Our Mission Support Celebration Dinner on Aug. 18 brought together 180+ people from more than 60 congregations to enjoy a meal, conversation and glimpses of how we are church together in this synod. The event is an opportunity to express a heartfelt “thank you” to congregations for their mission support, which funds the synod’s programs and ministries.
We heard from representatives of Eternal Flame in Vadnais Heights on being a mission development; St. Mark in Circle Pines on increasing generosity; First in Harris, Calvary in Stanchfield and Spring Lake in North Branch on shared ministry. We also enjoyed the enthusiastic insights of two young adults from Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities. We were encouraged and inspired by hearing all of their stories…thank you to all who shared!
We are grateful to St. Andrew’s in Mahtomedi for hosting us and to Shobi’s Table for the delicious meal. Thank you to Pastor John Klawiter (Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake) for serving as emcee, Pastor Tim Maybee (Amazing Grace Lutheran Church – IGH), along with Synod Treasurer Emeritus David Laden and Bishop Patricia Lull, who rounded out the remarks.
Participants went home with a magnet from the table centerpieces to remind them of the night’s theme: “You shall be like a watered garden.” Just as a healthy garden brings forth beauty and life-giving nourishment, your congregation’s mission support helps bring growth, spiritual nourishment and the kingdom of God to life now. Thank you!
