2008 LWF Sunday
Celebrated October 5 in the ELCA
Celebrated October 26 in the ELCIC
68 million Lutherans DO make a difference!
CELEBRATE GOD’S CREATION!
SING! PRAY!
TELL THE STORIES OF OUR WORK TOGETHER!
Bishop Mark S. Hanson, LWF President, writes: "God created a world of beauty and abundance for us to live in and declared it to 'very good' … This year, as you gather for worship on LWF Sunday, I invite you to join with Lutherans from 140 members churches of the Lutheran World Federation in renewed repentance, commitment and hope. As we sing and pray, hear the World and proclaim it in our lives, let us live to the praise of God's glory and for the life of God's creation."
Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko, LWF-General Secretary, introduces the theme saying: "The growing impacts of climate change confront us with our vulnerability as human beings whose lives depend on the health of God's precious creation.... This publication is a call for reflection on our vulnerability, for lamentation on our failure of responsibility, and for renewing our promises of good stewardship -- and acting upon them."
Learn more as you read the shared stories and testimonies in this special issue (electronic version) of Lutheran World Information (LWI) "Climate Change - Facing Our Vulnerability"
In Worship, consider focusing the service (or part of the service) on the theme of God’s creation. Click here to view a selection of hymns that lift up this year's theme or those that honor our global community. At the back of the LWI issue is an order of service that may be used in whole or intertwined with your regular liturgy.
In Prayer, we cry out for God to guide us to reclaiming the earth and its resources for today and future generations. Click here to view samples of prayers.
Our Youth speak out!
LWF Youth Seek Active Engagement in Climate Change Issues
A Message from the LWF Pre-Council Youth Workshop, Arusha Tanzania June 20-24, 2008
Resources and Materials
Multi-color world maps and bulletin inserts are available at no charge by contacting us at lwf@elca.org or call our offices 773.380.5040.
To insure arrival for LWF Sunday, please allow at least 3 mailing days.
Other Events and Projects
My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.
-ELW Hymn 723, Text: Rory Cooney, b. 1952, based on the Magnificat
Text © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc., All rights reserved.
The good news is “God Loves Us!” Consider Jonah chapters 3 and 4. We need to recognize our responsibility in keeping our world whole. There is time to avert the disaster of losing our natural resources. There is time to reverse the effects of our abundant living and waste. Jonah gives us the message. We can do it – we can turn.
Use LWF Sunday as a starting place to learn more about how we can revive and protect God’s Creation. One resource from Progressive Christians Uniting is called The Eighth Day Project. Contact PCU at admin@pcu-la.org for the facilitator’s guide and/or supporting DVD.
Gather a group of interested people to brainstorm how to begin the “greening” process. Set some simple goals of how you can converse resources and reduce energy waste in your church. Communicate them with the congregation and challenge them to think about ways to reduce, re-use and recycle in their home. Google “greening your church” or “greening your home” and see the plentiful resource materials available!
Contact your local community and volunteer to help clean up a forest or park area or along a stretch of highway or along a local river, stream, lake or pond.
Check with your local park district to find out where you assist in planting flowers or trees.
LWF Contact information:
LWF-North American Office at www.elca.org/lwf
LWF-Geneva headquarters at www.lutheranworld.org
By email at lwf@elca.org
By telephone at 1-800-638-3522 ext 2636