[Second_site] Gulf Coast News: March CONNECTIONS

Thu Mar 20 17:08:55 EDT 2008

Connections

03-20-08

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

Synod Assembly – Imagining a Visionary Future Together!

The Synod Assembly Vision Team is hard at work preparing for our time
together May 29-31!  Please join us in beginning to pray now for our
visioning process before, during and after the Assembly.  A few Assembly
reminders:

*	Pastors: If your congregation’s voting members are not already
decided, please invite your most visionary and prayerful leaders to be a
voting member. 

*         Register for the Assembly by April 7 to receive the Early Bird
registration price of $235 (and you get another $25 discount for registering
online!).  Registration materials have been mailed to all congregations as
well as rostered leaders who are not currently under call.  All registration
materials, forms and online registration are also available at
www.gulfcoastsynod.org <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/> , under the Synod
Assembly link.  

*         The deadline to submit nominations for Synod Council, 2009
Churchwide Assembly voting members, and Discipline and Consultation
Committee positions must be submitted by March 31.  Please see
www.gulfcoastsynod.org <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/>  for nomination
forms and instructions.

*         Resolutions are due April 16 in order to be included in the
pre-assembly voting member packet.  Please see www.gulfcoastsynod.org
<http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/>  for resolution forms and instructions.

*         Hotel reservations need to be made by April 22 to receive our
negotiated rate of $113 per night.  Hotel reservations can be made by
calling Marriott at 800-262-1509 (tell them you are with the TX/LA Gulf
Coast Synod Assembly) or see the hotel reservations link at
www.gulfcoastsynod.org <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/> , on the Synod
Assembly page.

2008 Easter Message from Bishop Hanson

“For you have died, your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who
is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.”
(Colossians 3:3-4)

“You have died.” The words resonate because this world’s violence and
suffering— so pervasive, so needless, so relentless—haunt every human
community and life. Where death rules, hope lies entombed in endless grief.

Another death—the crucifixion of Jesus—changed everything. God is not
hidden, but present through suffering, sorrow, and death. Jesus is God’s
resounding “yes!” to the steadfastness of God’s forgiving love, embodied on
a cross.

The death of Jesus shows no partiality. It was for all nations and all
people—for them, for you, for me. Your life is now with Christ.  In baptism
you have died. Hidden with Christ, no longer entombed in grief, your life
carries the promise of glory.  

>From that first day of resurrection onward, God has been raising up
messengers of salvation, heralds of peace, and testifiers of the promised
glory.  You are a witness of the hope to come. Quite simply, Christ is your
life, my life, our life. You have no other than this One who lives
resurrected in you.

Christ is risen! Alleluia! 

 Salvadoran Bishop Comes to Houston

Tuesday, April 16 Schedule:

12:00-2:00 p.m. lunch with Pastors and Rostered Leaders at Christ the King

7:30-9:00 p.m. Lecture at Rothko Chapel

Salvadoran Bishop Medardo Gomez will meet with pastors and rostered leaders
over lunch at Christ the King (Houston) on Tuesday, April 16 from noon until
2:00 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to hear about the condition of
the Lutheran Church in El Salvador and its leadership.  

Then Tuesday night at the Rothko Chapel (1409 Sul Ross St. at Yupon in
Houston) 7:30-9:00 Oscar Romero Award recipients Medardo Gomez and Sr.
Dianna Ortiz will speak about how receiving the Oscar Romero Award has
touched their lives and guided their activities. They will show how the
legacy of Oscar Romero lives on in their work.

The Oscar Romero Award was established in response to the turbulent and
violent times of the 1980s in South and Central America. The Oscar Romero
Award is named after the Catholic Archbishop of San Salvador who was
martyred while responding to a particular time and specific issues in his
country. The award demonstrates that Romero transcends the particular and
speaks a universal truth that is for all time and all people. 

