STORIES FROM THE MISSION INTERPRETER COORDINATOR

Recently, the front page of the ELCA web site featured a congregation who had cancelled worship services on a certain Sunday to illustrate “being church” rather than “going to church.”  The members signed up ahead of time for service projects which were part of that church’s mission and evangelism programs, and spent that Sunday completing their volunteer assignments.  Since one of the objectives of the Mission Interpreter Program is to share the various ways God’s people are doing His work with Our hands, this writing will feature ways the mission interpreters within our synod have shared how their home congregations are doing just that—being church, aka doing God’s work!!Delphi Hawkins (Redeemer,) OK, City recently presented a temple talk about the ELCA’s connection with the Lutheran Social Services for the Aging, and what that unit means to her.  The interesting thing about that event was that it took place at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Irving, Texas.   Congregations yet without a mission interpreter are welcome to call one from a neighboring congregation to tell an ELCA story!!Mike Anderson was ill when my plea went out for sharing, so he assigned the task to Sandy Mostrog , who wrote that Community of Joy, HSV invited Pastor Don Marshall and five children from Oaks Indian Mission to visit their congregation, tell the story of Oaks Indian Mission, and help the congregants become better acquainted with this synod sponsored mission.  A small group from C-Joy has become personally involved in Glenhaven Youth ranch by working in their store, helping the girls plant flowers, bringing  food and dining with the girls and the staff.  Learning to know the people your congregation supports with gifts of time and resources is what I think is meant by being church!!Lisa Russell (Eben Ezer—Oaks, OK) reports that her congregation is hosting the American Indian-Alaska Native Lutheran Association family Camp in July.  It is to be a combination of spiritual renewal though worship, Bible study, and devotion which will be blended  with fun activities including a hog fry.  Ed Kruse, director of stewardship at the ELCA will present a stewardship workshop.  Hearing directly from a staff member of the ELCA is a great idea!Phyllis Leslie reports that her congregation, Peace, Edgemont, AR has furthered their relationship with our companion synod within the Morogoro Diocese in Tanzania.  This congregation was active in the well project there last year, and this year has sponsored a parishioner, Cathy Engelkes who just returned from a church building project in Tanzania, as well as two others from that congregation who are planning to go as part of the team of medical personnel.   That is really doing God’s Work with their hands in a literal sense.

Paul Anderson, Christ Lutheran, HSV, is away at his summer home.  However, he helped plan the summer activities which are happening with the help of the mission outreach team.  The Teen Challenge Arkansas Choir will present worship in song at Christ on July 23.  Members of the congregation are being asked to bring an abundant dish to pass plus a dessert for a pot luck dinner to follow.   A dessert contest will be held, as we have learned that often the meals at Teen Challenge  are minus the treat at the end!.  A small group of volunteers is also  “on call” to assist with food preparation and serving at the Samaratin Ministries in  Hot Springs which is a new facility for homeless men.  Relationships are often born at the dining table!!

Click on the link below to view a post from Brenda Meyer - Peace Lutheran in Rogers, AR.:

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