by Katherine R. Hinck*, ELCA News Service
Participants of the 2006 Global Mission Event (GME) of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) had the opportunity
to attend more than 80 Global University workshops. Co-sponsored
by the Episcopal Church and endorsed by the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada, the event brings together participants of all
ages from the United States and around the world July 27-30 to
the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. The GME features
plenary and workshop sessions, keynote presenters, global music
and worship under the theme "Sent! by God's grace for the sake of
the world." The Global University workshops addressed issues
including global service, building global community,
accompaniment skills, congregational outreach and global justice,
as well as country-specific workshops. Topics varied from
"Shopping with a Conscience" to "The Refugee Experience."
Nancy Thomas, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bronx, N.Y., attended
"Living with Slim: Kids Talk about HIV/AIDS." The workshop was
"very touching," Thomas said. "It was very powerful to hear the
children talk about their experiences -- how they are treated and
living with AIDS. What was really enlightening was to see what
other churches and other people are doing to help, even little
children having lemonade stands to send money over for bandages
and medication," she added.
Thomas also attended "Light in Muslim Bangladesh: The Work of
Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh," led by Leslie Weed-Fonner, Asia
Pacific regional representative, ELCA Global Mission. "Lutheran
Health Care Bangladesh (LHCB) is focusing on women and children
because of the high infant mortality rate," Weed-Fonner said,
referencing an infant mortality rate of about 60 deaths per 1,000
births. In a country that is 83 percent Muslim, LHCB is
providing health and community development resources. LHCB is
supported by ELCA Global Mission and a consortium of 33 Minnesota
congregations.
*Katherine R. Hinck is a senior journalism and religion major at
Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. This summer she is an
intern with the ELCA News Service.
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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