Medardo Gomez is the shepherd for the Lutheran church in El Salvador, a
church of 12,000 members in 70 congregations. He is the only Lutheran bishop
the country has ever had, but he is much more. Through the horrors of the
civil war (1982-1992), the earthquake (2001) and the tremendous economic
want and social violence in the decade since the peace accords, Bishop Gomez
has boldly proclaimed that the Gospel message requires a Christian walk in
solidarity with the poor. This event will be worth your time.

...Only through concrete acts of love and solidarity can we effectively
realize our encounter with the poor and the exploited and, through them,
with Jesus Christ. 

To give to them is to say yes to Christ; to refuse them is to reject Christ
(Mt. 25:31-46).

--Gustavo Gutiérrez

Easter and Pentecost

By Mike Rinehart, bishop

I’m looking out the dining room window at the almost-full Passover moon, and
thinking:This was the weirdest Holy Week I’ve ever had. For 20 years I have
walked through the Triduum as the spiritual and liturgical leader of a
congregation. This year, as the pastor to 127 congregations and their
pastors and rostered leaders, it felt
 different. I felt a bit detached. It
wasn’t until Pastor Kathy Bender-Swich called me from Mark Hanson’s office,
that I realized I something was going on. She called to see how I was doing,
saying she remembered her first year not serving as a parish pastor, and I
got a bit choked up. Until that moment I hadn’t realized I was grieving. 

I imagine this is a weird time for you too. Easter is earlier than it ever
has been or ever will be. And now that Easter is here, we slog through the
last of March, then April and May, not knowing quite what to do with
ourselves. It’s all so neat when Easter is late in April. Then you just have
May before summer. May drives itself with Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo for
some, Confirmation for others, Graduation, and everything culminating in a
big Memorial Day foodfest.  

So permit me a bit of hermeneutical, homiletical and liturgical reflection
that I might live vicariously through your weird post-Easter, post-Pentecost
pericope.

Easter

If it were up to me I’d use I Am the Bread of Life for communion every
Sunday in April. This song was considered folk Christian kitch when I was
studying music and liturgy in college. It has since made it into the
mainstream. It has survived, unlike Do Lord and the dreadful Sons of God.
One hears this sung even in high Episcopal liturgies, beginning with piano,
then swelling to the final refrains with full pipe organ, choir in four
parts. This beloved folk song is truly the work of the people, sung in many
circles, many languages, and was even deemed indispensable by the liturgical
illuminati in Chicago (ELW #485). The song can take the entire distribution
time in most settings. Most importantly it carries the all-important
resurrection theme: and I will raise you up on the last day. 

March 30 and April 6 we get two parts of Peter’s Pentecostal sermon. Some
sermon it must have been, since 3,000 people got baptized. (I often wonder
how they did it. Who baptized whom after all? I’m going to go out on a limb
and assume Peter didn’t baptize everyone. And they didn’t have hoses.) 

Most pastors cannot bear to leave doubting Thomas alone on Easter 2. But the
mission-minded might give it a rest for this year and run with the other
pregnant themes in John 20, like as the Father has sent me so I send you.
Now there’s something to sink your teeth into. Would Jesus' preaching of the
kingdom of God have had the same power if it had not been accompanied by his
eating with outcasts, prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners? Would his
preaching ministry have had traction without his healing ministry? Would his
words have had power without his deeds, if he had not lived them to the
cross? What does it mean for us to walk in his footsteps?  What does it mean
to borrow from our presiding bishop, to be a “sent church?” If we were to do
as Jesus did, what would that look like? 

April 6 is the Road to Emmaus. I’ve been hearing this text as an
“accompaniment” text recently. Jesus models accompaniment. We walk
alongside. He practices a ministry of presence. He listens before speaking.
He knows more than he lets on. He asks questions and listens to their
answers. Only then does he speak and open the Scriptures to them. And when
they ask him to stick around (“Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening and the
day is far spent
”) he breaks bread with them. It is then that they “see”
who he is. And they say to themselves, “Didn’t our hearts burn when he
talked with us along the way. I believe I referenced this text in my barely
memorable talk at synod assembly. “I want heartburn.” Actually, I think I
said, “I want a bishop who gives me heartburn.” I got my wish.

