the legislature. The bill will also authorize the Medicaid Care Advisory Committee to consult with similar groups.

Ohio

Nick Bates, Hunger Network in Ohio                                                                     www.hungernetohio.com

THE OHIO BUDGET – A MORAL DOCUMENT: Ohio continues to trail the nation in hunger, infant mortality, college tuition, income, and overdose death rates. We must do better. Faith leaders across Ohio attended an advocacy day at the Ohio statehouse in early April to discuss affordable housing, food security, a refundable Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), and fair school funding. The senate will spend May putting their mark on the budget before a final version goes before the governor by June 30.

TAKE ACTION WITH A LETTER TO YOUR LOCAL PAPER: Public officials are dealing with many important issues in the state budget, but you can help lift up the needs of hungry Ohioans with a letter to the editor. CLICK HERE for instructions and a link to your local newspaper. This advocacy is extremely important!

OTHER HAPPENINGS: The Hunger Network was pleased to join our ELCA colleagues in Washington, D.C., for an advocacy convening on climate change and disaster. As we know, those already struggling to get by will bear the brunt of the impact of climate change. (top: Nick Bates, Presiding Bishop Eaton, and Amanda Silcox) . (bottom: Nick Bates, Sen. Rob Portman, John Pyron, and Paisha Thomas).

FAITH ADVOCACY TABLE: HNO continues to assist in convening an inter-faith table of statewide advocates. Paisha Thomas, an ELCA Advocacy Fellow, facilitates the day’s conversation.

Pennsylvania

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

ELCA ADVOCACY CONVENING: LAMPa staff joined Bishop Collins and Bishop Dunlop of the Upper and Lower Susquehanna synods, respectively, as well as five LAMPa advocates in Washington, D.C., for the ELCA Advocacy Convening “Prepared to Care: Our Advocacy in Light of Disasters Intensified by Climate Change.” Along with bishops and leaders from around the country, the group learned about climate and disaster response before visiting lawmakers to advocate for policies to address the threats posed to all.

LUTHERAN DAY AT THE CAPITOL: Registration is open for our day of advocacy on May 20, which will begin at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill and include presentations on hunger and child nutrition, human trafficking, climate change, prescription drug pricing, the ELCA proposed Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment with keynote speaker Kathryn Lohre, and more. In addition, the day will include worship, legislative visits, breakfast, lunch and a celebration of advocates from each synod. The advocacy day is part of a two-day event on the theme “Set A Welcome Table,” designed to equip disciples to live into the beauty of Psalm 133:1: “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” More.

CIVIL CONVERSATIONS TRAINING: On May 19, LAMPa will co-host training inspired by Krista Tippett’s “On Being” podcast and the Civil Conversations Project. Designed to help participants improve their skills for engaging in meaningful conversations in divided times and organize civil conversations in their community. This event invites people of all faiths to build a thriving, diverse democracy. More.

Washington

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

The Washington State legislative session adjourned right on time, and we were busy working to ensure that policies passed will prevent poverty, build housing, protect immigrants, promote civil rights, create clean energy, restore justice to the criminal justice system, and increase public access to medical and mental health care!

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR EXCITING SUCCESSES OF 2019’S SESSION:

• The 2019-’21 biennial operating budget of $52.4 billion, which includes some increases for affordable housing and our broken mental health system.  We took a small step toward progressive tax reform by revising REET (Real Estate Excise Tax) and how home sales are taxed in our state.
• 100% Clean Electricity (E2SSB 5116) – The nation’s most comprehensive clean energy bill which will eliminate Washington State’s use of fossil fuels by 2045.
• Religious Zoning (SHB 1377) – Authories a “density bonus” for faith communities building affordable housing on their properties.
• Keep Washington Working (E2SSB 5497) – Separates the work of local law enforcement from that of federal ICE agents, allowing immigrant families to participate in their communities without fear of deportation.
• Initiative 1000 – This petition to restore affirmative action in jobs, contracts, and education was signed by more people than any other in the history of Washington State.
• Use of Deadly Force (SHB 1064) – Restricts the use of deadly force by law enforcement. The first bill to be signed by the governor this year, based on Initiative 940 which was passed by Washington voters in late 2018.
• Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (2SHB 1713) – Improves law enforcement response to the safety of indigenous women.

