Connections: Gulf Coast Synod News - July 2009

Wed Jul 1 20:11:28 EDT 2009

image001Connections

July 2009

Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Peruvian Pastors 

By Bishop Mike Rinehart

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jim Young (chair of our Peru Team), Mike Langdon and I have just returned from our companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru, where we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the ordination of the first five Peruvian Lutheran pastors (pictured below).

Peru Pastors and Bishop Rinehart.jpg

Ironically, I was at this ordination in 1999, (pictured below back row, right side) one of the pastors in our synod who responded to Bishop Blom's invitation to accompany him. So I've been privileged to know these pastors for ten years. It was an emotional event.

five pastors in peru.jpg

In 1999 there were five pastors and four congregations. Now there are nine pastors and 15 congregations. One congregation is served by an ELCA missionary (Dana Nelson) and another is served by a missionary from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCIC). Some pastors serve two congregations.

Peru is one of poorest countries in the world. Most of the population live under the poverty level. A tiny portion of the population have vast wealth. The government controls all natural resources and recently has offered, to international companies, oil and gas rights in the Amazon rainforest, where many indigenous people live. (How would you like it if your government gave a company permission to drill on your property and keep the profits?) This violation of their property rights has resulted in thousands of people pouring into the streets to demonstrate, and sadly, nine deaths. The tension is similar to Iran right now.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Peru just elected a new president (bishop), Pastor Armando Capcha, pastor of Galilea.  (pictured below)

capcha closeup (2).jpgArmando replaces Pastor Pedro Bullón, who has served as president for the last six years. President Capcha serves Galilea Lutheran Church, where he also lives, an hour and a half from the synod office. He does not own a car. As President Capcha and I visited, I realized how many challenges he faces. Sadly, as is so often the case, many of those challenges revolve around resources.

Because of the poverty, offerings are minimal. Most of the support for the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Peru come from us, from the ELCA and from churches in Germany, Canada and elsewhere. In the last two years ELCA budget cuts due to the economic crisis, have resulted in a reduction of support from $55,000 to $40,000. The giving from our synod has been increasing, but even so, the Peruvian synod treasurer told me she thinks they won't be able to pay pastors in July.

All Peruvian Lutheran pastors are part-time and paid by their synod office. They all make the same salary: $400/month, with an additional $200/month going for benefits. $600/month total. (which would be a car payment for us). They all have other jobs that pay $600-$1,000/month. The position of president is unpaid. In none of these congregations do the offerings cover the pastor's part-time salary. The expenses of the synod (bookeeper, secretary, office, utilities) are paid for by a 5% 'tax' of what comes into the synod office for congregations. I'm told by ELCA South American missionary coordinator that this is typical. It's not much, but they make do.

President Capcha and the Peruvian Synod Council asked me to please make sure all money we send for congregations comes through the synod office for two reasons: 1. So the synod can have funds to operate. 2. So there is financial transparency and accountability, discouraging misappropriation of funds, as all of these congregations are small and many don't have reporting and controls in place. Their synod can provide this accountability and protection for us and them. 

If you have a sister congregation in Peru that you are supporting financially, I pass this request from President Capha and the Peruvian Synod Council on to you. As we give generously, congregation to congregation, let's respect their context, system and requests, even though they are very different from ours.

If you don't have a companion congregation, now is a great time to consider it. What a blessing it has been for us! Of the 15 congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Peru, six have companion congregations that visit them, pray for them and provide some measure of financial support. Peruse the list below. If you sense God calling your congregation to a deeper commitment to global mission, let Jim Young know jyoung at commonresources.com. He'd love to see every congregation in Peru with a companion congregation. 

As I write this, it is early morning in Lima. It's only a seven-hour flight from Houston to Lima, same time zone, but it is winter down here south of the equator. I am sipping hot coffee in the courtyard of The Señorial Hotel in Miraflores. The Señorial may not have air conditioning or heat, but it's clean, well-run, has hot water, hot coffee and only costs $39/night. I consider the 39 people from our synod that will be staying here next month. I think of the 50 that came last year and the youth trip that's in the works for next year. Our Peruvian brothers and sisters have said many times that the relationship is more important than the money. They would rather have us buy a plane ticket and come than send them the $800.