April 13, 20, 27 and May 4 I would love to stick with the Acts texts. I
won’t be. I’m still stumping for the border-crossing Jesus, but I may touch
these texts a bit. April 13 is Acts 2’s compelling picture of the church:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and the prayers 
 they would sell their possessions and
goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need
 They broke bread
at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and
having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to
their number those who were being saved. A season of sermons there. Word,
Sacrament, Worship, Fellowship, Service, Generosity. As the Father has sent
me so I send you

April 20 the stoning of Stephen. A great time to re-read the first chapter
of Bonhoeffer The Cost of Discipleship. Why are we such a wimpy church? John
gives us the hope: In my Father’s house there are many rooms
 I go to
prepare a place for you

April 27 we get Paul in Athens. A great model for interreligious dialog.
Paul is able to proclaim the gospel without denigrating their faith, their
religiosity, and their gods. 

May 4 we go to the Ascension in most congregations. Another missional text.
The angel: So why are you just standing around? Get going

Then May 11 is both Pentecost and Mother’s Day. How about a little dabbling
with the Holy Spirit as feminine? There are plenty of feminine images for
God (Jesus: As a mother hen gathers her young under her wing
). The Spirit
that moved over the face of the deep is also the creator who birthed the
world into being. Or we could study Paul’s list of nine spiritual gifts in I
Corinthians 12.

May 18 is Trinity Sunday, complete with the Great Commission, another
missional text. 

May 25 is a real curiosity. Because Easter was so early, the lectionary
plops in the texts from the 8th Sunday after the Epiphany. I’m not even
going to try to explain this. The gospel is a good one: Matthew 6, Sermon on
the Mount. You can’t serve God and mammon. Don’t worry about your life. Be
like the flowers and the birds. 

If you want to think into the summer, visit www.GulfCoastSynod.org/Romans.
The texts, starting June and going for 16 weeks, walk us through Romans.
I’ve laid out a plan for preaching and doing small group Bible studies
around Romans. It might be a good way to keep people together and in the
Word during the summer.

Thanks for letting me go on about all this. I don’t get to do small group
ministry these days, but if you’d like to conspire together about yours, my
door is open, as it were.

Yours in Christ,

Mike Rinehart, bishop

Kyle’s Calling, How One Boy Scout Earned His Eagle Award

By Christa Kolencik

Communications Director

When the Jordan’s moved their two young sons to Venezuela in 2000, they knew
they were going to spend about two years there. Terry Jordan, a petroleum
engineer with BP was there on a temporary assignment. Beth, his wife, and
their sons, Kyle and Paul, knew Venezuela would be quite different from the
States, but they didn’t know just how much different it would be.

Roughly 26 million people call Venezuela home, with most living in dire
poverty. Even though the Jordan’s were well provided for by BP, they decided
not to shield their children from the reality of life around them. The boys
witnessed real life in Venezuela and it made an impact. There was also
something else that made a difference especially for 12-year-old Kyle. He
was a Boy Scout. He took the Scout Oath seriously. Not only did he honor his
“duty to God and country,” but he also fully believed he also needed to
“help other people at all times.”

Beth Jordan said scouting has always been an important part of Kyle’s life.
The Oath and Scout Law were words he took seriously.  He had also been
exposed to the realism of how many live in the world and saw first-hand
extreme poverty.  “Kyle’s time in Venezuela really made him want to do
something in a third world country,” she says.

That something would eventually be Kyle’s Eagle Scout project that would
take him south of Venezuela to Peru.

Kyle, now a senior at Cinco Ranch High School, has actually been scouting
for most of his life. He is a member of Troop 209, the oldest troop in Katy
that has their Scout House at St. Peter’s Methodist Church. After 11 years
of active involvement in the Boy Scouts that includes the two years of
international scouting in Venezuela, Kyle was awarded his rank as Eagle
Scout on November 10, 2007.