FAN HAS BEEN WORKING FOR PEACE IN UNJUST AND DIFFICULT TIMES. We celebrated as the No Ban Act was introduced at the federal level and we met with local staff senators Murray and Cantwell who support the measure. As part of Holy Week, we attended a Table Turning event at Tukwila Detention Center to call out the systems of oppression that harm our neighbors. We mourned with the victims of the shootings in Sri Lanka and San Diego, attacks on people of faith that come far too frequently. We hosted a Statewide Giving Day on April 30 and took to the streets the following day to march with our union friends for May Day. Our work extends from our local communities across the state to the federal level.

PAUL AND SARAH ATTENDED THE ELCA ADVOCACY CONVENING IN WASHINGTON, D.C., and met with the staff of Washington State’s congressional respresentatives. We discussed climate change, natural disaster response, and funding for Puerto Rico.

Wisconsin

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

Our state government is currently shaping its 2019-20 budget. Many of our efforts as an individual ministry and in coalition with our partners have been focused on influencing the budget according to our priorities on hunger and poverty.

PEOPLE OF FAITH UNITED FOR JUSTICE – INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY: One of our budget priorities was clean drinking water in Wisconsin, on which LOPPW took a leadership role. LOPPW’s director, Cindy Crane, and Lutheran Campus Ministry Faith and Vocation Fellow, Sarah Schultz, co-led a workshop on the state of drinking water in Wisconsin. Both Schultz and Hunger Fellow Kelsey Johnson served as legislative captains, leading participants from their assigned districts to their state senator’s and representative’s offices.

Sarah (left) co-leading the first of two 30-minute water presentations.

Kelsey (right) leading participants in a discussion during a legislative visit.

Water presentation video: https://www.facebook.com/LOPPW/videos/369178180354191/

JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARINGS: The director of LOPPW testifed on water, human trafficking, driver’s licenses, and federal dollars for Badger Care at the commitee’s first public hearing, held in Janesville.

Kelsey and LOPPW volunteer Laura Hermanns attended the hearing in the Milwaukee area. LOPPW volunteer and WELCA leader Shirley Paulson attended the hearing in Green Bay.

First ordained Lahu pastor in the ELCA serves in two-expression church

“After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ ”  — Revelation 7:9-10

Christ Lutheran Church in Visalia, Calif., is a church transformed. In opening hearts and doors to a ministry among the community’s Lahu people, the congregation has become a two-expression congregation moving toward the future with hope and promise.

The first step was to welcome a worshiping community of Lahu people. The second step was to join with the Lahu community to support and encourage the Rev. Samee Singkeovilay, who became the first ordained Lahu pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in April 2018. Soon after, he became the mission developer pastor for the Christ Lutheran Lahu Ministry, a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community sponsored by the Sierra Pacific Synod.

The Rev. Samee Singkeovilay, shown at his ordination, along with his spouse, Nakor Singkeovilay.

Called to connect

Nestled in the San Juaquin Valley near the Sierra Nevada foothills, the city of Visalia is home to the largest concentration of Lahu people in the United States: about 2,000 (out of a total of 130,000 people). This is the largest number of Lahu people outside of Asia. Most Lahu in Visalia have family ties to Laos and surrounding areas in Southeast Asia. As such, “the people pretty much know each other and most people are related to one another,” said Singkeovilay. His ministry focuses on building connections with and among this close-knit community.

The Christ Lutheran Lahu community has been worshiping at the church since 2006, after forming nearly 10 years earlier and initially worshiping at another church. Drawn to partnership in ministry with Christ Lutheran, in June 2018 the community became the Christ Lutheran Lahu Ministry SAWC, shepherded by the Rev. Teresita Valeriano, director for evangelical mission for the Sierra Pacific Synod.

But the connection goes deeper. The Lahu Ministry’s 40 worshiping families recently joined Christ Lutheran Church, en masse, transforming Christ Lutheran into a church with two expressions. This two-expression church comprises a collaborative partnership between a historically European-origin community and a newer community of Lahu people who, by adding their culture and heritage, have expanded the outreach and ministry potential of Christ Lutheran Church.

