CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Live God's Peace Together" will be the theme when members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gather this year for Global Mission Events (GMEs). The events are annual opportunities for Lutherans to learn about the church's mission work in the world.
GMEs are scheduled July 12-15 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center and July 19-22 at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., one of 28 colleges and universities of the ELCA.
"Through the celebration of worship and challenges [set forth] from presenters and workshop leaders, GMEs offer freshness on how lives are being touched by Christ locally and globally," said the Rev. Barbara J. Lund, associate director for global events, ELCA Division for Global Mission. "Listening and learning about the lives of people who live in a variety of contexts here and around the world enriches the church," she said.
The Division for Global Mission is the primary organizer of GMEs, with support from staff in other ELCA divisions, commissions and departments, and Lutheran social ministry agencies.
Local volunteer committees working with the division help organize GMEs, Lund said.
Workshops and seminars, known as "Global University Sessions," are highlights of the Global Mission Events. Proposed session topics include HIV/AIDS in Africa, rural life and farming in the United States, outreach for starting new congregations in the United States, a Christian response to hunger and poverty, and the global community and church.
"Workshops are led by people involved in mission internationally and here," said Lund. "Presenters are from Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America," she said.
Dr. Pauline Riak, executive director of Sudanese Women's Association in Nairobi (SWAN), and Telar Deng, architect of the People to People Program, New Sudan Council of Churches, will lead a presentation about Lutheran World Relief's (LWR) role in providing humanitarian aid and promoting peace in Sudan. Kathryn F. Wolford, LWR president, and Adrienne Shannon, LWR public policy associate, will facilitate the presentation, Lund said.
LWR works overseas in relief and development on behalf of the ELCA and the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.
Denise M. Laugtug, director, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) Ambassadors Circle, will lead a presentation called, "Bringing the words of new hope and new life to your community through the LIRS Ambassadors Circle." Laugtug will welcome Dubravka Mujagic, a former refugee from Bosnia, and Mekabou Fofana, a 17-year- old who sought asylum from Liberia. Mujagic and Fofana will share experiences about their entrance into the United States.
LIRS is a ministry of the ELCA, Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
At the opening celebration, the Rev. David L. Miller, editor of The Lutheran, will call attention to the theme of the GMEs and the impact of faith in the world today, Lund said.
The Rev. Gladys G. Moore, assistant to the bishop, ELCA New Jersey Synod, Hamilton Square, will preach during closing worship.
More than 700 Lutherans will attend the GME in Denver and more than 1,400 will attend the event at Susquehanna University.
"GMEs are inter-generational events," said Lund. The events will feature programs for children, child care and opportunities for young people to meet with missionaries and speakers. They will engage in servant projects that include work at a food shelter and Bible camp, Lund said.
Another highlight of GMEs is GlobalFest, which features interactive exhibits, stage presentations, music, dance and dress from countries around the world. GlobalFest is led by ELCA missionaries, international students and others in mission. - - -
Information can be found at http://www.elca.org/dgm/gme2001 on the Web.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
