ELCA Global Links – February 2016 – Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rahway NJ

FEBRUARY 2016

ELCA to join International Women’s Day celebration
On Tuesday, March 8, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will be joining with people around the world to celebrate International Women’s Day. We celebrate this day knowing that the work toward gender equality still remains. Through ELCA Global Church Sponsorship’s International Women Leaders initiative, we are boldly investing in the education and future of women. In addition to a $100,000 matching challenge on International Women’s Day to support the International Women Leaders initiative, we have also created worship resources to use during services. Click here and find them under the “General” tab.

The halfway point of service in South Africa
Ryan Martin-Yates has been living in South Africa and is close to halfway through his Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) year of service. He has been blogging about his experiences and in this reflection writes about the tension that comes with being “in the middle.” On the one hand, Ryan wrestles with what this year has meant for him thus far while on the other hand, he is looking ahead to the unknown of the next half of his year – and beyond. Read Ryan’s reflection and hear about the transformational program that is constantly forming and informing young adults around the world.
Supporting the Lutheran churches of Senegal and The Gambia
The Lutheran Church of Senegal has strived to share God’s love in all it does. Through the $100,000 goal for Senegal and The Gambia: Growing the Church, the ELCA will help establish and support the growth of two new schools in The Gambia, allow the Evangelical Lutheran Church of The Gambia to create an official church infrastructure, including an office building, equipment and staff stipends; and provide training for evangelists in both Senegal and The Gambia. Click here to support this project.
Joint commemoration between Lutherans and Catholics
On Oct. 31, The Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church will participate in a joint ecumenical commemoration of the Reformation. During this ecumenical event, Pope Francis, the Rev. Munib Younan and other leaders will join together to coordinate and lead this commemoration. About the announcement of this commemoration, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton said, “This remarkable, visible witness emphasizes the steps we have taken on the way to the unity for which Christ prays. And it strengthens our hope for continuing reconciliation. Thanks be to God.”

Vacation Bible school in Colombia
Missionaries Katie and Curtis Kline have been blogging about their time spent in Colombia. In this reflection, read about how in many ways their vacation Bible school experience in Colombia is very similar to vacation Bible school in the United States. The week includes song, dance, crafts, and of course, Bible study. One difference, due to the difference in hemisphere, is that their program was in the summer over Christmas break. Their week concluded with a Christmas program, which the children worked hard to put together. Follow more adventures with the Kline’s here.

Finding enriching worship experiences in South Africa
Mackenzie Alexander is a Young Adult in Global Mission volunteer living in South Africa. While there, she’s had the opportunity to worship at a few congregations and faith gatherings. In this blog, read her reflection, “Voices in Church.” Mackenzie ends this blog with, “It starts with a solo breath, but ends with all breath rising to God.”

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