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Pastor's message             Bishop's message

Pastor's message

May 2008

Dear Friends,

I like you perhaps am heart sick and stunned by the horrific stories and pictures from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) these past days following the recent Cyclone and daily aftermath. Thousands have lost their lives, thousands of others are barely staying alive, thousands of others are desperate for basic needs, and thousands of others are missing. It is so hard to comprehend – and as it is so easy for us to become distracted – we can and do quickly turn our attention elsewhere. But wait – not so fast – we need not feel overwhelmed or detached – there is much we can do.

First and foremost – pray. Pray for those who have been harmed by the storm and its aftermath, including the contentious attitudes and actions of government officials and others. Pray for those who are helping often with only their bare hands. Pray for those of means to be swift with their rescue and aid. Pray for ourselves that we may stay steadfast in our call to be bearers of Christ’s healing and hope to the world.

Second – give. Donate to the ELCA Disaster Relief Fund or the American Red Cross or the Save the Children campaign or another bona fide and reputable organization that delivers on its promises and work.

Third – stay awake and informed. Don’t be satisfied with sound bites or headlines or scrolls across the bottom of the news. I recently came across this web blog and found it very enlightening: http://markdjohnson.wordpress.com/2008/05/06/when-ittakes- a-cyclone-to-awaken-conscience/ I’m certain there are many other good sites and articles to help unfold this event for your understanding.

And finally, fourth – do not despair. It’s okay to be angry if it propels you to positive action. It’s okay to cry – for this suffering is painful. It’s okay to work hard for a just response to this tragedy and all such events like it. But friends, the crucified God in Christ is Risen – the ever present God in Spirit is here – the creating God today and tomorrow is making all things new. This is our faith. This is our hope. This is our Call to Action and so we can and must stay engaged – do not fear.

Live gently, love greatly.
Peace,
Pastor Debbie

Bishop Mark S. Hanson's Recent Statements

Presiding Bishop's Message on the Crisis in Kenya

February 7, 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalm 27:1)

I write to invite you and your congregation to join brothers and sisters throughout the world in prayer for peace and reconciliation in Kenya. Pray for the church in Kenya, its leaders, for those who have lost loved ones to the violence, for those who are displaced, and for our mission personnel who continue to serve in Kenya ... (more)

A complete list of the Presiding Bishop's messages may be found at http://www.elca.org/bishop/messages.html.

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This page updated 06/06/08.

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