CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Dare to Live God's Promise" is the theme when members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gather this year for two Global Mission Events (GMEs), annual opportunities for Lutherans to learn about the church's mission work in the world.
GMEs are scheduled July 18-21 at Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory, N.C., one of 28 ELCA colleges and universities, and July 25-28 at the Minneapolis Convention Center and Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.
"GME's inform, stimulate and challenge us on what we are about as a church while offering fun-filled activities for children, youth, young adults and seasoned adults," said the Rev. Barbara J. Lund, associate director for global events, ELCA Division for Global Mission. "Through music, worship, prayer, provocative presentations, and fellowship with Christians from across the states and around the world, ELCA members will strengthen their understanding of the ELCA as a church centered in mission."
"Through the GMEs we learn from Lutheran companions around the world that a 'global vision' forces us to see the world through the eyes of faith and witness the promise of Christ's presence in all places," Lund added.
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.
The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan New York Synod, is a keynote speaker. Bouman will discuss the synod's diversity of people and languages, and how New York Lutherans have lamented, grieved, and begun to heal from the effects of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Another presentation will feature three church leaders from Tanzania -- the Rev. Elieshi Mungure, Sister Judith Bukambu and Mary Laiser who will share stories about their ministries and work.
Marc H. Ellis, author and professor of American and Jewish Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Tex., and Suad Younan, Jerusalem, will share perspectives on the Middle East. Ellis founded and became the first director of Baylor's Center for American and Jewish Studies, which participates in national and international discussions on ecumenism, religious pluralism, Jewish theology, philosophy, identity, the Holocaust and the future of Israel/Palestine. Younan is principal of the Helen Keller School for the visually impaired in Jerusalem, operated by the Bible Land Society. She is married to the Rev. Munib A. Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan (and Palestine).
The Rev. John L. McCullough, executive director, Church World Service and Witness (CWS), New York, will also speak. CWS is the relief, development and refugee assistance ministry of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. McCullough will share information on the work of CWS and his extensive global experience in ministry, mission and humanitarian assistance. The ELCA participates in the work of CWS.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, will preside at worship services that conclude each GME.
Workshops and seminars, known as "Global University Sessions," highlight the Global Mission Events. Planned workshops and seminars include topics such as global partnerships, corporate social responsibility, evangelism, ministry with people of color, prayer ministry, rural and small town ministry, preventing domestic violence, and the Lutheran AIDS Network. In addition, many ELCA missionaries will present seminars highlighting their work abroad.
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. This year's GlobalFest will feature the Raun Raun National Theater from Papua New Guinea. ELCA mission personnel will be recognized. -- -- --
Program and registration information for the 2002 ELCA Global Mission Events can be found at http://www.elca.org/dgm/gme2002 on the ELCA Web site.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
- - -
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