I wash an antacid down with the strong coffee, close my eyes and listen for a moment to the singing of birds in the trees mingling with the distant sound of honking taxis and city traffic. The gentle lilt of South American Spanish surrounds me like a cacophony. I shamelessly eavesdrop trying to sort out the conversations with my so-so Spanish. At the next table a huddle of Doctors Without Borders conspire over breakfast. They are worried about how cold it is in Puno, and the number of children that have died already. My eyes water as I consider the work of these good souls, and also the work of the Lutheran churches here with their soup kitchens, so that no child in the vicinity of a Lutheran church need ever go one single day without food. This is huge. I consider their message of hope - that God loves them with an everlasting love, that God loves the poor who struggle for food and health care as much as the rich sipping mimosas at the Marriott. And I think of you and the love you have poured into these congregations over the last ten years of this relationship.

Thank you,

Mike Rinehart, bishop

Peru Congregations

July 2009

Peruvian Congregations

Pastor

Companion Congregation

Alemana, San Isidro, Lima, (not ILEP)

New pastor just arrived

Belén (Betlehem), Breña, Lima

Pra. Irene Ponce

Spirit of Joy, The Woodlands, TX

Cristo Rey, Surco, Lima – ILEP Oficina

Pr. Dena

Evangelische Lutheraniche Missionwerk, Niedersachsen

Cristo Salvador, San Juan De Miraflores

Christ the King, Houston, TX, Evangelische Lutheraniche Missionwerk, Niedersachsen, Ulrique (Aleman)

Cristo Viva, Trujillo

Pr. Marcos Garras

Chocofan, Trujillo

Pr. Marcos Garras

Emanuel, Collique, Lima

Pr. Benjamin

St. Paul, La Grange, TX and St. Matthew of Sandy Hill Brenham, TX and St. Peter's Elk Grove, CA and Chilliwack Church of Christ, Chilliwack, Canada

Emaus, Lima

Pr. Andres Palencia

St. Paul Maplewood, British Columbia and Shepherd of the Woods, Jacksonville, FL

Fie les Dios, Iquitos

Yoli Zavaleta

Filadelfia, Lima

Pra. Adita Torres

Lord of Life, The Woodlands, TX

Galilea, Lima

Armando Capcha

Advent, Houston, TX

Huancayo

Pr. Frederick Hahler

Iglesia Luterana Trujillo, Trujillo

Marcos Garra

Evangelische Lutheraniche Missionwerk, Niedersachsen

Luz Divia, Marqués

Pr. Benjamin

Living Word, Katy, TX

Magdalena de Cao, Trujillo

Pr. Marco & Pr. Frederik Hahler

San Andrés, Trujillo

Pr. Marco

San Juan Camino de Esperanza, Lima

Grace, Conroe, TX

Talitha Kum, Cuzco

Pra. Ofelia Davila Llimpe

Vida Nueva, Lima

Pr. Pedro

Coalition for Mutual Respect – Dinner and Dialogue for Clergy and Spiritual Leaders

September 9, 2009

By Jodi Bernstein

Senior Associate Director

Anti-Defamation League - Southwest Region

Did you hear the one about the rabbi, the priest, and the imam who walked into a restaurant?

They ate together, talked and became friends!

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is a non-profit human relations organization dedicated to combating prejudice and hatred and fostering harmonious intergroup and interfaith relations.  We are fortunate that a cadre of business, religious and community leaders have joined us in our efforts to create respectful communities in which people of all faiths and backgrounds can live, work, play and pray.   We want you to be a part of our efforts as well.  

ADL knows that when people of faith meet in the spirit of goodwill and trust, amazing things can happen.

Our work in the interfaith community is multi-faceted.  Our community has avoided major racial and religious strife because of our willingness to say NO to hatred and bigotry and YES to respect and understanding.  SIGN UP to be one of our partners to promote mutual respect and understanding. 

Interfaith Programs and Opportunities of the Southwest Region of the ADL

1.       The Coalition for Mutual Respect Congregational Exchange Program is a free and simple way to get to know clergy and congregations of different faiths and backgrounds.  Sign up by September 1.  Send your name, house of worship’s name, title, preferred mailing address, phone, fax and email address to jodi.bernstein at adl.org.  By September 30, you will receive a list of all participating clergy.  By September 15, you will be asked to select your top three preferred clergy partners.  By October 15, clergy partners will be confirmed.  By December 30, you will be asked to meet with your confirmed clergy partner to schedule your congregational exchange to take place in between January and May 2010.  Congregational exchanges can be in the form of a pulpit exchange, a youth group discussion, an adult education class, or some other format agreed upon by clergy partners.  Please note that even clergy without formal congregations and pulpits can participate.  