Glimpses of the future

The impact of Singkeovilay’s ministry is one reason for this connection. Bishop Mark Holmerud of the Sierra Pacific Synod, who ordained Singkeovilay, sensed his faith and commitment to serving the Lahu people of Visalia at their very first meeting, to consider his candidacy. “Pr. Samee is the kind of servant leader who gives me hope for the future of this church. At his ordination, several pastors from his TEEM [Theological Education for Emerging Ministry] cohort traveled hundreds of miles to join in the service. That spoke volumes to me of the impression he made on his classmates and their support for his journey to be ordained to serve at Christ Lutheran.”

With the transformation into a two-expression church, Christ Lutheran reflects the vision of the future that the ELCA is pursuing — to truly reflect the diversity of its community and the country and to seek to grow relationships with all God’s people. “Pastor Samee, as the ELCA’s first ordained Lahu pastor — and the Lahu community as a whole — are gifts to our church, not only in terms of diversity, but also more important, in terms of what we can learn from their contribution in mission and hospitality. I am very encouraged and inspired by this new mission partnership, a witness of missio Dei being lived out,” said Valeriano.

“Christ Lutheran is planting the seeds, serving as an example for vital congregations with two expressions to spring up all across the country,” said the Rev. Pongsak Limthongviratn, program director for Asian and Pacific ministries at the ELCA.

Pr. Samee Singkeovilay (right) and Pr. Brian Malison, lead Thanksgiving worship.

Involvement yields growth

Singkeovilay has been involved in the Lahu worship community for many years. The appeal of the ELCA began in 2009 when Singkeovilay, serving as worship leader, began to seriously consider going to seminary. Eventually he came to realize that, “in order for me and the Lahu to do ministry effectively, I should go through seminary and become an ordained pastor.” In 2011, with the encouragement of Christ Lutheran Pastor Brian Malison and Lahu elders, he made his decision. “Christ Lutheran Church members and leaders were a driving force for me to pursue becoming a Lahu pastor in the ELCA.” Over the next seven years, while working as a custodian in the Visalia Unified School District, he worked to complete the TEEM program of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Christ Lutheran initially supported the Lahu community by providing space, which Singkeovilay and the Lahu elders feel “opened the door for the Lahu people to learn, to study the Word of God and to grow.” In time, as church leaders witnessed the depth of Singkeovilay’s ministry and the potential to reach more people, the church stepped up to do more, and to build greater connections between the two communities. To date, this has mostly meant shared worship opportunities as well as spiritual and financial support for Singkeovilay’s seminary path. But a greater partnership is in the works.

The Lahu worshiping community has found that getting involved in Christ Lutheran’s ministries has been “one of the best ways to learn from one another and share the Lahu culture and heritage,” said Singkeovilay. Experiencing the culture of the Lahu has been a blessing to the English-speaking community. “The Lahu remind everyone that (1) God’s church is multi-faceted and multi-ethnic; (2) saying you are inviting and actually being inviting are two different things; (3) grace is the common language that binds us, even though we speak different languages; and (4) the future of Christ Lutheran Church is going to look different now that the Lahu are a part of CLC,” said Malison.

Living the future, now

With its two expressions, Christ Lutheran is showing intentionality. It is beginning to live the vision of the future, now. The combined church has an end goal in mind, much like the vision of the church presented in Revelation (chapter 7: 9-10), which describes a multitude from every nation worshiping God together. “We have just begun to make plans and create strategies for greater ministry impact within our community, but I am sure that whatever that looks like, it will be beyond anything we would have thought of as a church before our formal merging,” said Malison.

Holmerud and Valeriano of the Sierra Pacific Synod have been a source of encouragement for Christ Lutheran as it begins to explore its path forward. Singkeovilay is thankful for this support, realizing, “there are people working behind the scenes to help me and to encourage me. Thanks be to God—through the prayer and support from Christ Lutheran Church, the synod and the ELCA, I can do more pastoral care to the Lahu ministry.”

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