The Eagle Scout is the highest level of scouting to which only one of our U.
S. presidents, Gerald Ford, ever obtained. In order to receive this level of
rank in the Boy Scouts of America, young men must demonstrate their
leadership skills. One way to do this is to plan and carry out an Eagle
Scout leadership service project. This service project should benefit an
organization other than the Boy Scouts of America, such as a religious
institution, school or community. The size of the project and time spent are
not specifically laid out, but as necessary for the individual to
demonstrate his leadership of others.

Kyle said that he has learned many life skills through scouting that has
prepared him for the future, not to mention the friendships he has formed. 

Kyle, his parents, Beth and Terry and brother, Paul have been Living Word
members since fall of 2002.  During the years Kyle grew up in faith at
Living Word, he became familiar with a church affiliation in Lima, Peru.
Kyle and the congregation all know of the heartfelt passion for this South
American country and its people that Living Word member, John Warner has.
John created an ongoing relationship with a Lutheran church there.

La Luz Divina, is now Living Word’s sister congregation. Groups of
volunteers from Living Word and other area Lutheran churches travel annually
to visit the people of La Luz Divina and in nearby Marquez, the town outside
of Lima where the church is located.

Peru is the third largest South American country.  It has often been called
the “heart of the Inca Empire.”  Peru houses the massive peaks, steep
canyons and pre-Columbian archaeological sites of the Andes that also
surround the Amazon.  It is also a nation of six million that struggle with
pollution, crime, AIDS and severe poverty.  Most live in structures that
Americans would not utter the word, home, to describe.  Little more than
basic brick and cinder blocks make up these dwellings, and most roofs are
unfinished allowing exposure to the elements.

Kyle’s mother, Beth, knew of Kyle’s desire to do his project in Lima and
made the trip with the group from Living Word in November of 2005. She met
with the pastor of La Luz Divina, Pastor Ben Navarro, to ask about any
projects that would benefit the church and community. He suggested
constructing a small building that could be used as an outreach center in
one of the neighboring communities that the church is trying to help. The
community center would be used for several purposes: a safe house for
students before and after school, a place to hold church sponsored health
presentations, such as AIDS awareness, first aid and hygiene classes, a
place for women’s groups to meet, a place for Bible study, and as a
temporary shelter for the homeless when needed. There were also to be a
couple who would live and maintain the center daily whose previous dwelling
was a grass hut. Emma and Tomas, long time members of La Luz Divina, were
selected by Pastor Ben Navarro

That following June 2006, Pastor Ben made a visit to Katy and was able to
discuss the project in more detail with Kyle. After that initial meeting,
Kyle had to come up with an estimated cost of the project, roughly $1,200.
This was probable, Kyle thought, and the idea of a car wash as a fund raiser
was born.  He figured he could recruit other scouts from his troop to help,
and would charge $10 a car. Not only was the car wash fundraiser probable,
it was profitable. He netted over $2,000.  

The trip was then set for over the Thanksgiving break, from November 16
through the 22nd that year.  Kyle recruited several people from Living Word
who were committed to join him and help in the construction.  Two of those
were Murray Saxton and Mike Warren who had both been scouts, yet never made
it to the level of Eagle.  One of their missions then was to help Kyle
achieve his goal.

Kyle said the construction of the center went fairly smoothly, in part
because of the extra time he planned.  His time in Venezuela taught him that
“things do not always run on schedule.” They were able to install a water
tank that provided the building with a flush toilet and running water to the
kitchen, which was not in the original plan. There was also electricity,
thanks to the expertise of Andy Warner, one of the Living Word volunteers
and close friend of the Jordan’s.   

Today, Emma and Tomas have a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom with running
water, a far cry from their previous grass residence. Beth said that once
Kyle saw how Emma and Tomas used to cook on a wire mesh on top of a few hot
coals, he was so “touched” to know they now have a kitchen.

He said he’s also been touched by others who have supported him.  

