A Response to the Proposed ELCA Statement on Genetics
Submitted by Sarah E. H. Lovas, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church – Hillsboro, ND
» Download: Humans as Stewards Letter (download .pdf file)
I am writing this letter in response to the ELCA Proposed Social Statement on Genetics (external link) which was released on Friday, February, 25th.
I first became invested in this issue last summer when this social statement was still in draft form. At the time, I was working as an agronomist and genetic technologies were a part of my recommendations for management of crops. I also farm with my husband near Hillsboro, ND, and we raise 100% GMO crops on our farm. Currently, I am a student at NDSU pursuing a Master of Science in Soil Science.
My response to the draft was to read it and create a letter of response to the ELCA Task Force on Genetics. My response letter outlined 7 specific items that I appreciated, and it also outlined 2 items that I thought the ELCA needed to work on. Continue reading…
In April representatives from synods who share the Central African Republic as a companion synod will visit the country. Traveling from Eastern North Dakota will be Pastor Terry Brandt*, Associate with the Bishop, and Diane Billey, Chair of the Eastern North Dakota Synod Global Missions Committee. Continue reading…
During President Golike’s (C.A.R.) visit last winter, he indicated the need for 16 motorcycles to provide transportation for pastors to travel between villages. Gordon Olson from Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry states “…we can call that project a success…thanks to all of you for helping to make this happen.”
The EaND Synod’s Extra Mile initiative helped make this a reality!
God in Full View!
Submitted by Julie Aageson, EaND Resource Center director
In January, the ELCA churchwide filming crew asked for names of congregations they might highlight in the video for upcoming synod assemblies. Calvary in Grand Forks (external link) won the prize! Continue reading…
Submitted by Joe & Deborah Troester, ELCA missionaries in Baboua, CAR.
In this war-torn, violence-ridden country, hope is starting to take root.
In 2005, armed men attacked the village of Peouri, in the northwestern Central African Republic. The bandits stole livestock and kidnapped children to hold for ransom. The people Peouri hid in the bush, but after repeated attacks decided to abandon their village. These Muslim Fulani herders resettled in Baboua, a predominantly Christian town. Here they were welcomed and were given land to settle on. One of their first priorities was rebuilding their school. Continue reading…
from Pr. Natasha Woitzel-Kolles, Sheyenne-Oberon Parish
During my very first council meeting at First Lutheran Church, Sheyenne ND (Sheyenne Oberon Area Ministry) last July, the council expressed their desire to have a special Sunday service focusing awareness on benevolence. After months of trying to organize and find a suitable date, our vision was realized on January 30. All four of the churches met in a joint service. We used this service as an opportunity to explore ways of worshipping creatively. Continue reading…
Submitted by Elwood Rieke, St. John Lutheran – Fargo, ND
During the month of November, St. John Lutheran in south Fargo used a different approach to catch the attention of its membership in regard to the needs of hungry people world-wide.
Beginning with our Social Concerns Committee we formed a small sub-committee who arranged a four-Sunday emphasis. Prior to the first Sunday and with the help of our pastor, we asked several families in the congregation to be part of a financial challenge to the rest of the congregation. Continue reading…
submitted by Rev Don Reynolds & Jodi Myrvik
Denise, a 28 year old woman, told her story and the High Plains Parish responded.
People of our parish met Denise through One Woman’s Journey, a DVD Dave Sena, Northlands Rescue Mission Director, shared with us. As Denise’s story unfolded, we realized she never had a chance—the chance most of us had received growing up. We finally understood how people end up at the Mission. We were hooked on helping. Continue reading…
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