2.       The Coalition for Mutual Respect Clergy Leadership Institute is for clergy and spiritual leaders interested in in-depth dialogue and interaction with colleagues of different faiths and backgrounds. National and local keynote speakers will explore current events and issues from various faith perspectives. Space is limited to 50 participating clergy and spiritual leaders.  Four programs will be held in January, February, March, April and/or May.  The programs will be in local houses of worship from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  We are in the process of confirming dates and speakers and will have more information soon.  We ask that participating clergy commit to attend at least three of the four programs.  If you are interested in learning more about the Clergy Leadership Institute, email jodi.bernstein at adl.org.  

3.       The Community of Respect™ Initiative is for houses of worship interested in demonstrating their commitment to respect by signing a resolution of respect, implementing three or more anti-bias activities, and then being publicly recognized as a Community of Respect™.  For more information on our Community of Respect™ Initiative, email jodi.bernstein at adl.org. 

Hold the Date

September 9, 2009

You are cordially invited to attend

A special Coalition for Mutual Respect

Evening of Dinner & Dialogue for Clergy and Spiritual Leaders

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral

Speakers:

Rabbi Samuel E. Karff, Rabbi Emeritus Congregation Beth Israel

Rev. William A. Lawson, Pastor Emeritus Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

Bishop Mike Rinehart, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Gulf Coast Synod

There is no charge to attend!

Formal invitations will be sent out in late July.

Please suggest the names of clergy you think would find our Coalition for Mutual Respect Activities of interest. Please forward names and email addresses to me at jodi.bernstein at adl.org.

Sincerely, 

Jodi Bernstein

Senior Associate Director

Anti-Defamation League - Southwest Region

4635 Southwest Freeway, Suite 400

Houston, TX 77027

Ph. 713-627-3490 Ext. 124

Mission Moment – Year Around Stewardship

By Pastor Kerry Nelson

How big is your vision for stewardship?

Kerry photo synod assbly 2009.jpgIn many congregations, “stewardship” means there is a group of three or four people called the “stewardship committee,” who don’t meet until about September, when they begin to gear up for the annual “stewardship campaign” that is intended to raise “pledges” that will help the congregation meet next year’s “budget.”  Sometimes they augment the pledge invitation to include “time and talents,” so they can also staff the necessary volunteer hours necessary to carry on the ministry at the church. This is a very small vision and it doesn’t work very well today, if it ever did.

Few people truly enjoy their service on the stewardship committee, but “someone’s got to do it.”  Rare is the congregation that actually receives “pledges” adequate to meeting the “budget“ and rarer still the congregation that actually staffs the ministry using the information from the time/talent forms. Instead, what often happens is that the stewardship team gets frustrated, the pledges come in too low, the congregational meeting is tense, and the same old volunteers that “did stuff” last year end up “doing stuff” next year while the newest members wonder why no one called them about the areas in which they volunteered.

Year after year after….same thing….same results.

Some congregations quit trying. They disband their stewardship committee or “forget” about creating a new one. They don’t encourage people to make estimates of giving. And then they don’t have to worry about finding volunteer opportunities for “new” people because they don’t have many “new” people – they end up just trying to get the same old people to consider taking on “new” jobs.

This might be one of the reasons why we, as a church, fall so short of our God-given potential for ministry and why mission support, baptized membership, and worship attendance keep falling year after year.

But what if we reconsider the entire meaning of “stewardship” in the lives of our people and our congregations?  What if we enlarge our vision of stewardship?

If we define “stewardship” as “using God’s gifts for God’s purposes,” then it means much, much more than paying the bills at church. It includes everything we do with our time/talents/treasures both in the church and in our daily lives.

And if we think about the purpose of congregational ministry as “equipping the saints of God for ministry,” then doesn’t it make sense that we think of “stewardship” literally as helping people grow rather than seeing what we can get out of them?

What if we enlarged our vision of “stewardship” and then started changing how we think and how we act in the interest of achieving different results.  

We could start with our vocabulary:

·         Annual Campaign becomes Year Around Stewardship Ministry

·         Budget becomes Mission Plan

·         Budget line items become a narrative vision for ministry

·         Time/Talents drive becomes helping people learn about their spiritual gifts and their personal passions/interests

·         Giving to the church becomes using the gifts of God for the purposes of God in all areas of our lives.

·         Stewardship education becomes growing disciples

·         Benevolence gifts becomes mission support for ministries beyond our local congregations

We could continue with the activities/programs encouraged by the stewardship committee:

·         Creating a method of helping people discover their spiritual gifts and personal passions/interests. The ELCA website includes an online spiritual gifts assessment tool.  There are many other tools available out there, including programs like “Life Keys”, www.lifekeys.com.