“I would like to thank the members of Living Word who supported and took an
interest in my project.  They were so generous donating funds during my car
wash.  I would also like to thank the members that went with us, especially
Mike Roberts and Doug Chester.  Mike helped with researching the project and
Doug helped me solve construction problems as they occurred,” Kyle said

“I would also like to thank my parents for their support.”  To which, Beth
adds, “Both Terry and I are very proud of Kyle.  He wanted his Eagle Scout
project to make a difference, that is, that it would benefit others.  I know
he’s very proud of this accomplishment and touched by all the help he had.”

For more pictures of Kyle’s construction project, visit
www.livingwordkaty.org <http://www.livingwordkaty.org/> , click on Future
Seekers, then Homes.

Another way children are helped in Peru is through a program called, Future
Seekers.  This is a tuition program that pays for a child in Peru to attend
school.  The cost is $415 a year.  The Jordan’s sponsor two children through
Future Seekers and were able to meet them during the trip.

For information on Future Seekers, visit the web site at
www.livingwordkaty.org <http://www.livingwordkaty.org/>  and click on the
Future Seekers link.  Many more children are in need of tuition.

Scout Oath (or Promise)

On my honor I will do my best 

To do my duty to God and my country

And to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times.

To keep myself physically strong,

Mentally awake, and morally straight.

WELCA Fact Finding Mission April 4, 5, 6

The Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod Women of the ELCA are planning a fact
finding mission to Slidell, LA on the first weekend in April (4, 5, 6). They
are traveling by Camp Lutherhill bus, with pick up stops at Lutherhill, St.
Pauls-Brenham, Messiah-Houston; St Pauls-Baytown (this stop includes brunch
and r & r), and a possible stop in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area, and last
stop in Baton Rouge and then to Peace in Slidell. They are attending the
Bayou Cluster Event on Saturday morning, (Janice Matherne, Coordinator) and
taking the Pilgrimage Tour of the storm and flood-damaged areas.  

RSVP by March 28, 2008 

Reservations for Retreat:  Ann Nicholson - a <mailto:annhas92140 at yahoo.com>
nnhas92140 at yahoo.com or Peg Swavely  msavely at aol.com. Written confirmation:
Ann Nicholson at P.O. Box, 1844. Deer Park, TX 77536

Reservations for Saturday’s Bayou Cluster Spring Gathering: Janice Matherne
(985-785-0368)

They hope to come away with a plan to help in the recovery and re-building
of that area. Pastors Robin Bade and Barb Simmers will be the hosts and
guides with Pastor Sue Beall traveling on the bus as Chaplain and spiritual
leader. The cost is $75, which does not include meals. For more information
and registration form visit http://www.txlagulfcoastwomenelca.com/. 

Something Good For God

Brian Gigee

SOMETHING GOOD FOR GOD is a Friday-Saturday "work retreat" at Camp
Lutherhill in LaGrange (April 19 and 20) for the men of our congregations
sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission..  It's our opportunity to do something
good for God; something good for God's children; something good for our
synod's camp and do something good for ourselves. Jesus said, "you discover
your life when you give youir life away..."  Set the date on your church
calendar and watch for further information.

ELCA: Immediate Missionary Needs

Cameroon: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION TEACHER

Serve as teacher/tutor to a missionary child (grade 6/7) to a family based
in eastern Cameroon. B.A. in Elementary Education and teacher certification
required. Basic French helpful, but not required. One year commitment - GM2
provisions (stipend and housing, air travel, full medical and dental,
education loan assistance among other benefits). Starts July 2008.
Preference given to applications received by March 15, 2008. 

Botswana: FINANCIAL TRAINER

Assist the head offices and congregations of both the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Southern Africa - Botswana Diocese and the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Botswana in financial management. Accounting degree required,
relevant experience preferred. Two year commitment - GM2 provisions (stipend
and housing, air travel, full medical and dental, education loan assistance
among other benefits). Preference given to applications received by March
15, 2008. Starts July 2008.

