A Faithful Response

While the abundance of the wealth bestowed on us today is apparent, the generosity is amazing. When I read Romans 1:8, I focus beyond our own faith proclaimed to the faith of our sisters and brothers in Guatemala. The Gala was a response to that faith, a response to the hospitality our siblings in Guatemala have so generously shared during our visits in past years. Perhaps, even a response of thanksgiving that the pandemic of the past two years is fading away and that the time to begin anew with in-person visits is now. God created us to be generous people and that anything less is a failure to respond to God’s call. Thank you for responding to that call.

This was the first post-pandemic gala. We were a little out of practice planning, uncertain about the response, and nervous about even attending events of this size. But as those "Save the Date" letters started going out, followed by other beautifully prepared letters and emails, I could sense the confidence and excitement returning. The gala was a joyful experience, especially after the pandemic famine. God blessed us with the gift of Zoom, but even more so with the gift of fellowship.

There are many to thank starting with the Gala Planning Committee: Sandra Eliason, Joan Felice, Janet Metcalfe, Jennifer Reinhardt, Carla Screeden and Mary Smith; the Southview Country Club for donating the use of the facility to us; Chef Victor and the excellent SCC staff; Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard for creating the wonderful menu; the marimba and guitar musicians; and the congregational promoters for helping the gala attendance match the pre-COVID participation numbers. Together generous gala and other Guatemala Friends reached the fundraising goal of over $100,000 to support the Colegio Luterano Agustino de Guatemala and other ILAG education ministries.

This is the manifestation of what our covenant relationship with the ILAG has called us to do in accompaniment with our Guatemalan sisters and brothers in Christ. Be generous. Share our gifts with each other. Walk together on our Christian journey--Caminando Juntos.

God Bless,

Joel McDermott

Synod Guatemala Committee, Chairperson

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Roseville