·         Consider monthly themes that highlight various stewardship concerns like global mission, local mission developments, earth care, physical self care, personal finance, long term giving, etc. Build stewardship thinking into whatever you offer in the way of Christian education, small group ministries, youth ministries and worship.

·         Regularly tell stories in worship, the monthly newsletter and displays around the church that connect the faithful use of God’s gifts and the ministries which such gifts enable.

·         Use a tool like “Make It Simple”, www.elca.org/makeitsimple to organize your stewardship efforts.  

We could think more deeply about a holistic understanding of stewardship in setting priorities in ministry planning and programming:

o          During the development of the annual financial mission plan of the congregation, take time for prayer and conversation about priorities.  What is your vision and mission?  Does mission support come first, last or somewhere in the middle?

o          Think about the effects that the congregation’s leadership structure and programming are making on people’s lives.  Is there a leadership development process in place?  

o          How do you evaluate and make choices about responding to the various appeals for support that come from the wider church and community?

If your congregation would like some help in thinking more deeply about the many facets of stewardship, expanding your vision to a year around emphasis, we have a team that can provide their experience and guidance. The “Many Faces of Stewardship” team will be introduced at the Fall Leadership Summit to be held in Houston (Aug. 28-29) and Louisiana (Sep. 11-12).  For more information, contact John Boldt at pastorjohn at welcometohosanna.com.

Who’s in YOUR neighborhood? Download a demographic report for your congregation

Who are the people in your neighborhood? Now you can find out by downloading a demographic report that covers a 3-mile radius around your congregation.

In November of 2008, Bishop Rinehart contacted the ELCA Research and Evaluation section at the ELCA Churchwide Office requesting demographic data on the synod. He liked it so much that he requested a report for each congregation in the synod.

Each report is customized to show demographic information such as population, income, age, etc., for a 3-mile radius of congregations in the synod. The data used in each report is provided by Claritas, Inc., the leading demographic data provider. This information will provide you with a numeric picture of your surrounding community.

How do you access your congregation's report?

1.	Go to www.gulfcoastsynod.org and click on Synod Info in the top menu. 
2.	In the dropdown menu, select Map of Synod. 
3.	The Google <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=117775443778163435833.000446d2e50b23302d874&ll=29.952053,-95.416903&spn=4.805801,10.283203&z=7>  Map that displays, contains a colored marker for each congregation. 
4.	Search for your congregation alphabetically in the left-hand column or by navigating on the map. Click on the marker for your congregation. 
5.	In the pop-up box that displays your congregation's contact info, look for the link to Demographics <http://www.elca.org/~/media/Files/Who%20We%20Are/Research%20and%20Evaluation/4F/Advent_Houston.pdf> . This link will provide your congregation's demographic report in Adobe Acrobat Reader PDF format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, download it here <http://get.adobe.com/reader/> .
6.	Choose to Open or Save the PDF file. 
7.	Share this information with your congregational leadership (pastors, congregation council members, and others) and discuss.  
8.	Report any technical difficulties to www.elca.org/feedback -- please include your e-mail address, your congregation name and city.   

Thanks. We hope this report sparks discussion about ministry opportunities in your neighborhood!

Host Homes Needed for Leipzig Youth Orchestra

Leipzig youth orchestra.jpgThe Leipzig Youth Orchestra will be visiting Houston from July 7 – 11, 2009 to perform Mendelsson’s “Elijah.” They bring 70 young boys and girls, ages 14 to 20, as part of their American tour. They have requested hosts for home stays. 

Home stays are scheduled in groups of 2 to 4 young musicians. If you are willing to serve as a host, please contact Cheryl Gaspard at Christ the King Lutheran Church, either by phone (713) 523‐2864 x1022, email cherylgaspard at ctkelc.org or fax (713) 523‐6578.  

The following is their schedule of events:

Tuesday, July 7:

·         6:00 pm Meet at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd (at Greenbriar);

·         Pizza party for hosts and musicians at Christ the King, then home to bed.

Wednesday, July 8:

·         Breakfast with host family. [Church is open from 7:00am to receive youth.]

·         9:00 am Drop off at Christ the King Church with a simple sack lunch and a bottle of water.

·         10:00am‐1:00pm rehearsal

·         1:00 PM OPTION: Those host families who wish to organize an afternoon activity with their students are welcome to pick them up and do so.