Cambodia: COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

Work with the LWF Cambodia Program, based in Phnom Penh, in developing
communication strategies and facilitating public relations. BA in
communications, journalism, English or creative writing required. Experience
in communications (professional writing, graphic design and/or

photojournalism) preferred. One year contract position at GM2 level support
(stipend and housing, air travel, full medical and dental, education loan
assistance among other benefits). Preference given to applications received
by March 15, 2008. Starts July 2008.

Indonesia: ENGLISH TEACHER

Teach English to students at the HKBP Deaconess School in Balige. BA
required; English degree preferred. ESL training and/or experience helpful.
Two year commitment - GM2 provisions  (stipend and housing, air travel, full
medical and dental, education loan assistance among other benefits). July
2008 start. Preference given to applications received by March 15, 2008.

Slovakia: TEACHERS (12-15 positions)

Teach in a bilingual junior/senior high school in one of three cities:
Kosice, Bratislava or Liptovsky Mikulas. Primary need is for English
teachers - other subjects (science, math, geography, etc) also needed on a
limited basis. See Further Information for provisions. B.A. required.
Relevant degree or some teaching experience preferred. One academic year
commitment (ends June 30, 2009). Preference given to applications received
by March 15, 2008. Starts mid-August 2008.

Papua New Guinea: ASSISTANT INTERNAL AUDITOR/CHURCH ACCOMPANIER Serve as
auditor in the Central Processing Unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Papua New Guinea. Accountant qualifications required. Four year commitment
preferred. Long term provisions  (stipend and housing, air travel, full
medical and dental, pensions, education loan assistance among other
benefits). Starts mid-August 2008.

ELCA World Hunger Appeal 2007 Results

By Jim Shields, Synod World Hunger Coordinator

“It's been another record year, with $20.6 million given to World Hunger,
and a grand total of $22.7 million given when Domestic and International
Disaster gifts are included. These are our highest totals ever, and we grow
closer to the Church's goal of $25 million! Thank you so much for the part
you play in making it happen!”  --ELCA World Hunger Appeal Staff

I think $25 million is too modest for us Lutherans.

Our synod gave $285,100 total to world hunger, domestic disaster relief, and
international disaster relief. Total giving to world hunger alone was
$254,500. 

The more interesting numbers are the per baptized member numbers. The
Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod gave $5.46 compared to the ELCA average of
$4.32. We gave almost 25% more than our sister synods in TX/LA – (North
TX/North LA - $4.43 and SW TX - $4.90). 

The challenges come from those synods who have given more than $10 per
baptized member. 

*	$13.50 – Northern Illinois
*	$12.39 – East Central Wisconsin
*	$10.25 – Northwestern Ohio

If every synod could reach that level, our giving could be more than $50
million for the ELCA.

An even bigger challenge comes from Christ the King in Houston. They have
given more than $30 per baptized member per year to the World Hunger Appeal
for the past 25 years.

If every synod could do that, our church could give upwards of $160 million
per year!! Now that’s serious money to help the least of our brothers and
sisters who suffer from hunger and poverty in God’s world. 

Grace and peace,

Jim Shields

Synod World Hunger Coordinator

Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod

March 11, 2008

Seminary Scholarships Supported by Mission Endowment Fund

In January 2008, $16,075 was awarded to five students in the synod’s
candidacy program. This is the largest amount ever granted in a single
semester.  

The Mission Endowment Fund is pleased to be a significant supporter of these
grants.

Students receiving scholarships are:

  Heath Abel, senior from Peace – College Station, 

  Adam Pryor, senior from Our Saviors – Baton Rouge, 

  Sandra Barnes, middler from Christ the King – Kenner, 

  Kinnon Falk, middler from St. John’s – Bellville, and 

  Katrina Walther, middler from St. John’s – Cat Springs.

Twelve students are presently in the candidacy program. Six are serving as
interns and, as such, are not eligible for scholarships. Two seniors are
expected to receive their Master of Divinity degrees this spring. They are
expected to become parish pastors in the near future.

If you are interested in the synod’s candidacy program or wish to make a
contribution to the Mission Endowment Fund, please contact Lucia at the
synod office.

