In the covenantal agreement that members of our companion congregations and parishes sign, we acknowledge
… that relationships require work. Therefore we pledge to strengthen and sustain this relationship through the shared practices of prayer, presence, and projects.
Recently I’ve seen companions renewing relationships, strengthening and sustaining their bonds through the practices of what we call the three pillars.
Have you noticed that many congregations in St. Paul are celebrating 20, 25 or more years of companionship? Last spring, St. Paul Lutheran in Wyoming celebrated 25 years with Mtera and Migoli with a festive worship service, a guest preacher, and a timeline that documented the highlights of their companionship.
Other congregations in our synod are experiencing a generational shift in leadership. Some leaders who established strong relationships 25 years ago are no longer able to travel, or pastors who played a significant role have retired or taken a new call. Several of those congregations have been intentional about passing the leadership baton. One pair of companions scheduled a Zoom meeting so that former leaders could say goodbye while new leaders were introduced.
Zoom meetings have also been helpful when a congregation connects with a new parish as a second companion. Getting to know one another, meeting the leaders of the new parish, and talking about how to share resources between the two parishes have been important conversations.
After a recent Zoom call, a participant said, “You make this international communication look clear and easy. We are so deeply thankful for this partnership and how much it enriches our lives.”
There are some companionships that are still recovering and reconnecting after the pandemic caused a disconnect. Just this week, our office has scheduled four video recordings of Tanzanian pastors sending greetings to their companions. Another congregation has decided to start a routine of writing friendly letters to their companions on the third Sunday each month.
Both sides of this companionship benefit from these ways of intentionally tending the relationship. Our covenant names the fact that relationships require work, support, and renewal.
In all of this, we seek to walk together –shoulder to shoulder- as brothers and sisters in Christ, lovingly created in the image of God, and led by God’s Holy Spirit.
Tupo Pamoja! We are together!
Kirsten Levorson
BKB Director