·         OTHERWISE there will be organized activities until 6:00pm.

·         6:00 PM Pick up at Christ the King Church; free evening with host family.

Thursday, July 9:

·         Breakfast with host family. [Church is open from 7:00am to receive youth.]

·         9:00 am Drop off at Christ the King Church with a simple sack lunch and a bottle of water.

·         10:00am–1:00pm rehearsal

·         1:00pm Activities with CTK Youth Group

·         5:00pm Barbecue Dinner

·         7:00 –10:00pm rehearsal

·         9:30pm Host families are welcome to attend the last 30 minutes of the rehearsal.

·         10:00pm Pick up at Christ the King Church.

Friday, July 10:

·         Breakfast with host family.

·         OPTION: Those host families who wish to organize a morning activity are welcome to do so.

·         OTHERWISE there will be organized activities. [Church is open from 7:00am to receive youth.]

·         12:00pm Drop off at Christ the King Church with a simple sack lunch and a bottle of water.

·         1:00–4:00pm dress rehearsal

·         7:30pm Concert at Christ the King Church, Rice Blvd. at Greenbriar ‐ Parking in Rice University lot west of stadium.

·         Reception following the concert at Christ the King Church.

·         Each host family receives two complimentary tickets to the concert; the regular ticket price is $15 ($10 for seniors and college students – children under 18 are free).

Saturday, July 11:

·         Breakfast with host family.

·         9:30am Drop off at Christ the King Church with bags for departure to New Orleans

Two Chances to Visit Peru in 2009

This year there are two trips planned to Peru from our synod 

1. July 27 to August 3, 2009 

Join others in a cultural immersion trip to Peru, July 27-August 2, 2009. Adults and youth (traveling with their parents) are encouraged to learn more about life in South America and especially about our Peru header.jpgLutheran brothers and sisters on this powerful trip to Lima and surrounding communities. People from about 8 congregations will travel together. For more information contact Jim Young at jyoung92 at comcast.net or peggy at gulfcoastsynod.org.  

2. November 16 to Nov. 23, 2009

A group from Living Word Lutheran Church is travelling to Lima, Peru to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of Luz Divina Lutheran Church. Most likely they will work on building a new Sunday School building in the hills near Marquez. A life changing trip! Come, they would love to have you with them! Contact: John (Juanito) Warner at jwwarner28 at comcast.net of Living Word Lutheran church in Katy.

2009 ELCA Global Formation Event Oct. 2-3, Living Word, Katy

Equip your congregational team for global and domestic ministry!

For only $35 and in only 1½ days, you and your team can

• enhance your connections with the worldwide Lutheran family

• energize your congregation

• gain practical skills for mission

• give, receive, and serve more effectively

elca global formation brochure.jpgOctober 2–3, 2009

Living Word Lutheran Church, Katy, Texas

The Global Formation Event brings together experts and resources on global and domestic ministry under one roof, for one weekend, in one convenient location, so congregational leaders can build skills to be an effective part of God’s mission no matter where you are.

What your team can expect from this team-building event:

• A probing look at the changing context of the global church, and how that context influences global and domestic ministry

• Biblical foundation of global mission

• Challenging witness from a global companion

• Time for your congregational team to meet, reflect, and plan

• In-depth, skill-building workshops, led by experts in specific areas of ministry

• Lively devotions that include global voices

• Opportunities to share about your congregational and synod global relationships

• Fellowship time for networking and connecting

For more information and to register, visit www.elca.org/globalevents

Stay for Living Word’s 6th annual Global Mission Festival on October 4 from 2–6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.livingwordkaty.org

Global Mission Festival, Living Word – Save the Date!

Sunday, October 4, 2009 is the date selected for the 6th Annual Global Mission Festival at Living Word Lutheran Church, Katy. global mission background image.jpgIt will last from 2:00 to 6:30 p.m. Join in for a Spirit-filled afternoon of multi-cultural worship, with special guest speaker Leonard Sweet, (a noted author, preacher, and professor of evangelism), fellowship, fair trade arts & crafts, ethnic food, great world music, mission ministry information, games and FUN for EVERYONE!

Information packets will be mailed in August. Want to know more now? Contact Living Word at 281-392-2300 or email at livingwordkaty at livingwordkaty.org

Real Peace, Real Security: The Challenges of Global Citizenship

New Book Available from Fortress Press

real peace real security book.jpgNew developments in the theory and practice of peacebuilding move us beyond the old debate between just-war theory and pacifism. Instead, extensive practical work to prevent war and establish peace has yielded a set of insights and practices of first resort the multiple tasks that can be done to prevent war, stop violence, and resolve longstanding conflicts.