Bookkeeper Position Available with Gulf Coast Synod Office

The TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod Office is looking for a part-time (20 hours a
week) Bookkeeper/Accounting Clerk with the following qualifications:

*         3-5 years experience

*	Knowledgeable in AR/AP

*        Highly organized and attention to detail

*        Prior experience as full charge bookkeeper

*        Good written and oral communication skills

*        Knowledge of Windows based PC Operating System

*         Proficient in Microsoft Word & Excel

*         Ability to work in a multi-task environment

Duties:

*         Maintain a complete and systematic set of records of all financial
transactions of the Synod

*         Record detail of Synod financial transactions in appropriate
journals and ledgers

*         Summarize and balance entries recorded in individual journals and
ledgers and transfer date to general ledgers

*         Prepare monthly statements of income, expense, cash balances and
fund balances

*         Maintain detail transaction register of all restricted and
dedicated funds

*         Prepare for and coordinate the annual audit of the financial
accounts and records of the synod

*         Maintain regular communication with the Synod Treasurer

*         Other duties as assigned by the Bishop of the synod and/or the
Administrative Assistant to the Bishop of the Synod

Please send your resume to Reyna Pereira, Administrative Assistant at 12707
North Freeway, Ste. 580, Houston, TX 77060 or e-mail
reyna at gulfcoastsynod.org or fax it to 281/875-4716.

Volunteer Receptionist Job Description with Gulf Coast Synod Office

We are looking for part-time (20 hours a week) volunteer receptionists for
our office. The persons we need have to be friendly, patient and interested
in learning new things! Computer skills are valuable, but not required.
These persons will be needed from Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(time negotiable), lunch will be reimbursed.

Duties

*         Answer Phones and Direct Calls to right person

*         Greet Visitors

*         File & Label Files

*         Make Copies

*         Pick-up & Distribute Mail

*         Keep kitchen area & conference room clean

*         Schedule use of Conference Room

If you or someone you know are interested please send the attached
application by to Lucia Morales at 12707 North Freeway Ste. 580, Houston, TX
77060 or lucia at gulfcoastsynod.org or fax it to 281-875-4716.

Lutheran Volunteer Corps Now Seeking Applications for 2008-2009

Lutheran Volunteer Corps is a full-time program that offers people a
one-year opportunity for spiritual and personal exploration while working
for social justice, living in intentional community and simplifying their
lifestyles.  Volunteers are matched with non-profit organizations in
Baltimore, MD; Wilmington, DE; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI;
Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN; Seattle and Tacoma, WA; and the SF Bay Area,
CA. Volunteers receive health insurance, time off for retreats and vacation,
and a stipend to cover basic living and personal expenses.  Most positions
also qualify for student loan deferment and a $4,725 AmeriCorps Education
Grant.

Members of Lutheran Volunteer Corps unite their time and talents with the
time and talents of society's marginalized people.  LVC volunteers work in
such areas as AIDS/HIV, addiction and recovery, anti-racism, children and
youth, community development, education, employment, the environment, food
and hunger, GLBT rights, health care, housing and homelessness, immigration
and refugees, international solidarity, legal assistance, and peace.  Most
positions are entry level, requiring little or no previous experience except
flexibility, a passion for social justice, and a sense of humor!

Finally, LVC is on a Journey to an Inclusive Community, forming and
strengthening alliances among people of many cultures and communities, and
intentionally dismantling racism within LVC, the church, and society.  As a
Reconciling in Christ organization, LVC welcomes and encourages the
participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in all
aspects of LVC.  LVC volunteers come from a wide variety of faith
backgrounds, and do not need to be Lutheran to serve.  Married and committed
partners are welcome to apply.  While there is no upper age limit,
volunteers should be at least 21 to participate. 

Application deadlines for the 2008-2009 program year is right around the
corner! Applications are received on a rolling basis with the next deadline
being May 1.  Download an application today from
www.LutheranVolunteerCorps.org/Volunteers.htm. Please contact Kelly Shinn,
Recruitment Coordinator, at 202-387-3222 or
Recruitment at LutheranVolunteerCorps.org with questions or for more
information.