In Real Peace, Real Security: The Challenges of Global Citizenship social ethicist Sharon Welch highlights a great convergence of diplomatic, military, and pacifist thinkers around peacekeeping, peacemaking, and peacebuilding.

Vivid, compelling, and accessible to people across the political spectrum -  conservatives, moderates, liberals, and pacifists, Welch’s work invites people to enter a timely ethical and political reframing of the very nature of enduring security and sustainable peace.

“In Real Peace, Real Security, Sharon D. Welch gives us U.S. Foreign Policy 101, but with heart and conscience. In clear and accessible language, Welch not only explains the history and trends of international relations, but also challenges us to be mindful of the stories we create about others and ourselves.  With the insight of a political prophet, Welch offers suggestions for how people of faith and government can draw on religious insights to create the peaceful world most of us desire.  A brief and important read!”   --Monica A. Coleman, Associate Professor of Constructive Theology and African American Religions, Claremont School of Theology, Co-Director, Center for Process Studies

Sharon D. Welch is Provost and Professor of Religion and Society at Meadville Lombard Theological School, Chicago, after many years as Professor of Religious Studies and Women’s Studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is also author of After Empire (2004), Sweet Dreams in America (1993), A Feminist Ethic of Risk (2nd Ed. 2000), and Communities of Resistance and Solidarity (1985).

Real Peace: Real Security: The Challenges of Global Citizenship

By Sharon D. Welch

Fortress Press Facets Series

Format: Paperback 148 pages  4.25 x 7.25 inches 
Item No:  9780800662790
Publisher:  Fortress Press www.fortresspress.com

Leadership Summit this Fall will Equip Congregations for Evangelism, Re-rooting

Two Dates Available

NEW ORLEANS

September 11-12, 2009

Christ the King, Kenner

HOUSTON

August 28-29, 2009

Covenant, Houston

Friday– Professional Leaders: Pastors, AiMs, SAMs, Deaconesses, Diaconal Ministers , Church Staff

11:30-1:00 Registration

Noon-1:00 Lunch

1:00-1:15 Devotions

1:15-2:30 Keynote Speaker:  Who’s in your neighborhood?  Come find out!  (And learn how it impacts your ministry context.)

2:30-4:00 Conversation with the Bishop:  Sexual Misconduct, Cultural Awareness, RE-ROOTING, Financial Concerns & more

4:00–4:30  Networking/Dinner 

Saturday– Leaders of all ages: Church staff members, council, committee and team members, student leaders, musicians, Sunday School teachers, etc.     

8:30-9:00 Registration

9:00-9:30 Opening Prayers in Sanctuary

9:30-12:00  Our Highest Priority! Kaleidoscope Institute keynote speaker and group process   

12:00-1:30 Working Lunch/Roundtable and Re-rooting Group Discussions/Local Mission Planning

1:30–2:30 Workshop Session I

2:45-3:45 Workshop Session II

4:00-4:30 Sending Worship in Sanctuary 

Costs: Costs for the event are by congregational group.  One fee covers the cost for your whole group, no matter how many people you bring.  Lunch is included.  Bring ALL your key leaders!

• $75 for congregations who worship 99 people or less on a Sunday 

• $100 for congregations who worship 100-150 people on a Sunday 

• $175 for congregations who worship more than 150 people on a Sunday

Register online beginning July 6 until August 21 (Houston) or until September 14 (New Orleans)

Reflections on Education Mission Trip to Vietnam

vietnam group.jpg

By The Rev Thuong Ngoc Le

Dear all

We are safe back in the States from the Education Mission trip to Vietnam. It was an awesome trip, (March 2 through 20, 2009) and it really felt more like a vacation than serving the Lord over there. We spent a lot of time with local leaders, as well as the believers. Our main focus was preparing for lessons to train the church leaders, but we had a lot of time to interact with them also. The Christian community is growing so fast, praise God for that. 

The daily teaching program was began in the morning and lasted until the evening. They live together there in the Catholic Church facility, located beside the beach of Vung Tau. The day we had to leave, a lot of them cried. Throughout the whole trip, we were building relationships and whenever we had to leave a place, I don't know what to say except that it was really sad. We had to keep reminding them that as Christians, it's never "good-bye" but always "see you later" whether in this life or the one to come. 

They are so eager to learn whatever they can, anything new that they don't already know. It was so encouraging to see eager hearts, ready for what the Lord provides. That also taught me that I may not be the best at what I know, but what I do know, I should pass on.  

It was also my first time seeing a pet monkey and bats at a local park, living in trees. We ate a lot of fruits that aren't available here, my favorite being the mangosteen. The weather was warm the first couple of days, during our devotions there was always a nice breeze. 

All in all, God is an awesome and wonderful God. There is no one that compares to the Lord.

We are so blessed to be in His plan of sharing the good news that salvation in education area for Vietnam. There is no special calling that anyone needs to be a missionary. God has already commanded us to go into all the world. He will let His glory, His Name, shine for the world. Whether we want to be a part of that or not, is up to us. But you can do that in your home when you will be a partner in mission for support and prayers.

Thanks again for your prayers and support. We appreciated it so much. And thanks be to God evermore 

We give thanks to the Bishop Mike Rinehart and Christ The King-Kenner, Grace-New Orleans, Galilean-La Place and the Bayou New Orleans Ministers, the 48 students who came to this seminar from many places in Vietnam, the 20 pastors from House Churches (non-denomination), pastors from Independent Churches and their wives, and finally, the four teachers who came from San Francisco. The next mission trip to Vietnam will be October 5-23, 2009. Please remember me in your prayers. 

The Rev. Thuong Ngoc Le

761 Marlene Dr Gretna LA 70056. 

Tel: 504-920-2434. 

Email: vietlutheran at gmail.com.

Invitation to Ordination of Linda Jeanne Mosley 

The Congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Shelby would like to invite you to join them as they celebrate the Ordination of Pastor Linda Jeanne Mosley on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

Following the service there will be a meal in the Fellowship Hall. Rostered individuals are invited to robe for the procession, and participate. The color of the day is Red. Please RSVP to (979) 732-3987 for appropriate reserved seating.

St. Paul Lutheran Church is located at 6814 Skull Creek Road in the Shelby community.  From Hwy. 159 turn North on FM 1457.  From Hwy. 290, turn South on FM 389. For more information contact the church office: (979) 836-8972 or at http://stpaulshelby.org.

LSTC’s Web of Creation Awarded Grant from the Lutheran Community Foundation

Chicago – Thanks to a grant from the Lutheran Community Foundation Creation Care “Environmental Initiative,” LSTC’s Web of Creation and the Lutheran Earthkeeping Network of the Synods will develop a program for ELCA congregations and their members to embrace actions for care of creation in substantive and meaningful ways. The program, Lutherans Restoring Creation, will enlist the cooperation of ELCA churchwide leadership, the denomination’s synods, and its seminaries. It will offer hands-on workshops and training for congregations and clergy as well as webinars and other online resources.

Based on the success of the Web of Creation’s Green Congregation Training Workshops, which have engaged over 800 participants from approximately 300 congregations, the commitment to care of creation appears to be strong and growing within the ELCA. Many other congregations are seeking the type of leadership and resources that Lutherans Restoring Creation will provide.

 “Our goal is to engage each faith-community in doing what they are willing and able to do in order to manifest commitment to and to take action on behalf of God’s creation,” said Dr. David Rhoads, supervisor of the Web of Creation and professor of New Testament at LSTC. “We do not believe that care of creation is an add-on – one issue among others. We believe that being Earth-keepers is foundational to our Christian vocation and should be integral to the full life and mission of congregations.”

Lutherans Restoring Creation will create opportunities for leaders involved in care of creation across the church, to stay in touch and share ideas and resources with one another. By August 2011, Lutherans Restoring Creation hopes to expand significantly the number of ELCA congregations already actively engage in care of creation and to certify them in this program. The program will also assist synods to become “Green Synods” and to provide congregational training in care of creation. Lutherans Restoring Creation will also urge ELCA seminaries to embrace care for creation in the training of church leaders. 

Additionally, Lutherans Restoring Creation will seek to help congregations and other church institutions reduce their carbon impact on the environment, adopt the Seasons of Creation resources for worship, study the ELCA social statement on Caring for Creation, and share information from the ELCA advocacy program. Creativity and initiative at the local level will be an important ingredient in the program.

The Lutheran Earthkeeping Network of Synods (LENS) is a voluntary faith-based organization devoted to bringing care of creation into the life and mission of the ELCA. It was founded in 1997. LENS holds retreats and workshops, prepares resource materials for congregations, advocates for earth-friendly laws and policies, and maintains a web site, www.webofcreation.org/LENS/synods.html.