 Looking for Stable Returns in a Time of Economic Uncertainty?

By Pastor Carol E. Spencer
Associate Vice President, Marketing
ELCA Mission Investment Fund

Investments with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund offer competitive interest
rate returns and allow you to support mission at the same time.These
investments are open to ELCA congregations, ministries, and individuals.

Several special investment opportunities for March. The MIF is offering:

a 2-year MissionTermSelect at 5.1% (minimum investment of $100)
a 4-year MissionTermSelect at 5.3% (minimum investment of $100)

a 1-year MissionTermSelectGRAND at 4.8% (minimum investment of $250,000)
a 2-year MissionTermSelectGRAND at 5.25% (minimum investment of $250,000)

Invest for a stable return and build Christ's church. 

For investment or church loan information contact Pastor Carol Spencer:
817.927.3239 or Carol.Spencer at elca.org. 

For building questions and concerns, contact the church building consultant:
Pastor Bill Bentzinger: 281.876.0331 or William.Bentzinger at elca.org.

For an investment application and related information via the internet, go
to: www.missioninvestmentfund.org/services/investments.html

Additional information is available at: www.missioninvestmentfund.org
<http://www.missioninvestmentfund.org/> 

Augsburg Fortress Releases 

Faith’s Wisdom for Daily Living

Theology is for Everyone

It can be difficult for individuals and faith communities to see how faith's
wisdom can be a resource for the complex moral and religious questions of
our time. Faith's Wisdom for Daily Living takes up the challenge of moving
between doctrine and everyday life.

With thoughtfulness and clarity, Anderson and Miller-McLemore address two
key questions: 

1.	How can traditional theological categories inform faithful living
today? 
2.	What questions from Christian practice might reshape theological
understanding? 

By examining both questions through the lens of four challenging dimensions
of the Christian life—ambiguity, frailty, sacrifice, and wonder—the authors
offer profound insight into the common Christian struggle to live authentic
lives of faith.

Herbert Anderson has combined pastoral and academic work throughout his
distinguished career as an ELCA clergyman, teacher, and author. He is
currently serving as a visiting professor of pastoral theology at Pacific
Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California.

Bonnie Miller-McLemore is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Counseling at
Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the
author of many articles and books that address major cultural issues as they
influence persons, society, and the practice of religion.

To order call Augsburg Fortress at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the Web site at
www.augsburgfortress.org <http://www.augsburgfortress.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 North Freeway, Suite 580

Houston, TX  77060

Voice: 281-873-5665

Fax: 281-875-4716

Website: www.gulfcoastsynod.org

In this Issue:

Click on a link to go

Salvadoran <>  Bishop Coming to Houston

Bishop Mike Rinehart: <>  Easter and Pentecost

Kyle’s <>  Calling: How One Boy Scout Earned his Eagle Award

WELCA Fact <>  Finding Mission April 4, 5, and 6

Brian Gigee: <>  Something Good for God

ELCA: <>  Immediate Missionary Needs

ELCA: <>  World Hunger Appeal 2007 Results

Seminary <>  Scholarships Supported by the Mission Endowment Fund

Bookkeeper <>  Position Available with Gulf Coast Synod Office

Gulf <>  Coast Synod Office Looking for Part-time Volunteer Receptionists

Lutheran <>  Volunteer Corps Now Seeking Applications

Pastor Carol Spencer: <>  Looking for Stable Returns in a Time of Economic
Uncertainty

Augsburg <>  Fortress Releases Faith’s Wisdom for Daily Living

Our Connection to Peru

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

Connections Deadline 

Connections goes out monthly the first week of the month. If you have an
article for the April issue, please submit it by April 1. Send articles to
Susan Rinehart at rinehart at shawus.com.

Links:

In order to better connect ourselves with the prayer needs of our synod, a
new Prayer Request site <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/prayer_request.htm>
has been created. You may enter information and read the requests of others
at this site. 

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

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