The Web of Creation, a faith-based web site developed to provide ideas, resources, and strategies for doing eco-justice is maintained by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and is supported through grant funding, sponsorship, and endorsement from faith-based sources. Visit the Web of Creation at http://www.webofcreation.org.

Please do not send postings or comments to this list.
Its sole purpose is to distribute this newsletter.

TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod, ELCA

12707 I-45 North Freeway, Suite 580

Houston, TX  77060-1239

Voice: 281-873-5665

Fax: 281-875-4716

Website: www.gulfcoastsynod.org

In This Issue:

Click on a link to go…

Coalition for <>  Mutual Respect – Dinner and Dialogue for Clergy and Spiritual Leaders

Rev. Kerry Nelson: <>  Year Around Stewardship

Who’s in Your <>  Neighborhood: Download a Demographic Report of Your Congregation

Host Homes Needed for <>  Leipzig Youth Orchestra

Two Chances to Visit Peru in <>  2009

ELCA Global Formation <>  Event: Living Word, Katy

Global Mission <>  Festival, Living Word, Katy

New Book from Fortress <>  Press: Real Peace, Real Security- The Challenges of Global Citizenship

Leadership Summit this Fall <>  will Equip Congregations for Evangelism, Re-rooting

Rev. Thuong Ngoc Le: <>  Reflections on Education Mission Trip to Vietnam

Invitation to <>  Ordination of Linda Jeanne Mosley

LSTC’s Web of <>  Creation Awarded Grant from the Lutheran Community Foundation

Synod Staff Welcomes Rev. Glenn Holt

Please join us in welcoming  Rev. Glenn Holt to the synod staff!  Pastor Glenn will serve as Assistant to the Bishop for Disaster Preparation and Response beginning July 20, 2009. This important full-time position is being funded through our partnership with Lutheran Disaster Relief. Pastor Glenn has extensive background in disaster work as well as pastoral care. His first work will be to gain a full understanding of hurricane impacted communities in our synod, to develop a network of partners across the country, and to work with others preparing congregations for disaster response. Please keep Pastor Glenn and The Shared Ministry of Fayette County (4 congregations working together in mission) in your prayers as they all transition into the future. We appreciate the work of Dr. Walt Earhart, Pastor Barb Simmers, Pastor Chris Lake and Mike Iverson in their work on this Call Committee.

Our Connection to Peru

Each month we will have a special feature article about our sister synod in Lima Peru. Please visit Our <http://www.enthuseddesigns.com/connections_peru/>  Connections to Peru for our articles. You will also find information on Future Seekers, the recent trip to Peru, and Pastor Navarro’s blog spot.

Connections Deadline 

Connections goes out monthly the first of the month. If you have an article for the August issue, please submit it by July 20. Send articles to Susan Rinehart at 

susanrinehart at suddenlink.net.  Please note that this is a new email address. 

REVEAL: Youth Worker Training

WHO: Your TEAM of adults who work with Jr. high and Sr. high students

WHAT:  Youth Worker Training, Bible  study, worship, and renewal

WHEN:  Friday, August 21 to Saturday, August 22

WHERE:  Camp Lutherhill in La Grange, TX

KEY NOTE SPEAKER: Eric Hamrick

An associate with the Youth & Family Institute and full-time youth minister in the congregation, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge around ministry with boys, leadership development, and working in the community.

REGISTRATION: Open online now through August 4 at www.soggyshoes.org.

 QUESTIONS?  Contact Pastor Brad Otto at pastorbrad12 at mac.com

Links:

Congregations <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/call_process.htm>  in Transition

Mission Support <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/mission_support.htm>  Information

Synod Web Site -

www.gulfcoastsynod.org

Youth & Family Ministry www.soggyshoes.org

Disaster Relief Web Site 

www.futurewithhope.org

Churchwide Web Site

www.elca.org

ELCA Global Missions

www.elca.org/GlobalMission

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0001.html 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 4468 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0018.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 18460 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0019.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 72541 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0020.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 6420 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0021.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 1977 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0022.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 43661 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0023.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 30131 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0024.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 31073 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0025.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 25260 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0026.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 30024 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0027.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 22073 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0028.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 2029 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0029.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 2910 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0030.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 10737 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0031.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 3312 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0032.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 9255 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0033.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 7109 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0034.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 5974 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0035.jpe 
-------------- next part --------------
An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed...
Name: ATT00007.txt
Url: http://lists.faithgroups.net/pipermail/gulfcoastsynod/attachments/20090701/94a59e8d/attachment-0001.txt 